
Ada's on the River
Trendy riverside venue in Old Town Alexandria serving wood-fired steaks & seafood with panoramic Potomac River views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Ada's on the River

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Trendy riverside venue in Old Town Alexandria serving wood-fired steaks & seafood with panoramic Potomac River views.
"The food and the view are the stars of the show at Ada's on the River!"
Make a Reservation
Ada's can get busy, especially on weekends. Booking ahead ensures you won't have to wait.
Ask About Wood-Fired Options
Inquire about dishes prepared with coal or wood-fired grills for a unique and flavorful culinary experience.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Riverside Dining with a View
Breathtaking views of the Potomac River create a romantic and vibrant atmosphere, perfect for any occasion.

Wood-Fired Culinary Creations
Experience unique dishes cooked over open flames, from French fries to seafood and steaks, offering a distinct smoky flavor.

Exceptional Crab Cakes
Savor lump-filled crab cakes with minimal filler, consistently praised for their delicious taste and generous portions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Make a Reservation
Ada's can get busy, especially on weekends. Booking ahead ensures you won't have to wait.
Ask About Wood-Fired Options
Inquire about dishes prepared with coal or wood-fired grills for a unique and flavorful culinary experience.
Don't Skip the Sides
Sides like creamed spinach, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower are highly recommended and flavorful.
Save Room for Dessert
Indulge in delectable desserts, with apple beignets and chocolate soufflé receiving special mentions.
Tips
from all over the internet
Make a Reservation
Ada's can get busy, especially on weekends. Booking ahead ensures you won't have to wait.
Ask About Wood-Fired Options
Inquire about dishes prepared with coal or wood-fired grills for a unique and flavorful culinary experience.
Don't Skip the Sides
Sides like creamed spinach, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower are highly recommended and flavorful.
Save Room for Dessert
Indulge in delectable desserts, with apple beignets and chocolate soufflé receiving special mentions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ada's on the River garners praise for its stunning Potomac River views, attentive service, and delicious, often wood-fired, cuisine. Diners rave about the crab cakes, steaks, and desserts. However, some reviews mention inconsistent food quality and occasional slow service, particularly considering the price point.
"Been back multiple times to Ada’s! It’s always delicious food and the service is great. Make a reservation so you don’t have to wait. Highly recommend the crab cakes as they don’t use filler. Our server split the crab cakes for us on different plates without us asking. So kind of him and that’s another reason why the service is always amazing. I’ve liked every dish I’ve had. Was too full for dessert this time but I’ll be back!"
Kacy C
"One of my friends had been raving about this restaurant, so I was excited to try it out. It didn't take long to see why she spoke so highly of it. First, the location is right at the river, which is a lovely setting. Many people were seated outside, but we chose to sit inside. The restaurant was bustling, so it was good that we had made a reservation.
The menu has a lot of appealing options, but I had already decided to get the crab cake. It was delicious. Between the three of us, we also had swordfish, prawns, brussel sprouts, creamed spinach, and fries. Everything was scrumptious. Our server, Brenda, was great. I wouldn't hesitate to dine there again."
Sharon Keyser
"Had such a lovely dinner at Ada’s! The food and wine were amazing, but what really made our experience was our server, Alex. From the first recommendation he made from the menu we knew he was extremely knowledgeable. He made incredible recommendations and was so professional and polite. We were so impressed that we’re looking to bring our holiday party to Ada’s. Can’t recommend enough!"
Amy Witt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dining, to avoid long wait times.
Diners frequently praise the lump-filled crab cakes, wood-fired steaks, and desserts like apple beignets.
Yes, Ada's offers outdoor seating with scenic views of the Potomac River, which is a popular choice for diners.
Yes, there are vegetarian options on the menu, such as spiced coal roasted cauliflower.
The restaurant has a vibrant, trendy ambiance with a relaxed yet refined feel, especially on the patio.
Absolutely, the stunning views and excellent food and service make it a perfect spot for anniversaries and celebrations.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
