Valentine’s Day Dining in the Smoky Mountains

Romantic Restaurants in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville

Valentine’s Day in the Great Smoky Mountains is absolutely perfect for lovers of all ages. There is no more romantic setting than here in God’s Country and no place better suited than the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville communities to host couples who want to make a wonderful memory together.

During the day, there are so many relaxing options for time alone together, including coffee in a local shop, bundling up to walk a secluded trail in the mountains, or taking a bike ride in Cades Cove. At night, the area really comes alive. With a little planning, you’ll have a Valentine’s night for the family history books! Start immediately after dark with a walk through the Anakeesta Astra Lumina feature. (You’ll need to buy tickets, and can do so in advance at www.anakeesta.com if you choose.) You’ll be immersed in a sweeping light show designed to make you feel as if you are walking among the stars! You can then eat dinner right up there on the mountain at Anakeesta’s Smokehouse Restaurant.

If you’d rather eat down in Gatlinburg, have we got the place for you! Jason Aldean’s Kitchen and Rooftop Bar features live music and a wonderfully diverse menu, from chicken and a waffle to prime top sirloin. You’ll have so much fun, you’ll forget everything you were concerned about in your everyday life as you focus on your significant other. If a little quieter venue suits your taste, make reservations at Red Oak Bistro & Caffe, also in Gatlinburg. An excellent wine menu pairs well with sophisticated foods that will satisfy. You can get champagne to toast your loved one if you like!

No article discussing fine dining in the Smokies would be complete without a mention of The Greenbrier Restaurant in Gatlinburg. This wonderful restaurant has everything from salmon, beef, venison, lamb, and duck to chicken and beyond (fabulous sides and appetizers too). The steaks are legendary.  Call ahead to get a table reserved.

Down in Pigeon Forge you will find a gem of a restaurant for your romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. Gaucho Urbano Brazilian Steakhouse has beef, lamb, chicken, pork and so much more arranged in dishes that are meant to draw you back to the restaurant again and again. You’ll definitely need a reservation for this popular venue. If you and your significant other are drawn to southern comfort food, head into the Old Mill Restaurant and grab a table overlooking the Pigeon River. After a full day of fun in the Smokies, hold hands across the table as your mouths water at the scents of good home cooking wafting through the comfortable atmosphere.

If you crave farm-to-table food prepared in a sophisticated and mouth-watering manner for Valentine’s Day, you must make reservations at The Appalachian in Sevierville. From shrimp and grits to rabbit confit and duck breast, this place serves up a wonderful dining experience. Try their “Artisan Charcuterie Platter” as a starter, and add items like the “Woodfire Squash Salad” to your meal. The menu changes regularly based on the seasons and other factors, but fresh is always front and center.

After a romantic day out and about celebrating your Valentine, head back to your cabin and cozy up to the fire or have a soak in the whirlpool tub.  There’s no better way to relax… and keep the romance going.