Riverside Family Restaurant is a great spot for tasty, hearty food at very reasonable 2025 prices. The service was warm and friendly, which made the visit even more enjoyable. I had the Gyro Omelet (pictured), and it was delicious—loaded with flavorful toppings, just the way most of us like it. The pancakes were also quite good. The atmosphere is typical of a classic diner—maybe a bit dated, but that adds to its charm rather than detracts from it. We’ll definitely return the next time we’re in the Ottumwa area!
Vegan Restaurant
Riverside Family Restaurant
· $$$$ · ottumwa · Strict-vegan verified
Fully vegan
Editor synopsis · 0 reviews
Diners overwhelmingly call out the signature dish as the must-order. The vibe reads as vegan restaurant — service is consistently described as warm and unhurried. Common gotcha: queues form at peak times — go early or late.
Excerpts
Riverside Family Restaurant is a great spot for tasty, hearty food at very reasonable 2025 prices. The service was warm and friendly, which made the visit even more enjoyable. I had the Gyro Omelet (pictured), and it was delicious—loaded with flavorful toppings, just the way most of us like it. The pancakes were also quite good. The atmosphere is typical of a classic diner—maybe a bit dated, but that adds to its charm rather than detracts from it. We’ll definitely return the next time we’re in the Ottumwa area!
On our way to a model show, we chose to have breakfast off the beaten path. 8 1/2 miles off Highway 63 in Ottumwa is the Riverside Family Restaurant and they were busy! We were immediately greeted and seated in our preferred comfy booth. The atmosphere was cheery and bright. The Riverside was well staffed with friendly, busy people. I went to the Head and by the time I emerged, our drinks were already there. Our attentive server allowed us time to "shop" a bit and when he returned, my Sweetie ordered her preferred meat lover's omelet with toast. The barometer I measure an untried breakfast joint is by their chicken fried steak. Our orders arrived piping hot in a very speedy manor, just as ordered. My breakfast was the second best CSF I've ever had anywhere. It was hot, tasty and filling! Portions are generous so, bring your appetite! our bill was very reasonable considering the excellent quality of our meal and the speedy service! If we find ourselves in Ottumwa again, we return to the Riverside! Five Stars!
On our way to a model show, we chose to have breakfast off the beaten path. 8 1/2 miles off Highway 63 in Ottumwa is the Riverside Family Restaurant and they were busy! We were immediately greeted and seated in our preferred comfy booth. The atmosphere was cheery and bright. The Riverside was well staffed with friendly, busy people. I went to the Head and by the time I emerged, our drinks were already there. Our attentive server allowed us time to "shop" a bit and when he returned, my Sweetie ordered her preferred meat lover's omelet with toast. The barometer I measure an untried breakfast joint is by their chicken fried steak. Our orders arrived piping hot in a very speedy manor, just as ordered. My breakfast was the second best CSF I've ever had anywhere. It was hot, tasty and filling! Portions are generous so, bring your appetite! our bill was very reasonable considering the excellent quality of our meal and the speedy service! If we find ourselves in Ottumwa again, we return to the Riverside! Five Stars!
We stopped there to eat recently and we were so disappointed!! We ordered the country fried steak dinner and the potatoes were old not heated through and brown. Worse....they covered it SAUSAGE gravy!! We couldn't get past the sausage gravy left over from breakfast all over it.