Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago
We’re back in Gatlinburg checking in on the renovation progress at Best Italian Elks Plaza—and a LOT has changed! 🍕🛠️
It’s been about 8 weeks since our first look inside the renovation, and the progress is seriously impressive. In this video, we take you back inside to show everything that’s been updated as the restaurant moves closer to reopening.
🛠️ 8-Week Renovation Progress Update
Since our last visit, we noticed:
✔️ Major framing progress throughout the interior
✔️ Layout becoming much more defined
✔️ Structural improvements taking shape
✔️ Continued construction across multiple areas
What was once a completely stripped-out space is now clearly transforming into the next version of this iconic restaurant.
🍕 About Best Italian (History & Legacy)
Best Italian Restaurant in Elks Plaza has been a Gatlinburg staple since the 1970s, serving generations of visitors to the Smoky Mountains.
It’s known for:
🍝 Classic Italian dishes and generous portions
🍕 New York-style pizza
🧄 Famous garlic knots
👨👩👧👦 A welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere
For many families, this is a “must-visit” stop every time they come to Gatlinburg—making this renovation even more meaningful.
📅 Reopening Timeline
The restaurant is currently working toward a reopening in 2026, following a full renovation that includes:
Updated kitchen and back-of-house operations
Completely refreshed dining spaces
Modern upgrades while preserving its classic feel
With the progress we saw during this visit, things are clearly moving in the right direction!
📍 Why This Update Matters
This isn’t just another construction update—this is the return of one of Gatlinburg’s most iconic restaurants.
Seeing how much progress has been made in just 8 weeks gives a great look at how close we’re getting to reopening.
👍 If you enjoy East Tennessee updates, restaurant renovations, and Smoky Mountain travel content, make sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more!
Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559024967596&sk=about
Instagram: instagram.com/adamsadventures365
youtube.com/channel/UC31kieP8GMBDIW6oGU09DEw
creators.spotify.com/pod/show/beyond-the-lift-hill
FTC Disclaimer: This video is not sponsored. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post does contain affiliate/referral links, which means that if you purchase anything through these links, I may make a small commission.
⭐️Fair Use Disclaimer:
This video may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available for purposes of criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law.
#BestItalian #GatlinburgTN #ElksPlaza
#RestaurantRenovation #GatlinburgFood
#SmokyMountains #GatlinburgEats
#ConstructionUpdate #TennesseeTravel
#FoodieTravel #GatlinburgUpdate
We’re back in Gatlinburg checking in on the renovation progress at Best Italian Elks Plaza—and a LOT has changed! 🍕🛠️
It’s been about 8 weeks since our first look inside the renovation, and the progress is seriously impressive. In this video, we take you back inside to show everything that’s been updated as the restaurant moves closer to reopening.
🛠️ 8-Week Renovation Progress Update
Since our last visit, we noticed:
✔️ Major framing progress throughout the interior
✔️ Layout becoming much more defined
✔️ Structural improvements taking shape
✔️ Continued construction across multiple areas
What was once a completely stripped-out space is now clearly transforming into the next version of this iconic restaurant.
🍕 About Best Italian (History & Legacy)
Best Italian Restaurant in Elks Plaza has been a Gatlinburg staple since the 1970s, serving generations of visitors to the Smoky Mountains.
It’s known for:
🍝 Classic Italian dishes and generous portions
🍕 New York-style pizza
🧄 Famous garlic knots
👨👩👧👦 A welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere
For many families, this is a “must-visit” stop every time they come to Gatlinburg—making this renovation even more meaningful.
📅 Reopening Timeline
The restaurant is currently working toward a reopening in 2026, following a full renovation that includes:
Updated kitchen and back-of-house operations
Completely refreshed dining spaces
Modern upgrades while preserving its classic feel
With the progress we saw during this visit, things are clearly moving in the right direction!
📍 Why This Update Matters
This isn’t just another construction update—this is the return of one of Gatlinburg’s most iconic restaurants.
Seeing how much progress has been made in just 8 weeks gives a great look at how close we’re getting to reopening.
👍 If you enjoy East Tennessee updates, restaurant renovations, and Smoky Mountain travel content, make sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more!
Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559024967596&sk=about
Instagram: instagram.com/adamsadventures365
youtube.com/channel/UC31kieP8GMBDIW6oGU09DEw
creators.spotify.com/pod/show/beyond-the-lift-hill
FTC Disclaimer: This video is not sponsored. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post does contain affiliate/referral links, which means that if you purchase anything through these links, I may make a small commission.
⭐️Fair Use Disclaimer:
This video may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available for purposes of criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law.
#BestItalian #GatlinburgTN #ElksPlaza
#RestaurantRenovation #GatlinburgFood
#SmokyMountains #GatlinburgEats
#ConstructionUpdate #TennesseeTravel
#FoodieTravel #GatlinburgUpdate
