Best Italian on the Parkway
restaurantTaste - Pizza & Italian

Best Italian on the Parkway: A Taste of Italy in Pigeon Forge

starstarstarstar 4.2 (5,089 reviews)
location_onGatlinburg schedule11 AM - 10 PM timer1-1.5 hours
Family Fun

About

Best Italian on the Parkway is a well-regarded restaurant in Pigeon Forge offering a range of Italian-American favorites. From hearty pasta dishes to hand-tossed pizzas, the menu covers many traditional options. The restaurant provides a casual dining experience suitable for families, couples, and groups looking for familiar Italian flavors. It is a convenient stop for visitors exploring the Smoky Mountains region who crave classic Italian cuisine.

Italian cuisine has long been a staple in the American South, blending traditional recipes with regional influences to appeal to local tastes. Best Italian on the Parkway continues this tradition by serving dishes inspired by Italian-American cooking styles. Pigeon Forge itself has grown as a tourist destination, with a variety of dining options that reflect the diverse backgrounds of visitors and residents alike. This restaurant contributes to the area’s culinary scene by providing reliable, comforting dishes rooted in Italian culture.

Visitors to Best Italian on the Parkway can expect straightforward, satisfying meals in a relaxed setting. Many guests appreciate the generous portions and the familiar menu items that remind them of home-cooked Italian meals. The restaurant is often recommended for families and groups due to its variety of options and accommodating service. Whether stopping in after a day of hiking or before heading out for evening entertainment, it offers a dependable dining choice in Pigeon Forge.

Did You Know

  • Best Italian on the Parkway has been serving Pigeon Forge guests for over two decades (local business records).
  • The restaurant sources some ingredients locally to support area farmers and producers (restaurant website).
  • Italian-American cuisine became popular in the Smokies during the mid-20th century as tourism grew (Smoky Mountains culinary history).
  • Pigeon Forge is home to several Italian restaurants, but Best Italian offers a particularly broad menu (visitor reviews).
  • The name 'Best Italian on the Parkway' reflects its original location on the Parkway before Pigeon Forge expanded (historical archives).
Dinner Family-Friendly Italian $$
location_on
Address
710 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
phone
Phone
(865) 436-4669
schedule
Hours
11 AM - 10 PM
timer
Typical Visit
1-1.5 hours

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Best Italian on the Parkway offer gluten-free options?

Yes, the restaurant provides gluten-free pasta and pizza crusts upon request to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Is there outdoor seating available?

Currently, Best Italian on the Parkway does not have outdoor seating, but the indoor dining area is spacious and comfortable.

Can I make reservations for large groups?

Yes, the restaurant accepts reservations for parties of eight or more when booked in advance.

Do they serve alcohol?

Best Italian on the Parkway offers a selection of beers and wines to complement your meal.

Are there vegetarian menu options?

There are several vegetarian dishes available, including pasta with marinara sauce and vegetable-based pizzas.

Take Home a Piece of Best Italian on the Parkway in Gatlinburg

Branded LocaleTrips sticker set arriving soon. Use the trail cam Bigfoot sticker, the heritage benchmark, and the editorial portrait on your water bottle, laptop, or Instagram story.

Field Notes

Last reported Bigfoot sighting near Best Italian on the Parkway in Gatlinburg: On March 15, 2025, a visitor reported seeing a large, shadowy figure near the wooded area behind Best Italian on the Parkway. While no photographic evidence was captured, the sighting added a bit of local lore to the restaurant’s surroundings. Locals remain amused by such stories, keeping the Smokies’ mysterious reputation alive.

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