Ada's on the River

4.8 (4080)

$30 and under

American

3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA 22314

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 17, 2025

10:00 p.m.

Booked 93 times today

About this restaurant

Great for scenic views
Good for special occasions
Great for outdoor dining

Discover Ada's on the River, an esteemed culinary gem situated at 3 Pioneer Mill Way in Alexandria, VA. Famed for its upscale American fare with bold, wood-fired flavors, Ada's is your go-to restaurant, for lunch, happy hour, dinner, and brunch. As one of the best restaurants in Alexandria, VA, our diverse menu showcases a steakhouse worthy selection of aged meats, fresh seafood, indulgent desserts, some of the best cocktails in Old Town, and extensive wine list make your dining experience unforgettable. Enjoy stunning Potomac River views and impeccable service, making us the top choice for both intimate date nights and grand celebrations needing private event space.

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.
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Location
3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA 22314
Neighbourhood
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

V = Vegetarian, may include egg or dairy products G = Gluten Free * These food items are, or contain, raw or undercooked animal products. The consumption of raw or partially cooked eggs, meat, fish or shellfish may increase the risk of contracting food borne illness. These food items are, or contain, raw or undercooked animal foods.

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

ENTRÉES

BRAISED LAMB SHANK GUS$42.00
stone ground grits, 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$49.00
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

14 OZ, 75 DAY AGED, NY STRIP* GUS$59.00
18 OZ, 60 DAY AGED, BONE IN COWBOY RIBEYE* GUS$75.00
10 OZ, 30 DAY AGED, HANGER STEAK* GUS$36.00
24 OZ, GRAIN FED BONE IN VEAL CHOP* GUS$59.00
6 OZ, 30 DAY AGED, FILET MIGNON* GUS$46.00
10 OZ, 30 DAY AGED, FILET MIGNON* GUS$69.00

SAUCES

HOUSE STEAK SAUCE
- EachUS$5.00
- TrioUS$12.00
GARLIC CHIMICHURRI
- EachUS$5.00
- TrioUS$12.00
BÉARNAISE
- EachUS$5.00
- TrioUS$12.00
BRANDY-PEPPERCORN
- EachUS$5.00
- TrioUS$12.00

VEGETABLE ENTRÉES

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

LOBSTER MAC & CHEESEUS$29.00
campanelle, old bay mornay, white cheddar
HONEY-GLAZED CARROTS V GUS$12.00
garlic labneh, almond dukkah, herbs
THICK CUT FRIES VUS$10.00
garlic labneh, ada's seasoned salt, russian dressing
HASH BROWN PAVE VUS$12.00
potatoes, smoked paprika aioli, coarse salt
BRUSSELS SPROUTS GUS$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
CRISPY FINGERLINGS VUS$12.00
garlic butter, pecorino romano, chives
CREAMED SPINACH VUS$12.00
chipotle morita, aged cheddar, nutmeg, shallots, garlic
COAL-ROASTED MUSHROOMSUS$14.00
anchovy vinaigrette, garlic bread crumbs
CURRY SUNCHOKES VUS$14.00
garlic, ginger, jalapeño, aleppo pepper, nigella, cilantro, yogurt

What 4,080 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
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Washington, D.C. Area
American
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, with its "absolutely gorgeous" waterfront location, offers an exceptional dining experience. The "divine" food, featuring dishes like the crab cake and seafood tower, impresses consistently. Guests rave about the "attentive" service from staff like Patrick and Sam. The "elegant" atmosphere and "amazing" views make it perfect for any occasion.

