Duration
45-90 minutes (longer if you actually try to finish everything)
Price
$11-16 per person for lunch, $15-20 for dinner
Best For
Families wanting generous portions • Groups looking to share appetizers • Anyone craving comfort Italian food
Pro Tip
Ask for a side of alfredo sauce with the Italian nachos - it's not automatically included but makes them even better.
About Johnny Carino's
Johnny Carino's stands out as the only location of this Italian chain restaurant in all of Tennessee, making it a unique dining destination in Pigeon Forge. This popular spot has earned a reputation for serving generous portions of Italian comfort food that consistently leave diners with leftovers.
The restaurant's Italian nachos have achieved legendary status among visitors, while the complimentary fresh-baked bread with herbs and oil often becomes a highlight of the meal. Families appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, and the menu accommodates various dietary needs with vegetarian and gluten-free options available.
Prices remain reasonable for the Parkway area, particularly considering the substantial portion sizes. The restaurant delivers solid value for money, though diners should be mindful that the delicious bread service can be quite filling and may impact appetites for the main course.
Johnny Carino's has become a reliable choice for travelers seeking satisfying Italian fare in a family-friendly environment, combining quality food with generous portions that ensure good value for the dining experience.
Amenities & Features
Don't Miss
Italian Nachos
These are legendary for a reason - pasta chips loaded with cheese, meat, and all the fixings. Get the small size unless you're feeding a small army. Don't forget to ask for that alfredo dipping sauce.
Fresh Italian Bread Service
Every dinner comes with hot, fresh-baked Italian bread and seasoned olive oil for dipping. It's big enough to share and honestly some of the best bread on the Parkway. Pace yourself though.
Lemon Grilled Chicken
This dish gets rave reviews from regulars - grilled chicken with vegetables and angel hair pasta. It's lighter than some of the heavier pasta dishes but still a generous portion.
Johnny Bravo Chicken Parm
A customer favorite that combines chicken parmesan with generous sides. Like everything here, it's enough food for two meals, so come prepared with your appetite or a to-go box.
Full Bar Service
They have a complete bar with cocktails, wine, and beer to pair with your meal. The casual atmosphere makes it a good spot for both family dinners and adult nights out.
Know Before You Go
- Parking is available in their lot right on the Parkway
- Come hungry - portions are massive and perfect for sharing
- They accept all major credit cards and offer military discounts if you ask
- Casual dress is fine - typical tourist attire works perfectly
- They offer takeout and delivery if you want to avoid dining room crowds
Visitor Sentiment
Based on reviewsJohnny Carino's impresses visitors with quality cuisine and attentive service. The atmosphere creates a memorable dining experience in Pigeon Forge.
Johnny Carino's Opening Hours
Best Times to Visit Johnny Carino's
For the best dining experience, consider making reservations for weekend evenings.
Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Johnny Carino's?
They're open Sunday through Thursday from 11 AM to 9 PM, and Friday through Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM. These hours stay pretty consistent year-round.
How much does Johnny Carino's cost?
Lunch entrées run $10.99-$13.99, appetizers range from $6.99-$23.99 depending on size, and dinner entrées are typically in the mid-teens. The portions are huge, so you're getting good value.
Do I need reservations for Johnny Carino's?
No reservations needed - they operate on a first-come, first-served basis. You might wait during peak dinner hours on busy weekends, but turnover is usually pretty quick.
How long should I spend at Johnny Carino's?
Plan on 45-90 minutes for a full meal with appetizers and entrées. The service is typically quick, but you'll want time to actually finish all that food.
Is Johnny Carino's good for kids?
Absolutely - it's very family-friendly with highchairs available and a casual atmosphere. The huge portions mean kids can easily share with adults, which saves money too.
Is there parking at Johnny Carino's?
Yes, they have their own parking lot right on the Parkway. It's typical strip-style parking that's easy to access from the main road.
Do they have vegetarian and gluten-free options?
Yes, they offer both vegetarian and gluten-free menu items, plus vegan options. The staff can help you identify which dishes work for your dietary needs.
Is this really the only Johnny Carino's in Tennessee?
Yep, this Pigeon Forge location is the only one in the entire state. It's kind of a unique stop if you're familiar with the chain from other states.
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We use a weighted 10-point scoring system to evaluate the best places to visit and things to do in the Smokies.
Scoring is carefully evaluated based on reviews, social signals and expert assessments.
Johnny Carino's impresses visitors with quality cuisine and attentive service. The atmosphere creates a memorable dining experience in Pigeon Forge.
Last Updated Dec 27, 2025
2425 Parkway Pigeon Forge TN 37863
2425 Parkway Pigeon Forge TN 37863
Pigeon Forge
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