When you visit the Smoky Mountains, one thing you can always count on is finding some delicious food! From true Southern cooking to mouthwatering BBQ restaurants, there is something for everyone when it comes to dining. One of the things you might not associate with the Smokies is Italian food, but there are some local places that have incredible options! Here are 5 Italian restaurants in the Smoky Mountains you need to try:
1. Ristorante DellaSantina
Loved by visitors and locals alike, Ristorante DellaSantina is one of the top Italian restaurants in the Smoky Mountains! Located in Sevierville, this restaurant is known for their generous portions, fresh ingredients, authentic flavors, and reasonable prices. From the delicious lasagna to fettuccine dishes and the flavorful lobster ravioli, you'll find all the classic Italian meals done right. The seafood used at Ristorante DellaSantina is flown in fresh every day to ensure high-quality dishes. This spot is also known for its extensive wine list, giving you plenty of great options to enjoy with your meal.
2. Best Italian
Best Italian is a Gatlinburg staple and a great spot to visit if you love Italian food! You are sure to find nothing but smiles and tasty food. This is one of the restaurants in the Smoky Mountains that has been open for many years now, as they have been in operation for more than 40 years! Since that time, many things have changed but they like to stick to their roots when it comes to the recipes. From the signature garlic rolls to the creamy pasta, you are sure to enjoy a great meal each and every time. Oh, and be sure to save some extra room for some dessert once you've finished your entree!
3. New York Pizza & Pasta
Hot and fresh pizza right out of the oven! That’s probably the best description for this restaurant in Gatlinburg. New York Pizza & Pasta has made a tradition of pleasing customers with their homemade pizzas using family-secret recipes. When you step into this locally-owned restaurant, you are in for a treat! Not only is the food great, but the staff is there to greet you with true Southern hospitality. Guests can either order a whole pizza to share or get pizza by the slice if everyone is craving a little something different.
4. Luigi’s Pizza
The story of Luigi’s Pizza began in 2006 when the owners Abe and Fadwa moved from Florida to Gatlinburg to start what would turn into one of the most popular restaurants in the Smoky Mountains. In the beginning, they worked day and night growing the business to set up the success that they enjoy today. In 2021, the original owners decided it was time to let the restaurant go, but they found new people who shared the same passion and tradition. To this day, they have the same made-from-scratch menu items which include home-grown vegetables and handmade dough for pizzas! In addition, they serve other Italian classics, such as spaghetti, calzones, stromboli, and more.
5. Johnny Carino’s
Located right on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, Johnny Carino’s is an easy place to stop for some delicious Italian food during your day of sightseeing. They have all sorts of tasty choices, so everyone in the family is sure to find something they love. The handcrafted pizzas here are created with housemade dough and cooked to perfection! Try one of the specialty options, which includes Johnny’s Favorite. This pizza is piled high with Italian sausage, pepperoni, applewood smoked bacon, green peppers, mushrooms, black olives, red onions, Roma tomatoes, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese! Now that’s a pizza! You can also get Italian dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, fettuccine Alfredo, lasagna, and more.
More Restaurants in the Smoky Mountains
As we mentioned before, the scrumptious food options in the Smoky Mountains are endless! You can have anything you are craving when you visit Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville, including fresh seafood, Mexican dishes, burgers, and anything else you can imagine! There are also restaurants for every vacation occasion, including romantic dinner spots for couples and casual restaurants that the kids are sure to love as well!
Are you ready to start planning your next trip to the Smokies? Learn more about all the incredible restaurants in the Smoky Mountains! We look forward to seeing you soon!
