Ada’s on the River is a trendy, upmarket riverside restaurant at 3 Pioneer Mill Way in Alexandria, Virginia.
Known for its inviting setting and polished dining experience, the restaurant serves steak and seafood alongside weekend brunch, making it a versatile destination for a relaxed daytime meal, a memorable dinner, or a special occasion by the water.
Its menu also includes small plates and healthy options, with table service available for lunch, dinner, and dessert.
The beverage selection adds to the experience, offering cocktails, beer, spirits, coffee, and a robust wine list. Ada’s on the River is especially recognized for its great cocktails, fast service, and local specialty, while its romantic and trendy atmosphere makes it appealing for date nights, celebrations, and stylish gatherings.
Guests can also make use of the private dining room, and solo diners are welcomed. Reservations are accepted, although there is usually a wait, so planning ahead may be helpful.
Ada’s on the River offers outdoor seating, dine-in service, takeaway, delivery, and on-site services, giving customers several convenient ways to enjoy its food and drinks. Accessibility features include a wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible seating, an assistive hearing loop, and a wheelchair-accessible toilet. The restaurant accepts debit cards and provides restroom facilities.
With a 4.60 out of 5 rating based on 2,329 reviews, Ada’s on the River has earned strong customer feedback for its riverside atmosphere, diverse dining options, and well-rounded service. For more information or to make plans, call +1 703-638-1400.
Popular Items
Frequently ordered and highly recommended items at Ada's on the River
Our Story
Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.
Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Photos
A glimpse of our restaurant experience
Food & Drinks
Poema, Cava, ES
La Marca, Prosecco DOC, IT
Cricova, Codru, MDA
Beau Joie, Champagne AOC, FR
Domaine Carneros, Napa Valley, CA
new amsterdam vodka, vanilla, passion fruit, mango, sparkling wine
cruzan dark rum, aperol, sherry, sake, sparkling wine
la marca prosecco, strawberry infused new amsterdam vodka, hibiscus syrup
hanson of sonoma organic habanero vodka, ada’s bloody mary mix, red wine demi-glace, chipotle peppers
hanson of sonoma organic cucumber vodka, ada’s bloody mary mix, vegetable stock, pickle juice, charred tomatoes
hanson of sonoma organic meyer lemon vodka, ada’s bloody mary mix, old bay, lemon pepper
hand cut tenderloin, charred onions, shallots, capers, garlic, aleppo peppers, parsley, olive oil, rye crostini
garlic butter, charred blood orange, herbs
orange-pecan sticky bun, nutella babka, raspberry scone, espresso coffee cake, lemon-poppy seed muffin
avocado mousse, citrus, pickled fresno chiles, green onions, sesame seeds, blood orange soda, aleppo peppers
turkish flatbread, dijonnaise, marinated greens
grapefruit, fresno peppers, evoo, radishes, mixed greens, lemon vinaigrette
brie de meaux mousse, tête de moine, valdeón, marcona almonds, parmesan tuile, apricot jam, raspberry purée
smoked citrus syrup, toasted almonds
cinnamon, brown sugar, salted caramel, chantilly cream
butter poached lobster, cheddar cheese, béarnaise, spiced crispy fingerlings
shaved steak, caramelized onions, pimiento cheese, spiced crispy fingerlings
2 eggs*, bacon, spiced crispy fingerlings, rustic toast
herbed crème fraîche, slow cooked tomatoes, portuguese muffin, béarnaise, spiced crispy fingerlings
canadian bacon, poached eggs, portuguese muffin, hollandaise, spiced crispy fingerlings
caramelized onions, herbs, spiced crispy fingerlings
cheddar-thyme biscuit, crispy chicken thigh, pimiento cheese, honey, thick cut fries
charred gem lettuce, garlic-anchovy vinaigrette, parmigiano reggiano, rustic croutons, coal roasted tomatoes
bibb lettuce, radishes, citrus, coconut vinaigrette, toasted almonds, pickled fresno peppers
roasted hazelnuts, medjool dates, lemon vinaigrette, buttermilk-yogurt dressing
baby iceberg, n’duja breadcrumbs, miso ranch, scallions, coal roasted tomatoes, red onions, blue cheese, chili crisp
coal roasted tomatoes, egg, charred red onions, bacon, cucumber, sharp cheddar, avocado, rustic croutons, roma crunch lettuce, green goddess dressing
vegan sausage ragù, smoked ricotta, crispy shallots, herbs
thinly pounded crispy fried pork chop, lemon, capers, fingerling potatoes
jumbo lump crab, creamed leeks, pickled shallots, lemon remoulade
daily market fish, smoked tomatoes, bibb lettuce, lemon aioli, potato bun, thick cut fries
wood-fired onions, bacon, taleggio cheese, dijonnaise, russian dressing, pickles, lettuce, thick cut fries
harissa-tomato broth, shallots, garlic, herbs, grilled rustic bread
jumbo lump crab cake, lemon remoulade, bibb lettuce, marinated tomato, potato bun
arugula, tomatoes, sauerkraut, russian dressing, pumpernickel
pine nuts, arugula, pickled raisins, salsa verde
shaved ribeye, raclette cheese, au jus-onion jam, horseradish labneh, rustic baguette, au jus, thick cut fries
Hear from our valued guests
Ada’s on the River definitely lived up to the hype. The food was packed with flavor, and every dish was presented beautifully an easy A+ for presentation. The prices are a little on the higher side, but if you want quality, you have to be willing to pay for it. A special shoutout to our server, Juan E. He was outstanding! He explained the menu in great detail, answered all of our questions, and made sure we had a great dining experience from start to finish. Overall, great food, excellent service, and a restaurant I’d definitely recommend. I’ll be back!
