The Best Italian Café and Pizzeria: a Gatlinburg Hidden Gem

Best Italian Café & Pizzeria: A Gatlinburg Favorite Since 1976

Tucked away just off the Parkway in Gatlinburg, Best Italian Café & Pizzeria has built a loyal following over the decades, thanks to its commitment to traditional Italian fare and welcoming atmosphere. Established in 1976, this long-standing eatery is a go-to destination for locals and returning visitors seeking authentic flavors and satisfying meals.

Authentic Italian Cuisine, Crafted with Care

Best Italian focuses on time-honored recipes that celebrate classic Italian cooking. The menu is filled with familiar favorites, each prepared with attention to detail and a dedication to fresh ingredients. Signature dishes include the renowned garlic rolls—baked to a golden crisp and finished with garlic, herbs, cheese, and olive oil—and the hearty Eggplant Parmesan, layered with mozzarella and finished with rich tomato sauce and Parmesan.

Every dish reflects the kitchen’s passion for traditional techniques and bold flavors. From creamy fettuccine Alfredo to stuffed shells, spaghetti with meatballs, or tender calamari with marinara, each item showcases why Best Italian continues to earn its place as a local institution.

A Local Treasure, Slightly Off the Beaten Path

Located in the Elks Plaza shopping center, Best Italian is a bit removed from the high-traffic Parkway corridor, offering a peaceful alternative to the more tourist-heavy dining spots. The setting is cozy and casual, ideal for relaxed meals with family and friends. A back patio overlooking a nearby creek adds to the charm, offering a quiet retreat from the bustle of downtown Gatlinburg.

This slightly hidden location contributes to its appeal. While not as visible as other restaurants in town, those in the know—especially long-time visitors and locals—make it a point to return year after year.

From Antipasti to Pizza: A Full Italian Experience

Whether you’re in the mood for a shareable appetizer, a hearty pasta dish, or a perfectly cooked pizza, Best Italian delivers on all fronts. The menu is designed to please a wide range of tastes, with options for every appetite. The thin-crust, New York-style pizzas and oversized calzones have become customer favorites, ideal for groups or a laid-back dinner.

No matter what you choose, you’ll find the food flavorful, the portions generous, and the atmosphere welcoming—true to the spirit of a neighborhood Italian kitchen.

Visitor Information

Best Italian Café & Pizzeria is open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM (until 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays). You’ll find it between traffic lights #9 and #10 in Gatlinburg, across from the aerial tramway.

Best Italian Café & Pizzeria
968 Parkway, Suite 9, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Phone: (865) 430-4090
Website: www.bestitalian.com