Gatlinburg, TN, has everything you need for an unforgettable culinary experience in the Smoky Mountains. We’ll go over the best places to eat in Gatlinburg
- Key Points & Best Restaurants In Gatlinburg, TN
- 10 Best Restaurants In Gatlinburg, TN
- 1. Gorilla Taco Mexican Restaurant
- 2. Fat Bear Family Tavern
- 3. Split Rail Eats
- 4. Howard’s Restaurant
- 5. Red Oak Bistro
- 6. Gaucho Urbano Brazilian Steakhouse
- 7. Trish’s Mountain Diner
- 8. Cherokee Grill
- 9. Calhoun’s Gatlinburg
- 10. Delauder’s BBQ
- Conclsuion
- FAQ
TN with an emphasis on family-friendly diners, global cuisine, upscale bistros, barbecue, and more. These restaurants deliver delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making for an experience you won’t soon forget.
Key Points & Best Restaurants In Gatlinburg, TN
| Restaurant | Key Point / Highlight |
|---|---|
| Gorilla Taco Mexican Restaurant | Known for flavorful, authentic Mexican tacos and casual vibe. |
| Fat Bear Family Tavern | Family-friendly tavern with hearty American comfort food. |
| Split Rail Eats | Offers a cozy setting with locally sourced Southern cuisine. |
| Howard’s Restaurant | Classic American diner experience with hearty breakfast options. |
| Red Oak Bistro | Upscale bistro with diverse menu and elegant ambiance. |
| Gaucho Urbano Brazilian Steakhouse | Authentic Brazilian churrasco with all-you-can-eat meats. |
| Trish’s Mountain Diner | Popular for homestyle breakfast and mountain comfort food. |
| Cherokee Grill | Southern-style steakhouse with a rustic, lodge-like feel. |
| Calhoun’s Gatlinburg | Famous for BBQ ribs, steaks, and family-friendly dining. |
| Delauder’s BBQ | Traditional BBQ spot specializing in smoked meats and sauces. |
10 Best Restaurants In Gatlinburg, TN
1. Gorilla Taco Mexican Restaurant
Gorilla Taco Restaurant has a Mexican street food vibe, and guests can enjoy live Mexican music.
The menu includes Mexican street food that uses handcrafted tortillas, and customers can pick zesty salsa and a protein, which can be pork or chicken.
The colorful ambiance is perfect for friends or quick meals. Taco plates and loaded nachos are some customer favorites.

The restaurant is a favorite of Gatlinburg customers because of the quick and friendly service for the consistent house specials, and it is a favorite of Gatlinburg customers for the authentic meals.
| Famous Food | Description |
|---|---|
| Street-Style Tacos | Freshly made tortillas filled with seasoned meats like pork, chicken, or beef, topped with house-made salsas and fresh vegetables. |
| Loaded Nachos | Crispy tortilla chips loaded with cheese, beans, jalapeños, and your choice of meat, perfect for sharing. |
2. Fat Bear Family Tavern
Fat Bear Family Tavern specializes in hearty comfort food typically seen in American households. The restaurant is known for its satisfaction guarantee.
The menu includes a variety of meals including, delicious burgers, crunchy french-fries, and delectable sandwiches.
The tavern is designed in a rustic fashion that really defines friendly service, and customers are welcomed in a brand new setting, and they will feel like they own the place.

The season and local meals are attributed, providing new and different takes on the old classics.
For a casual lunch or a relaxed dinner, Fat Bear Family Tavern will always give you satisfying meals and a family or friendly experience.
| Famous Food | Description |
|---|---|
| Juicy Burgers | Hand-pressed burgers served with fresh toppings and a side of crispy fries. |
| Loaded Fries | French fries topped with cheese, bacon, and ranch dressing for a hearty treat. |
3. Split Rail Eats
Split Rail Eats is great for a casual meal in Gatlinburg. This restaurant is known for its Southern cuisine made from regionally sourced and inspired Southern delicacies.
Most of the dishes are made with seasonal, fresh, and locally sourced meat and vegetables, and even the desserts are made in house.
Fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and the restaurant’s many sandwiches are favorites. The restaurant is bedecked with rustic shabby chic decor and is beautifully intimate, making it great for small groups and a date.

