Dining in the Great Smoky Mountains

Where to eat in the nc smoky mountainsIn the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, you will find many delicious dining experiences. After a full day exploring nature on horseback,  playing 18 holes of golf, or whatever adventure excites you, you’re sure to be ready for great food and drink – and the area’s dining choices will not disappoint!

Casual Dining, International Flare, or Authentic Cherokee Cuisine

The many small towns in the Great Smoky Mountains all have a variety of foods – and dining experiences – to choose from. You’ll find local breweries, Southern style food, international eateries, and even authentic Cherokee cuisine!

The local food movement is thriving throughout the region. Chef-owned, cozy venues can be found in almost every small town. Find fine dining at its best for a romantic dinner out or a family-filled evening.

Explore Your Dining Options

Dining in the Great Smoky Mountains is an adventure itself, and there are plenty of options for unique, delicious plates. No matter what you’re craving, you’ll be sending your compliments to the chef after just one bite. End your excursion-filled day with a relaxing meal.

Asian King Buffet Sushi Bar & Chineses Cuisine
The Asian King Chinese & Sushi Buffet is located in the new Walmart plaza just off of 64. As indicated by the name, the restaurant is primarily a Chinese and sushi buffet. There are a number of traditional Chinese buffet selections, including offerings such as lo mein, sesame chicken, steamed dumplings , egg rolls and sugar donuts. There is also an ever fresh selection of a variety of sushi & sashimi on the sushi bar. In addition to the buffet selections, Asian King also offers a full menu featuring numerous Chinese favorites, tempura and sushi. It opened its doors for the first time on January 23,2013 and, in the time it has been open, has quickly become a favorite of local diners. The restaurant is owned by John Huang, who has over 14 years experience as a restaurateur.
109 Commons Drive Franklin, NC 28734 (828) 349-9800 asianking1.com Get Directions
Carlotta's French Market
New Orleans-style snoballs, po-boys and treats; fun for the whole family. Open Tuesday thru Saturday. Convenient location right on Hwy 64.
146 Hwy 64 West Hayesville, NC 28904 (828) 415-0909 facebook.com/carlottashayesville Get Directions
Chefs Stage Buffet
Offering seven stations - Italian, Mexican, Asian, Comfort Food, BBQ, Soup & Salad Bar and Desserts!
777 Casino Drive Cherokee, NC 28719 (828) 497-7777 www.harrahs.com Get Directions
City Lights Cafe
Crepes, paninis, soups/salads, pasta, coffee, espresso, beer, wine, organic, gluten-free, vegetarian, free Wi-Fi, outdoor dining.
3 E. Jackson Street Sylva, NC 28779 (828) 587-2233 www.citylightscafe.com Get Directions
Cleaver's
Traditional and unusual burgers! Cooked to order, hand pattied, busting with flavor! We offer Cleaver's Signature Burgers and Custom Burgers! Beef, Brison, Elk, Ostrich, Veggie and more!
349 Westgate Plaza Franklin, NC 28734 (828) 634-7247 www.cleavers.kitchen Get Directions
Cupboard Cafe & Gifts
Open daily
  • Fresh Desserts
  • Fresh Biscuits
  • Salad Bar
  • Coffee Bar
  • Gift Shop
7388 Hwy 441 Dillard, GA 30537 (706) 746-5700 www.dillardgeorgia.com/cupboard-cafe Get Directions
Dragon's Den Pub & Grill
Offering six specialty burgers, a daily deli, homemade desserts & much more. Beer on tap! Breakfast starting at 8am every morning, considered by many to be the best there is in the area. Lunch starts by 11am, serving our famous dragon burger, chicken, BBQ, sandwiches, many more items, along with daily specials.
17548 Tapoco Rd Robbinsville, NC 28771 (828) 498-2231 dealsgap.com Get Directions
Fat Buddies Ribs and BBQ of Franklin
Fat Buddies Restaurants offer the best family atmosphere and excellent BBQ favorites and specialty dishes. Savor a taste of real Southern BBQ and home made desserts in two smoke free location in Franklin and Waynesville from 11-9 p.m. Monday thru Saturdays. Closed on Sundays, Christmas and Thanksgiving.
