One of the highlights of every trip to the Great Smoky Mountains is deciding where we’re going to eat. Amanda and I have been traveling to the Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville area for more than forty years. Through the years, we’ve watched restaurants come and go. Some of our longtime favorites have sadly closed their doors, while many newer establishments have opened that we have not yet had the opportunity to try.

One thing hasn’t changed: we generally prefer locally owned restaurants over national chains. We enjoy discovering places with personality, history, and friendly service. Mountain hospitality is still alive and well in East Tennessee, and we’ve experienced it time and time again around the dinner table.

Here are ten of our favorite places to eat (in no particular order) near the Great Smoky Mountains:

• Sawyer’s Farmhouse Restaurant (Pigeon Forge)

If you’re looking for breakfast, this is our favorite place to start the day. The pancakes are legendary, the portions are generous, and the service is consistently excellent. This week we visited Sawyer’s new location on Wear’s Valley Road, which offers the same good food and service as the location on the Parkway. Whether you prefer a hearty country breakfast or a short stack of pancakes, Sawyer’s is dependably delicious.

• Best Italian Café & Pizzeria (Gatlinburg)

When we’re craving Italian food, this is usually our first choice. Nestled among the shops on the south end of Gatlinburg, Best Italian offers delicious pizza, pasta, garlic rolls, and a relaxed atmosphere. After a day of walking around town, or after returning from a scenic drive in park, Best Italian is a great stop for dinner.

• The Old Mill Restaurant (Pigeon Forge)

No list of Smoky Mountain favorites would be complete without The Old Mill. The historic setting, Southern cooking, homemade breads, and old-fashioned charm make this one of the most iconic dining experiences in the region. We especially enjoy introducing first-time visitors to this Smoky Mountain tradition.

• Owens Restaurant (Dandridge)

Located in Tennessee’s second-oldest town, Owens Restaurant offers excellent food in a comfortable setting. Their lunch menu includes daily “meat and three” specials. They also feature multiple flavors of fried pies in addition to other desserts. Owens may not receive as much attention as some of the restaurants in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, but that’s part of its appeal. It’s one of those places that locals know and visitors are glad they discovered.

• Captain’s Galley Seafood Restaurant (Dandridge)

Whenever we’re in the mood for seafood, Captain’s Galley is a dependable choice. The portions are generous, the food is consistently good, and the atmosphere is welcoming. We could make meal just off the basket of homemade hushpuppies they bring to every table upon your arrival. Captain’s Galley has become one of our regular stops when we’re passing through Dandridge.

• The Peddler Steakhouse (Gatlinburg)

For a special meal, it’s hard to beat The Peddler. The riverside location, outstanding steaks, and excellent service make it one of Gatlinburg’s signature restaurants. Their salad bar is bountiful and their bread is served hot out of the oven. It remains one of our favorite places to celebrate a special occasion.

• Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant (Sevierville)

Applewood combines great food with a unique experience. Every meal begins with their famous apple fritters and apple butter. The country atmosphere and consistent quality keep us coming back year after year.

• Mel’s Diner (Pigeon Forge)

Sometimes you’re simply looking for comfort food and nostalgia. Mel’s Diner delivers both. The classic diner atmosphere, burgers, sandwiches, and milkshakes make it a fun place to enjoy a casual meal.

• El Paso Mexican Restaurant (Sevierville)

When Mexican food is on the menu, El Paso is one of our favorite choices. The service is friendly, the portions are generous, and the menu offers something for everyone. I tend to favor their fiesta fajitas.

• The Diner (Sevierville)

The Diner has become another of our favorite stops. The extensive menu means everyone can find something they enjoy, and the classic diner-style atmosphere makes for a relaxed and enjoyable meal. Their daily special might include a specialty burger, a spaghetti platter, or fish and chips.

Part of the joy of traveling is discovering great places to eat. While there are certainly many excellent restaurants throughout the Smoky Mountain region, these ten are just a few of our personal favorites over the years.

What we appreciate most isn’t just the food. It’s the friendly faces, warm hospitality, and local character that make each visit memorable. After more than forty years of visiting the Smokies, we’ve learned that some of the best vacation memories are made around the table.

And who knows? Perhaps on our next trip we’ll discover a new favorite to add to the list.