Ada's on the River

Name: Ada's on the River
Address: 3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA, United States, 22314
Telephone: (703) 638-1400
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.6

4.6

1621 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Top Tags:

Built around a custom wood-burning oven and featuring stunning views of the Alexandria waterfront, 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.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 19, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 121 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(703) 638-1400

Delivery

Order online

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
American, Seafood, Vegetarian
Hours of operation
Mon–Fri 11:30 am–11:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–11:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:45 pm
Phone number
(703) 638-1400
Website
https://www.adasontheriver.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Chef Santiago Lopez
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 St and South Union Street
Parking details
There are several public hourly parking garages within two blocks of the restaurant, and hourly street parking is also available on adjacent streets.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Mini Black Brioche Loaf V$9.00
charred orange butter
Seared Tuna*$18.00
avocado mousse, citrus, pickled fresno chiles, green onions, sesame seeds, blood orange soda
Grilled Octopus$21.00
chorizo vinaigrette, smoked paprika aioli, fingerling potatoes
Wood-Fired Chicken Thighs$15.00
turkish flatbread, dijonnaise, marinated greens
Moules-Frites$18.00
blue mussels, harissa-tomato broth, shallots, garlic, herbs, thick cut fries
Coal Oven Fired Oysters$19.00
chorizo-garlic breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, pickled shallots

Salads

add wood fired meats: chicken breast 8 / tri-tip* 13 / jumbo shrimp 9 / salmon* 13

Charred Gem Lettuce$15.00
garlic-anchovy vinaigrette, grated parmesan, rustic croutons, coal roasted tomatoes
The Wedge$15.00
iceberg, bacon vinaigrette, roasted tomatoes, lardons, whipped blue cheese, corn bread croutons
Grilled Shrimp & Avocado$19.00
bibb lettuce, radish, citrus, preserved lemon, almonds

Entrées

Coal Oven Half Chicken$26.00
roasted root vegetables, garlic yogurt, salsa verde, herbs
House Ground Prime Dry Aged Burger*$21.00
wood-fired onions, bacon, lettuce, house pickles, horseradish-russian dressing, raclette cheese, thick cut fries
Roasted Scallops*$36.00
brown butter-cauliflower purée, apples, bacon jam, hazelnuts
Braised Lamb Shank GF$38.00
roasted grits, root vegetables, swiss chard, natural jus, horseradish gremolata
Smoked Swordfish GF$34.00
coriander & black pepper, brussels sprouts, pomegranate agrodolce, smoked mustard cream sauce, herbs
Seared Salmon*$32.00
harissa vinaigrette, coal roasted cauliflower, smoked tomatoes, pickled shallots, herb salad
Giant Crab Cake$46.00
jumbo lump crab, creamed leeks, pickled shallots, lemon remoulade
Seared Scallops$36.00
brown butter-cauliflower purée, apples, bacon lardons, hazelnuts

Vegetable Entrées

Charred Cauliflower$19.00
rice pilaf, harissa vinaigrette, pine nuts, coal roasted tomatoes, herbs
Coal-Fired Mushroom Lasagna$21.00
house made pasta, roasted mushrooms, smoked mozzarella, ricotta, coal roasted tomato sauce, lemon aioli
Smoked Ricotta Gnocchi$24.00
vegan sausage ragù, caramelized leeks, crispy shallots, herbs

Wood-Fired Custom Aged Prime Meats

Served à la carte with garlic maître d'butter

10 oz, 45 Day Aged, Tri-Tip*$28.00
14 oz, 75 Day Aged, NY Strip*$52.00
18 oz, 60 Day Aged, Bone In Cowboy Ribeye*$69.00
8 oz, 30 Day Aged, Filet Mignon$49.00
18oz Grain Fed Tomahawk Veal Chop*$59.00
14 oz, Wagyu Ribeye*$89.00

