Ada's on the River

4.7

3788 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 15, 2025

7:00 PM

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–Fri 11:30 am–11:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–11:00 pm
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
Neighborhood
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, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

MINI BLACK BRIOCHE LOAF V$9.00
charred orange butter
BEEF TARTARE*$21.00
hand cut tenderloin, parmigiano reggiano, shallots, capers, dijon, worcestershire, egg yolk, caraway seeds, dill crackers
SEARED TUNA* G$23.00
avocado mousse, citrus, pickled fresno peppers, green onions, sesame seeds, blood orange soda, aleppo peppers
GRILLED OCTOPUS G$21.00
harissa vinaigrette, smoked tomatoes, fingerling potatoes, horseradish yogurt
COAL-ROASTED OYSTERS$19.00
chorizo-garlic breadcrumbs, cheddar, pickled shallots
WOOD-FIRED CHICKEN THIGHS$15.00
turkish flatbread, dijonnaise, marinated greens
COAL-ROASTED PRAWNS G$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 LETTUCE$16.00
garlic-anchovy vinaigrette, shaved parmesan, rustic croutons, coal roasted tomatoes
"THE WEDGE"$16.00
iceberg, bacon vinaigrette, roasted tomatoes, bacon lardons, whipped blue cheese, corn bread croutons
GRILLED SHRIMP & AVOCADO G$21.00
bibb lettuce, radishes, citrus, coconut vinaigrette, toasted almonds, pickled fresno peppers
GRILLED KALE & CITRUS V G$16.00
roasted hazelnuts, medjool dates, lemon vinaigrette, buttermilk-yogurt dressing

ENTREES

BRAISED LAMB SHANK G$38.00
polenta, root vegetables, swiss chard, natural jus, horseradish gremolata
WOOD-FIRED BONE-IN PORK CHOP* G$38.00
coal-roasted grapes, jalapeños, garlic, bacon, basil, garlic butter
COAL ROASTED CHICKEN G$34.00
guajillo marinated half chicken, roasted vegetables, yogurt, garlic butter, herbs
CRAB STUFFED CAROLINA TROUT$38.00
lump crab stuffing, capers, lemon butter, herbs
SMOKED SWORDFISH* G$35.00
coriander & black pepper, brussels sprouts, pomegranate agrodolce, smoked mustard cream sauce, herbs
SEARED SALMON* G$34.00
roasted cauliflower, kale, smoked tomatoes, charred pearl onions, salsa verde, herbs
HOUSE-GROUND PRIME DRY AGED BURGER*$24.00
wood-fired onions, bacon, taleggio cheese, dijonnaise, russian dressing, pickles, lettuce, onion-brioche bun, thick cut fries
GIANT CRAB CAKE$46.00
jumbo lump crab, creamed leeks, pickled shallots, lemon remoulade
SEARED SCALLOPS* G$36.00
corn soubise, coal-roasted corn, bacon jam, pickled fresno peppers, roasted tomatoes, dill, almond dukkah
STEAMED BLUE MUSSELS$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* G$55.00
18 OZ, 60 DAY AGED, BONE IN COWBOY RIBEYE* G$75.00
10 OZ, 30 DAY AGED, HANGER STEAK* G$36.00
18 OZ, GRAIN FED TOMAHAWK VEAL CHOP* G$59.00
6 OZ, 30 DAY AGED, FILET MIGNON* G$42.00
10 OZ, 30 DAY AGED, FILET MIGNON* G$69.00

SAUCES

HOUSE STEAK SAUCE
- Each$4.00
- Trio$10.00
GARLIC CHIMICHURRI
- Each$4.00
- Trio$10.00
BEARNAISE
- Each$4.00
- Trio$10.00
BRANDY-PEPPERCORN
- Each$4.00
- Trio$10.00

VEGETABLE ENTREES

COAL-FIRED MUSHROOM LASAGNA V$23.00
house made pasta, roasted mushrooms, smoked mozzarella, ricotta, coal roasted tomato sauce, lemon aioli
SMOKED RICOTTA GNOCCHI V$24.00
vegan sausage ragù, smoked ricotta, crispy shallots, herbs
SPICED COAL ROASTED CAULIFLOWER V G$22.00
pine nuts, arugula, pickled raisins, salsa verde

