One of the best things about taking a trip to the Smoky Mountains is getting an opportunity to sample a wide variety of delicious foods. Because the Smokies are mostly known for Southern cooking and BBQ, you may be surprised to know that there are plenty of amazing restaurants for seafood in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. That’s right, just because you chose to vacation in the mountains instead of the beach, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on your favorite type of cuisine. Here are 7 of the best seafood restaurants in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge:
1. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Run, Forrest, Run to Bubba Gump Shrimp on your next visit to the Smoky Mountains. This Gatlinburg restaurant is dedicated to capturing the magic of the famous movie “Forrest Gump.” They serve delicious shrimp just about every way possible, including fried, sauteed, and in pasta! In addition to amazing entrees, this restaurant is known for its entertaining atmosphere. Once seated at your table, your family can test your knowledge of the famous film and relive the highlights! After your meal, be sure to stop by the gift shop where you can purchase a T-shirt and a box of chocolates.
2. Huck Finn’s Catfish
This restaurant is the perfect combination of two Southern favorites, country cooking and seafood. If you are wondering how you can combine these two things it is quite simple, just fry up some seafood and serve it family style! At Huck Finn’s, your family can have all-you-can-eat catfish, fried chicken, and vittles! This amazing restaurant for seafood in Pigeon Forge was voted as having the best catfish in all of East Tennessee by Tennessee Magazine. Another good thing about this seafood joint is that it is locally owned and operated. Therefore, you won’t be able to find anything like it anywhere else in the country!
3. Crawdaddy’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar
As you probably know, the Louisiana area is known for some of the best cajun seafood in the country. However, did you know you can experience the tastes of Louisiana when you visit the Smoky Mountains? All you have to do is pay a visit to Crawdaddy’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar. Their goal is to serve traditional cajun dishes in an authentic New Orleans setting. For this reason, it is more of an experience than just delicious food, although you will find plenty of that too. Some of their specialities include fried shrimp, seafood gumbo, crawfish boil, and alligator bites! They also have an outdoor patio where you can take in the glorious views of Gatlinburg while you eat. The combination of delicious food, fun environment, and scenic view makes this one of the best seafood restaurants in Gatlinburg.
4. Harpoon Harry’s Crab House
At Harpoon Harry’s, you can sample a multitude of different seafood dishes, including trout, salmon, scallops, and of course, crab! However, one of the most popular things on the menu that guests love is the sushi. They have an array of all types of both cooked and raw rolls, making it easy for everyone to find something they will love. No matter what you decide on, you are guaranteed to find it tasty. In fact, Harpoon Harry’s has been voted as the best Pigeon Forge restaurant for sushi by Restaurant Guru! You’ll love enjoying seafood in Pigeon Forge at this popular restaurant.
5. Chesapeake’s
If you’re looking for more upscale dining, you’ll love a meal at Chesapeake’s in Gatlinburg. The fresh seafood is flown in daily, so you know if has to be good. This Gatlinburg restaurant offers a heated patio with a peaceful river view, a raw bar and grill, a private wine cellar, and more. Visitors can enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner at this seafood restaurant. Oysters, live Maine lobster, seared ahi tuna, crab cakes, and more can all be found on the menu. For seafood lovers, we recommend the steamed seafood feast, which comes with a live Maine lobster, mussels, Maryland spiced shrimp, clams, and oysters.
6. Captain Jim’s
Feeling extra hungry? Captain Jim’s Seafood in Pigeon Forge is the best place to go! This restaurant serves all-you-can-eat crab legs and the best seafood buffet in the area. You can choose to get the buffet with crab legs, or the buffet without crab legs for a lesser charge. On the buffet, you’ll find everything from New England clam chowder and gumbo to raw and fried oysters and peel-n-eat shrimp. Other seafood favorites are crab cakes, crawfish, blackened salmon, and baked mahi-mahi. Don’t worry, if someone in the family doesn’t like seafood, there are options from the land as well, like chuckeye roast with potatoes and carrots, BBQ pork ribs, and Southern baked chicken!
7. Smoky Mountain Trout House
If trout is what you’re looking for, you don’t want to miss the chance to dine at Smoky Mountain Trout House! This Gatlinburg restaurant has been a dining tradition in Gatlinburg for over 45 years and features 10 different fresh rainbow trout dishes! The menu also includes a variety of appetizers, seafood, steaks, pasta, chicken, burgers, and more. Start your meal off right with an order of trout fritters — fresh trout combined with a special mixture of potatoes, onions, and peppers, all fried to a golden brown. The restaurant’s special trout dinners each come with 2 sides, and each table gets a basket of homemade hushpuppies and chips, served with Frank’s Red Hot Sweet Chili Sauce. You’re in for a meal you won’t forget at Smoky Mountain Trout House!
Now that you know about some of the best seafood restaurants in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, you need to come taste them for yourself! Browse through our cabins in the Smokies to stay just minutes away from all the best restaurants and attractions in town! We look forward to seeing you soon!
