Just because you’re in the mountains doesn’t mean you can’t get fresh, delicious seafood! Gatlinburg offers tons of places where you can order your favorite seafood specialties, including shrimp, crab, lobster and more. Fulfill that vacation craving even when you’re at the base of the Smoky Mountains. Here are the top 4 places to eat seafood in Gatlinburg:

1. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

If you’re a fan of the film “Forrest Gump” or just love seafood, then this is the Gatlinburg restaurant for you. Based on the American classic film, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. specializes in scratch-made Southern dishes straight from the water. Start with their Shrimp Stack Mac and Cheese or split a basket of Calamari. For your entree, we recommend Forrest’s Seafood Feast or the Bourbon St. Mahi Mahi and Shrimp Combo. If someone in your group isn’t feeling seafood, Bubba Gump’s also offers burgers, sandwiches, pasta and an assortment of meats. Located in the heart of downtown, this is the perfect place to eat while you’re exploring Gatlinburg.

2. Crawdaddy’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar

crawdaddysIf you’re craving the Cajun flair of a New Orleans restaurant, Crawdaddy’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar is the place to be! The chef-driven monthly specials include options for everyone and are so delicious they’ll leave you coming back for more! Try the Oysters Rockefeller or Daddy’s Grilled Oyster, or treat your table to a shrimp cocktail. Any of their fresh seafood would make the perfect meal, but they also have great options from the grill, including the Bacon Wrapped Cajun Sirloin. The Louisiana-inspired dishes include fan-favorites like the Low Country Boil and Jambalaya.

3. Chesapeake’s Seafood and Raw Bar

Chesapeake’s Seafood and Raw Bar guarantees the freshest food and best service in Gatlinburg. They source and cut the freshest seafood daily from the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific Coasts to create luxury, mouth watering meals made to perfection every time. They also offer an extensive and impressive wine list with options that’ll pair perfectly with your meal. Come by 4pm to 7pm Monday through Thursday for Happy Hour where you can wine and dine in the bar and lounge. If you’re up on Sunday morning, make sure to come by for Sunday Brunch with a full menu and Bloody Mary bar. Chesapeake’s also offers a gluten free menu upon request.

4. Landshark Bar & Grill

landsharkWith a beachy interior and island home atmosphere, the Landshark Bar & Grill is a fun dining experience for your whole group. If you have a larger group coming, you can even schedule a party at this Gatlinburg restaurant. Landshark Bar & Grill offers some of the best seafood in Gatlinburg with a fun twist on classic dishes. Try their Lager beer battered fish and chips served with their homemade mango coleslaw. They also offer a New Orleans inspired Shrimp Po’Boy that is to die for. Make sure you save room for dessert so you can try the Sea Salt Caramel Cheesecake and famous Chocolate Lava Cake.

If you’re staying in Pigeon Forge and want some seafood but don’t feel like fighting the Gatlinburg traffic, we understand. Luckily, there are just as many great seafood restaurants in Pigeon Forge as there are in Gatlinburg. Make sure you check out a few of these places next time you get to craving something coastal.

Now that you know about a few of the top places to eat seafood in Gatlinburg, you can begin planning your meals for your next Smoky Mountain vacation. Still looking for a place to stay? Check out all of our Gatlinburg cabin rentals so you can stay near these fantastic restaurants! We look forward to seeing you!