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Ada's on the River, Alexandria, VA

Ada's on the River

4.7
4.7
2543 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 102 times today

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

Popular dishes

What 2,543 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 outdoor dining

  • Virginia - DC Suburbs

    Great for scenic views

  • Virginia - DC Suburbs

    American

  • Virginia - DC Suburbs

    Most Booked

Sort by

  1. AlanB

    Washington DC

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    We like the food, the service and the atmosphere. This trip the weather was excellent. Great river view. This time my companion had the hanger steak and I had the pork chop. Don't forget the chocolate souffle. Takes 18 minutes to cook. Also check out how it got its name.
  2. eddie

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall3food5service2ambience4
    Ada’s has fantastic food. I have never had a bad meal there. The management was very good. My big hang up from last night was the server. He was not attentive at all. 40% of the tables were empty as we ate so there was no reason for this. This lack of attention resulted in drinks coming to the table late after multiple requests. A ordered item was missed and on the bill but never made it to the table. When it came time to pay the bill this guy repeatedly walked by and away so I just left cash and walked out. More training of the staff should be performed so their performance matches the quality of the food.
  3. ScottS

    Cincinnati

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My wife and I had dinner at Ada's for our anniversary. The food and the service was fantastic and the setting on the river is great. Parking wasn't convenient. We had to park on the street about 3 blocks away but it was worth it. We would highly recommend it.
  4. Magnifico

    Philadelphia

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went with 8 total for wife’s birthday celebration. Austin our server was phenomenal! Took cake and needed plates and knives to serve. Everyone enjoyed meal especially swordfish and crab cake. Perfect ambience on the Potomac!
  5. JordanFP

    New York Area

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Fabulous location directly on the river in Old Town, great views, yummy food, generous portions
  6. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Parker was an amazing server! He was very accommodating and knowledgeable! I frequent here very often and the food and staff are always great, but Parker provided such outstanding service that it made this time so much better!
  7. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had 6:30 dinner reservations inside, but decided to take an open table outside for the view of the river since it was a nice evening.Great ambiance inside and outside river views, wonderful wine selection and cocktail specials. We loved to grilled octopus appetizer and the crab cake entre. Our server was very attentive and helped with menu details and gave us plenty of time to visit with our out of town guests without constant interruptions. We enjoyed sitting outside except for the noise of flights departing from National airport overhead which frequently interrupted conversations.
  8. KMSS

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous location and amazing food. We had the hanger steak and smoked swordfish, both of which were excellent. We would go back just to have the hashbrown pave again--incredible (as were all the sides). Cocktails were also amazing. We will definitely be back.
  9. Brittany

    Cleveland

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious! The service was great! The prices are fair. If you sit outside, you will have an airplane flying overhead every 2-3 mins & it's loud but you may get used to it lol
  10. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything about this dinning experience was excellent, from the view, the hostess, our waiter Domininique, the food, cocktails and dessert. We went to celebrate a birthday. Not only did we do that, but we also found a new favorite.
  11. CraigW

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We had a lovely time. Wonderful and attentive service. Excellent food and location. Thank you! Would highly recommend this location.
  12. Amelie

    Orange County

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S! What a wonderful place in all ways!
  13. LindaM

    Washington DC

    40 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I dine often at Ada’s but have never tried the brunch until Memorial Day. We were wowed by the quality of the brunch items. The menu was exciting, with special cocktails and entrees. I ordered the espresso martini made with cognac and it was to die for. My husband and I shared the crab omelette and the giant French toast, along with some fresh fruit. These were perfect pairings. The omelette was light and fluffy and filled with lump crabmeat. The French toast was giant and super delicious. Everything was served hot and fresh. To top it off, we sat outside on the deck with a perfect river view. The overcast skies didn’t even feel dull. Our server, Sarah, was friendly and helpful. If you have never tried the brunch, save your pennies and GO! It’s totally worth a splurge.
  14. Levasiad

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    William was the BEST!! He welcomed us, paid full attention to details and our needs! He even knew that we was celebrating our anniversary and verified our food allergies! All in all, William definitely made a great impression and is the GOAT at Ada’s! As for the food, drinks and dessert… it was sooooooo freaking good!! We definitely will be returning, and will asking for William to be our server! Thank you for a wonderful night! 😍🥰🫶🏾
  15. DeniseJ

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous food and gorgeous view of the Potomac River. Great for a special birthday celebration! Amazing customer service attitude from the staff.
  16. Richard

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Quite frankly, one of the finest dining experiences I’ve ever had.
  17. Lily1908

    Washington DC

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    It was fine. My salmon wasn’t seared enough to my liking and it was a bit over cooked. It was medium well instead of medium. However the ambience, and service were great.
  18. BonnieS

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We loved the food, service, and value. Would highly recommend and looking forward to returning in the near future
  19. BenjaminS

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Great food and service. Some food was a bit overpriced but tasted great. The fillet was amazing although a tad small.
  20. Judy

    Richmond

    22 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience2
    Our steaks ($52) were delicious but the prices on the menu were much higher than listed on the website menu. OT, listing this restaurant as $30 and under is totally incorrect. Our server was very friendly but the noise level is very loud. More waitstaff needed as all of our sides didn’t arrive with the main entree.
  21. JanetC

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is outstanding and service is excellent.
  22. Eric

