The 12 Tennessee Pizzerias Worth Pulling Over For On A Fall Foliage Drive
One pizza stop on this list serves its pies inside a building raised in 1890. Another is a mountain bakery that sells cinnamon rolls in the morning and wood-fired pizza by the afternoon.
I love that kind of surprise. Tennessee’s best autumn roads climb through mountain gaps, plateau towns, and national forest land.
Some of the best crusts in the state wait right beside them.
A few of these spots sit at the doorstep of famous scenic byways. One is a food truck.
Another serves garlic knots on a historic town square, and that alone has my attention.
So here’s my question. When the ridges turn gold and red, why settle for gas station crackers when a blistered, bubbling pie might be one turn away?
1. Red Chimney Pizza
Few towns get to call themselves the front door to the Cherohala Skyway, and this one serves pizza right on the welcome mat. Tellico Plains is a small mountain town of under 1,000 people at the western end of that famous road.
The skyway curls through the Cherokee National Forest, and fall paints those ridges in reds and golds. After a few hours of curves and overlooks, your stomach will start asking questions.
Red Chimney Pizza answers with wood-fired pies. Real flames give the crust a crisp edge, and the toppings land fresh on top.
Got vegetarians in the back seat? The kitchen keeps a full vegetarian menu, so nobody gets stuck picking at a lonely side salad.
Ordering happens at the counter, and service moves quickly. That’s handy when daylight is running short and you still want one more overlook.
Save room for the hand-dipped ice cream. Yes, ice cream in October, because a mountain road trip is no time for strict rules.
A fireplace adds a nice touch on chilly afternoons. Families are welcome too, with high chairs and changing tables ready.
Timing takes a little planning here. The restaurant is closed Monday and Tuesday, and Friday and Saturday evenings tend to be the busiest.
Sunday runs shorter, from noon to 6 PM. Spend the morning on the skyway, roll back down for a late lunch, and you’ve built a near-perfect fall day.
Address: 708 Veterans Memorial Dr, Tellico Plains, TN 37385
2. Smoky Mountain Bakers
Breakfast burritos at 8 AM and wood-fired pizza by lunch sounds like a road trip daydream. In Roan Mountain, it’s just a normal Tuesday.
Smoky Mountain Bakers sits just off US-19E, on the way up to Carvers Gap and Roan Mountain State Park. That high-elevation route is famous for its hardwood forests, and autumn sets them on fire with color.
Morning visitors can grab pastries, cinnamon rolls, or biscuits and gravy with a cup of coffee. The coffee here earns real praise, which matters before a long scenic drive.
Later in the day, the wood-fired oven takes center stage. Expect a thin crust with a crisp edge, a smoky flavor, and a nicely balanced layer of cheese.
Pepperoni is a solid pick. If you want the works, look for the pie called All the Way.
Plant-based eaters get a real treat here. The bakery offers several vegetarian pizzas and other meat-free dishes, while vegan diners should ask about suitable modifications.
Don’t leave without snack supplies for the road. Fresh bread and homemade granola bars travel nicely to a mountain overlook.
Bringing the dog along? Pups are welcome at the outdoor seating, so your furry co-pilot doesn’t have to sulk in the car.
Hours run Tuesday through Saturday, 8 AM to 7 PM. Reservations aren’t taken, so just show up hungry and order at the counter.
Address: 126 Orr St, Roan Mountain, TN 37687
3. Frank And Marty’s Pizza & Subs
Here’s a pizza shop with a dessert case that might steal the show. Cakes, pies, and other homemade sweets share the spotlight with the pizza at this Roan Mountain stop.
You’ll find it right on US-19E, so no detours are required. That road carries drivers through the scenic gaps of the Unaka Range, where fall color stacks up ridge after ridge.
The pizza leans thin, with a crispy outer edge and a chewy center. Toppings come in a generous layer, so the slices have some real heft.
Specialty pizzas fill a good chunk of the menu. Want something besides a pie?
Meatball subs, calzones, and cheese bread are ready to back you up.
