If you like to find all the new places and try them out when you visit the Smokies, you’ll definitely want to add these new restaurants in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg to your vacation itinerary! Keep reading to learn more about them!
1. Taco Ranch
What do you get when you combine a Western saloon with a streetside taqueria? Taco Ranch! Their menu features a blend of tastes and cultures, from South Carolina to Korean BBQ and traditional Tex-Mex cuisine. They make fresh tortillas in-house daily, and are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From their gochujang queso and chips to boneless chicken wings and all kinds of unique taco creations, their menu is an explosion of flavors! Feeling adventurous? Order the Kicked Up PB & Bacon Burger Taco– a Korean beef smash patty with American cheese, grilled red onions, peanut butter, blackberry-serrano preserves, serrano peppers, peppered bacon, chives, and roasted peanuts on a fresh flour tortilla. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it! On the drinks menu, you’ll find everything from frozen margs to wine to draft beer!
2. Pizza Rio
Pizza Rio has opened a brand-new location in Gatlinburg and offers a brand new style of pizza restaurant; they make and serve their pizzas the Brazilian way. The pre-set menu is priced per person and includes two salad options– classic Caesar or mixed greens with a lemon honey vinaigrette and sun-dried tomatoes, Brazilian-style crispy chicken wings, beef and pork meatballs with house-made marinara, slices of focaccia and crostini, and the daily selection of savory and dessert pizzas. You can also order from their bar menu for smaller bites, as well as carry out orders. Online reservations are not required but are recommended.
3. Heirloom Room
Heirloom Room in Gatlinburg is a Smoky Mountain dining experience you won’t soon forget; located along the peaceful creek, you’ll be able to enjoy culinary delights with a beautiful view! They’re open daily for breakfast (walk-in only) and dinner (walk-ins and online reservations accepted). We recommend the Eggs Benedict Appalachia for breakfast– poached eggs on made-from-scratch biscuits with seared house-braised pork belly and topped with crawfish hollandaise and crispy tobacco onions. Pair it with a Bloody Mary or a mimosa! You’ll love the selection of steak, seafood, chicken, and vegetarian dishes for dinner– the pan-seared glazed salmon and bone-in pork chop are a couple of favorites. Their handcrafted cocktails are the perfect addition to any meal, as are the variety of wine and beer. Finish your meal with one of their incredible desserts– oatmeal pecan pie, apple almond tart, berry panna cotta, or bourbon dark chocolate torte– you can’t go wrong whichever you choose!
More Places To Eat
Now you know about some new restaurants in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg! Want a few more recommendations for where to eat in the Smoky Mountains?
- Roma Table– one of the best Italian restaurants in the area which just opened in the summer of 2024.
- No Way Jose’s– easily one of our favorite places to get the best Mexican food in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
- Smokies Cuban Cafe– a Smoky Mountain restaurant off the beaten path that’s a phenomenal lunch spot!
- Mad Dog’s Creamery & Donuts– not only is this local sweet shop a great place to find a sweet treat or after-dinner dessert but it’s also a dog-friendly restaurant with treats for the four-legged members of the family!
Where To Stay
Whether you’re looking for a place to stay close to the Parkway and the area’s attractions, activities, and restaurants or find a secluded oasis high in the mountains, we have a Smoky Mountain cabin rental for you! We offer creekside cabins, large group cabins, cabins with private pools or seasonal pool access, dog-friendly cabins, and so much more. Browse all our cabin rentals in the Smokies to find the perfect one, and be sure to check out these new restaurants in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg during your stay!