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience4
    honestly very poor food. good service and ambience. salmon came out cold twice and everything was underseasoned and over priced. even the cocktails weren't great.
  23. Hungry

    Washington DC

    44 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was OUTSTANDING as usual. The best place in the DMV and everybody seems to know it!! Always full, always fun and always delicious. Service is always outstanding from the moment you enter with the host and hostesses , to them wonderful servers and table employees. The chef is the best. Love , love this place . AND the new dessert " cheese cake tower" is amazing!
  24. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our service was phenomenal. The team taking care of us, from the host to everyone touching our table was incredibly respectful and helpful, especially considering we had our two small children with us. Outstanding food and experience.
  25. AshleyJ

    Tampa

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I have the most amazing dinner experience at Ada’s on the River. Everything was simply amazing. Everything was so flavorful and delicious. My server Janice provided all of the recommendations I selected and everything from the cocktail to dessert was absolutely exquisite. Top notch service and food! I’ll be back!
  26. Foodie

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 23, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience4
    Very slow service. Took a while for drinks and initial order placement. Enjoyed the food and views.

    Ada's on the RiverResponded on May 25, 2023Thank you so much for your honest review. We take great pride in having a well-trained staff and we apologize that our service fell short during your recent dine. We have shared your feedback with the management team to ensure quality service to all of our guests. We hope you will give us another opportunity to impress you.

  27. BobVirginia

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our late lunch outside was excellent. Only negative was helicopter noise.
  28. vamosrafa04

    Philadelphia

    122 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    122 reviews

    Dined on May 23, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience3
    Overall, a decent experience. Our server, Dominic (I'm pretty sure) was amazing! Great personality, very informative about thier menu and genuinely nice! He made the evening! Food overall, was good. Our favorites were the gem salad and wood roasted chicken thighs. Our ribeye was overcooked!! Didn't want to send it back, as it was already late. Also, seated at their worst table, outside! Outside was fine, but we were seated in the middle of no where, like the ugly stepchildren. We passed at least one other table we could've been seated, especially, given the time. I really looking forward to dining here, unfortunately did not live up to my expectations.

    Ada's on the RiverResponded on May 25, 2023Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us your feedback. 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.

  29. Parkman

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 22, 2023

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    Great spot. Great service. Good selection and taste overall.
  30. ScottC

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience2
    Understaffed so prepare to wait for a table well after your reservation time, and for everything to take a while to get to your table.

    Ada's on the RiverResponded on May 25, 2023Thank you so much for your honest review, Scott. We take great pride in having a well-trained staff and we apologize that our service fell short during your recent dine. We have shared your feedback with the management team to ensure quality service to all of our guests. We hope you will give us another opportunity to impress you.

  31. mollyz

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall2food1service1ambience4
    Really disappointing experience for birthday dinner at Ada's. Our server poured us some water and then was mostly absent from taking our order and following up with service. The mushroom lasagna was flavorless and looked like 3 flaps of pasta loosely folder over a cremini mushroom puree. Then there was mayonnaise as a garnish which was odd. Side order of Brussel sprouts were delicious but chocolate soufflé arrived later and came with a tablespoon of whipped cream for garnish. When we voiced our disappointment with the service and food the server simply shrugged his shoulder and left the bill on the table. No acknowledgment of birthday or special occasion. We won't be going back.
  32. patrickm

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    beautiful setting, great food, outstanding service and personal interaction with the GM to check in on our experience. Highly recommended
  33. gregoryw

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was my birthday we had lunch on the deck the weather was perfect the ambiance was perfect the food was well prepared and very tasty I had the 75-year-old steak it was cooked perfectly our waiter was very friendly and very professional
  34. JohnRob

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    We felt that the wait for our food was too long. Though it was explained that you were short on staff members.
  35. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Ada’s management need to train their host stand staff how to manage the walk-ins and reservations. We had a reservation for two people. We asked if we could sit outside and they said they can’t. Six tables were open outside! Six! First the host attendant said, well we have reservations, I told him tables outside can’t be reserved, otherwise I would have reserved one. Then he blamed it on shortage of servers, but then a party came right after us and they were seated outside. They need to be trained. Honestly, the service in general at most restaurant went down after the pandemic. Disappointed!
  36. R2d2

    Washington DC

    29 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service. Have been wanting to dine here for a while and finally lucked up with a reservation for brunch. Great time and experience and will definitely visit again soon.
  37. rosie

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely brunch right on the water. Make early reservations as it filled up fast
  38. Thomas

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is phenomenal and the staff is outstanding.
  39. Gretchen

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food, atmosphere, and service were all fantastic! We would definitely come back
  40. CityGalNoVA

    Washington DC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    The food was excellent, although the fish sandwich was mostly bun. We didn’t order dessert because none of the choices appealed to us. Service was very slow. We waited at least 10 minutes to be seated (even though we had a reservation). (We sat on the patio.) After at least 10 minutes without seeing a server, we called one over to take our order. The server brought us menus, then disappeared. It was another 10 minutes before another server actually took our orders, and still another 10 minutes before our food appeared. We had expected that the bottle of Prosecco and juices we had ordered would arrive quickly, but that was not the case. i must say that the staff were very nice. They brought my granddaughter crayons and a coloring sheet to keep her occupied.

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 2543 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 102 times today
Google Map for Ada's on the River

3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA 22314

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Duke Street and South Union Street

  • 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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