Gatlinburg is one of the most visited mountain towns in the United States. Travelers often plan full days of sightseeing, hiking, and exploring downtown, but one question comes up again and again: where should you eat when you also want to enjoy the scenery? The town has no shortage of dining options, yet not every restaurant offers the chance to sit back and take in mountain peaks, rushing streams, or rooftop views. For visitors who want to combine a great meal with a memorable backdrop, the choices can feel overwhelming.
- Cherokee Grill: Upscale Dining in a Mountain Lodge
- Crystelle Creek: Rustic Charm by the Water
- Jason Aldean’s Kitchen & Rooftop Bar: Food with Music Flair
- Anakeesta Smokehouse: Casual Barbecue with a View
- The Peddler: Riverside Tradition
- Cliff Top at Anakeesta: Dining Above the Clouds
- Loco Burro: Tex-Mex on the Rooftop
- No Way Jose’s: Mexican Flavors Beside the River
- Smoky Mountain Smash: Burgers with a Skyline View
- Howard’s Restaurant: A Local Classic by the Stream
This is where the following guide comes in handy. Below are some standout places where the view makes the experience even better.
Cherokee Grill: Upscale Dining in a Mountain Lodge
At Cherokee Grill, guests enjoy a view of the busy Gatlinburg Strip, which is especially appealing in the evenings when the town lights up.
The menu is centered on high-quality meats and seafood. Steaks are the top choice, but chicken, pork, and fish dishes are also available. Sides are just as popular as the main courses, with standouts like baked macaroni and spinach with spicy cheese or Tennessee blue cheese grits. Starters such as shrimp cocktail and fried calamari round out the dining experience.
Crystelle Creek: Rustic Charm by the Water
Among the many restaurants in Gatlinburg TN, Crystelle Creek is often recommended for both its menu and its scenery. The restaurant is surrounded by a flowing creek and landscaped features like a koi pond. One of its most distinctive touches is the waterfall that streams from the roof across large windows, creating a relaxing sound and view while you eat.
The options are broad, offering everything from wood-fired steaks to Italian classics and seafood. Trout is one of the highlights, served in several styles that reflect local tastes. Desserts are also popular, especially for those who want to extend their visit and enjoy the setting a little longer.
Jason Aldean’s Kitchen & Rooftop Bar: Food with Music Flair
For visitors who prefer a livelier atmosphere, Jason Aldean’s Kitchen & Rooftop Bar delivers both entertainment and scenic views. The restaurant is spread over multiple levels, with the rooftop bar being the centerpiece.
The menu was developed with input from Aldean himself, blending personal favorites with chef-crafted meals. Items like Jason’s Mac & Cheese and the “Tommy” Hawk Ribeye stand out, as do creative cocktails named after his songs. The combination of good food, music-themed touches, and open-air seating makes it a favorite for groups and travelers looking for a fun evening spot.
Anakeesta Smokehouse: Casual Barbecue with a View
Located in Firefly Village within the Anakeesta attraction, it pairs smoked meats with mountain views. Guests can enjoy pulled pork, brisket, or chicken, each prepared with a smoky flavor that reflects Southern cooking traditions. The portions are generous, making it a good stop for families or groups spending the day at Anakeesta.
After finishing a meal, many visitors take time to explore nearby features like the AnaVista Observation Tower or ride one of the mountain coasters. It is also common to grab a specialty cocktail from the nearby bar to enjoy while watching the sun set over the mountains.
The Peddler: Riverside Tradition
The Peddler overlooks the Little Pigeon River, and many guests request tables by the windows for the best views. The sound of rushing water adds to the atmosphere, creating a calm and relaxing dining setting.
Steaks are the highlight here, with servers bringing a selection of cuts tableside for you to choose from. The build-your-own approach makes the meal personal, and the salad bar is a feature many diners rave about. For those who prefer other proteins, options like chicken, trout, and shrimp are also available. Dessert rounds out the experience with choices like hot blackberry cobbler and peanut butter mud pie.
Cliff Top at Anakeesta: Dining Above the Clouds
Cliff Top sits high on the mountain at Anakeesta, a popular outdoor attraction that combines adventure with leisure. To reach the restaurant, visitors ride the scenic Chondola [A1] or Ridge Rambler, both of which set the tone for what awaits at the top. Once you arrive in Black Bear Village, the views immediately grab your attention.
The menu focuses on modern American fare. Options range from hearty burgers to fresh salads, with enough variety to please families and groups. Inside, large windows frame the mountains, but many guests prefer to sit outside for the full experience. Evenings are especially popular as the sun sets over the ridges.
Loco Burro: Tex-Mex on the Rooftop
Located on the main strip, the restaurant gives you a direct view of downtown Gatlinburg’s busy streets, which are especially lively at night.
Signature items include tableside guacamole, street corn, and oversized margaritas, but the menu goes far beyond that. Guests can choose from burritos, fajitas, quesadillas, and more, with plenty of options for both casual diners and groups looking to celebrate.
No Way Jose’s: Mexican Flavors Beside the River
No Way Jose’s is located near Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and sits right by the river, giving it one of the most relaxed dining settings in Gatlinburg.
The restaurant focuses on Mexican cuisine, with a menu filled with favorites such as burritos, fajitas, and enchiladas. Specialty drinks like Jose’s Ultimate Pina Colada add to the appeal. Portions are generous, and the atmosphere is casual, making it a great option for families or groups looking for a fun dining experience.
Smoky Mountain Smash: Burgers with a Skyline View
The restaurant is a newer addition, yet it has quickly become known for its creative take on smash burgers.
The menu focuses on burgers made with a local twist, incorporating Appalachian-inspired flavors and house-made sauces. Desserts such as apple pie and brownies are also available, making it easy to round out the meal. After eating, guests often walk across the famous SkyBridge or enjoy the SkyTrail, both located within the park.
Howard’s Restaurant: A Local Classic by the Stream
Howard’s Restaurant has been part of Gatlinburg’s dining scene since 1946, making it one of the oldest operating restaurants in town.
The menu focuses on American classics and Southern favorites. Hand-cut steaks, gourmet burgers, and fresh trout are among the highlights. The trout, sourced locally, is prepared in a variety of ways to suit different tastes. Traditional Southern entrees like pulled pork and salmon also make the menu appealing to a wide range of diners.
Dining in Gatlinburg is about more than just satisfying hunger. The town offers restaurants that give guests a chance to enjoy the area’s scenery while sampling a variety of dishes. Whether you prefer a refined steakhouse, casual barbecue, or lively rooftop patio, there is something here to fit every taste.