Sauces

Each - $4, Trio - $10

House Steak Sauce
Garlic Chimichurri
Béarnaise
Brandy-Peppercorn

Signature Sides

Lobster Mac & Cheese$24.00
campanelle, lump crab, old bay mornay, white cheddar
Honey Glazed Carrots$12.00
garlic labneh, almond dukkah, herbs
Coal Roasted Mushrooms$14.00
anchovy vinaigrette, garlic bread crumbs
Creamed Spinach$12.00
chipotle morita, aged cheddar, nutmeg, shallots, garlic
Charred Cauliflower$12.00
harissa vinaigrette, pine nuts, smoked tomatoes, pickled shallots
Brussels Sprouts V/GF$12.00
pomegranate agrodolce, bacon, garlic labneh
Thick Cut Fries$10.00
garlic labneh, ada's seasoned salt, horseradish-russian dressing
Hash Brown Pave$10.00
potatoes, smoked paprika aioli, coarse salt
Coal Roasted Green Beans GF/V$12.00
walnut vinaigrette, charred scallions, mint, basil, chile flakes
Baked Whipped Mashed Potatoes$12.00
bacon, aged cheddar, gruyere, chives

What 1,621 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Washington, D.C. Area
Scenic View
Virginia - DC Suburbs
Outdoor Dining
Virginia - DC Suburbs
Scenic View