4,080 Reviews

B
Brenda VIP
Washington, D.C. Area73 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Outstanding in every conceivable way !!! The food was cooked to perfection, amazing flavors , beautiful presentations ( even my no bun burger) ! The service OUTSTANDING !! Sara was amazing and Keith even came over to welcome us !! These people always make me feel like I’m coming home ! It was just terrific !! Love this place !!! Run don’t walk to Ada’s!!!
Is this helpful?
S
Stephanie/Brian VIP
Baltimore / Maryland17 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This restaurant is a must try! Food is delicious, drinks are splendid, and service (Matt) was dynamic! I would go back any day.
Is this helpful?
A
Angela
Washington, D.C. Area1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our server Matthew was impeccable. His food suggestions were on point. The Lobster omelet was a tasty treat. But the lemon ricotta pancakes were delicious. We enjoyed the the whole experience. And so did our guest. Thank you for making my Husband's Father's Day Great.
Is this helpful?
M
Mike
Washington, D.C. Area1 review
2.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
Had a reservation for 9:15PM. Arrived early and said that we would sit at the bar, but if there was a table that opened earlier would appreciate being sat earlier. The cocktails were good at the bar, however the staff were more interested in doing cleanup or other things so several customers were completely ignored. Also while we sat at the bar, there were at least 5 tables that sat open till I went back up to the hostess station to inquire about our reservation. The hostess at the front were more interested in talking to other staff than paying attention to customers. We were sat at 9:10PM - no big deal but felt that we could have been sat earlier. Our waiter really didn’t understand the menu and seemed not to understand basic English at least where it pertained to the menu and food. We ordered 2 appetizers, 4 entries with sides. The steak was rubbery, the fish with crabmeat was served as a whole fish complete with bones & ordered 2 bottles of wine at the table. Maybe it was an off night, don’t know since this was our 1st time dining here, but based on the experience, it’s a one and done & will never return. The quality of the food was mediocre at best and expensive. If I’m paying $38 for fish with crabmeat, I do not want the head or all the bones. If I’m paying $48+ for steak, I want it cooked properly and have an excellent cut of beef - not what was served to us. Also, I get that finding good labor can be a challenge today, but if your restaurant is going to be expensive, then your waiters should understand the menus and be able to articulate accordingly. Maybe other people leaving reviews have had better experiences, however all 4 of us agreed that the quality of the food and service were unacceptable. As I mentioned earlier, we did find that the cocktails were good but that was about it.
Is this helpful?
Y
Yvonne VIP
Washington, D.C. Area26 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had dinner at Ada's for the first time to celebrate a friend's birthday and our anniversary. Restaurant atmosphere was lively and energetic, food was delicious and portions were good, only complaint was the crab cake was overly salty, but the grilled pork chop was outstanding. Our server, Theodore, was excellent, he was friendly, efficient, and attentive. Overall, it was a pretty good meal and we'll be back.
Is this helpful?
C
Chris
South Carolina1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Went to brunch at Ada's for my partner and I's 8th anniversary (and first as fiances!). As always, the service and quality of the food were wonderful. We particularly enjoyed the lobster salad from their new seafood menu, and the chocolate gateau from their new desert selections.
Is this helpful?
A
Andrea VIP
Washington, D.C. Area23 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The lobster omelet was amazing! It was packed with lobster cooked to perfection and the flavors really complimented the dish.
Is this helpful?
M
Megan
New York City1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was delicious and our server Sam was fantastic. Thanks!
Is this helpful?
G
Gigi
Fort Lauderdale30 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Ada’s is absolutely gorgeous, so elegant! It sits right on the water and has patio seating to enjoy the view. They make all of their food fresh and have no freezers… and the taste of everything was divine. My friends and I had the mushroom lasagna, crab cake (all crab, no filler), cold mussels, pork chop, with the sweet potato and artichoke sides. Everything was excellent, including our server Patrick. I cannot wait to return with my kids!
Is this helpful?
N
Nell VIP
Washington, D.C. Area114 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 10, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The location is superb, right on the water, and the staff is excellent.
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 4080 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 17, 2025

10:00 p.m.

Booked 93 times today

3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA 22314

Additional information

Cross Street
Duke Street and South Union Street
Neighbourhood
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
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

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

About this restaurant

Additional information

SEARED SCALLOPS G

CRAB & AVOCADO TOAST

10 OZ 30 DAY AGED FILET MIGNON G

STARTERS

MINI BLACK BRIOCHE LOAF VUS$9.00

BEEF TARTARE*US$21.00

SEARED TUNA* GUS$23.00

GRILLED OCTOPUS GUS$21.00

COAL-ROASTED OYSTERSUS$19.00

WOOD-FIRED CHICKEN THIGHSUS$15.00

COAL-ROASTED PRAWNS GUS$27.00

SALADS

CHARRED GEM LETTUCEUS$16.00

"THE WEDGE"US$16.00

GRILLED SHRIMP & AVOCADO GUS$21.00

GRILLED KALE & CITRUS V GUS$16.00

ENTRÉES

BRAISED LAMB SHANK GUS$42.00

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

COAL ROASTED CHICKEN GUS$34.00

CRAB STUFFED CAROLINA TROUTUS$38.00

SMOKED SWORDFISH* GUS$35.00

SEARED SALMON* GUS$34.00

HOUSE-GROUND PRIME DRY AGED BURGER*US$24.00

GIANT CRAB CAKEUS$46.00

SEARED SCALLOPS* GUS$49.00

STEAMED BLUE MUSSELSUS$24.00

WOOD-FIRED CUSTOM AGED PRIME MEATS

14 OZ, 75 DAY AGED, NY STRIP* GUS$59.00

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

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

24 OZ, GRAIN FED BONE IN VEAL CHOP* GUS$59.00

6 OZ, 30 DAY AGED, FILET MIGNON* GUS$46.00

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

SAUCES

HOUSE STEAK SAUCE

GARLIC CHIMICHURRI

BÉARNAISE

BRANDY-PEPPERCORN

VEGETABLE ENTRÉES

COAL-FIRED MUSHROOM LASAGNA VUS$23.00

SMOKED RICOTTA GNOCCHI VUS$24.00

SPICED COAL ROASTED CAULIFLOWER V GUS$22.00

SIGNATURE SIDES

LOBSTER MAC & CHEESEUS$29.00

HONEY-GLAZED CARROTS V GUS$12.00

THICK CUT FRIES VUS$10.00

HASH BROWN PAVE VUS$12.00

BRUSSELS SPROUTS GUS$12.00

COAL-ROASTED ASPARAGUS V GUS$14.00

ROASTED SWEET POTATO V GUS$12.00

CRISPY FINGERLINGS VUS$12.00

CREAMED SPINACH VUS$12.00

COAL-ROASTED MUSHROOMSUS$14.00

CURRY SUNCHOKES VUS$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

Additional information