Went for dinner. 9pm reservation. The atmosphere was beautiful. Food was delicious. Beef tartar, grilled octopus, black brioche bread with orange butter, and charcoal grilled oysters were appetizers. Pork Chop and scallops for dinner. I admit the appetizers were the stars of the night.
My boyfriend and I visited on Valentine’s Day and it was an amazing experience. The service was exceptional — servers were very attentive with changing plates, utensils, and water. We ordered grilled stuffed calamari, braised lamb shank, giant crab cake, and chocolate caramel tart for dessert (a Valentine’s Day special). The calamari was very interesting, but a little too salty. The braised lamb shank was my favorite. The lamb comes off of the bone instantly, cooked to the best texture and flavor possible. The crab cake was amazing as well, especially with the onions underneath. I’m not a sweets person, but the tart was also great. Overall, it was lovely dining here and would love to come again in the future!
One of the greatest restaurants in Alexandria by far! I came here for my birthday dinner with friends and the food & experience were both fantastic! They have a wide selection on their menu but I highly suggest getting the lamb chops and the grilled octopus. Their flavors were rich and portions were super filling. Will be returning soon.
I went for lunch today and the food and service was phenomenal. We had the octopus and oysters as a starter and they were both excellent. For our mains, our lovely waitress Elizabeth recommended a trout stuffed with crabmeat special and we also ordered the mussels. Both of these Items were deliciously prepared. We finish with the beignets which I think it needed a scoop of vanilla Ice cream to make it even better but it was tasty regardless. Cant wait to come back and try some of the dinner items.
Absolutely fabulous! The waiter figured it out so quickly that he ordered us a chocolate souffle for dessert without our knowledge and it was absolutely phenomenal. The dishes are detailed. The dishes are delicious and the chef does amazing things with sauces and sides. Try it out, you won't be disappointed more
Food was pretty good. Great environment. It’s a nice mix of upscale but casual. Wait staff was very attentive. I didn’t like my entree. They offered to take it back and gave me something I preferred more. No fuss. There’s parking nearby but it was a little bit of a hassle getting there because Old Towne gets pretty busy down by the river on nice days, so plan accordingly.
Had the BEST time! Food was fantastic, 10/10, no notes. Service was amazing. Officially my new fav brunch spot in VA ✨ I love the inspo behind this place, and the fact that they have a scholarship for girls going into STEM? Iconic.
I had an overall nice and pleasant experience dining here! I took my mother, and we got to sit outside and enjoy the really beautiful evening weather. The food was excellent across the board. I had the pork chop, and she ordered the Short Rib Ravioli, both were fantastic. We also shared the corn succotash and roasted fingerlings, which perfectly rounded out the meal. Between the delicious dishes, the lovely ambiance, and the solid service, it was a wonderful evening. Highly recommend! :)
Matthew was the server, incredible personality, warm, kind, patient, and just very much so a great people person. The good He recommended was so incredibly good. I’ll be back for sure in hopes to get Matthew as well. Thank you for having such an amazing waiter on staff. He seriously should be considered for management. My opinion.
Common questions about Ada's on the River
Ada's on the River is located at 3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA 22314, VA 22314, United States.
You can reach Ada's on the River by calling +1 703-638-1400.
Ada's on the River has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 2329 customer reviews.
Ada's on the River features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible seating, Assistive hearing loop, Wheelchair-accessible toilet.
Ada's on the River features the following service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, On-site services, Takeaway, Dine-in.
Ada's on the River features the following highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails, Serves local specialty.
Ada's on the River features the following popular for: Solo dining.
Ada's on the River features the following offerings: Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Coffee, Healthy options, Private dining room, Small plates, Spirits, Wine.
Ada's on the River features the following dining options: Lunch, Dinner, Dessert, Table service.
Ada's on the River features the following amenities: Restroom.
Ada's on the River features the following atmosphere: Romantic, Trendy, Upmarket.
Ada's on the River features the following crowd: Groups, Tourists.
Ada's on the River features the following planning: Accepts reservations, Usually a wait.
Ada's on the River features the following payments: Debit cards.
Ada's on the River features the following children: High chairs.
Ada's on the River features the following parking: Free street parking, Paid parking garage, Paid parking lot, Paid street parking.
Ada's on the River features the following pets: Dogs allowed outside.
Business Features
We look forward to welcoming you. Make a reservation or stop by - walk-ins welcome!
Request a table and we'll confirm your booking shortly.
