Hello dear
Nestled in the scenic Townsend, Tennessee, The Riverstone Restaurant offers a charming, family-friendly dining experience. Known for its authentic Southern cuisine, patrons rave about dishes like the crispy fried catfish and hearty pot roast, often accompanied by sides of pinto beans and mashed potatoes. The welcoming atmosphere is complemented by attentive service, making every visitor feel right at home. With a focus on quality and comfort, it's a perfect stop before exploring the nearby Smoky Mountains. Diners can also indulge in generous salads and delightful drinks, ensuring an enjoyable meal for everyone. A true gem worth discovering!
About
Welcome to The Riverstone Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in Townsend, Tennessee, at 8503 TN-73. Known for its authentic Southern cuisine, this family-owned restaurant offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere that feels like home.
As you step inside, the scent of fried catfish and savory pot roast envelops you, setting the stage for a delightful culinary experience. One of the highlights of the menu is the Fried Catfish at just $10.99, praised for its perfect, crispy finish. Coupled with an invigorating Chips & Queso appetizer for $7.99, this meal is an introduction to Southern comfort food that will leave your taste buds dancing.
For those seeking something lighter, the Mesquite Grilled Chicken Salad for $8.99 is a must-try, featuring succulent strips of grilled chicken nestled on a bed of crisp lettuce, complemented by cheddar cheese and fresh Italian croutons. Meanwhile, customers rave about the BLT Sandwich, stacked high with bacon and fresh tomatoes, a true testament to generous portion sizes and quality ingredients.
The atmosphere is just as inviting as the menu. From friendly service that includes complimentary sweet tea to quick meal delivery, The Riverstone Restaurant ensures every visit feels special. As one patron, Tyler, notes, the staff are genuinely warm, making it a place where you feel welcomed while savoring a delicious meal.
Moreover, patrons like Josh and Lauri appreciate the hearty portions and flavor-packed dishes, remarking on the pot roast that could easily satisfy two diners. It’s clear that every dish served here is crafted with care and attention, reflecting the restaurant's commitment to quality family dining.
So whether you’re fueling up for a hike along the Lumber Ridge Trail or simply in search of a rich fried shrimp basket, The Riverstone Restaurant promises an authentic taste of Southern hospitality. With its attentive service and delicious offerings, it’s a must-visit on your next trip to Townsend. Take a seat, enjoy the cozy ambiance, and let each bite transport you to a culinary paradise.
“ Great small family owned restaurant. They serve southern food. We had the fried catfish and chicken fried steak. Our waiter gave us a complementary sweet tea on the house. Very friendly staff. I would definitely recommend the place to anyone in the area. ”
“ The food and service was top tier. Got the pot roast with green beans and mashed potatoes on the side. On first sight I thought it should’ve been called “pot roast for two”. But it was so dang good I ate it all. Highly recommend, will be back. ”
“ Dropped by here to grab an incredible omelette before heading into the park to hike the Lumber Ridge Trail. The folks here are so nice and the food is served quickly and hot. It’s a must visit if you are looking for an authentic meal. Will come again on my next trip to Townsend. ”
“ I had a BLT. It was enormous! Had to have been 1/2 pound of bacon and a whole tomato on it! Our waitress (sorry I don't remember your name sweetie) was very sweet and really funny! We had an excellent meal with some excellent people! ”
“ We went to visit the rivers in the Smokey Mountains. We stop by the Riverstone Restaurant for a bit before reaching our destination. The staff were friendly and efficient. They offered us any table. I wanted something light to eat, so I ordered the open salad bar and a side of Mac & cheese. My wife ordered a BLT sandwich. It came out hot and fresh. Delicious. Nice cozy place too. We would return again. ”
“ Day after my Birthday Dana had a Inkle class at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend, TN. After we ate lunch, we started with Fried Green Tomatoes which was amazing. Then we ordered Fried Catfish, Fries, Coleslaw, Hushpuppies which was very good. Service was very good very attentive. ”
“ This place is INCREDIBLE, Best food in Townsend! We stopped here last night on our way back from Cades Cove; we were looking for a place to eat before we drive all the way back to Gatlinburg as it was getting late and we know that most places would be closed. We just pulled off the road and started looking at Google Maps for what is in the area.... we had just passed this restaurant and we evaluated all the options, overall this place looked good.... but we didn't understand at that time what a gem we had just found! All the food was EXCELLENT and it all came quickly! The staff was able to accommodate my wife's allergies and still provide her with fresh and tasty food! All for a great price I might add! The portions are generous and nobody left feeling hungry at all! My kids and wife actually had a bit of leftovers (which we are eating today). Everything here is made from scratch (at least from everything we ordered) and the staff is very friendly. Has a nice "family Dining room" type atmosphere which made us feel right at home. For reference; we had the pot roast, roast beef, fried shrimp, loaded mash potatoes, green beans, roast beans, grilled cheese, french fries, & coleslaw. We will definitely come back here every time we pass through Townsend! ”
“ We found the Riverstone while vacationing in Tennessee, nine years ago. Our group of ten were all satisfied with their meals. A feat nearly impossible to achieve with this picky bunch! We have since made it a point to stop there whenever we visit Cades Cove. First off, their fried green tomatoes are amongst the best I've had anywhere. Big, juicy and perfectly seasoned. Then there's the frog legs! Again, cooked to perfection and deliciously seasoned. Well worth the price of admission. The country fried steak also ranks amongst the best I've had anywhere in the southeastern United States. A must try! The staff have always been friendly and attentive. It's a plain Jane diner, but always kept neat and tidy. The prices are great for the quality of food you get. No Cracker Barrel could ever compete with the Riverstone. It's thoroughly recommended! ”