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Ada's on the River, Alexandria, VA

Ada's on the River

4.7
4.7
2794 Reviews
$30 and under
American
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.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 76 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Neighborhood
    Old Town Alexandria
  • Cross street
    Duke Street 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

What 2,794 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Virginia - DC Suburbs

    Great for scenic views

  • Virginia - DC Suburbs

    American

  • Virginia - DC Suburbs

    Most Booked

2,794 Reviews
  1. Dptreview

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service. We had the shrimp appetizer and the crab cake sandwich. The mocktails were good too.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Bombinate

    Cincinnati

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Sam was amazing!!!! I had zero complaints about absolutely anything. Food was amazing. Service was amazing. We felt like a priority the entire time!

    Is this helpful?

  3. RonG

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    enjoyed the experience and will come back to try more dishes.

    Is this helpful?

  4. KhaliyaN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was my first visit, but it will definitely not be my last. Our waiter was absolutely great, and took the time out to answer all of our questions and point me in the right direction as to what to order. All of the food we had was spectacular and fresh. The overall ambience of the restaurant was beautiful too, even in the midst of a hurricane passing through.

    Is this helpful?

  5. PatriciaW

    Washington DC

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very nice lunch outside by the river. Food was very good and service professional.

    Is this helpful?

  6. susanB

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Excellent service, a little disappointed with the crab cake sandwich. Fries were great

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  7. RAL13

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Alex was amazing! Thank you for the wonderful service! We enjoyed the espresso martini - one of the best!

    Is this helpful?

  8. mjhs

    Washington DC

    59 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    59 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We've dined at Ada's several times and never disappointed. Service outstanding. We had lunch, salads very substantial and good. Definitely will return.

    Is this helpful?

  9. BGinRB

    Baltimore

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a late lunch at Ada’s. Sat outside overlooking the Potomac River. Enjoyed a shrimp salad and crab cake sandwich. Great service, beautiful setting.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Lvfrmyl

    Orange County

    24 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    24 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food4service1ambience3
    The service was painfully slow. We had to get up a few times to find our waitress. This is unacceptable for such a nice restaurant. We wanted to order coffee and dessert but ended up leaving because it was getting so late and service was very slow. The waitress was very nice when she can come around but maybe short staff or something. We had to wait for water to be filled and a few things we asked for had to be asked a few times. Very nice restaurant otherwise. We hope for a better experience next time

    Is this helpful?

  11. Diningindmv

    Washington DC

    220 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    220 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We dine frequently at Ada's on the River. We loved the house-ground Prime Dry Aged Burger, which is perfectly seasoned and charred on the wood fired grill. The thick cut fries were crispy on the outside and soft and tasty on the inside. The excellent cocktail prepared by bartender Laura topped off our great dining experience. We highly recommend dining at Ada's for brunch, lunch or dinner.

    Is this helpful?

  12. JM2023

    Denver

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    During my 77 years I have enjoyed at least one hundred crab cakes, but this week at Ada's I tasted the best of them all, succulent, tasty and abundant. It was mostly crab and spectacular flavorings. My friend and I shared the remarkable home fries which were elegant and not at all "down home" but something to write home about, creatively flavored and just perfectly crunchy. Not to be outdone by such food, our waiter was a true poet with the capacity to describe food choices in otherworldly language — charming, warm and perfectly attentive. Matching the food and the service was a delightful patio setting with views of the Potomac. Could a lunch be any better? Well, it helps to bring along a wonderful friend.

    Is this helpful?

  13. RichC

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    As always, the food is good. Not cheap, but portions are satisfying and the food is creative and fun. There are more than enough choices and you can’t go wrong with just about anything on the menu. Great ambience and a nice atmosphere makes dining enjoyable. Despite being open and airy, the noise level is not overwhelming. This place is perfect for a special occasion or a romantic evening.

    Is this helpful?

  14. MasonHG

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The cocktail we had was so delicious, innovative and enjoyable. Black bread and the cream couples it were wonderful. Lemon dessert, again, delicious, innovative. Our main course was well done. We definitely will be back

    Is this helpful?

  15. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Superb as always!!! One of my favorite places in Alexandria.

    Is this helpful?

  16. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Patrick was fantastic and drinks were yummy. Appetizer was delicious and flavorful. Both recommended entrees were perfect.

    Is this helpful?

  17. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food. Good everything. Great vibe and our waitress was awesome.

    Is this helpful?

  18. AnaR

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My first time dining at the restaurant and I had an amazing meal, servers were very attentive and loved the experience.

    Is this helpful?

  19. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Amazing food wonderful atmosphere great location…. Go!!! Did brunch, can’t wait to do dinner on the water.

    Is this helpful?

