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Ada's on the River, Alexandria, VA

Ada's on the River

4.8
4.8
3880 Reviews
$30 and under
American

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 104 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for scenic views
  • Great for outdoor dining
Built around a custom wood-burning oven and featuring stunning panoramic views of the Potomac River, Ada's on the River draws inspiration from the ingenuity of Ada Lovelace, one of the greatest mathematicians of the 19th century. Ada's menus feature a selection of wood-fired prime steaks, fresh seafood and vegetarian fare, in addition to an extensive beer, wine and cocktail list.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Fri 11:30–23:00 Sat, Sun 10:00–23:00
  • Phone number
    (703) 638-1400
  • Website
    https://www.adasontheriver.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Adil Aghandous
  • Private party facilities
    An homage to 19th-century mathematician Ada Lovelace, Ada’s offers panoramic Potomac River views and features wood-fired prime steaks, fresh seafood and vegetarian fare. ‍ The 260-seat restaurant includes 160 indoor seats, including a 32-seat private dining room, and 100 seats on the outdoor patio. The stylish interior provides a warm, modern feel with 15-foot floor-to-ceiling windows and inviting booth seating. A unique wood-burning grill is the central component to the open-concept kitchen, nestled under sweeping hull-like wood paneling, and accented with vibrant red tiles. Original art features Ada, her father, the poet Lord Byron, and other literary figures such as Jane Austen, Mary Shelley, and Emily and Charlotte Bronte. ‍ Adas talented culinary team has created a variety of delicious, made-from-scratch menus. Options range from delicious hors d’oeuvres to multi-course plated meals.
  • Location
    3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA 22314
  • Area
    Old Town Alexandria
  • Cross Street
    Duke Street and South Union Street
  • Parking details
    Many parking garages available in walking distance: 320 Strand, underneath Ada’s 206 Strand, between Prince and Duke (3 min walk) HB Parking, 115 S Union St (5 min walk) Torpedo Factory, 102 N Union St (7 min walk) Market Square, underneath City Hall (10 min walk) 111 S. Pitt (10 min walk) Tavern Square Garage, 418 Cameron St (12 min walk)
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

STARTERS

  • MINI BLACK BRIOCHE LOAF VUSD 9.00

    charred orange butter

    • BEEF TARTARE*USD 21.00

      hand cut tenderloin, parmigiano reggiano, shallots, capers, dijon, worcestershire, egg yolk, caraway seeds, dill crackers

      • SEARED TUNA* GUSD 23.00

        avocado mousse, citrus, pickled fresno peppers, green onions, sesame seeds, blood orange soda, aleppo peppers

        • GRILLED OCTOPUS GUSD 21.00

          harissa vinaigrette, smoked tomatoes, fingerling potatoes, horseradish yogurt

          • COAL-ROASTED OYSTERSUSD 19.00

            chorizo-garlic breadcrumbs, cheddar, pickled shallots

            • WOOD-FIRED CHICKEN THIGHSUSD 15.00

              turkish flatbread, dijonnaise, marinated greens

              • COAL-ROASTED PRAWNS GUSD 27.00

                garlic butter, charred blood orange, herbs

                SALADS

                Add wood-fired meats; chicken breast - 10, hanger steak* - 18, salmon* - 15 , jumbo shrimp - 18

                • CHARRED GEM LETTUCEUSD 16.00

                  garlic-anchovy vinaigrette, shaved parmesan, rustic croutons, coal roasted tomatoes

                  • "THE WEDGE"USD 16.00

                    iceberg, bacon vinaigrette, roasted tomatoes, bacon lardons, whipped blue cheese, corn bread croutons

                    • GRILLED SHRIMP & AVOCADO GUSD 21.00

                      bibb lettuce, radishes, citrus, coconut vinaigrette, toasted almonds, pickled fresno peppers