The staff is attentive and the thoughtful details on the dishes served contribute in making them special.
The restaurant is a gem surrounded by the Smoky Mountains which offers Southern comfort food and hospitality. The quality and caring preparation of every dish are sure to satisfy every customer.
| Famous Food | Description |
|---|---|
| Southern Fried Chicken | Crispy, golden-brown chicken with a tender, juicy interior. |
| Shrimp and Grits | Classic Southern dish made with creamy grits and seasoned shrimp. |
4. Howard’s Restaurant
Howard’s Restaurant Howard’s Restaurant is an American diner in Gatlinburg offering breakfast since 1969.
Howard’s guests have the opportunity to eat pancakes, scrambled eggs, and biscuits with gravy while waiting on the diner to open.

The breakfast offerings appear to make it a favorite among guests; Howard’s is also open for lunch and dinner.
Howard’s fairly priced, nostalgic diner meals, and quick, generous portions lead one to conclude that it is mainly frequented by families on their way to eat breakfast.
| Famous Food | Description |
|---|---|
| Pancakes | Fluffy, golden pancakes served with syrup and butter, a breakfast favorite. |
| Biscuits and Gravy | Soft biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy for a hearty start to the day. |
5. Red Oak Bistro
Red Oak Bistro is another upscale dining experience located in Gatlinburg. This modern, stylish bistro focuses on creative, gourmet cuisine.
Menu options include dishes like risotto, pan-seared scallops, and house-made pasta. Ingredients are seasonal, so each dish offers lively, fresh flavors.
For special occasions and date nights, Red Oak Bistro is an excellent choice for guests. They provide fine, attentive service, and an elegant atmosphere.

In addition to your meal, guests love the beautifully crafted desserts and selection of fine wines.
Red Oak Bistro has become famous in Gatlinburg for their contemporary American dishes, which have a few subtle international flavors.
For the quality and presentation of their food, Red Oak Bistro has attracted many visitors and locals who appreciate fine dining to Gatlinburg.
| Famous Food | Description |
|---|---|
| Pan-Seared Scallops | Perfectly cooked scallops served with seasonal vegetables and flavorful sauces. |
| House-Made Pasta | Freshly made pasta dishes with creative, gourmet sauces. |
6. Gaucho Urbano Brazilian Steakhouse
Gatlinburg’s Gaucho Urbano Brazilian Steakhouse presents a genuine churrasco feast that includes all-you-can-eat grilled meats served by gauchos.
Guests enjoy expertly cooked and well-seasoned beef, pork, chicken, and lamb paired with a salad bar that includes a variety of fresh salad ingredients and traditional Brazilian accompaniments.
This time of year, the ambiance is lively and upscale, making it suitable for family get-togethers and groups that are hosting parties.

Gaucho Urbano is popular for the variety and quality of the meats, and for fine service. Large generous portions and bold tasting dishes
Which reflect the true spirit of Brazilian hospitality undoubtedly make this, and the other Gaucho Urbano locations, an exceptional restaurant, and a fine place in Gatlinburg.
| Famous Food | Description |
|---|---|
| Churrasco | All-you-can-eat Brazilian grilled meats carved tableside, including beef, chicken, and lamb. |
| Brazilian Sides | Fresh salads, rice, beans, and traditional Brazilian accompaniments. |
7. Trish’s Mountain Diner
Homestyle meals, pleasing decor, memorably warm atmosphere, and the mountain charm of Trish’s Mountain Diner create a unique culinary experience.
It’s a favorite among visitors to Trish’s Mountain Diner for the big breakfasts, particularly the biscuits and gravy, omelets, and skillets accompanied by copious amounts of fresh ingredients.
Families and early risers love the place, the diner and its surrounding mountain charm creating a unique culinary experience.