311 Westgate Plaza Franklin, NC 28734 (828) 349-4743 www.fatbuddiesribsandbbq.com Get Directions
Fat Buddies Ribs and BBQ of Waynesville
Fat Buddies Restaurants offer the best family atmosphere and excellent BBQ favorites and specialty dishes. Savor a taste of real Southern BBQ and home made desserts in two smoke free location in Franklin and Waynesville from 11-9 p.m. Monday thru Saturdays. Closed on Sundays, Christmas and Thanksgiving.
193 Waynesville Plaza Waynesville, NC 28786 (828) 456-6368 www.fatbuddiesribsandbbq.com Get Directions
Fryemont Inn
Full country breakfast, four-course dinners. Prime rib, lamb & trout, full bar, fine wines.
245 Fryemont Street Bryson City, NC 28713 (828) 488-2159 www.fryemontinn.com Get Directions
Gazebo Creekside Cafe
Gazebo Creekside cafe is where the locals eat. Enjoy outdoor dining. Enjoy good food and relax by the creekside. Listen to the birds and babbling creek.
44 Heritage Hollow Franklin, NC 28734 (828) 524-8783 www.gazebocreeksidecafe.com Get Directions
Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel
Food Court: Nathan's Famous, Panda Express, Earl of Sandwich, Papa John's Pizza, Starbucks
777 Casino Parkway Murphy, NC 28906 (828) 422-7777 www.caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee-valley-river Get Directions
Fudge, Chocolates & Coffee! Come in for a free taste! The legend of the Heavenly Fudge began in 1976. We use only the finest ingredients, cooked in large copper kettles, and turned on large marble slab tables, made with lots of love and work. Our Chocolatiers, still hand dip each chocolate to perfection - come see them at work. Need a coffee boost, try our cappuccino and espresso bar, along with our traditional fresh brewed coffee. Novelty candies & lots more!
27 Big Cove Road Cherokee, NC 28719 (828) 497-7367 Get Directions
Heavenly Fudge Depot & Shoppe
Fudge, Chocolates & Coffee! Come in for a free taste! The legend of the Heavenly Fudge began in 1976. We use only the finest ingredients, cooked in large copper kettles, and turned on large marble slab tables, made with lots of love and work. Our Chocolatiers, still hand dip each chocolate to perfection - come see them at work. Need a coffee boost, try our cappuccino and espresso bar, along with our traditional fresh brewed coffee. Novelty candies & lots more!
225 C Everett Street Bryson City, NC 28713 (828) 488-4447 fudgedepot.com Get Directions
Honeysuckle Bakehouse
Bakery that offers everything made from scratch. We are known for our handmade croissants. We offer breakfast and lunch. Lunch includes chicken salad croissants, soup, quiche, etc.
28 East Main Street Franklin, NC 28734 (828) 527-0064 www.honeysucklebakehouse.com Get Directions
Hoppy Trout Brewing Company
Brick oven pizza, salads, sandwiches along with our craft brews.
911 Main Street Andrews, NC 28901 (828) 835-2111 hoppytroutbrewing.com Get Directions
Jack the Dipper - Franklin
Home of the Warm Waffle Cone! A Family-Favorite Ice Cream Store next to the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts & Fun City! We are an old fashioned hand-dipped ice cream emporium. Made to order warm waffle cones (vanilla, chocolate or cinnamon). Cones, sundaes, shakes, malts, and banana splits. Also, available is "made to order ice cream cakes". Please call at least 72 hours in advance of the pick-up to order the ice cream cakes. Varying sizes, shapes and layers. Eat In, Eat Outdoors or Order To Go!
1024 Georgia Road Franklin, NC 28734 (828) 349-5798 www.jackthedipper.com Get Directions
Jack the Dipper - Sylva
Home of the Warm Waffle Cone! A Family-Favorite Ice Cream Store near the Quin Theater. We are an old fashioned hand-dipped ice cream emporium. Made to order warm waffle cones (vanilla, chocolate or cinnamon). Cones, sundaes, shakes, malts, and banana splits. We also make made to order ice cream cakes. Please call at least 72 hours in advance of the pick-up to order the cakes. Varying sizes, shapes and layers. Eat In, Eat Outdoors or Order To Go!