Sort by

Filters

F
Foodie65
Washington DC
4 reviews
vip
4.0
4 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall4food4service5ambience4
Celebrating Norway’s Constitution Day. We had to wait quite a while for the hostess, but finally got seated.The waiter was very nice, great service and recommendations. Followed up and came by to check that ewe where doing fine and enjoying the food. Food was very good! Can absolutely recommend this place.
CH
CarolH
Toronto
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely delicious swordfish and smoked mushroom lasagna!! Our server was cheerful, attentive, and energetic! Loved our spacious booth overlooking the Potomac. We had requested sitting outside, but a storm earlier in the day left the rope chairs wet.
f
formerciti
Washington DC
14 reviews
4.0
14 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall4food5service4ambience4
Excellent, well seasoned food. Took a while for anyone to see us and to give us menus after we had been seated but our server was exceptional.
V
Vivi
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall3food2service2ambience4
Brunch menu very limited. One in our party asked for the lunch chicken sandwich and fries, not the brunch version. Server said it shouldn’t be a problem. He was served brunch version without first being advised he couldn’t get lunch version. We had to ask another server for the fries as we never saw our server after our order was taken. We all had finished our meals before fries were served. The French toast was gigantic as advertised but dry as it had a smattering of syrup that had been already drizzled on it. Sausage very spicy, beware. Lovely waterfront view but overall, over priced for the quality of the food and the service.
JW
JeremyW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely amazing. Would definitely recommend to anyone.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Scooping out my birthday brunch spot this was amazing
SK
StacyK
Philadelphia
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was a GREAT pick for brunch! We had a table with a beautiful view of the waterfront. Our server was friendly and the food was delicious, especially the smoked bacon. It was a lovely way to start a day of sightseeing.
P
Patty
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food is excellent, the whole experience is wonderful it is very pricey!
o
oldtowner
Washington DC
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food4service3ambience5
While I had been to Ada's before, I had not eaten inside, mainly due to the pandemic, so I felt as if it was the first time experience. I was delighted by the menu and the ambience, even if it was a bit noisy. I liked the open kitchen concept, where one can see the chefs in action. Service could improve. We had to ask for empty plates to be picked up and it took a while for the waiter to pick up payment. We dined on avocado and citrus salads -- they were unevenly dressed and the dressing needed a bit more citrus; oven fired "fries" -- excellent! -- catsup should be one of the dipping sauces; and oven fired oysters on the half shell -- outstanding. The Albarino we ordered was too citrusy; the dessert, which was, in effect chocolate cake -- was outstanding although the description of the dessert was misleading.
g
gfwareagle
Washington DC
51 reviews
vip
4.0
51 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall4food5service3ambience5
Service very slow at start
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great atmosphere with good view
BY
BartY
Washington DC
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Ada/s provides an overall pleasant ambiance, casual and also professional. It also benefits from a very nice location almost literally on the Potomac River's banks.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was to die for for!
A
Abby
Las Vegas
11 reviews
3.0
11 reviews
Dined on May 11, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience4
Nice view and ambiance. Luncheon menu limited but salads very nice.
KM
KathleenM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outdoor dining at its finest. A delicious, memorable lunch!
EL
EddyLFC
San Francisco
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 10, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience5
Ideal for both business and social lunches. The ambiance is welcoming and relaxed and at the same time classy. The staff is welcoming and ready to help. We were there for lunch on a sunny but slightly breezy day with a slight chill in the breeze. We were sitting outside and the staff was considerate to offer to bring down the umbrellas if we wanted to get more sun. A seemingly small gesture but much appreciated.
M
Megan
Washington DC
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on May 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really nice lunch menu. The crab cake salad was wonderful. Fish sandwich was great as well. Lemon tart for dessert was the way to go! Our waiter was excellent. He made great recommendations.
M
Michelle
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was amazing and the staff was attentive and friendly
AG
AG2017
San Francisco
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall3food2service4ambience5
Brunch was just so-so, nice server!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Mothers Day Dinner
GU
GreatUltimate
Washington DC
1 review
vip
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall3food3service2ambience3
I thought it was really on the river. But it's near the river. We didn't really go there for the food because we've been to lots of fine dining restaurants already, but we went there for the ambience and views. However, the food (starters and entrees) there is nothing out of the ordinary. The cocktails are also nothing out of the ordinary. The lighting is too dim. People have to use flashlight on their smart phones to read the menu. We requested great seats for better viewing, but ended up getting seats next to an exit door. It seemed like it was a table that nobody wanted and they gave it to us. After the meals, we had to wait for a long time to get the check. Once we've got the check, we had to again wait for a long time before the waiter came to get it. Then we had to wait for a long time to get our credit card back. So, it's just not a good experience for us. Coupled with strong wind and rain, it's not anywhere near to what we expected to get out of the high-priced dinner.
B
Barbec
Washington DC
32 reviews
1.0
32 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall1food2service5ambience3
Loud music continued after 3 complaints. Mussels dry, sauce never touched most of them. One piece of toast burnt and never replaced. Wedge lettuce absurd and impossible to eat. Very little dressing. Seared tuna good but expensive. Fries dry but good
TB
TrishB
New York Area
9 reviews
2.0
9 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall2food1service3ambience4
Overly seasoned food and too many competing flavors. We had NY Strip, tuna appetizer, gem salad, wedge salad, Brussel sprouts, burger, and mashed potatoes. Very disappointed! Wanted to try this newer restaurant but wish we had gone to Oak Steakhouse-one of the best in Old Town.
s
shoppergirl
Washington DC
29 reviews
3.0
29 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
The waitress told us that the ginger vodka drink didn’t have much ginger but it was full of ginger So my friend and I couldn’t drink very much of it. My friend loved the scallops and my husband love dthe salmon the shrimp salad was OK I was just very disappointed you no longer have the s’more cake.
B
Boaz
Washington DC
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Brunch (mostly breakfast dishes) was superb. Great ambience -- Waterfront. Nice selection of Bloody Mary drinks. Bread basket offers a delicious variety. Eggs Benedict dishes are well-prepared. House sausage has a bit of a kick -- highly recommended. Wait for it: Desserts. The best, and with bold coffee! Hmmm.
EK
EricK
Birmingham
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding food and service. The Cowboy Ribeye is the best I have ever had bar none.
B
Beth
New York Area
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Celebrating a birthday and the food was outstanding. Service was excellent and the experience was perfect.
K
Katherine
Wilmington
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Fantastic service, had the swordfish and the salmon and both were absolutely delicious. A bit crowded and loud, but nowhere near enough to ruin the experience. We'll be back for sure.
MC
MrCc
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food is outstanding. Service is excellent. Love Ada's.
LM
LeslieM
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 6, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience2
It was a great cold day and the ac was blowing on us
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Mother’s Day
H
Hame
Washington DC
40 reviews
vip
5.0
40 reviews
Dined on May 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was my birthday celebration and Ada’s was a great spot for it. The food was excellent - I had the baked oysters and a NY Strip steak. The oysters were delicious and the steak nice an thick, cooked to a perfect medium rare. The side of lobster Mac and cheese was really good and flavorful with a nice hint of Old Bay, without being overwhelmed. My dining partner’s octopus appetizer was also delicious and tender and he found the rack of lamb nicely cooked with great accompaniments. Service was efficient and attentive without being intrusive or rushed. The server was cordial and knowledgeable of all the offerings. The table was comfortable with a nice view of the Potomac and the noise level was pleasantly low. We’ll definitely be back.
CH
CapitolHillMami
Washington DC
16 reviews
vip
3.0
16 reviews
Dined on May 3, 2022
overall3food2service1ambience5
Super slow service. Food was cold upon arrival. They didn’t have the bottle of champagne I ordered. Waitress offered me two others. I asked her which was similar, and she told me Tattinger. The original bottle I ordered was $92. The Tattinger was $190! Probably my fault for not specifically asking the price, but $100 difference is NOT comparable! Be warned. Complained to the manager when I saw the bill and they very quickly and nicely refunded me.
c
caelyn
Washington DC
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on May 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Bright, stylish restaurant indoors and nice outside seating on the Alexandria waterfront. For lunch I had the fish sandwich, which was grilled swordfish that day and it was outstanding, very fresh and flavorful: one of the best pieces of fish I have had in a long time. We shared the creamed spinach and lobster and mac sides, both very rich and good: but a little goes a long way. Coffee was weak and disappointing, considering the quality of the food: get better more robust grade of coffee.
MG
MarkG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent setting and service. Very polite and attentive waiter. Exceptional menu. Waiter with great advice. Definitely a repeat customer here. Best lunch venue I have found.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Send off for son’s mission
JS
JamesS
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and service.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great wait staff, beautiful night on the patio, food was lovely too.
V
Veggirl
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
It is a great location, food and service were great. I will definitely be back
H
Hungrytraveller
Washington DC
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
Great food and service, but unbelievably noisy! Very hard to hear across the table.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Ada's on the River using the Order Online button. Ada's on the River also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (703) 638-1400.