Fresh salads give you a lighter option. That way you can justify a slice of homemade cake afterward, which seems like smart planning.
Friendly, accommodating service is part of the appeal here. It feels like a small-town shop that’s happy you stopped in.
Bringing kids? There’s a kids’ menu and high chairs, so the youngest leaf-peepers can eat without a meltdown.
Watch the calendar before you go. The shop is open Thursday and Friday from 11 AM to 9 PM, and Saturday from 4 to 9 PM.
Monday through Wednesday and Sunday are closed days. Line up your drive for the end of the week, and dessert can be your reward for the hairpin turns.
Address: 8703 US-19E Ste 4, Roan Mountain, TN 37687
4. Papa Ron’s Pizza & Italian Steakhouse
Pizza, pasta, and steak under one roof makes this spot the peacekeeper of the family road trip. Nobody has to lose the dinner vote.
Papa Ron’s sits on West Main Street in Monteagle, high on the Cumberland Plateau along US-41A. South Cumberland State Park and its fall overlooks are close by, which makes this an easy refuel.
The house pizza comes loaded with toppings on a thin crust. If you’re skipping regular dough, the cauliflower crust is a popular pick.
The menu goes well past pizza. Chicken carbonara, chicken Alfredo, and calzones are all fair game.
Here’s a tip for a chilly afternoon. Order the mushroom bisque, which ranks among the kitchen’s standout dishes.
Bread and butter arrives as a real highlight, not an afterthought. Then finish strong with tiramisu, because the drive home can wait ten more minutes.
Inside, a fireplace makes the room feel right for sweater weather. Outdoor seating is there for those crisp, sunny plateau days.
Planning helps with bigger groups. The restaurant accepts reservations, and Friday evening, Saturday evening, and Sunday afternoon tend to be the busiest stretches.
Good news for flexible travelers: it’s open seven days a week, 11 AM to 9 PM. Kids get their own menu and high chairs, so the whole crew is covered.
Address: 402 W Main St, Monteagle, TN 37356
5. Mountain Goat Market
Any place with a pizza called Kale Yeah has a sense of humor, and Mountain Goat Market leans right into it. The menu also includes the Fancy Pants Pizza, so you know the fun keeps going.
This combo eatery and provisions shop sits on Main Street atop Monteagle Mountain. Leaf-peepers exploring the Cumberland Plateau ridges will find it a natural place to stretch their legs.
The setting feels rustic and homey with a funky, eclectic streak. There’s plenty of seating, plus a cute gift shop for souvenir browsing.
Pizza fans can go classic with a Margherita. Or try a pie finished with balsamic glaze for a tangy little twist.
Gluten-free pizza is available too. That’s a big win if someone in your group usually has to skip the pizza stop.
Sandwiches carry just as much weight here. The Flying Pig and the Pesto Sandwich are menu highlights, and the vegan Goat BLaT is worth a look.
Need a caffeine boost before more curvy roads? Coffee and chai are on hand, along with a solid lineup of desserts.
Vegan and vegetarian options mean plant-based travelers have choices here too. Kids get their own menu as well.
Hours run Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 6 PM. Saturday afternoon is the busiest window, so midweek visits may feel more relaxed.
Address: 109 Main St, Monteagle, TN 37356
6. Angelo’s In The Gap
Built in 1890, the building holding Angelo’s has worn a lot of hats over the years. Since June 2013, its main job has been pizza.
Cumberland Gap is a historic town with fewer than 500 residents. It sits right beside Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, where drivers trace the famous mountain pass along US-25E during peak leaf season.
The stuffed crust pizza is the one to know about. The crust gets a house-made stuffing, which makes each bite feel like a bonus round.
Prefer something lighter? An ultra thin crust option is available, and custom pies like a Chicago-style meat pizza have their fans.
Pizza is only part of the story. The menu also covers pasta, smoked meats, burgers, calzones, and sweet potato fries.
Out back, a patio offers outdoor dining with a stage for live music. Bands play on most weekends, and Wednesday nights often bring music too.
