5 Unique Restaurants in Gatlinburg

On your Gatlinburg vacation, seek out restaurants you won’t find anywhere else. Dine at these five spots to experience true local flavor.  

1. Wild Plum Tearoom

The lace-covered tables and log walls evoke a gracious past. The tearoom is modeled on Austrian tea houses, bringing European mountain heritage to the Smokies. Open for lunches and teas, Wild Plum offers sandwiches and juicy burgers, seafood specials, soups, stratas, salads and desserts. Plan in advance to experience the Wild Plum’s hospitality, because reservations are required. 

2. Hofbrauhaus Restaurant

This small gem sits above The Cheese Cupboard in Gatlinburg’s Village Shops. Climb the stairs to Hofbrauhaus, a restaurant that transports you to Germany in an instant. Hot sandwiches feature here, like Reubens, bratwurst, pastrami, corned beef and roast beef. Of course there’s German beer to wash down the hearty fare, and favorites like pretzels and potato salad too. 

3. Red Oak Bistro

Red Oak Bistro’s specialty is small, shared plates of Mediterranean and Eastern European cuisines. Bite into smoked salmon bruschetta or vegetable-filled crepes. Pluck delicious prosciutto or salami from the charcuterie board. The savory plates accompany the extensive collection of red and white wines, champagnes and sparkling wines, whiskeys, bourbons and beers. Savor your wine in the intimate dining room or at one of the loveliest bars in town. 

4. Fox & Parrot Tavern

Roll up at the Fox & Parrot for a touch of London. This pub serves traditional British fare cooked to order. Have a beer while you wait because the Fox & Parrot has one of the best selections of draft beers in the area. Sip your Guinness, Newcastle Brown Ale or Bombardier, then order fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, a Cornish pasty or “bubble and squeak” (corned beef with cabbage and potatoes). You’ll almost believe you’re in Blighty! 

5. Elvira’s Cafe

Though Elvira’s is down the road, it’s worth the short drive. This relaxed restaurant, set against a beautiful mountain backdrop, begins with breakfast: Try hot cakes, loaded biscuits or Southern chicken and waffles. Tender crepes are an old-world treat, sweet at breakfast, and at lunch, stuffed with roasted turkey or veggies. Elvira’s serves dinner only on Fridays and Saturdays, with weekly specials. The highlight here is Sunday brunch, starring crepes, omelets, sandwiches, chicken or seafood dishes. 

For the richest vacation experience, seek out what you can find only in Gatlinburg. Book a Gatlinburg cabin rental so you’re close to these tasty destinations.