Ada's on the River is rated 4.6 stars by 1621 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 19, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 121 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(703) 638-1400

Delivery

Order online

3 Pioneer Mill Way Alexandria, VA 22314

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Duke St 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 Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:45 pm
Cuisines
American, Seafood, Vegetarian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
There are several public hourly parking garages within two blocks of the restaurant, and hourly street parking is also available on adjacent streets.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Chef Santiago Lopez
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, 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

Takeout

Delivery

Dining areas

Additional information

Giant Crab Cake

Grilled Octopus

Brussels Sprouts VGF

Starters

Mini Black Brioche Loaf V$9.00

Seared Tuna*$18.00

Grilled Octopus$21.00

Wood-Fired Chicken Thighs$15.00

Moules-Frites$18.00

Coal Oven Fired Oysters$19.00

Salads

Charred Gem Lettuce$15.00

The Wedge$15.00

Grilled Shrimp & Avocado$19.00

Entrées

Coal Oven Half Chicken$26.00

House Ground Prime Dry Aged Burger*$21.00

Roasted Scallops*$36.00

Braised Lamb Shank GF$38.00

Smoked Swordfish GF$34.00

Seared Salmon*$32.00

Giant Crab Cake$46.00

Seared Scallops$36.00

Vegetable Entrées

Charred Cauliflower$19.00

Coal-Fired Mushroom Lasagna$21.00

Smoked Ricotta Gnocchi$24.00

Wood-Fired Custom Aged Prime Meats

10 oz, 45 Day Aged, Tri-Tip*$28.00

14 oz, 75 Day Aged, NY Strip*$52.00

18 oz, 60 Day Aged, Bone In Cowboy Ribeye*$69.00

8 oz, 30 Day Aged, Filet Mignon$49.00

18oz Grain Fed Tomahawk Veal Chop*$59.00

14 oz, Wagyu Ribeye*$89.00

Sauces

House Steak Sauce

Garlic Chimichurri

Béarnaise

Brandy-Peppercorn

Signature Sides

Lobster Mac & Cheese$24.00

Honey Glazed Carrots$12.00

Coal Roasted Mushrooms$14.00

Creamed Spinach$12.00

Charred Cauliflower$12.00

Brussels Sprouts V/GF$12.00

Thick Cut Fries$10.00

Hash Brown Pave$10.00

Coal Roasted Green Beans GF/V$12.00

Baked Whipped Mashed Potatoes$12.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

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Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

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

Takeout

Delivery

Dining areas

Additional information