                      • GRILLED KALE & CITRUS V GUSD 16.00

                        roasted hazelnuts, medjool dates, lemon vinaigrette, buttermilk-yogurt dressing

                        ENTREES

                        • BRAISED LAMB SHANK GUSD 38.00

                          polenta, root vegetables, swiss chard, natural jus, horseradish gremolata

                          • WOOD-FIRED BONE-IN PORK CHOP* GUSD 38.00

                            coal-roasted grapes, jalapeños, garlic, bacon, basil, garlic butter

                            • COAL ROASTED CHICKEN GUSD 34.00

                              guajillo marinated half chicken, roasted vegetables, yogurt, garlic butter, herbs

                              • CRAB STUFFED CAROLINA TROUTUSD 38.00

                                lump crab stuffing, capers, lemon butter, herbs

                                • SMOKED SWORDFISH* GUSD 35.00

                                  coriander & black pepper, brussels sprouts, pomegranate agrodolce, smoked mustard cream sauce, herbs

                                  • SEARED SALMON* GUSD 34.00

                                    roasted cauliflower, kale, smoked tomatoes, charred pearl onions, salsa verde, herbs

                                    • HOUSE-GROUND PRIME DRY AGED BURGER*USD 24.00

                                      wood-fired onions, bacon, taleggio cheese, dijonnaise, russian dressing, pickles, lettuce, onion-brioche bun, thick cut fries

                                      • GIANT CRAB CAKEUSD 46.00

                                        jumbo lump crab, creamed leeks, pickled shallots, lemon remoulade

                                        • SEARED SCALLOPS* GUSD 36.00

                                          corn soubise, coal-roasted corn, bacon jam, pickled fresno peppers, roasted tomatoes, dill, almond dukkah

                                          • STEAMED BLUE MUSSELSUSD 24.00

                                            harissa-tomato broth, shallots, garlic, herbs, grilled rustic bread

                                            WOOD-FIRED CUSTOM AGED PRIME MEATS

                                            Served à la carte with garlic maître d' butter

                                            • 14 OZ, 75 DAY AGED, NY STRIP* GUSD 55.00

                                              • 18 OZ, 60 DAY AGED, BONE IN COWBOY RIBEYE* GUSD 75.00

                                                • 10 OZ, 30 DAY AGED, HANGER STEAK* GUSD 36.00

                                                  • 18 OZ, GRAIN FED TOMAHAWK VEAL CHOP* GUSD 59.00

                                                    • 6 OZ, 30 DAY AGED, FILET MIGNON* GUSD 42.00

                                                      • 10 OZ, 30 DAY AGED, FILET MIGNON* GUSD 69.00

                                                        SAUCES

                                                        • HOUSE STEAK SAUCE

                                                          • EachUSD 4.00
                                                          • TrioUSD 10.00

                                                        • GARLIC CHIMICHURRI

                                                          • EachUSD 4.00
                                                          • TrioUSD 10.00

                                                        • BEARNAISE

                                                          • EachUSD 4.00
                                                          • TrioUSD 10.00

                                                        • BRANDY-PEPPERCORN

                                                          • EachUSD 4.00
                                                          • TrioUSD 10.00

                                                        VEGETABLE ENTREES

                                                        • COAL-FIRED MUSHROOM LASAGNA VUSD 23.00

                                                          house made pasta, roasted mushrooms, smoked mozzarella, ricotta, coal roasted tomato sauce, lemon aioli