  20. JenniferL

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We selected Ada’s for a group mother daughter brunch, and we couldn’t have been more pleased. From the moment that we were seated, our server, Janice, was outstanding with her level of attentiveness and attention to detail for our party of six. Each brunch entree was beautifully presented and included deliciously fresh ingredients. We enjoyed the Maine lobster omelette, shrimp and avocado toast, crab and asparagus omelette, breakfast bread basket, Ada’s breakfast and the pork schnitzel. The fingering potatoes were also a resounding hit! The juice variety mimosas and other cocktails were definitely palette pleasers. The view from an outdoor table is unmatched (note: outdoor seating is FCFS, even with reservations). We were there on a glorious sunny day and the area is just busy enough but not overly so—with an incredibly serene view of the Potomac.

    Is this helpful?

  21. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
     My wife and I enjoyed an incredible brunch today. Our server was personable which heighten our experience. The conversation and ambience is unmatched on the Potomac .

    Is this helpful?

  22. OldTownDiner

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The lobster mac and cheese was delicious--highly recommend!

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Overall, we enjoyed our dining experience. We've been to Ada's three or four times before, usually for a special occasion. We enjoyed our meal very much. The wait staff were attentive; one course followed the next very promptly. The food was presented very well; a plus for any restaurant. I want to mention a few things that might need some improvement. First, the lighting inside (early evening) was a bit dim and it was a bit hard to read the menu. Second, the temperature inside the restaurant was on the cool side. My wife had to put on her jacket to stay warm. Third, prices are somewhat on the high side; therefore we aren't likely to dine at Ada's on a routine basis. But it certainly is on our short list of special event dining venues.

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  24. SteveC

    Las Vegas

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent restaurant & beautiful setting inside or outside

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  25. ChristineC

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We loved this restaurant, and it was good again this weekend when I had houseguests and family in. The only thing that I could say was wrong is that we didn’t want to sit outside and they were five of us. The maître d’ said that we could not have five sitting outside.

    Is this helpful?

  26. DebD

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Way overpriced drinks & food; missing food alternatives for food allergies; fish overcooked

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  27. Soph

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a wonderful lunch. Sat outside with direct views of the river, DC, and National Harbor. The food was great and staff was very attentive and friendly!

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  28. BYBS84

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall3food5service5ambience3
    My friend & I had a 9pm reservation; we chose to sit outside because the weather was fantastic! Our waiter Dominic was great & patient! We both enjoyed our meals & cocktails; crab cake was superb! It wasn’t noisy at all, maybe because it was a Tues night! MAJOR CON that killed the 5 star experience… THE MICE!!! Granted they were small, but nonetheless… it was a lot!! I put my feet up in the additional chair we had. Our waiter asked did we want to go inside, but we’d finished our meal for the most part… and the weather was really nice, so we stayed outside thinking I could ignore the mice. Not so much!! Our waiter explained to us that it’s not the restaurant, but the actual property company, who they have voiced this concern… that needs to resolve this as they are not allowed to modify that particular area!! Outside of that… we enjoyed ourselves🙃

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  29. Jfam

    Washington DC

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service is top notch and the steak is always perfection (charred just the right amount, cooked how you request and well seasoned). The octopus appetizer, wedge salad, crab cake and brussel sprouts are all cant miss. Their cocktails are also delish!

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  30. AndrewP

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    The hostess upon arrival was kind of rude. The waitress was attentive. The food was OK.

    Ada's on the RiverResponded on September 13, 2023

    Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us your feedback, Andrew. We apologize we were unable to create a five-star experience. We have shared your feedback with the management team and hope you will give us another opportunity to impress you.

    Is this helpful?

  31. goodvibesgoodfood

    Washington DC

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Janice was AMAZING!!! She was extremely personable and helped guide us through the menu with great recommendations. She made our anniversary dinner memorable. Definitely will be back and hope to have her wait on us again.

    Is this helpful?

  32. DorisM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and mocktails were absolutely DELICIOUS! Cant wait to go back!

    Is this helpful?

  33. JohnL

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Experience was great. Janice provided excellent service concerning the level of activity.

    Is this helpful?

  34. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful waterfront, bright inside, delicious food!

    Is this helpful?

  35. TommySC

    Charleston

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very high quality food that was prepared to please. Wait staff is very attentive, friendly, and professional.

    Is this helpful?

  36. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    I love this place; it is ideally on the water, perfect for a romantic dinner or relaxing with friends—fantastic food and service.

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  37. RachaelK

    Baltimore

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and ambiance was great and exactly what you would expect from a highly rated restaurant in old town on the water. However, what really made our experience stand out was our server, Devyn, who went above and beyond at every stage of our meal. He was incredibly friendly, highly knowledgeable about the menu and made great recommendations, and would be a big reason for us to return to Ada’s in the future!

    Is this helpful?

  38. ThomasT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The wait staff was remarkable in their attention to care and comfort.

    Is this helpful?

  39. Frank

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Classy for a date night or birthday. Worth the value

    Is this helpful?

  40. Neighbor

    Washington DC

    17 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience2
    Food, Excellent. everything else needs attention to exceed. Noise was higher than necessary, Air blowing cold directly on plate, customer. service not friendly.

    Is this helpful?

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 4.7 stars by 2794 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 76 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
  • Neighborhood
    Old Town Alexandria
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Fri 11:30 am–11:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–11:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    American
  • 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
  • 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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