You’re walking through a massive casino in the middle of the Great Smoky Mountains, the smell of woodsmoke and pine still clinging to your jacket from the drive in. Suddenly, the neon lights of the slots are replaced by something much more aggressive: a giant portrait of a British man who has spent half his career screaming about undercooked scallops.
This is Gordon Ramsay Cherokee NC, but it’s not just a restaurant. It’s a "Food Market."
When people hear "food market," they usually think of those sad airport stalls with pre-wrapped plastic sandwiches. But honestly? Ramsay did something different here at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. He didn't just open a steakhouse; he built a 12,000-square-foot ecosystem.
The Chaos and Charm of the Gordon Ramsay Food Market
Most celebrity chefs stick a name on a door and show up once a year for a ribbon cutting. Ramsay’s presence in Cherokee feels a bit more integrated into the actual culture of the resort. It’s the world's first Gordon Ramsay Food Market, a concept that debuted in early 2022 and has since become the busiest dining hub in the entire region.
Basically, you’ve got eight different "stalls" under one roof. You aren't stuck with one menu. If you want a $20 burger but your partner wants fish and chips, you don't have to argue. You just go to different windows. It’s a high-end food court for people who hate food courts.
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What’s actually on the menu?
I’ve seen people stand in line for thirty minutes just for the Fish & Chips. It’s not just hype. The batter is light, not that heavy grease-sponge you find at local fairs. But the real sleepers are the other concepts:
- Street Burger: The "Hell’s Kitchen Burger" is the heavy hitter here. It has asadero cheese and roasted jalapeños. It’s spicy, but not "I need to call a medic" spicy.
- Street Pizza: They use local North Carolina ingredients for the toppings, which is a nice touch. It’s Neapolitan-style, so don't expect a thick New York slice.
- G/R Catch Café: Surprisingly good sushi and seafood for a mountain casino.
- GR Bake & Brew: This is where you go when you’ve been up until 4 AM at the poker tables and need a caffeine hit and a muffin that weighs a pound.
Ramsay's Kitchen: The New Player in Murphy
Wait, there’s a twist. While the main hub is in Cherokee, Ramsay just expanded. As of late 2025 and heading into 2026, the $275 million expansion at Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River (about an hour away in Murphy, NC) is finally complete.
They didn't just copy the food market. Instead, they went upscale. Ramsay’s Kitchen is located on the 12th floor of the new Valley Tower. If you want the Beef Wellington—the one everyone sees on TV—this is where you find it.
The view is ridiculous. You’re looking out over the Nantahala National Forest while eating a $60 steak. It’s a different vibe than the Cherokee food market. It’s quieter. More "anniversary dinner" and less "quick bite between blackjack rounds."
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Is it worth the drive to Cherokee?
Let’s be real. Cherokee is a trek. You’re driving through winding mountain roads that can be a nightmare in the winter. Is the food enough of a reason to visit?
If you’re a fan of the brand, yes. There is something undeniably cool about seeing the "Hell's Kitchen" aesthetic translated into a mountain setting. But more importantly, the quality control is higher than most casino restaurants. They aren't just coasting on his name.
One thing most people get wrong: they think they need a reservation for the Food Market. You don't. It’s walk-up. However, for Ramsay’s Kitchen in Murphy, if you don't book a table weeks in advance, you’re eating at the bar or you're out of luck.
Real Insider Tips for Your Visit
Don't just walk in blindly. The place is a maze.
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- The Rewards Card Hack: If you have a Caesars Rewards card, use it. Even if you don't gamble. You get a discount at almost all the Ramsay stalls.
- Timing is Everything: The Food Market gets slammed around 7 PM when the shows at the Event Center start. Go at 4 PM or after 9 PM.
- The Vegan Surprise: Surprisingly, the Street Burger stall has a vegan beet burger that actually tastes like food. It’s a legitimate option for the non-meat eaters in the group.
- The Sticky Toffee Pudding: Just buy it. Don't share it. You'll regret sharing it. It’s the one dish that is consistent across every single Ramsay restaurant globally, and it’s perfect every time.
Navigating the Two Locations
It confuses people that there are two "Cherokee" casinos. Here is the breakdown:
- Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee, NC): This is the big one. This has the Gordon Ramsay Food Market.
- Harrah's Cherokee Valley River (Murphy, NC): This is the newer, slightly smaller one. This has Ramsay's Kitchen on the rooftop.
Final Verdict
Gordon Ramsay Cherokee NC isn't just a gimmick. It’s a massive investment in the North Carolina culinary scene that has actually paid off. Whether you’re grabbing a quick slice of pizza at the market or sitting down for a three-course meal in the mountains of Murphy, the execution is sharp.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the hours: The Food Market stations have different closing times. Street Pizza often stays open later (sometimes until 11 PM or midnight on weekends) than the Catch Café.
- Book the Rooftop: If you’re heading to the Murphy location, use the Caesars app to book Ramsay’s Kitchen at least 14 days out.
- Download the Menu: Both locations have digital menus available on the Caesars website. Look at them before you arrive so you don't stand in the middle of the floor looking lost—the casino floor is loud, and the crowds move fast.
The mountain air and Ramsay’s "bloody brilliant" cooking make for a weird, but somehow perfect, combination. Just make sure you bring your appetite and maybe a bit of luck for the slots afterward.