Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria
Gatlinburg, Tennessee · Serving the Parkway since 1976
New York-style Italian from a from-scratch kitchen, two locations on the Parkway, and the garlic rolls that keep people coming back year after year.
Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria has served New York-style Italian food on the Gatlinburg Parkway since 1976. With a from-scratch kitchen, two downtown locations, and a full bar at the original, it's an easy pick for families and groups looking for Italian restaurants in Gatlinburg, and the garlic rolls are reason enough to stop.
The Original: 968 Parkway, Suite 9 (Elk's Plaza) · (865) 430-4090
The Express: 710 Parkway · (865) 436-4345
Serving Gatlinburg since 1976
Pizza, pasta, calzones, and famous garlic rolls
Two locations
The Original, Elk's Plaza
The full sit-down restaurant at 968 Parkway, Suite 9, with the complete menu, a full bar with cocktails, wine, and draft beer, plus takeout and catering.
The Express
A quicker stop at 710 Parkway, ideal for a slice or a to-go order in the middle of a busy day. There's no full bar at this location.
Both are open daily from late morning into the evening, with later hours on weekends. Hours vary by season, so check bestitalian.com before you go.
The food
Garlic rolls
Made fresh every day, baked golden, and topped with olive oil, fresh garlic, Parmesan, Romano, and herbs. Whatever else you order, start here.
Pasta and Italian classics
From fettuccine alfredo and spaghetti to chicken marsala, chicken piccata, and other house specialties, with sauces made in the kitchen daily.
Pizza and calzones
New York-style hand-tossed pizza in several sizes, specialty pies, a build-your-own option with dozens of toppings, a cauliflower crust, and calzones.
For everyone
Wings, salads, and a kids menu round out the menu.
See the full current menu at bestitalian.com.
The bar
The Original in Elk's Plaza has a full bar with a rotating cocktail list built around Italian spirits and flavors, plus wine and draft beer. It's a relaxed place for a drink before or after dinner.
Good to know
Families welcome — the menu has something for everyone, and there's a kids menu.
Takeout and catering — order pizza and pasta to go for a cabin night, or ask the Original about catering for a group.
Walk-in friendly — reservations aren't usually needed, but expect a wait at peak dinner times on busy weekends.
More Italian and pizza in Gatlinburg
For wood-fired pizza, try Big Daddy's Pizzeria on River Road, or Mellow Mushroom downtown. See our guides to the best pizza in Gatlinburg, Italian restaurants in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, and all Gatlinburg restaurants.
Nearby
The Original sits in Elk's Plaza, the same complex as Alibi Speakeasy, so dinner and a nightcap are just steps apart. Nearby, explore Ripley's Haunted Adventure and Hollywood Star Cars Museum. See all things to do in Gatlinburg.
Frequently asked questions
How long has Best Italian been open?
Since 1976.
What's the difference between the two locations?
The Original in Elk's Plaza is the full sit-down restaurant with a bar. The Express on the Parkway is quicker, for slices and to-go orders.
Is there a full bar?
Yes, at the Original in Elk's Plaza. The Express doesn't have a full bar.
Is there a gluten-free option?
A cauliflower crust is available for pizza. Ask your server about other options.
Do they offer takeout and catering?
Yes. Both locations offer takeout, and the Original offers catering.
Is it good for families?
Yes. There's a kids menu and plenty of pizza and pasta to please everyone.
Order pizza for a cabin night in one of our family cabins, or stay close to the Parkway with our Gatlinburg cabins. Book direct and the Stay & Play Pass includes free attraction tickets for every paid night.