Head-to-Head Comparison

The Riverstone Restaurant vs The Abbey at the Heartland Little River Chapel

Compare ratings, prices, amenities, and reviews to make the best choice for your Smoky Mountains trip

The Riverstone Restaurant
8.6

The Riverstone Restaurant

TownsendRestaurant

Down-home American grub in a rustic, wood-paneled dining room with a fireplace & Old West vibe.

Reviews

1,899

Price Level

$$

The Abbey at the Heartland Little River Chapel
9.0

The Abbey at the Heartland Little River Chapel

TownsendRestaurant

This converted church along the Little River delivers a genuinely unique dining experience that visitors find charming and memorable. The riverside setting—especially the patio where you can watch tubers float by in summer—consistently earns praise, along with standout dishes like the pork belly flatbread with apples and the veggie pizza. While the atmosphere and location are universally loved, the food quality can be inconsistent, with some dishes like the brisket sandwich and turkey sub fallin

Reviews

1,165

Price Level

$$

Amenities & Features

FeatureThe Riverstone RestaurantThe Abbey at the Heartland Little River Chapel
Expertly prepared trout and catfish that regulars recommend without hesitation
Home-style sides including fried green tomatoes, properly seasoned green beans, and fried okra
Friendly, attentive service from staff who make repeat customers feel welcome
Solid comfort food options like hamburger steak, BBQ sandwiches, and burgers
Stunning repurposed church setting with riverside patio overlooking Little River where you can watch tubers float by
Pork belly flatbread with apples and loaded tater tots are customer favorites
Live music in a cozy atmosphere with fireplaces, multiple seating areas across different rooms
Good beer selection and local brews, plus gluten-free options including pizza crusts

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Riverstone Restaurant or The Abbey at the Heartland Little River Chapel better?

Based on our TSM Score, The Abbey at the Heartland Little River Chapel ranks higher (9.0 vs 8.6). Both are excellent choices in the Smoky Mountains.

What are the main differences between The Riverstone Restaurant and The Abbey at the Heartland Little River Chapel?

The Riverstone Restaurant is located in Townsend and categorized as Restaurant with a $$ price range. The Abbey at the Heartland Little River Chapel is in Townsend and categorized as Restaurant with a $$ price range. Check the amenities comparison above for a detailed feature-by-feature breakdown.

Where can I book The Riverstone Restaurant or The Abbey at the Heartland Little River Chapel?

You can view detailed information and booking options for both properties on TheSmokyMountains.com. Visit each listing page for the latest availability, photos, and guest reviews.

Explore More

The Verdict

Both The Riverstone Restaurant and The Abbey at the Heartland Little River Chapel are excellent choices in the Smoky Mountains. The Abbey at the Heartland Little River Chapel has a higher TSM Score (9.0 vs 8.6), making it the top pick based on guest ratings.