I came here for the pasta, but I’m not mad that the pizza upstaged everything. Sure, I found real Italian subs with pasta salad and thick, saucy burgers that beat sad noodles any day.

Gatlinburg traffic will test your soul, but these kitchens rarely miss. Some spots nail the sauce, others nail the crust, and a few will even bring you a masterpiece in a basement.

One place even redeemed itself after a botched order. The list below is your carb-loading road map.

Pizzeria of Gatlinburg

Look, I came here for pasta because that's my whole deal right now, but the pizza stole the show. I'm not mad about it. The thing wasn't greasy at all, which in Gatlinburg feels like a miracle. The wings were crispy and fully dressed, not those sad little half-naked things. The staff treated me like I'd known them for years, which made the whole stop feel less like tourism and more like hanging out. Ingredients tasted actually fresh, not like they'd been sitting in a cooler since last season. So yeah, it's worth pulling over. Just don't blame me if you forget about the spaghetti.

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Best Italian on the Parkway

I'll be brutally honest, because that's what we do here. The pasta at Best Italian on the Parkway is mediocre at best. I'm talking sad noodles that feel like they gave up halfway through. But here's the kicker: the burgers are genuinely good. I know, I know. You came for Italian, and I'm telling you to get the beef. The manicotti was the only pasta that won me over, while the Alfredo was a watery disappointment. You'll wait in line and pay extra for the privilege of feeling meh. Cool spot though. Just manage your expectations and maybe order the burger.

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Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria in Elks Plaza

This place had me at the pasta display. It actually looked like someone cared about the noodles, not just throwing them at a wall. The staff were lovely, and the location in Elks Plaza is fantastic for people-watching. I had a bit of a hiccup with my order, but they handled it with so much grace that I almost felt bad for being grumpy. The New York style pizza is legit, with that perfect fold-and-drip thing going on. And the marinara sauce? Worth trying just on a spoon, if you're weird like me. The pasta looked genuinely promising, so I'm giving them points for that.

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Josef's Deli

Josef's Deli is a different beast entirely. I walked in expecting a quick sandwich, but the Italian sub with pasta salad grabbed me by the collar. It was fresh, flavorful, and perfectly balanced, like someone actually tasted it before serving. The hot food was hot, which is rarer than you'd think. The owner himself brought the food to my table, which was a nice touch that made me feel like a regular, not a tourist. Service was friendly without being fake. If you're tired of heavy cream sauces and want something lighter, this is your move. I'd go back just for that sub.

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New York Pizza & Pasta

The smell lured us downstairs before we even saw the sign. That's a good sign, right? New York Pizza & Pasta delivered quick service, which I appreciated because I was hangry. The crust was thin, crispy, and actually tasted like something, not just cardboard with sauce. The pizza came out hot, with great flavor that hit the spot. The kids running the show were surprisingly on top of things, so no complaints there. It's worth stopping, even if you're skeptical about a basement joint. The pasta was fine, but honestly, the pizza is the reason to come. Just follow your nose.

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