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Ada's on the River, Alexandria, VA

Ada's on the River

4.8
4.8
3859 Reviews
$30 and under
American

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 75 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 11:30–23:00 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
    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

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: 19 February 2025

                                                                                  What 3,859 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.

                                                                                  3,859 Reviews

                                                                                  1. Leif

                                                                                    Washington DC

                                                                                    4 reviews

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    4 reviews

                                                                                    Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    As always, superb in every way; food, service, etc

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                                                                                  2. Glenda

                                                                                    VIP

                                                                                    Washington DC

                                                                                    9 reviews

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    9 reviews

                                                                                    Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    Excellent service. Delicious food. We will be returning!

                                                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                                                  3. Darrielle

                                                                                    Memphis

                                                                                    2 reviews

                                                                                    3.0

                                                                                    2 reviews

                                                                                    Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                    1. Overall 3
                                                                                    2. Food 3
                                                                                    3. Service 4
                                                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                                                    This was my second time at Adas and I had the trout. I think if I go back I’ll stick to steak. The quality of the food wasn’t as good as the first time but I did enjoy myself 7/10

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                                                                                  4. sean

                                                                                    Washington DC

                                                                                    1 review

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    1 review

                                                                                    Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                                                    It was just a great experience overall! Even though we were little late, we were still seated immediately and the host introduced himself along with mentioning some house favorites. My guy Keith was the best! He knew the menu like the back of his hand, and we ended up trying both of his recommendations, the lamb shank & stuffed trout w/ a side of brussel sprouts, to our delight! The drinks were also on point & the ambiance was perfect for a night out with my wife. We ended the night with some delicious apple-caramel beignets... another great recommendation courtesy of Keith!

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                                                                                  5. Brett

                                                                                    VIP

                                                                                    Washington DC

                                                                                    18 reviews

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    18 reviews

                                                                                    Dined 2 days ago

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                                                    One of the best steaks - NY Strip - my wife and I had in months. Unique and tasty orange butter for the mini black brioche loaf. Great place to take our visitors as they loved the view of the Potomac River. Definitely worth it

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                                                                                  6. Krista

                                                                                    VIP

                                                                                    Washington DC

                                                                                    3 reviews

                                                                                    4.0

                                                                                    3 reviews

                                                                                    Dined 2 days ago

                                                                                    1. Overall 4
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    Everything was great except we had to wait 25 mins past our reservation. However, they gave us a free round of drinks to make up for it. Always incredible food, but pricey.

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                                                                                  7. Paul

                                                                                    VIP

                                                                                    Washington DC

                                                                                    115 reviews

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    115 reviews

                                                                                    Dined 2 days ago

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    Always an amazing experience and fabulous food/service. This is surely a gem in Alexandria.

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                                                                                  8. Brent

                                                                                    VIP

                                                                                    Louisville

                                                                                    15 reviews

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    15 reviews

                                                                                    Dined 2 days ago

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    Absolutely fantastic experience, great views, great service, and THE BEST OMELETTE (Lobster and Cheese) I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE!!

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                                                                                  9. Jordyn

                                                                                    Washington DC

                                                                                    2 reviews

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    2 reviews

                                                                                    Dined 2 days ago

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    The food and drinks were absolutely fantastic! I highly recommend!

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                                                                                  10. Neelesh

                                                                                    Washington DC

                                                                                    25 reviews

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    25 reviews

                                                                                    Dined 6 days ago

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    Very nice location. Beautiful spacious restaurant. Wonderful food and service

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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 3859 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 75 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
                                                                                    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.
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