Top 5 Restaurants in the Smoky Mountains You Need to Try

You have so many options when it comes to restaurants in the Smoky Mountains. You’ll find places that have southern dishes and other places that serve Italian food or classic American eats. With such a wide variety of cuisine, you might have a hard time deciding where to go. Here are the top 5 restaurants in the Smoky Mountains you need to try:

1. Old Mill Restaurant

One of the top places to eat in the Smokies is the Old Mill Restaurant. They serve all kinds of delicious southern food, from chicken pot pie to meatloaf. You can eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner at this restaurant. Of course, there’s also fried chicken, southern fried ham, pot roast, and grilled catfish. Sides include salad, mashed potatoes, and green beans. More of the staples include chicken and dumplings, barbecue, and grilled dishes. Freshly baked bread is served at the restaurant that is made at the bakery on site. Plus, you’ll want to save room for dessert!

2. Mel’s Classic Diner

If you’re looking for some great American food, you should eat at Mel’s Classic Diner. They also serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast could be pancakes, waffles, or french toast. A heartier meal would be eggs, bacon, ham, and more. For lunch and dinner, there are salads and soups. Try a classic hamburger or one of the specialty burgers with a ton of toppings. Branch out and get a fried bologna sandwich or Pam’s patty melt. Mel’s also serves classic diner food, from beef liver and onions to meatloaf.

3. Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant

The Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant is another great place to find southern food. They serve chicken and dumplings, grilled apple julep chicken, or classic fried chicken. Try the country fried or grilled catfish, sugar cured ham, or beef liver and onions. Get fried okra, dumplings, collard greens, mac and cheese, or another southern side to go with your entree. You definitely need to save room for dessert. They are made fresh every day, and some include apple spice cake, apple cobbler, and peanut butter chocolate chip pie.

4. The Park Grill

A great restaurant in the Smoky Mountains you should visit for a great steak dinner is The Park Grill. Start out with fried mac and cheese bites or fried green tomatoes. Park Grill has a huge salad bar with over 40 foods to choose from. For something casual, try the burger or the pulled pork sandwich. Steak options include sirloin, rib eye, New York strip, and filet mignon. There’s also pecan crusted chicken, shrimp, and salmon. If you save room for dessert, you’ll find Jack Daniel’s creme brulee, banana pudding, and brownies covered in ice cream and chocolate syrup.

5. Best Italian Restaurant

If you love Italian food, you have to eat at Best Italian Restaurant. They serve classic spaghetti dishes, as well as lasagna, pasta primavera, and fettucini alfredo. You’ll love the savory flavor of the chicken or beef marsala. Enjoy seafood? Try the seafood medley or linguini and clam sauce. You can create your own pizza or calzone and stuff it with your favorite toppings. Don’t forget to try the garlic knots!

All of these restaurants in the Smoky Mountains are great options. Be sure to make time to visit all of them! Just don’t forget to represent your favorite national park with some of our Smoky Mountain apparel!