Inside, a fireplace adds charm to the historic space. A private dining room is also available for larger gatherings.
Dogs are allowed, which makes it easy to bring your four-legged hiking buddy after a day in the park. Kids have their own menu and high chairs.
Hours run late, especially on Friday and Saturday, when the doors stay open until midnight. Weekday dinner service generally starts at 4 PM on operating days, while Saturday and Sunday service begins at noon.
Address: 527 Colwyn St, Cumberland Gap, TN 37724
7. Basil Wood Fired Pizza
Some of the best pizza on this list comes from a truck. No dining room, no fuss, just a wood-fired oven doing serious work in Erwin.
Erwin is a mountain-valley town in Unicoi County, wrapped in the Cherokee National Forest. It makes a natural stopping point on the scenic Nolichucky River Gorge foliage drive.
Basil Wood Fired Pizza builds artisanal pies by hand. Many of the ingredients are imported from Italy, which gives the flavors an authentic edge.
Not sure where to start? The Margherita is a menu highlight, and it’s a smart way to taste what the oven can do.
A simple pie like that shows off the basics. Good crust, good sauce, good cheese, and nowhere to hide.
Vegetarians get a full menu of options here. That’s a nice surprise from a food truck.
Seating is available, including outdoor spots that suit a breezy fall afternoon. Dogs are allowed, so the pup can share the leaf-peeping memories.
Hungry travelers should pay attention to the schedule. The truck serves Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 6 PM.
Monday, Tuesday, and Sunday are off days. If your Tennessee mountain weekend lands right, plan a late lunch here between river views.
Free parking and curbside pickup make it an easy grab. Just don’t be surprised if your pizza disappears before you reach the next overlook.
Address: 1067 N Main Ave, Erwin, TN 37650
8. J. Del’s Pizza
Garlic lovers, this is your stop. At J. Del’s, the garlic knots come with chunks of fresh garlic swimming in melted butter.
The family-run pizza shop sits on Teaster Lane in Pigeon Forge. It’s a short hop from the Parkway and a solid refuel before heading toward Wears Valley and the Foothills Parkway.
The star is hand-tossed, homemade NY-style pizza. Slices come out huge, with a crisp crust and a flavorful sauce.
The Pepperoni Lover’s Pizza is a menu favorite. Meatless eaters can turn to the Veggie Lover’s instead.
Beyond pizza, the menu covers casual Italian comfort food. Lasagna, calzones, subs, and sausage rolls give you plenty of backup plans.
Cheese sticks make a good warm-up act. For dessert, grab the zeppole and enjoy some fried dough on a crisp evening.
This is an evening spot, so plan around it. Doors open at 4 PM Monday through Saturday, staying open until 10 PM early in the week and 11 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Sunday is a day off. Delivery and reservations are both available, so you can eat in or take a pie back to your cabin.
Address: 2664 Teaster Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
9. Rocky’s Pizza
Tennessee’s oldest town deserves a pizza place with staying power. Rocky’s Pizza brings the goods to Jonesborough.
The town is known for its historic main street, set among rolling Appalachian foothills. Fall backroads around here are perfect for slow, windy drives with the windows cracked.
Rocky’s is locally owned, with a lineup of pizzas and hearty subs. The pies come with plenty of toppings and plenty of cheese.
Meat pizza is a strong choice if you’ve worked up an appetite. And honestly, who hasn’t after a long day of leaf hunting?
Wings deserve their own shout-out. They’re known for being especially tender, and the ranch and blue cheese dressings get high marks too.
Subs might even give the pizza a run for its money. Some folks in town would argue they’re the best in Jonesborough.
Salads are a surprise standout. The Chef Salad is a menu highlight, and the cheese bread makes a tasty sidekick.
Service gets plenty of praise as well. It’s the kind of easygoing spot where you can relax after a day of driving.
Hours run Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 8 PM. Friday evening is the busiest time, while weekday lunches are usually quieter.
