Seafood Restaurants in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

You might not expect world-class seafood in the mountains, but Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge deliver — from daily-fresh raw bars and river-view patios to hands-on Cajun boils piled high with crab and shrimp. Here are six of the best seafood restaurants in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

1. Chesapeake's Seafood and Raw Bar

Chesapeake's in Gatlinburg is the upscale choice, with seafood flown in fresh daily and a heated patio overlooking the river. It's the spot for a romantic dinner or special occasion — start with crab-stuffed mushrooms, fried calamari, or seared ahi tuna, then move to oysters, live Maine lobster, or crab cakes. The signature steamed seafood feast comes loaded with lobster, mussels, Maryland spiced shrimp, clams, and oysters. There's a raw bar, a private wine cellar, and steak and chicken entrées for non-seafood eaters, plus brunch, lunch, and dinner service.

2. Harpoon Harry's Crab House

Harpoon Harry's on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge bills itself as "seafood with a twist" — seafood, sushi, steaks, and spirits under one roof. Sample trout, salmon, scallops, and crab, or dive into the sushi menu, which offers a wide array of both cooked and raw rolls. The upper-level "truck bar" has great views, and there's indoor/outdoor patio seating overlooking the river in the heart of Pigeon Forge. Chilled seafood towers are a popular centerpiece for groups.

3. Storming Crab

For an authentic Cajun seafood boil, Storming Crab on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge (next to Island Drive) is the messy, hands-on option — and a newer arrival that quickly became a local favorite. Snow crab legs, crawfish, shrimp, mussels, and lobster come tossed in bold house Cajun seasonings and served by the bag for the whole table. There are combo platters, classic fried baskets, and plenty of sides, with a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Bring your appetite and expect to make a mess — that's the point. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

4. Bullfish Grill

Bullfish Grill in Pigeon Forge stands out for its commitment to freshness — it partners with suppliers who deliver seafood multiple times a week, so nothing sits around losing flavor. The atmosphere is more mature and relaxed than the tourist bustle, working equally well for a business dinner or a romantic evening. Beyond seafood, the menu spans steaks and American fare, making it a versatile choice for mixed groups.

5. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Yes, it's a chain — but Bubba Gump delivers consistent quality and a genuinely fun, family-friendly atmosphere themed around the movie Forrest Gump. There are two area locations: one in downtown Gatlinburg (762 Parkway) and one with rooftop dining and mountain views at The Island in Pigeon Forge. Shrimp headlines the menu prepared a dozen ways — coconut shrimp, shrimp mac and cheese, Forrest's Seafood Feast — alongside mahi mahi, salmon, and a kids' menu. Servers run Forrest Gump movie trivia at the table, which younger guests love.

6. Captain Jim's Seafood Buffet

For all-you-can-eat, Captain Jim's Seafood Buffet on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge is a rarity in the area — a genuine seafood buffet. Load up on crab legs, shrimp, and a wide spread of fresh and fried options without a long wait, and you won't leave hungry. It's the pick for big appetites and families who want variety and value in one stop.

Tips for seafood dining in the Smokies

A few things worth knowing. For the freshest experience, the spots that fly in or take daily deliveries — Chesapeake's, Bullfish Grill, Storming Crab — are your best bets. Reserve ahead at Chesapeake's for weekends and special occasions; the buffet and boil spots (Captain Jim's, Storming Crab) are more walk-in friendly. For a river view, Chesapeake's and Harpoon Harry's both deliver. And for a hands-on family night, the Cajun boil at Storming Crab or the movie-themed fun at Bubba Gump are the crowd-pleasers with kids.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best seafood restaurant in Gatlinburg?

For upscale dining, Chesapeake's Seafood and Raw Bar is widely considered the top seafood spot in Gatlinburg — fresh seafood flown in daily, a raw bar, live Maine lobster, and a river-view patio. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is the family-friendly favorite in town. In Pigeon Forge, Harpoon Harry's, Bullfish Grill, and Storming Crab lead the list.

Where can I get a seafood boil in Pigeon Forge?

Storming Crab at 2794 Parkway specializes in authentic Cajun seafood boils — snow crab, crawfish, shrimp, and lobster tossed in bold seasonings and served by the bag. It's a hands-on, messy, family-friendly experience. Harpoon Harry's and Bullfish Grill also offer boil-style and Low Country options.