Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria in Elks Plaza

Duration

1-1.5 hours (longer if you're savoring the big portions or waiting for parking)

Price

$15-25 per person for entree and drink

Best For

Families wanting authentic Italian without downtown crowds • Pizza lovers seeking New York-style pies • Budget-conscious diners who want big portions

Pro Tip

Always ask for the fresh garlic rolls when you order - they're not automatically included but they're what locals come here for.

About Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria in Elks Plaza

Best Italian Café & Pizzeria in Elks Plaza consistently outperforms its downtown counterpart, according to regular patrons who have frequented both locations for years. This New York-style Italian restaurant sits tucked away at the back of Elks Plaza, giving it the feel of a well-kept local secret.

The hand-tossed pizzas arrive impressively large, while the homemade lasagna comes in generous portions that easily stretch across two meals. The garlic rolls have earned legendary status among diners - requesting them fresh from the oven is highly recommended.

The restaurant operates on a counter-service model, where guests order at the front and collect their own beverages and utensils. While the approach lacks frills, the quality of food delivers on its promises.

Potential diners should plan for parking challenges, particularly during dinner hours. The plaza lot fills quickly, often requiring multiple passes to find an available space.

Prices trend higher than typical expectations for casual dining, though the substantial portion sizes justify the cost. Most guests find themselves with enough leftovers for another full meal.

Amenities & Features

Thin-crust pizzas with crunchy bottoms and chewy centers, especially the Spicy Italian and Italian Flag varietiesOutstanding antipasto salad and homemade marinara sauce that won't upset your stomachGenerous portions that leave leftovers—even splitting dishes like lasagna leaves food to spareGarlic rolls that regulars call 'the bomb' and exceptional Chicken Florentine

Don't Miss

Famous Garlic Rolls

These aren't automatically included but locals know to ask for them fresh. They're what put this place on the map and honestly worth the trip alone.

Hand-Tossed New York Style Pizza

Massive pies with thin crust that actually tastes like New York. We usually split a large between three people and still have leftovers.

Homemade Lasagna

Layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese that's clearly made from scratch. The portions are enormous - easily two meals for most people.

Chef Paul's Seafood Medley

A local favorite that combines fresh seafood with their homemade sauces. Reviewers consistently call it excellent and worth the splurge.

Hidden Location Advantage

Being tucked away in Elks Plaza means you skip the downtown crowds while getting better food. It feels like a local secret that tourists haven't discovered yet.

Know Before You Go

Drive to the back of Elks Plaza off the Parkway - it's hidden and easy to miss
Bring cash or card - they accept credit cards but counter service moves faster with payment ready
It's counter service - order up front, grab your own drinks and utensils, then wait for table delivery
Come hungry - portions are massive and perfect for sharing or taking leftovers
Dog-friendly if you're traveling with pets

Visitor Sentiment

Based on reviews

Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria in Elks Plaza receives consistently positive feedback from visitors. Located in Gatlinburg, it's a solid choice for the area.

Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria in Elks Plaza Opening Hours

Monday11 AM to 9 PM

Tuesday11 AM to 9 PM

Wednesday11 AM to 9 PM

Thursday11 AM to 9 PM

Friday11 AM to 10 PM

Saturday11 AM to 10 PM

Sunday11 AM to 9 PM

Best Times to Visit Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria in Elks Plaza

For the best dining experience, consider making reservations for weekend evenings.

🔥Buzzing

Weekend dinner rush 5PM - 8PM

☀️Relaxed

Tuesday & Wednesday evenings

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours for Best Italian Café & Pizzeria?

They're open 11 AM to 10 PM Sunday through Thursday, and 11 AM to 11 PM on Friday and Saturday. Hours can change seasonally, so we always call ahead during holidays.

How much does Best Italian Café & Pizzeria cost?

Large specialty pizzas run around $20-30, pasta entrées like lasagna are typically $18-28, and appetizers and salads are $8-15. It's a bit pricey but the portions are huge.

Do I need reservations for Best Italian Café & Pizzeria?

No reservations needed - it's counter service where you order at the front and they bring food to your table. Just grab a table when you arrive.

How long should I spend at Best Italian Café & Pizzeria?

Plan on 60-90 minutes for a full meal including ordering and eating. It's not a quick bite - the portions are big and you'll want to savor it.

Is Best Italian Café & Pizzeria good for kids?

Absolutely - families love it here. The casual counter service works well with kids, and the pizza portions are big enough to share. They have high chairs available.

Is there parking at Best Italian Café & Pizzeria?

Free parking in the Elks Plaza lot, but it's small and fills up fast. The lot can be challenging during dinner rush - arrive early or be prepared to circle.

Do they have vegetarian options?

Yes, they're vegetarian-friendly with vegan and gluten-free options available. The pasta dishes and pizzas can be customized, and they clearly mark dietary options.

Is this location better than the downtown Best Italian?

Most locals prefer this Elks Plaza location. The menu is more Italian-focused, portions are bigger, and you avoid the downtown tourist crowds while getting better food quality.