                                                          • SMOKED RICOTTA GNOCCHI VUSD 24.00

                                                            vegan sausage ragù, smoked ricotta, crispy shallots, herbs

                                                            • SPICED COAL ROASTED CAULIFLOWER V GUSD 22.00

                                                              pine nuts, arugula, pickled raisins, salsa verde

                                                              SIGNATURE SIDES

                                                              • HONEY-GLAZED CARROTS V GUSD 12.00

                                                                garlic labneh, almond dukkah, herbs

                                                                • THICK CUT FRIES VUSD 12.00

                                                                  garlic labneh, ada's seasoned salt, russian dressing

                                                                  • HASH BROWN PAVE VUSD 12.00

                                                                    potatoes, smoked paprika aioli, coarse salt

                                                                    • BRUSSELS SPROUTSUSD 12.00

                                                                      pomegranate agrodolce, bacon, garlic labneh

                                                                      • COAL-ROASTED ASPARAGUS V GUSD 14.00

                                                                        white chocolate béarnaise*, caper-coconut granola, dill, pickled shallots

                                                                        • ROASTED SWEET POTATO V GUSD 12.00

                                                                          fresh goat cheese, toasted pecans, pomegranate-citrus honey, urfa pepper, scallions

                                                                          • LOBSTER MAC & CHEESEUSD 26.00

                                                                            campanelle, old bay mornay, white cheddar

                                                                            • CURRY SUNCHOKES VUSD 14.00

                                                                              garlic, ginger, jalapeño, aleppo pepper, nigella, cilantro, yogurt

                                                                              • CREAMED SPINACH VUSD 12.00

                                                                                chipotle morita, aged cheddar, nutmeg, shallots, garlic

                                                                                • COAL-ROASTED MUSHROOMSUSD 14.00

                                                                                  anchovy vinaigrette, garlic bread crumbs

                                                                                  Last updated: 7 March 2025

                                                                                  What 3,880 people are saying

                                                                                  Overall ratings and reviews

                                                                                  Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                                                  4.8
                                                                                  4.8 based on recent ratings
                                                                                  • 4.8Food
                                                                                  • 4.8Service
                                                                                  • 4.8Ambience
                                                                                  • 4.4Value

                                                                                  Noise • Moderate

                                                                                  Loved For

                                                                                  • Virginia - DC Suburbs

                                                                                    Great for outdoor dining

                                                                                  • Virginia - DC Suburbs

                                                                                    Great for scenic views

                                                                                  • Virginia - DC Suburbs

                                                                                    American

                                                                                  • Virginia - DC Suburbs

                                                                                    Most Booked

                                                                                  Review summary

                                                                                  AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                                  Ada's on the River offers a "beautiful location" with stunning "river views," making it ideal for special occasions. Guests rave about the "delicious food" and "amazing service," particularly highlighting the "friendly and welcoming staff." The "cocktails are excellent," and the ambiance is "lovely," ensuring a memorable dining experience.

                                                                                  3,880 Reviews

                                                                                  1. Thomas

                                                                                    New York City3 reviews

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    The best burger I've had! My wife said the mushroom lasagna was excellent. Sam was a great waiter. It's pricey, but very good!

                                                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                                                  2. Susan VIP

                                                                                    Washington DC25 reviews

                                                                                    4.0

                                                                                    Dined 2 days ago

                                                                                    1. Overall 4
                                                                                    2. Food 4
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                                                    We had a lovely dinner. Beautiful setting. The restaurant was loud. The initial bar order was slow. A busy night. Food is good! Excellent service.

                                                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                                                  3. OpenTable Diner

                                                                                    Washington DC1 review

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    Dined 2 days ago

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    The best brunch I’ve had in a very long time. I’ll be returning with my mother soon!

                                                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                                                  4. IrvingF

                                                                                    Washington DC2 reviews

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    Dined 2 days ago

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                                                    Great location. However, I can see parking being a problem during the summer (I paid $20). The food was great and the wait staff was excellent! I'm definitely returning.

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                                                                                  5. JerriV VIP

                                                                                    Washington DC9 reviews

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    Dined 2 days ago

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    Had a great night at Ada's - food & drink were fabulous and Patrick, our server, was terrific!

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                                                                                  6. Paul VIP

                                                                                    Washington DC118 reviews

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    Dined 3 days ago

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    The service, view, food, and the wonderful staff is such a treat for a Saturday Brunch. It was just fantastic!

