Fancy Dinner
2 Options Across the Smokies
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Food / Fine Dining
The Smokies have a serious upscale dining scene hiding among the tourist staples. The Peddler Steakhouse has been serving prime steak above a rushing creek in Gatlinburg since 1976. The Wild Plum Room, Greenleaf Grill, and newer farm-to-table spots round out a menu that surprises first-timers.
Year-round. Fall is peak reservation season as foliage draws large crowds. December through February is the best time for walk-in availability at most upscale spots.
Reservations. It is worth calling to confirm even if you booked online. A flexible attitude about parking, which can be tight near Gatlinburg strip restaurants.
The most popular upscale restaurants in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge require reservations, especially on weekend evenings during summer and fall. OpenTable and direct restaurant websites book out weeks ahead in peak season.
Smokies upscale is smart casual rather than black tie. Clean jeans and a button-down are appropriate at The Peddler. Some newer spots are more fashion-forward. Check the restaurant website before choosing your outfit.
Many restaurants in the corridor source locally when possible. Mountain trout, regional produce, and seasonal game specials rotate frequently. Ask your server what is fresh that week.
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Insider Tips
Getting There and Parking
The Peddler is at 820 River Rd, Gatlinburg, just off the main strip with a parking lot. Local Goat is at the Island complex in Pigeon Forge. Wild Plum Room is at 555 Park Way in the heart of Gatlinburg. Valet is available at some restaurants during peak season.
The Peddler over a rushing creek with a fireplace is one of the most romantic dinner settings in the Southeast. Request the creek-side tables when booking.
Let your server know if you're celebrating when you book. Most upscale Gatlinburg restaurants will make small accommodations for birthdays and anniversaries.
Groups of 8 or more should call ahead rather than booking online. Private dining rooms are available at some restaurants for groups of 10-20. Ask when you call.
The Peddler Steakhouse is consistently considered the flagship fine dining experience in Gatlinburg. It has been operating since 1976 and is famous for hand-cut steaks and a legendary salad bar.
Yes. Several newer restaurants source locally, including from regional farms and mountain trout fisheries. Local Goat and some Asheville-influenced spots in the corridor lean into regional ingredients.
The hand-cut steaks are the headliner. The salad bar is an institution and comes with your entree. The prime rib is a close second to the steak. Ask about seasonal specials.
No formal dress codes, but smart casual is appropriate and expected. The atmosphere at places like The Peddler is polished enough that flip flops and tank tops stand out.
Most upscale restaurants in the corridor have vegetarian entrees. Fully vegan fine dining is more limited but possible at creative menu spots. Call ahead to ask about current options.
The Smokies dining scene is more about mountain stream and forest settings than panoramic views. The Peddler's creek-side setting is the most iconic natural backdrop for dinner in the corridor.
Dinner at The Peddler, then back to a hot tub under the stars. Vantage luxury cabins for groups who know what a good evening looks like.
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