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Ada's on the River, Alexandria, VA

Ada's on the River

4.8
4.8
3912 Reviews
$30 and under
American

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 108 times today

About this restaurant

  • 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.

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
  • 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.
  • Delivery & takeout
  • 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

What 3,912 people are saying

Ada's on the River reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

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 memorable dining experience with "wonderful food, service, and a fantastic staff." Guests rave about dishes like crab-stuffed trout and mushroom lasagna. The "spectacular setting" with views of the Potomac adds charm. While it can be noisy, the overall atmosphere and attentive service make it "a must-have experience."
3,912 Reviews
  1. Paula VIP

    Washington DC32 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    ate outside had great service great view food was just ok

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  2. Rajah VIP

    Detroit6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was great. We had the Crab Cakes and Grilled Shrimp and Avocado salad with a side of fries. Great wine by the glass menu! Nice vibe. Will be back for the chocolate soufflé!

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  3. Jennifer VIP

    Chicago7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Thank you for making our dinner tonight so lovely, on the last day of our trip to the DC area to visit our son. Our server Keith was wonderful, so kind and what a consummate professional. We ordered filets with Bernaise and the house steak sauce, creamed spinach and hash brown potatoes, but the highlight for me was the crab stuffed trout. So delicate and delicious. I loved the seasoning in the crabmeat. Very nice pours on my Sauvignon Blanc as well. My son is looking forward to bringing friends and potential dates here, and it will be first on our list when we visit him next! It was chilly out but we still walked along the river. One of the best dining experiences we have had in years. We are from Chicago which has phenomenal restaurants, but Ada’s is very special.

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  4. Andrea VIP

    San Francisco6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food and drinks were delicious. We had the prawns and the crab and shrimp omelettes. Apple Beignets were delicious and so were the cocktails

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  5. Paul VIP

    Washington DC121 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The experience at Ada’s is by far the best that Old Town Alexandria has to offer. Wonderful food, service, and a fantastic staff.

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    West Palm Beach5 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    We enjoyed our dinner at Ada's. The burger was delicious and both steaks filets were raved about. The server was very nice but glee had to flag him down at least once. We weren't impressed with the mussels. But we tend to prefer the classic presentation of mussels. There is different and it didn't hit the mark for us. But the creamed spinach was great! Overall, we would definately go back.

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  7. KenF

    Philadelphia5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    I’ve never posted for a restaurant before but the combination of flavors of all the dishes was just amazing. I’ve dined all over the world and never had a better experience period

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  8. Paul VIP

    Washington DC121 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Just the most perfect, enjoyable restaurant with amazing food quality and service. This is a must have experience!

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Mississippi2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    What’s delightful find! We had a lovely brunch today for my birthday. Our servers were friendly and the food was delicious. I had the special crab cake Benedict and it was wonderful. My husband’s omelet was a tad cold but he devoured it. We will be back.

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  10. Kathy

    Washington DC11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I visited Ada's on the River last night, Friday, Mar 21, 2025. I was there with two friends of mine from Colorado. I ordered the Charred Gem Salad (a 10 out of 10). They ordered three sides for our table to share: the curried sunchokes, creamed spinach, and potatoes. ALL were outstanding! My guests ordered the Pork Chops (super thick and VERY juicy) and the Lamb Shank (fell off the bone, delicious!). My guests shared two bottles of the St. Clair white wine. Lots of grapefruit notes. They loved it. I had two dirty, dirty vodka martinis that were fabulous. We had no room left for dessert. Our waitperson, Sam, was super fun and professional. We could not have asked for a better dining experience. Five stars our of five!!

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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 3912 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 108 times today
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
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Phone number
  • 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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