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                                                                                  7. Karen VIP

                                                                                    Washington DC36 reviews

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    As always the food and service are a 10/10. The scallops are always a winner with a great wine list.

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                                                                                  8. Kavanoz

                                                                                    Washington DC3 reviews

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    Ada’s is always a pleasure to visit. Not only for the great food, you can go there to have the perfect chocolate soufflé. If you are served by Dominic or Brandy, you will be in great hands too. This is one of our most favorite places.

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                                                                                  9. Bruce VIP

                                                                                    San Diego55 reviews

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    Dined 6 days ago

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    Remains the best restaurant experience in Old Town. Food, service, setting all top notch.

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                                                                                  10. Margo

                                                                                    Washington DC18 reviews

                                                                                    4.0

                                                                                    Dined 7 days ago

                                                                                    1. Overall 4
                                                                                    2. Food 4
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                                                    Delicious meal with excellent service. I had the smoked swordfish with brussel sprouts. I wish the dish had come with potatoes as well. Just needed some type of carb to be perfect. My companion loved her wedge salad with hangar steak. We split a lemon tart for dessert. The only drawback was we were seated in a high traffic area near the bar. Not a relaxing location. Our server Dominic was attentive and kind.

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                                                                                  FAQs

                                                                                  Ada's on the River offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (703) 638-1400.

                                                                                  Ada's on the River is rated 4.8 stars by 3880 OpenTable diners.

                                                                                  Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                                                  Make a booking

                                                                                  2 people
                                                                                  7:00 pm
                                                                                  Booked 104 times today

                                                                                  Order delivery or takeout

                                                                                  Google Map for Ada's on the River

                                                                                  3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA 22314

                                                                                  Additional information

                                                                                  • Cross Street
                                                                                    Duke Street and South Union Street
                                                                                  • Area
                                                                                    Old Town Alexandria
                                                                                  • Hours of Operation
                                                                                    Mon–Fri 11:30–23:00 Sat, Sun 10:00–23:00
                                                                                  • Price
                                                                                    $30 and under
                                                                                  • Cuisines
                                                                                    American
                                                                                  • Dining style
                                                                                    Casual Elegant
                                                                                  • Dress code
                                                                                    Business Casual
                                                                                  • Parking details
                                                                                    Many parking garages available in walking distance: 320 Strand, underneath Ada’s 206 Strand, between Prince and Duke (3 min walk) HB Parking, 115 S Union St (5 min walk) Torpedo Factory, 102 N Union St (7 min walk) Market Square, underneath City Hall (10 min walk) 111 S. Pitt (10 min walk) Tavern Square Garage, 418 Cameron St (12 min walk)
                                                                                  • Payment Options
                                                                                    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                                  • Executive Chef
                                                                                    Adil Aghandous
                                                                                  • Additional
                                                                                    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
                                                                                  • Website
                                                                                    https://www.adasontheriver.com/
                                                                                  • Phone number
                                                                                    (703) 638-1400
                                                                                  • Private party facilities
                                                                                    An homage to 19th-century mathematician Ada Lovelace, Ada’s offers panoramic Potomac River views and features wood-fired prime steaks, fresh seafood and vegetarian fare. ‍ The 260-seat restaurant includes 160 indoor seats, including a 32-seat private dining room, and 100 seats on the outdoor patio. The stylish interior provides a warm, modern feel with 15-foot floor-to-ceiling windows and inviting booth seating. A unique wood-burning grill is the central component to the open-concept kitchen, nestled under sweeping hull-like wood paneling, and accented with vibrant red tiles. Original art features Ada, her father, the poet Lord Byron, and other literary figures such as Jane Austen, Mary Shelley, and Emily and Charlotte Bronte. ‍ Adas talented culinary team has created a variety of delicious, made-from-scratch menus. Options range from delicious hors d’oeuvres to multi-course plated meals.
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