If you’re staying at the Historic Gatlinburg Inn and find yourself craving pizza—but not just any pizza—take a stroll down Parkway toward the entrance of town (in the Pigeon Forge direction) and prepare yourself for a delicious surprise. Pizza Rio isn’t your typical pizzeria. This place brings a Brazilian twist to a classic favorite, and trust me, it’s worth every step of the walk.

Situated just across from the BP station, Pizza Rio is a beautifully designed restaurant perched above the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. If you’re lucky enough to get a table near the windows, you’ll enjoy the peaceful view of the river while you dine. But even if you sit inside, the decor is classic, warm, and inviting—it’s the kind of place that feels upscale without being stuffy.

I grabbed a seat at the small bar area near the front, and right away struck up a great conversation with Leo, the manager. Leo is the kind of guy who makes you feel like a regular, even if it’s your first visit. His uncle owns Pizza Rio, along with several other restaurants in the area, and you can tell this family truly cares about quality and hospitality. They’ve built something special here.

Now, about the food—because that’s what we’re all here for, right?

Pizza Rio offers a unique dining experience inspired by Brazilian rodízio-style service. You can order a single pizza if you like, but I opted for the all-you-can-eat pizza experience. Big trays are brought out straight from the oven, each loaded with fresh slices of different kinds of pizza. The servers offer you a slice of whatever looks good (and believe me, it all looks good), and you can say yes to as many as you want. From traditional toppings to inventive Brazilian-inspired combinations, every slice I tried was excellent—flavorful, hot, and satisfying.

Just when I thought I couldn’t eat another bite, dessert arrived. And not just one dessert—an entire tray of dessert pizzas. Chocolate, covered in sprinkles or shredded coconut, creamy combinations—each one more indulgent than the last. Of course, I sampled purely for research purposes, and by the end, I was happily stuffed.

Pizza Rio is a gem—delicious food, outstanding service, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel like part of the family. Whether you’re looking for a fun place to eat with friends or a unique experience during your Gatlinburg visit, this spot deserves a place on your list.

From the Historic Gatlinburg Inn, it’s about a 10–15-minute walk, but with the fresh mountain air and views of town, it’s a pleasant stroll. And when you get there, you’ll be glad you made the trip. And please tell them you heard about them from the Historic Gatlinburg Inn!

Pizza Rio is located at:

373 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN

Check them out online at https://pizza-rio.com.