The Riverstone Restaurant

The Riverstone Restaurant in Townsend serves up generous portions of authentic Southern comfort food that's perfect for fueling up before exploring Cades Cove. Located right on the main road, this family-owned establishment brings the warmth of a country kitchen to every meal, from their plate-sized pancakes at breakfast to their expertly seasoned catfish at dinner.

The restaurant's farmhouse-style interior features well-spaced tables and rustic wood paneling, creating a comfortable atmosphere that feels like dining at a family gathering. Breakfast standouts include their impossibly fluffy biscuits and hearty pancakes that practically hang over the plate edges. For lunch and dinner, the country-fried steak and catfish have earned a loyal following among locals and regular visitors alike.

Expect reasonable prices, with breakfast plates ranging from $9-15 and dinner entrees from $11-18. The portions are notably generous – most diners leave with enough leftovers for another meal. While the food quality remains consistently high, service can slow down considerably during peak tourist seasons, particularly on weekend mornings.

The Riverstone Restaurant excels at traditional East Tennessee cooking without any pretense. It's the kind of place where you'll find farmers in work boots alongside tourists in hiking gear, all enjoying the same satisfying, home-style meals. Pro tip: If you're planning to visit during summer weekends or before heading to Cades Cove, arrive early or be prepared for a wait. The authentic Southern flavors and generous portions make it worth planning ahead.