For lunch, there’s a choice of sandwiches and the daily specials. Daily specials, as well as the sandwiches, celebrate and honor tastes local to the region.
Trish’s Mountain Diner Southern diner comfort fare in the heart of Gatlinburg. Trish’s Mountain Diner for diner comfort fare in Gatlinburg.
| Famous Food | Description |
|---|---|
| Biscuits and Gravy | Soft, fluffy biscuits smothered in rich sausage gravy. |
| Breakfast Skillets | Hearty skillet meals with eggs, potatoes, vegetables, and choice of meat. |
8. Cherokee Grill
Cherokee Grill is a rustic, upscale steakhouse in Gatlinburg that ages Southern hospitality with fine dining.
Famous for its prime rib, smoked ribs, and steaks, every component in the fully offered dining menu is delicious and filling.
For date nights, families, and other celebrations, the warm, lodge-like, and romantic setting with its wood decorations and cozy atmosphere is a delight.

The Southern inspired appetizers, as well as the Southern inspired main dishes, the sides, and the desserts, provide a nice Southern meal rounding the dining experience.
The Cullowhee Grill pairs Cavender Southern Grill mountain grilling with a refined approach. It is no wonder that Gatlinburg is steakhouses and Southern dishes is with Gatlinburg.
| Famous Food | Description |
|---|---|
| Prime Rib | Juicy, tender prime rib cooked to perfection and served with classic sides. |
| Smoked Ribs | Slow-cooked ribs with smoky flavor and rich barbecue sauce. |
9. Calhoun’s Gatlinburg
Barbecue and American Grill. Slow cooked BBQ ribs and BBQ ribs paired with steaks. Burgers, smoked meats, and Southern sides. Vibrant and family friendly.
Working portion sizes for pick up and delivery. Smoky and savory foods while presented with tasty dishes.

Well known portions for pick up. Camping for locals and visitors. With pick and delivery options. BBQ and Southern hospitality.
| Famous Food | Description |
|---|---|
| BBQ Ribs | Slow-cooked, tender ribs glazed with Calhoun’s signature barbecue sauce. |
| Steaks | Hand-cut, grilled to perfection, served with hearty sides. |
10. Delauder’s BBQ
Delauder’s BBQ is a Gatlinburg institution for traditional smoked barbecue, specializing in pulled pork, BBQ chicken, and ribs served with house-made sauces.
The casual, down-to-earth atmosphere enhances the authentic experience, perfect for families and travelers seeking hearty meals.
Guests appreciate the perfectly smoked meats, flavorful rubs, and generous portions. Side dishes like baked beans, coleslaw, and mac and cheese complement the main offerings.

Delauder’s BBQ emphasizes consistency, quality, and a welcoming environment, making it a favorite for those craving authentic Southern barbecue.
Its reputation for delicious smoked meats and classic BBQ flavors makes it a must-visit in Gatlinburg.
| Famous Food | Description |
|---|---|
| Pulled Pork | Smoky, tender pulled pork served with a tangy house-made barbecue sauce. |
| BBQ Chicken | Juicy chicken smoked to perfection with a rich, savory flavor. |
Conclsuion
In conclusion Gatlinburg, TN, has many restaurants to choose from, like authentic Mexican tacos at Gorilla Taco
Southern comfort at Fat Bear Tavern and Trish’s Mountain Diner, fine dining at Red Oak Bistro, and delicious smoked barbecue at Calhoun’s and Delauder’s BBQ.
These restaurants offer great meals, whether you want gourmet dishes, Southern-style food, or something the whole family will enjoy.
FAQ
What is the most popular Mexican restaurant in Gatlinburg?
Gorilla Taco Mexican Restaurant is famous for its flavorful street-style tacos.
Which restaurant is best for families?
Fat Bear Family Tavern offers hearty meals in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Where can I find Southern comfort food?
Split Rail Eats and Trish’s Mountain Diner are ideal for classic Southern dishes.
Which restaurant is known for upscale dining?
Red Oak Bistro provides gourmet dishes in a stylish, elegant setting.
Where to enjoy authentic Brazilian cuisine?
Gaucho Urbano Brazilian Steakhouse serves all-you-can-eat churrasco and traditional sides.
