Ada's on the River

Name: Ada's on the River
Address: 3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA, United States, 22314
Telephone: (703) 638-1400
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7

3741 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a booking

2 people

27 Dec 2024

7:00 pm

Booked 81 times today

Great for scenic views
Good for special occasions
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, Tue, Thu, Fri 11:30–23:00 Wed 11:30–22:00 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

Popular dishes

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

What 3,741 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Washington, D.C. Area
Great for scenic views
Virginia - DC Suburbs
Great for scenic views
Virginia - DC Suburbs
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Ada's on the River offers a delightful dining experience with "amazing food" and "impeccable service." Guests rave about the "beautiful river views" and "friendly staff," making it ideal for special occasions and celebrations. While some find the pricing steep, the culinary quality and ambiance consistently impress, leaving diners eager to return.

3,741 Reviews

P
Phillip
VIP
Washington DC
76 reviews
4.0
76 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Consistently good experience. We are never disappointed.
Is this helpful?
H
Heidi
Richmond
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A great experience always! Food is top notch. Service was great!
Is this helpful?
J
Jennie
VIP
Washington DC
11 reviews
1.0
11 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
We have been going here for the past 2 years for XMAS meal. Terrible XMAS dinner tonight. They messed up rack of lamb..so spicy couldn't eat it. They told me they could make it plain. Then they got me after 25 mins the fish special and it was not hot. My husband was done with his meal by the time I got the fish entree. So I ate my scallop appetizer and dessert. My husband's prime rib was good. Waitress was not friendly and not attentive. They did refund my meal. Just so disappointed. It used to be very friendly and attentive. Not tonight. My husband faced the open kitchen and saw alot of meals being sent back and lots of meals ready just sitting there.
Is this helpful?
M
Monica
VIP
Washington DC
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Ada’s on the river has a great atmosphere We have been coming here for the last three years and consistently offers great customer service. Tonight, our server was also a bartender so he was extremely busy serving others. However, we still had a pleasant time.
Is this helpful?
S
Shizuka
VIP
Washington DC
42 reviews
5.0
42 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful service and the food was excellent. There are more favorites for me to order now: The coal fired I dishes really shine. The burger is always consistently great, and their avocado and shrimp salad is my favorite. The mushroom lasagna I ordered today is my new favorite. So light and elegant but so much depth of flavor. Scallops are always the best - my daughter who orders scallops everywhere she goes said that it was one of the best that she has had. The chicken was not done completely a small part of it was still a bit raw, and the swordfish was a bit tough. But all the sides were perfectly done. Hash browns and sweet potatoes are a must. The carrots were packed with flavor. The service was excellent.
Is this helpful?
P
Peter
VIP
Washington DC
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We've been coming to Ada's ever since it opened. Yesterday evening was wonderful - Dominique was our server, and he has been working there for quite a while now. He was terrific - we wanted out crabcakes with just some greens underneath, and without the leeks, and he was able to accomodate us. His service was first-rate, and the cocktails and crabcakes were great. Ada's has always been good every time we go.
Is this helpful?
J
John
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing first visit. Can wait to return to try the other menu items!! Excellent choice for my GF end of Birthday Weekend
Is this helpful?
V
Vicky
Washington DC
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great ambience and service. Cocktails were delicious but pricey. Our appetizers were delicious but pricey, especially for the small portions. Dinner was very good, but the dishes we had were not exceptional for the price and two of our dishes had small portions. Sides are extra. This is a great special occasion restaurant but be ready for a big bill at the end. I think our bill was close to $600 for 4 of us - 5 cocktails, 1 glass wine, 2 appetizers shared, 4 main course dishes, 3 sides shared. If I go again, I will focus on the appetizers. I recommend that you check the menu in advance, so you know what you are in for.
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J
Judith
VIP
Washington DC
21 reviews
5.0
21 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was great, and the service excellent. Our waiter, Chad, was efficient, professional and friendly. Overall a wonderful dining experience.
Is this helpful?
B
Brenda
VIP
Washington DC
68 reviews
5.0
68 reviews
Dined on 19 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fabulous as always but a particular festive vib this holiday season . Great wine by the glass , wonderful entree and fabulous expression martini with baileys . Brenda is EXCELLENT server and delightfully human being . Tolerated my craziness with poise and compassion . This is a gem of a place ! ( but still miss Chris and Rock!!)
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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 4.7 stars by 3741 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

27 Dec 2024

7:00 pm

Booked 81 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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, Tue, Thu, Fri 11:30–23:00 Wed 11:30–22:00 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.

Ada's on the River

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

SEARED SCALLOPS G

CHEESECAKE TOWER V G

CRAB & AVOCADO TOAST

STARTERS

MINI BLACK BRIOCHE LOAF VUSD 9.00

BEEF TARTARE*USD 21.00

SEARED TUNA* GUSD 23.00

GRILLED OCTOPUS GUSD 21.00

COAL-ROASTED OYSTERSUSD 19.00

WOOD-FIRED CHICKEN THIGHSUSD 15.00

COAL-ROASTED PRAWNS GUSD 27.00

SALADS

CHARRED GEM LETTUCEUSD 16.00

"THE WEDGE"USD 16.00

GRILLED SHRIMP & AVOCADO GUSD 21.00

GRILLED KALE & CITRUS V GUSD 16.00

ENTREES

BRAISED LAMB SHANK GUSD 38.00

WOOD-FIRED BONE-IN PORK CHOP* GUSD 38.00

COAL ROASTED CHICKEN GUSD 34.00

CRAB STUFFED CAROLINA TROUTUSD 38.00

SMOKED SWORDFISH* GUSD 35.00

SEARED SALMON* GUSD 34.00

HOUSE-GROUND PRIME DRY AGED BURGER*USD 24.00

GIANT CRAB CAKEUSD 46.00

SEARED SCALLOPS* GUSD 36.00

STEAMED BLUE MUSSELSUSD 24.00

WOOD-FIRED CUSTOM AGED PRIME MEATS

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

GARLIC CHIMICHURRI

BEARNAISE

BRANDY-PEPPERCORN

VEGETABLE ENTREES

COAL-FIRED MUSHROOM LASAGNA VUSD 23.00

SMOKED RICOTTA GNOCCHI VUSD 24.00

SPICED COAL ROASTED CAULIFLOWER V GUSD 22.00

SIGNATURE SIDES

HONEY-GLAZED CARROTS V GUSD 12.00

THICK CUT FRIES VUSD 12.00

HASH BROWN PAVE VUSD 12.00

BRUSSELS SPROUTSUSD 12.00

COAL-ROASTED ASPARAGUS V GUSD 14.00

ROASTED SWEET POTATO V GUSD 12.00

LOBSTER MAC & CHEESEUSD 26.00

CURRY SUNCHOKES VUSD 14.00

CREAMED SPINACH VUSD 12.00

COAL-ROASTED MUSHROOMSUSD 14.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Ada's on the River offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Ada's on the River restaurant rated?

Is Ada's on the River currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information