280 Asheville Hwy/Ste. 4 Sylva, NC 28779 (828) 586-9441 jackthedipper.com Get Directions
Jack the Dipper - Waynesville
Home of the Warm Waffle Cone! A Family-Favorite Ice Cream Store next to Staples & Fat Buddies We are an old fashioned hand-dipped ice cream emporium. Made to order warm waffle cones (vanilla, chocolate or cinnamon). Cones, sundaes, shakes, malts, and banana splits. Eat In or Outside, Order to Go, Drivethru Window
76 Waynesville Plaza Waynesville, NC 28786 (828) 246-9766 jackthedipper.com Get Directions
Johnny Rockets
Looking for a place to grab a quick bite and get back to the hot action of the casino floor? Johnny Rockets brings a great American taste to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort with breakfast sandwiches, classic burgers and fries and famous milkshakes! Located off the casino floor, in the food court.
777 Casino Parkway Cherokee, NC 28719 (828) 497-7777 harrahscherokee.com Get Directions
Las Margaritas
Authentic Mexican Restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. Adult beverages served as well as kids menu. Pets are welcomed at our outdoor patio seating. Call ahead for a large group reservation open 7 days a week from 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. . We are located beside the courthouse on Iotla Street. 828-369-2021
24 Iotla Street Franklin, NC 28734 (828) 369-2021 Get Directions
Lulu's On Main
Lulu's Cafe is a delectable surprise for travelers visiting the Great Smoky Mountains and a home away from home for those who live there. Nestled in the heart of Main Street in Sylva, Lulu's offers a varied and imaginatively prepared menu. Eclectic ethnic dining - hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, pasta and vegetarian dishes, served lunch and dinner hours Monday thru Saturday. Lulu's maintains a reputation of folks going out of their way to stop and grab a bite to eat on vacation. A travel article featured in Southern Living declared "Lulu's is our favorite restaurant in the region." And a travel article featured in Fodor's covered it all by stating "If you need a break from the Smoky's traditional trout, ham, and gravy food groups, this American gourmet diner is considered by many locals as the region's finest restaurant." Covered Outdoor Seating!
678 W Main St Sylva, NC 28779 (828) 586-8989 www.lulusonmain.com Get Directions
MountView Bistro-Fontana Resort
The Mountview Restaurant at the Fontana Village Resort sits atop our western valley and provides you with great food and an amazing view of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Enjoy a great meal in an elegant, relaxing atmosphere to share stories of the day’s catch, wildlife seen on your hike, and the many other highlights of your Smoky Mountain vacation. The Mountview in the Fontana Lodge offers a savory menu featuring the freshest local vegetables and meats, baked goods, and desserts plated to perfection. Ask about the ever-changing selection of beautiful main courses.
300 Woods Road Fontana Dam, NC 28733 (828) 498-2115 fontanavillage.com Get Directions
Pizzeria UNO Express
Pizzeria UNO Express at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort offers hand-crafted thin crust pizzas and calzones and fresh pasta dishes! Come in for a hot bite of Italian favorites, located off the casino floor, in the food court
777 Casino Parkway Cherokee, NC 28719 (828) 497-7777 harrahscherokee.com Get Directions
Pop-N-Jacks Gourmet Popcorn
We provide over 40 delectable popcorn flavors made from scratch right inside our store. All the popcorn in our store is available for FREE sampling; try before you buy it! Our slogan say's it best; if you haven't tried POP-N-JACKS gourmet popcorn, you don't know Jack.
225-B Everett Street Bryson City, NC 28713-6405 (828) 620-3931 www.pop-n-jacks.com Get Directions
River's End Restaurant
