Delicious Southern cuisine is a part of the authentic Smoky Mountain experience! Just like stunning views and cozy cabin stays, dining is woven into the fabric of Smokies culture and heritage, giving guests a taste of traditional flavors that have long been a staple of the region. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you’ll find options that are sure to leave a smile on your face while providing some home cookin’ comfort. Here are 6 of the best restaurants in the Smokies for unforgettable Southern food:
1. The Old Mill Restaurant
The Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge is a Smoky Mountain cornerstone! This family-style restaurant serves a traditional Southern menu that feels just like home. Located in the iconic Old Mill District, you will find the restaurant’s riverside setting and rustic atmosphere to be the perfect place to savor tasty meals like chicken and dumplings, meatloaf, fried chicken, and even breakfast favorites, from pancakes to biscuits and gravy.
2. The Old Mill Pottery House Cafe
Directly across the street from The Old Mill Restaurant, you will find another of the best restaurants in the Smokies for Southern food: Pottery House Cafe! This restaurant is located in the old home of local potters and offers brunch, lunch, and dinner. Options like BBQ plates, burgers, and sandwiches make it especially popular as a lunch destination. The friendly team and unbeatable service only add to the experience.
3. Mama’s Farmhouse
Nobody does Southern cookin’ quite like mama! Mama’s Farmhouse in Pigeon Forge serves family-style meals with a heaping helping of flavor! It’s one of the best restaurants in the Smokies according to visitors and locals alike, with menu items ranging from award-winning biscuits to fried chicken, country fried steak, fried fish, and more. No matter if you’re dropping by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you won’t be disappointed!
4. Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant
The Apple Barn in Sevierville is home to not 1 but 2 of the best restaurants in the Smokies for Southern cuisine! Established in 1987, Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant serves generous portions of country-style breakfasts like eggs, sausage, and biscuits, in addition to all the classics for lunch and dinner. Their famous apple fritters, homemade apple butter, and applewood julep are served with every meal and are the talk of the town.
5. Applewood Farmhouse Grill
Just a few hundred feet away is Applewood Farmhouse Grill! This spot opened up in 1995, providing an additional option for guests at The Apple Barn. The farm-to-table approach here ensures that everything is delicious and of top-notch quality, no matter what you have. Southern favorites include chicken pot pie, meatloaf, and more, in addition to all the wonderful breakfast options.
6. Five Oaks Farm Kitchen
Five Oaks Farm Kitchen carries on the legacy of the Ogle family, known for their incredible hospitality and Southern cooking dating back to the 1920s. They serve breakfast, lunch, and supper made with quality ingredients straight from the farm, making this Sevierville restaurant another of the best restaurants in the Smokies. From giant cinnamon rolls for breakfast to sandwiches for lunch and slow-cooked meats for supper, there’s a bit of everything on the menu.
Stay Near the Best Restaurants in the Smokies
We can’t wait for you to taste the Southern flavors at the best restaurants in the Smokies! Our cabins are in convenient locations across Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville so that you’re never far away from an unforgettable meal. Explore our Smokies cabins today to find an incredible place to stay on your next trip!