Address: 1003 E Jackson Blvd, Jonesborough, TN 37659
10. Piezan Pizzeria Italiano
Garlic knots are so popular at this pizzeria that they basically headline the show. That’s a strong opening act for a stop on the town square.
Piezan Pizzeria Italiano sits right on Winchester’s historic square, near Tims Ford Lake. Country drives around here link Middle Tennessee’s rolling hills to the Cumberland Plateau.
The pizza is NY-style, with a homemade crust and fresh ingredients. Expect a thin crust with a nice mix of sauce, cheese, and toppings.
Portions run big, especially on the cheese. The Meat Lovers Pizza is a menu highlight for anyone feeling extra hungry.
Craving pasta instead? The Gnocchi Tuscany is a popular vegetarian pick, and calzones are on the menu too.
Finish with a cannoli. A crunchy shell and creamy filling make a fine ending to a day of scenic roads.
Fair warning about parking around the square. Spaces can be hard to find, so give yourself a few extra minutes.
The schedule is friendly to road trippers. It’s open daily, though Monday doesn’t start until 4 PM.
Friday and Saturday hours stretch to 10 PM. Friday evening is the busiest window, while Tuesday morning tends to be quietest.
Outdoor seating is available when the weather cooperates. Kids have their own menu, and reservations are accepted for bigger crews.
Address: 44 S Jefferson St, Winchester, TN 37398
11. Italia’s Orange Blossom Pizzeria
A pizza named after the restaurant itself is a bold move. At Italia’s Orange Blossom Pizzeria, the Orange Blossom pie is the signature menu highlight.
The restaurant sits on Lynchburg Road, also known as TN-130. That rural route winds across colorful hardwood ridges between Winchester and Lynchburg, which makes it a beauty in fall.
Brick-oven pizza is the main event. Pies come out with that classic oven-baked character you hope for after a long drive.
Lasagna is homemade, and it’s a big reason to stay for a full meal. The Italian salads and sides earn praise too.
Plant-based travelers are covered here. The kitchen offers vegetarian dishes and vegan-friendly options, although diners should confirm ingredients and available modifications.
The vibe is laid back and casual. Outdoor seating is available, and dogs are welcome outside.
Timing is the trickiest part. The restaurant generally offers lunch and dinner service Tuesday through Saturday, but operating hours vary by day, so check the current schedule before visiting.
That afternoon break catches hungry drivers off guard. Plan your loop so you arrive inside one of those windows.
Friday evening is the busiest time, and reservations aren’t accepted. Free on-site parking and quick service help make the stop easy.
Free Wi-Fi is handy if you need to check directions for the next stretch. Then it’s back to the ridges with a full belly.
Address: 401 Lynchburg Rd, Winchester, TN 37398
12. Slice of Sicily Pizzeria
Midnight pizza on the Parkway? On Friday and Saturday, Slice of Sicily keeps the oven going until 12 AM.
That late schedule is a gift after a long day in the Smokies. The restaurant sits along the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, right on the fall foliage loop linking Sevierville, Gatlinburg, and the national park.
Fresh pizzas lead the menu, with plenty of other Italian dishes alongside. Supreme and pepperoni pies are popular choices.
Hawaiian pizza is a menu highlight too. Love it or roast it, pineapple fans will be happy here.
Starters are hard to skip. Cheese Garlic Bread, mozzarella sticks, and fried raviolis make tempting openers.
Want something greener? Caesar and Greek salads give you a fresh break from the fried stuff.
Kids can order an 8-inch cheese pizza from their own menu. That’s just right for small hands and tired travelers.
The doors open at noon daily, and Sunday through Thursday service runs until 11 PM. Friday evening through Saturday night is the busiest stretch.
Quieter visits tend to happen on Sunday and Monday afternoons. Delivery is available if you’d rather eat back at the cabin in your comfiest socks.
Reservations are accepted for larger groups. It’s a handy final stop on a Tennessee mountain trip, when the leaves are done showing off and you’re ready for one more slice.
Address: 3342 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863