SIGNATURE SIDES

HONEY-GLAZED CARROTS V G$12.00
garlic labneh, almond dukkah, herbs
THICK CUT FRIES V$12.00
garlic labneh, ada's seasoned salt, russian dressing
HASH BROWN PAVE V$12.00
potatoes, smoked paprika aioli, coarse salt
BRUSSELS SPROUTS$12.00
pomegranate agrodolce, bacon, garlic labneh
COAL-ROASTED ASPARAGUS V G$14.00
white chocolate béarnaise*, caper-coconut granola, dill, pickled shallots
ROASTED SWEET POTATO V G$12.00
fresh goat cheese, toasted pecans, pomegranate-citrus honey, urfa pepper, scallions
LOBSTER MAC & CHEESE$26.00
campanelle, old bay mornay, white cheddar
CURRY SUNCHOKES V$14.00
garlic, ginger, jalapeño, aleppo pepper, nigella, cilantro, yogurt
CREAMED SPINACH V$12.00
chipotle morita, aged cheddar, nutmeg, shallots, garlic
COAL-ROASTED MUSHROOMS$14.00
anchovy vinaigrette, garlic bread crumbs

What 3,788 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

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Washington, D.C. Area
Great for scenic views
Virginia - DC Suburbs
Great for outdoor dining
Virginia - DC Suburbs
Great for scenic views

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Ada's on the River offers a delightful dining experience with "excellent food and service." Guests rave about "phenomenal" crab cakes and "perfectly cooked" steaks. The "gorgeous harbor views" and "stunning ambiance" enhance the atmosphere. Attentive staff, including standout servers like Alex, make every visit memorable. A must-visit for any occasion!

3,788 Reviews

P
Paul
VIP
Washington DC
111 reviews
5.0
111 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing dining experience! Perfect for any occasion!
Is this helpful?
a
alex
Washington DC
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A superb restaurant with excellent food - highly recommend!
Is this helpful?
B
Barbara
Washington DC
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Four of us met to celebrate a retirement at Ada's and the evening couldn't have been more perfect. We were greeted warmly, and the hostess accommodated our request for a comfortable table where the noise level wouldn't be overwhelming for my 90 YO mother. We were seated at a booth with a gorgeous view of the river, where the noise level was lively but not too much. Our server was friendly and professional, just the right amount of attentive. I had taken a fall on the ice leaving my home, and he kindly had a bag of ice sealed in a take-home bag for me to keep on my injured knee. So off to a great start, and everything just got better from there. The food was delicious. We had the swordfish, crab-stuffed trout, large crab cake with carrots and sweet potatoes as sides. We shared a soufflé for dessert--it was large enough for the four of us. All the portions were generous--two of us ate our fill and left with enough for dinner the next day. I've been to Ada's many times and my guests, none of whom had been before, now have it on their list of Old Town favorites.
Is this helpful?
L
Leslie
VIP
Washington DC
103 reviews
4.0
103 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I really like this restaurant. The menu selection is good and it has a great atmosphere. The wait staff is very good. I usually rate the food very good but today I would say it was good.
Is this helpful?
D
D
Philadelphia
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 1
We unfortunately weren’t able to eat at this restaurant due to a mouse running out on the floor towards our table. So we had to inform the waiter that we needed to leave the restaurant.
Is this helpful?
A
Acacia
VIP
Washington DC
63 reviews
4.0
63 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
I was disappointed that our waiter did not bother to bring a dessert for our 49th anniversary. We had to ask! He said we mentioned that we were full. How about to go? Everyone enjoyed the dinner although my steak was medium rare and not mouth watering rare. We were seated behind a crying child and it was an anniversary dinner. I have been here before and it was better.
Is this helpful?
l
lisa
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The restaurant was warm and inviting from the moment I walked in and approached the host stand. The hostess was kind to take me to the table even though the rest of my party wasn't there. Devon (Devin), our server, was gracious and informative about menu items, especially as one of the three of us at the table is lactose intolerant. Salmon for one of us came out underdone but the situation was handled quickly and efficiently. My crabcake was outstanding. It was a lovely meal in a lovely setting. And Devon (Devin) was very good.
Is this helpful?
R
Ray
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent restaurant! This was our 1st time there and we will be back for sure! Highly recommend!
Is this helpful?
K
Kristen
VIP
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is out second time at Ada’s it it’s been 20/10 for brunch and dinner! I had the off menu crab cakes Benedict and my partner had the French toast. Both were delectable! The prawns and chicken thigh starters were the perfect way to start our meal. Alexander, our server, was a delight as well. We were certainly be back!
Is this helpful?
S
Silas
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Alexander was my server for my partner and I. Gave us a great and detailed oriented review of the menu and its specials, also did not shy away from expressing his own personal favorites to help us decide on what we’d like to eat. Very kind, well spoken and made eye contact as well as he spoke to us. He is a very great server we hope to have him again when we dine in!
Is this helpful?

