Stunning photo of downtown Gatlinburg surrounded by the mountains.

Hidden Gems in Gatlinburg: 5 Restaurants Off the Beaten Path

It’s no secret that downtown Gatlinburg, TN is filled with fantastic restaurants! If you’re looking to get away from all the popular spots on the Parkway for lunch or dinner, there are a number of excellent eateries that are located off the beaten path. To help you make the most of your next vacation, Black Bear Inn & Suites has put together a guide to five hidden gems in Gatlinburg where you can find an amazing meal.

1. New Orleans Sandwich Company

New Orleans Sandwich Company brings a piece of NOLA right to Gatlinburg! This restaurant offers delicious and authentic New Orleans style cuisine that everyone is sure to love. The menu includes favorites like seafood gumbo, crawfish, crab cakes, and so much more. The spices and freshness of the food will have your mouth watering every time.

Ravioli in tomato sauce.2. Taste of Italy

Taste of Italy is considered another one of the best hidden gems in Gatlinburg. Owned and operated by a couple from Brooklyn, New York, this restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine. Popular menu items include the garlic knots, lasagna, meatball subs, and cannolis. If you’re in the mood for pizza, you’ll love one of their pies, which feature scratch-made dough and whole milk mozzarella. For even more Italian food, check out these Italian restaurants in Gatlinburg!

3. The Fox and Parrot Tavern

Tucked away in the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community, the Fox and Parrot Tavern is a little slice of England in the Smokies. Styled as a traditional British pub, the Fox and Parrot Tavern has 31 beers on tap and authentic UK cuisine. Highlights of the menu include the Fish and Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, Welsh Rabbit, and Bubble and Squeak. The Fox and Parrot team is so dedicated to authenticity that they make annual trips to the United Kingdom to make sure that their food and atmosphere would pass muster in Merry Olde England.

4. Tom & Earl’s Back Alley Grill

If you’re in the mood for good food and good fun, head to Tom & Earl’s Back Alley Grill! This hidden gem in Gatlinburg offers a relaxed Smoky Mountain atmosphere and serves all your favorites. Start your meal off with some creamed corn fritters or fried green tomatoes before diving into a delicious entree. The menu includes everything from wraps, to burgers, to sandwiches. There is even a special menu just for the kids, so the whole family can enjoy a meal here.

A delicious bacon cheeseburger.5. Three Jimmy’s

Three Jimmy’s is a great place to spend an evening in Gatlinburg! Guests can enjoy delicious food and live musical entertainment on most nights of the week. Whether you order one of Jimmy’s BBQ plates, pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, or cheeseburgers, you are sure to find a meal you love.

When you stay at Black Bear Inn & Suites, you will be just a short drive away from all of these hidden gems in Gatlinburg. Our hotel has everything you need for an unforgettable vacation, including a complimentary breakfast bar each morning, enclosed heated pool, high-speed wireless internet access, and rooms with balconies overlooking the city. To start planning your getaway, browse our selection of Gatlinburg hotel rooms!