Ada's on the River

4.8

3842 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 92 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–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 3,842 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

4.7Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

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 delights with its "amazing dining experience," featuring perfectly cooked dishes and attentive service. Standout items include the crab cake, scallops, and chocolate soufflé. Guests rave about the "great atmosphere" and "gorgeous river views," making it ideal for any occasion. Highly recommended for its quality and ambiance.

3,843 Reviews

m
maddiep
New York City
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined today
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great! Will be back- food is always good! Nice date or casual meal
Is this helpful?
d
dawn
VIP
Washington DC
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined today
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My favorite place to dine…always great…fries, crab cakes, drinks, lobster Mac - to die for! Service is great! I will definitely be back again and again !
Is this helpful?
R
Robert
Washington DC
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Dinner was great, my wife had the mushroom lasagna and I had the ribeye and everything was cooked to perfection. Our server was attentive and kept our water glasses full and checked in on us , and we like that. We ended taking some of the food home and I'll have that for dinner tomorrow.
Is this helpful?
E
Elena
VIP
New York City
28 reviews
5.0
28 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of my favorite places to go to brunch. Amazing food and excellent service. Thank you to John for providing great service and being so professional, friendly, and efficient!
Is this helpful?
S
Stephanie
San Francisco
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was delicious and the staff super kind and attentive. I had the espresso coffee cake and chicken thighs. Highly recommend eating both.
Is this helpful?
ML
MarcosL
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It is always a pleasure to enjoy dinner or any occasion at this place!!!!!! Food, service and ambience are wonderful.
Is this helpful?
B
Brandon
Washington DC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Came for VDay had the NY Strip, Trout, Oysters, brioche, and chicken thighs (my wife and I). Food was overall good. Steak was a little undercooked. I ordered medium and got closer to medium rare. Food was overall flavorful. Trout was amazing. Service was on point. Very nice location off the water. Great place to go for a special occasion. The wife and I really enjoyed.
Is this helpful?
A
Allen
Washington DC
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
First time coming to Ada’s for dinner. Food was great and our server, Keith was excellent.
Is this helpful?
D
DeAnte
Baltimore
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Omg! The best food! I can’t even explain the flavors bursting in every bite— just trust me!
Is this helpful?
C
Cristian
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We came in for Valentine’s Day and our experience was incredible! We got seated in a room that was elegantly and romantically decorated. Our server Abby was fantastic! She did an amazing job communicating the menu and the specials and gave us nothing short of 5 star service! The food was delicious and our proteins were executed perfectly. On the way out there was a photo backdrop the was prepared by the management who were happy to take photos of us! Our entire experience at Ada’s for Valentine’s Day was absolutely one to remember!
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 4.8 stars by 3842 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 92 times today

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