Riverside Family Restaurant, in Ottumwa, IA, is the area’s premier restaurant serving Eddyville, Oskaloosa, Albia, Agency, Centerville and surrounding areas since 2001. We specialize in breakfast and daily specials, homemade soups and much more! For your next meal, visit Riverside Family Restaurant in Ottumwa.
Bryan Rupp
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!
… moreChris Rhiner
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!
… moreSherri Downey
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.
… moreL M
The avocado toast was deliciousness to the second power! A wheat toast with a large fresh tomato slice, huge amounts of creamy avocado, feta cheese, and two sunny side eggs on the side, that I incorporated into my toast. You need to try it! Pat the waitress was very attentive and kind, as all the rest of the employees have been to us during the last three days that we’ve been coming. I highly recommend this place!
… moreShelly
Fast and Friendly Wait staff! They were very accommodating to large group that came in at last minute on a Friday night at close. Food came out FAST and hot!
You can’t beat their prices for the portions you’ll get. Breakfast’s served all day! Homemade soups of the day are delish! Especially the creamy potato and creamy broccoli!
Plenty of parking for Big Riggs , loaded or not. Campers and trailers.
There’s a cute, counter space to relax and chat with waitress and other customers if dining alone. Ample room in dining area for large groups.
Definitely give it a shot if you’re in the mood for some great home cooked food and a relaxing environment.
… moreCheryl Eggert
Hubby and I found this place on Google! (Thanks Google) It was a little busy on a Saturday afternoon. We were greeted and seated immediately. They have an extensive menu and serve soup daily. We ordered breakfast. I ordered the steak skillet, which was absolutely amazing. My hubby got a build you own omelet. We split a 1/2 order of biscuits and gravy (only served til 2pm) it is THE BEST sausage gravy I’ve ever had!! And the pancakes were phenomenal!! We will definitely be back!!!
… moreSam
Awesome on everything. Very reasonable price . Ordered Gyro , was really great taste and came with soup and fries. Diesel & Gas station next to restaurant. They have yard for semi trucks ( not paved ) .
… moreHolly Dawn Hewlett
I love Mom & Pop places, they have to fight the big chains, so when I find one, I make sure everyone else can find them! This place is like a great Greek and Italian diners on the east coast! The menu goes on for days and the waitresses are on point. I had Chicken Alfredo with broccoli, a salad, and tea. The place feels very homey and lots of locals to talk to. My WHOLE meal, including tip was 16$! Portions are huge. The one thing I really loved was there were lots of seniors hanging out and the waitresses treated them with patience and respect. Stop by and keep Mom and Pop places like the Riverside Restaurant serving their communities! Be sure to say Hi to Riverside, their feline greeter! There is parking for about 20-30 trucks behind the building.
… moreMisha Ziehe
Trusty Riverside. Fries and Ranch are always delicious. I’ve gotten take out and dined in, both are delicious.
… moreAubrey Wyborny
Delicious good, amazing service, and cozy atmosphere. Would eat here on the regular.
… more