Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria in Elks Plaza — Restaurant in Gatlinburg

Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria shares the outdoor seating area with Howard's. We loved our Howard's experience earlier in the week, and had a craving for pizza this particular evening, we decided to try it.

Little did we know but we had eaten here before, when we'd come to Gatlinburg with our children. We didn't know, then, that they had an outdoor seating area. Plus, the restaurant sits in the back of Elks Plaza, nowhere near Howard's that sits right on the Parkway. No way you would think they shared the patio. This time we did and asked to be seated there. The inside of the restaurant was crowded with families and lots of children. Everyone seemed so happy. Outside, we were at one of only three patio tables that were in use. The sound of the LeConte Creek tumbling over the rocks next to our table was the only sound reaching our ears as we ordered our meal.

The Best Signature Garlic Rolls called to me as well as The Best Deluxe Pizza, and, of course, my husband agreed with my choices. In reality, we struggled with choosing what we wanted. Everything on the menu sounded delicious. It was the names "The Best..." that lead to our final decision. We were happy with that decision. The garlic rolls were SO GOOD; the perfect combination of light, doughy, crispy, with butter, oil and garlic. If it weren't for having ordered pizza, too, we could have eaten all of them. Instead we took a couple back to the chalet for later enjoyment. The pizza was thin, crispy, not overly cheesy or "sauce-y" with a great combination of vegetables and meats. We ALMOST finished the whole thing, but didn't want to feel too full as we walked around town, so we opted to "doggy bag" out the last few pieces along with the garlic rolls.

This will be on our list of future Gatlinburg...

We didn't know that it was Fall break for the school kids in the area the first 2 weeks in October!! All the restaurants in Gatlinburg were lined up around the buildings. Geez, we were hungry!! Walking down in Gatlinburg we walked through a little plaza low and behold food! No lines and opened at 11am. It was 11am on our watch. When we opened the door one of the girls said they were not open yet. We backed out then another woman said, "Come on in!"

Glad we did. The food was good looking, tasty and hit the spot. I got a calzone with chicken. My parents got an artichoke dip with pita bread and fried mushrooms. They enjoyed it too. See photos.

As I looked around the place there were 2 other couples and us. A hidden treasure. No lines. No big crowds just what I like!! Lol. Plus they were playing 80's music.

Our server, Jordan, was knowledgeable about the menu for only working there a month. The owner Clayton came over to make sure the food was satisfactory and if we had any questions. My parents talked to him awhile. My mom who is a science teacher and a cook/baker had a conversation with Clayton about food. Lol.

My calzone was huge! I had to take it with me. Not what I was expecting. Too big for me. Lots of cheese maybe too much cheese. I had to search for the chicken. It was good. Clayton said he is going to make a smaller one with less cheese and more chicken (or whatever your protein choice is). I wonder if he will ship that to Pittsburgh?!

Best of luck to you Clayton on your business and being a daddy to your son. A wonderful gift from God.

Jordan, I hope your dream comes true of having a Cajun Cafe in Gatlinburg. Keep moving forward and it will happen for you.

We didn't try the pizza but it did looked good...

We have eaten here several times, my husband used to really like it, but I feel like its mediocre. The past two times however I don't believe he has enjoyed it as well. We've had several of the dishes. Spaghetti and meatballs, I did not enjoy. The sauce or marina is not that great in my opinion. Meatballs hard and dry. Stuffed manicotti, ok but again the meat sauce is not much different then the maria and I just do not care for it. Chicken Alfredo, to me very bland and bland chicken. Past two times the garlic rolls they bring you with the oil and garlic have been to hard to enjoy. We used to gobble them up, past two times though, we maybe ate 1 a piece. Just not as good as used to be. I've had the pizza. As a pizza lover of all types, this was in a low for pizza that I have had. We've had the Calzones. That is good. For some reason his last one this time was not puffed up at all. Again marina comes with it, and we do not like it. What happened to the salad. They used to have a good salad. This past salad was half the size of what they used to be and not as pretty. I will give them this. I ordered a appetizer of deep fried mushrooms for $10 and they were plentiful, and delicious. Wasn't expecting much from an italian place but they were really good. Also if you are seated in the hall area do not sit there. Every single person and group that walks by, walks over you, every server and every thing that is served going out the door to the patio will go right over your head. the door is constantly opening and closing blowing air in on you. I personally do not like Best Italian Elks Plaza, and used to be my husbands fav, so we got for him. Lately though he has not been too impressed...