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Ada's on the River, Alexandria, VA

Ada's on the River

4.8
4.8
3887 Reviews
$30 and under
American

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 86 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for scenic views
  • Neighbourhood gem
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
    Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan

Private dining

Menu

STARTERS

  • MINI BLACK BRIOCHE LOAF VUS$9.00

    charred orange butter

    • BEEF TARTARE*US$21.00

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

      • SEARED TUNA* GUS$23.00

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

        • GRILLED OCTOPUS GUS$21.00

          harissa vinaigrette, smoked tomatoes, fingerling potatoes, horseradish yogurt

          • COAL-ROASTED OYSTERSUS$19.00

            chorizo-garlic breadcrumbs, cheddar, pickled shallots

            • WOOD-FIRED CHICKEN THIGHSUS$15.00

              turkish flatbread, dijonnaise, marinated greens

              • COAL-ROASTED PRAWNS GUS$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 LETTUCEUS$16.00

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

                  • "THE WEDGE"US$16.00

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

                    • GRILLED SHRIMP & AVOCADO GUS$21.00

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

                      • GRILLED KALE & CITRUS V GUS$16.00

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

                        ENTREES

                        • BRAISED LAMB SHANK GUS$38.00

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

                          • WOOD-FIRED BONE-IN PORK CHOP* GUS$38.00

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

                            • COAL ROASTED CHICKEN GUS$34.00

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

                              • CRAB STUFFED CAROLINA TROUTUS$38.00

                                lump crab stuffing, capers, lemon butter, herbs

                                • SMOKED SWORDFISH* GUS$35.00

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

                                  • SEARED SALMON* GUS$34.00

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

                                    • HOUSE-GROUND PRIME DRY AGED BURGER*US$24.00

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

                                      • GIANT CRAB CAKEUS$46.00

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

                                        • SEARED SCALLOPS* GUS$36.00

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

                                          • STEAMED BLUE MUSSELSUS$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* GUS$55.00

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

                                                • 10 OZ, 30 DAY AGED, HANGER STEAK* GUS$36.00

                                                  • 18 OZ, GRAIN FED TOMAHAWK VEAL CHOP* GUS$59.00

                                                    • 6 OZ, 30 DAY AGED, FILET MIGNON* GUS$42.00

                                                      • 10 OZ, 30 DAY AGED, FILET MIGNON* GUS$69.00

                                                        SAUCES

                                                        • HOUSE STEAK SAUCE

                                                          • EachUS$4.00
                                                          • TrioUS$10.00

                                                        • GARLIC CHIMICHURRI

                                                          • EachUS$4.00
                                                          • TrioUS$10.00

                                                        • BEARNAISE

                                                          • EachUS$4.00
                                                          • TrioUS$10.00

                                                        • BRANDY-PEPPERCORN

                                                          • EachUS$4.00
                                                          • TrioUS$10.00

                                                        VEGETABLE ENTREES

                                                        • COAL-FIRED MUSHROOM LASAGNA VUS$23.00

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

                                                          • SMOKED RICOTTA GNOCCHI VUS$24.00

                                                            vegan sausage ragù, smoked ricotta, crispy shallots, herbs

                                                            • SPICED COAL ROASTED CAULIFLOWER V GUS$22.00

                                                              pine nuts, arugula, pickled raisins, salsa verde

                                                              SIGNATURE SIDES

                                                              • HONEY-GLAZED CARROTS V GUS$12.00

                                                                garlic labneh, almond dukkah, herbs

                                                                • THICK CUT FRIES VUS$12.00

                                                                  garlic labneh, ada's seasoned salt, russian dressing

                                                                  • HASH BROWN PAVE VUS$12.00

                                                                    potatoes, smoked paprika aioli, coarse salt

                                                                    • BRUSSELS SPROUTSUS$12.00

                                                                      pomegranate agrodolce, bacon, garlic labneh

                                                                      • COAL-ROASTED ASPARAGUS V GUS$14.00

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

                                                                        • ROASTED SWEET POTATO V GUS$12.00

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

                                                                          • LOBSTER MAC & CHEESEUS$26.00

                                                                            campanelle, old bay mornay, white cheddar

                                                                            • CURRY SUNCHOKES VUS$14.00

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

                                                                              • CREAMED SPINACH VUS$12.00

                                                                                chipotle morita, aged cheddar, nutmeg, shallots, garlic

                                                                                • COAL-ROASTED MUSHROOMSUS$14.00

                                                                                  anchovy vinaigrette, garlic bread crumbs

                                                                                  Last updated: 7 March 2025

                                                                                  What 3,887 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

                                                                                  Diners' Choice Awards

                                                                                  • 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.

                                                                                  3,887 Reviews

                                                                                  1. OpenTable Diner

                                                                                    Denver2 reviews

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 4
                                                                                    4. Ambience 3
                                                                                    Great food, good service. Just very loud in the restaurant. Could benefit from some type of sound/echo reduction system.

                                                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                                                  2. Lauren

                                                                                    Washington DC5 reviews

                                                                                    3.0

                                                                                    Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                    1. Overall 3
                                                                                    2. Food 3
                                                                                    3. Service 2
                                                                                    4. Ambience 2
                                                                                    We picked this place to celebrate a birthday because one of us had been there for a business dinner in the private room & had been impressed with the food & service. We had hoped for a special experience. We called ahead for a nice table, noted on the reservation and in the call we were celebrating and we got stuck in the middle at the loudest/busiest part of the restaurant, at a tiny table (so small the servers made comments about not having enough space for plates) & every time the waiter for the next table came to talk to them we had his butt directly in our faces. It was a lot. The food was good (scallops excellent, salad overdressed and super limp probably from being prepared earlier, seared tuna was ice cold) The server was fine, if slightly absent, lots of upselling (so, so much- weird brand name dropping too “are you familiar with xxx?” Um, is this a coolness quiz?), no acknowledgement of the birthday…it was just all very underwhelming & definitely not worth the cost (close to 400 for two), the drive, the babysitter fees. So disappointing as we had high hopes to have a lovely birthday dinner and this place had such potential to be fabulous.

                                                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                                                  3. chazz

                                                                                    Washington DC1 review

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    Our server Alex was great, very helpful with menu choices and great customer service. My wife and I will definitely be returning soon.

                                                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                                                  4. Gen VIP

                                                                                    Seattle85 reviews

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    Dined 2 days ago

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    Great happy hour menu! I'll be back. Perfect for a few hours and laughs with colleagues.

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                                                                                  5. Laurie

                                                                                    Richmond3 reviews

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    Dined 3 days ago

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    Excellent food with unique choices, fashionable cocktails, and impeccable service.

                                                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                                                  6. Thomas

                                                                                    New York City3 reviews

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    Dined 5 days 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?

                                                                                  7. Susan

                                                                                    Washington DC25 reviews

                                                                                    4.0

                                                                                    Dined 6 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.

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                                                                                  8. OpenTable Diner

                                                                                    Washington DC1 review

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    Dined 6 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?

                                                                                  9. IrvingF

                                                                                    Washington DC2 reviews

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    Dined 6 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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                                                                                  10. JerriV VIP

                                                                                    Washington DC9 reviews

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    Dined 6 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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                                                                                  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 3887 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                                                  Make a booking

                                                                                  2 people
                                                                                  19:00
                                                                                  Booked 86 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
                                                                                    Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan
                                                                                  • 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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