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 3788 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 15, 2025

7:00 PM

Order delivery or takeout

3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA 22314

Additional information

Cross street
Duke Street and South Union Street
Neighborhood
Old Town Alexandria
Hours of operation
Mon–Fri 11:30 am–11:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–11:00 pm
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, Takeout, 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 reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

SEARED SCALLOPS G

CHEESECAKE TOWER V G

CRAB & AVOCADO TOAST

STARTERS

MINI BLACK BRIOCHE LOAF V$9.00

BEEF TARTARE*$21.00

SEARED TUNA* G$23.00

GRILLED OCTOPUS G$21.00

COAL-ROASTED OYSTERS$19.00

WOOD-FIRED CHICKEN THIGHS$15.00

COAL-ROASTED PRAWNS G$27.00

SALADS

CHARRED GEM LETTUCE$16.00

"THE WEDGE"$16.00

GRILLED SHRIMP & AVOCADO G$21.00

GRILLED KALE & CITRUS V G$16.00

ENTREES

BRAISED LAMB SHANK G$38.00

WOOD-FIRED BONE-IN PORK CHOP* G$38.00

COAL ROASTED CHICKEN G$34.00

CRAB STUFFED CAROLINA TROUT$38.00

SMOKED SWORDFISH* G$35.00

SEARED SALMON* G$34.00

HOUSE-GROUND PRIME DRY AGED BURGER*$24.00

GIANT CRAB CAKE$46.00

SEARED SCALLOPS* G$36.00

STEAMED BLUE MUSSELS$24.00

WOOD-FIRED CUSTOM AGED PRIME MEATS

14 OZ, 75 DAY AGED, NY STRIP* G$55.00

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

10 OZ, 30 DAY AGED, HANGER STEAK* G$36.00

18 OZ, GRAIN FED TOMAHAWK VEAL CHOP* G$59.00

6 OZ, 30 DAY AGED, FILET MIGNON* G$42.00

10 OZ, 30 DAY AGED, FILET MIGNON* G$69.00

SAUCES

HOUSE STEAK SAUCE

GARLIC CHIMICHURRI

BEARNAISE

BRANDY-PEPPERCORN

VEGETABLE ENTREES

COAL-FIRED MUSHROOM LASAGNA V$23.00

SMOKED RICOTTA GNOCCHI V$24.00

SPICED COAL ROASTED CAULIFLOWER V G$22.00

SIGNATURE SIDES

HONEY-GLAZED CARROTS V G$12.00

THICK CUT FRIES V$12.00

HASH BROWN PAVE V$12.00

BRUSSELS SPROUTS$12.00

COAL-ROASTED ASPARAGUS V G$14.00

ROASTED SWEET POTATO V G$12.00

LOBSTER MAC & CHEESE$26.00

CURRY SUNCHOKES V$14.00

CREAMED SPINACH V$12.00

COAL-ROASTED MUSHROOMS$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 reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information