At River's End Restaurant located at Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City, guests enjoy great meals and river views. Choose from hearty soups, filling specialty sandwiches and delicious entrees. Stop in and experience the friendly service in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge!
13077 Hwy 19 W Bryson City, NC 28713 (828) 488-7172 www.noc.com Get Directions
Ruth's Chris Steak House
This classic steakhouse brings a restaurant experience characterized by the restaurant’s renowned quality steaks and signature menu items like USDA Prime steaks served in Ruth’s Chris’s signature style, broiled at 1800° and served sizzling on a 500° plate. Complementing the restaurant’s popular steak offerings are New Orleans inspired menu items and signature Ruth’s Chris seafood selections. Ruth Chris Steak House’s world-class wine list features over 225 selections, and this steakhouse’s vibrant list of premium wines by the glass will delight any wine enthusiast. Located just off the Rotunda at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Ruth’s Chris is your spot to enjoy the perfect night out.
777 Casino Drive Cherokee, NC 28719 (828) 497-7777 www.harrahscherokee.com Get Directions
Sakura Japanese Restaurant
Japanese steak house & sushi bar. Including patio seating, full bar and hibachi grill. Japanese, Sushi, Asian, vegetarian, vegan, seafood, sashimi, fresh, hibachi, allergy-friendly, draft beer, wine, sake, teriyaki, kid-friendly
57 Highlands Road Franklin, NC 28734 (828) 349-8917 www.sakurafranklinnc.com Get Directions
Selu Garden Cafe
Selu Garden Cafe offering hearty breakfasts with daily lunch and dinner specials for your enjoyment.
777 Casino Dr Cherokee, NC 28719 (828) 497-8462 www.harrahscherokee.com Get Directions
Do you want to grab some authentic Thai - Bangkok Style cuisine? Then this is the place to eat! Not only will you enjoy some great food but you will also be greeted by our friendly staff, so come on in, let us feed you!
8507 Georgia Road Otto, NC 28763 (828) 369-9324 Get Directions
Sunset Restaurant
Franklin's oldest eating establishment - family owned since 1955. Enjoy your old fashioned favorites and good home cooking- family style dining and curbside service to go. Open Monday thru Saturdays 6 am to 8 pm Closed on Sunday and some holidays
498 Harrison Ave Franklin, NC 28734 (828) 524-4842 facebook.com/SunsetRestaurantNC Get Directions
Tapoco Tavern
Perched on the banks of the world famous Cheoah River. Order up a brick oven pizza for the family or indulge in the house favorite, “The Dam Drink” from our full-service outdoor bar. From steaks, burgers, salads, hummus, and local Carolina Mountain trout, there’s something for everyone. Dine inside or relax at the outdoor riverfront tables. Private room available for groups. Open daily from 11am - Close.
14981 Tapoco Road Robbinsville, NC 28771 (828) 498-2800 www.tapoco.com Get Directions
The Copper Door
Fine Dining in Hayesville, NC Acclaimed by critics and guests alike, The Copper Door features dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood and a well-chosen selection of quality wines. The Copper Door offers guests a warm, inviting dining room, a romantic patio with a courtyard, and a full bar. Join us for dinner Monday through Saturday evenings – and don’t miss Prime Rib Wednesdays! We also offer wine pairing diners throughout the year – join our email club to stay informed!
2 Sullivan Street Hayesville, NC 28904 (828) 389-8460 thecopperdoor.com Get Directions
Wildwood Grill
Located in the center of the Fontana Village Resort, the Wildwood Grill offers a warm and charming ambience, wonderful food, and friendly service. Whether you dine on the lively patio or settle into a cozy table inside, the Wildwood Grill delivers an unequaled mountain view with music, food, and great friends!Bring the amazing food of the Grill to your camping hotspot by calling for take-out pizza and more tasty snacks!
300 Woods Road Fontana Dam, NC 28733 (828) 498-2211 fontanavillage.com Get Directions