The Top 6 Places to Have Lunch in Gatlinburg

Going out for lunch is one of our favorite parts of being on vacation! When you visit Gatlinburg, TN, you will find a wide variety of wonderful restaurants that serve everything from BBQ to Italian fare. To help you make the most of your next getaway, Timber Tops Cabin Rentals has put together a guide to the top six places to have lunch in Gatlinburg.

1. The Wild Plum Tea Room

The Wild Plum Tea Room was ranked among the top 10 best restaurants in the state by the Tennessean newspaper, and it’s not hard to see why! Located in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, this unique cafe makes all of its dishes from the freshest ingredients available and offers a beautiful outdoor dining area. Highlights of The Wild Plum’s menu include the Lobster Pie, Homemade Chicken Salad, Norwegian Salmon Burger, and the Blackberry Cobbler with Cinnamon Ice Cream.

2. Delauder’s BBQ

If you’re craving authentic Southern barbeque during your vacation, it’s hard to beat Delauder’s! Named one of the top 25 BBQ restaurants in America by Travel + Leisure magazine, Delauder’s has developed a loyal following for its mouthwatering pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and chicken. We’re big fans of the Sneaky Pig sandwich, which comes with pulled pork and a sweet habanero sauce.

3. Parton’s Deli

Parton’s Deli is another one of the very best places to have lunch in Gatlinburg. A fixture of the North Parkway since 1974, this classic deli serves a variety of tasty subs and sides. Some of the most popular items at Parton’s include the Reuben Sandwich, Italian Sub, homemade potato salad, deviled eggs, and lemon pound cake.

4. Big Daddy’s Pizzeria

Lunch at Big Daddy’s Pizzeria never disappoints! Boasting a 550-degree wood-fired brick oven, Big Daddy’s is famous for its incredible thin crust pizzas. Guests can choose from a number of unique pies, such as the Smoky Mountain Cheesesteak Pizza, Chicken Florentine Pizza, and the Taco Pie.

5. Old Dad’s General Store

Old Dad’s General Store is a can’t-miss stop for anyone planning a picnic in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitors to this popular deli and grocery can buy freshly made sandwiches or purchase deli meats and cheeses by the pound. The friendly staff members at Old Dad’s are experts at packing picnic lunches, taking care to separate the lettuce and tomatoes in Ziploc bags so they don’t get soggy.

6. Taste of Italy

Considered one of Gatlinburg’s hidden gems, Taste of Italy serves authentic cuisine from “Bel Paese” (the Beautiful Country). This superb restaurant is owned and operated by a couple from New York, bringing a taste of the Northeast’s famous Italian food to the Smokies. Some of the most-buzzed-about menu items at Taste of Italy include the chicken parmesan, pizza, lasagna, fettuccine alfredo, and garlic knots.

Where to Stay in Gatlinburg

When you stay with Timber Tops Cabin Rentals, you will be near all of these excellent places for lunch in Gatlinburg. Our cabins come with your choice of stellar amenities, including stunning mountain views, decks with rocking chairs and hot tubs, fully furnished kitchens, fun game rooms, epic theater rooms, and even more great features. With everything from 1 bedroom cabins to 15 bedroom lodges, we are guaranteed to have the perfect property for your escape. To start planning your vacation, browse our selection of cabins in Gatlinburg!