Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria in Elks Plaza

Looking for authentic New York-style pizza in Gatlinburg? Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria in Elks Plaza delivers generous portions of classic Italian comfort food that'll have you planning your next visit before you finish your meal. Located at the back of Elks Plaza, this casual Italian restaurant combines the convenience of counter service with the quality of made-from-scratch cooking.

The hand-tossed pizzas come out impressively large, with a perfectly chewy crust that holds up well under generous toppings. Their garlic rolls have earned a devoted following among locals - ask for them fresh from the oven for the best experience. The homemade lasagna serves up enough for two meals, making the higher-than-average prices easier to justify. Most entrees provide enough for lunch the next day.

While the counter-service format means you'll fetch your own drinks and silverware, the food quality more than makes up for the casual setup. The restaurant stays busy, especially during peak dinner hours, so prepare for a potential wait and challenging parking situation in the plaza lot.

Regular customers recommend visiting during off-peak hours (late afternoon or later evening) for the best experience. Despite its location away from downtown Gatlinburg's main strip, the restaurant draws steady crowds of both tourists and locals - a testament to its consistent quality and generous portions.

Pro tips: Bring cash if you want to avoid credit card fees, don't hesitate to ask for extra marinara sauce, and consider calling ahead for takeout during peak tourist seasons.