The Best Restaurants In Old Town Alexandria, Virginia - Washington DC
A power lunch, perhaps with a martini or two, is what Ada’s dining room is best for. But we also come here to sit outside, because, as its name implies, the restaurant has stellar waterfront views. Unsurprisingly, the menu is seafood-focused, and they’re known for their jumbo leek and shallot crab cakes.
Top 7 Waterfront Old Town Alexandria Restaurants
Ada's on the River is a standout waterfront restaurant in Alexandria, paying homage to Ada Lovelace, the pioneering mathematician. Located along the picturesque Potomac River, it offers views for a memorable dining experience that easily makes it one of the best restaurants in Old Town. Ada's on the River combines modern Southern cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood and wood-fired prime steaks.
Old Town Alexandria, Virginia Dining Guide
Ada’s On The River (3 Pioneer Mill Way) – Named after Ada Lovelace – the founder of computer programming and a pioneering woman in STEM, Ada’s On The River offers delicious eats on the Potomac River. Everything on the menu at Ada’s is wood fired, from the French fries to the seafood and steak and everything in between, making it uniquely delicious!. The scallops and French fries are my FAVORITE.
13 Elegant Spots to Make a Thanksgiving Dinner Reservation
Savor a three-course Thanksgiving dinner at Ada’s on the River, known for its wood-fired prime steaks, fresh seafood, and vegetarian dishes. Ada’s special holiday menu features a choice of appetizers, entrées, and desserts, including pan-seared crab cakes, smoky turkey breast roulade, and wood-fired prime rib. 3 Pioneer Mill Wy., Alexandria, $79 per person for adults, $29 for kids 12 and under
Brunch Options in Old Town Alexandria
New to Old Town, Ada’s offers stunning panoramic views of the Potomac River for its brunch dinners. Its brunch menu offers specialties like a Maine Lobster Omelet ($29) and Lemon Ricotta Pancakes ($15). Enjoy your meal with Ada’s signature brunch cocktail Bubbles on the River ($11), with La Marca prosecco, strawberry-infused New Amsterdam vodka, and hibiscus syrup.
20 Best Restaurants In Old Town Alexandria, VA, 2024
In Old Town Alexandria, Ada’s on the River is a trendy riverside venue serving steak, seafood, brunch, cocktails, and an extensive wine list. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood dishes from Head Chef Randall J. Matthews and prime steak selections that have won acclaim. For lunch, try their tasty salad and indulge in smoked swordfish for dinner.
Things to Do Along Old Town Alexandria’s Waterfront
Founded in 1749, Alexandria’s haunted history comes to life on one of many ghost tours led by a lantern-carrying costumed guide. Roam through graveyards, stroll haunted neighborhoods and visit historic locales known for their eerie legends. Those over the age of 21 can enjoy a Nightly Spirits ghost tour and pub crawl.
DC Summer Restaurant Week Best Patios and Rooftops
True to name, riverfront views—indoors and out—are a draw at this Old Town destination, which is participating in Alexandria Restaurant Week. On tap: steaks, seafood, and brasserie fare. If you’re going for drinks before or after, sister tapas/wine bar Barca, which is right on the pier, has even better views.
Rehearsal Dinner Locations in Alexandria, Virginia
The 260-seat restaurant includes 160 indoor seats, including a 32-seat private dining room, and 100 seats on the outdoor patio. Ada’s 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.
Best Crab Cakes in Washington, DC
Venture to Virginia for a delectable crab cake at Ada’s On The River. The tasty plate is served with creamed leeks, pickled shallots, and lemon remoulade. Other tasty seafood dishes include coal-roasted prawns, grilled octopus, seared tuna, lobster mac and cheese, and more.
Best Places to Eat Outdoors in Alexandria
Waterfront Wow Factor: Let the Potomac River breeze ease you into the weekend at BARCA Pier & Wine Bar and Ada’s on the River, or raise a glass in the midst of the buzzing waterfront at Vola’s Dockside Grill (check out Vola’s Spring Oyster Festival this Saturday, April 2).
Top Alexandria Waterfront Restaurants with Potomac River Views
AtAda’s on the River, guests can indulge in a selection of wood-fired prime steaks, fresh seafood, vegetarian dishes, and creative cocktails while enjoying the beautiful waterside ambiance. This restaurant offers an upscale dining experience perfect for special occasions.
Best Brunch in Alexandria, VA
At waterside Ada’s on the River, the menu centers around meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes cooked to perfection in the wood-burning oven. Enjoy elevated brunch options including the Maine lobster omelet and lemon & ricotta pancakes served with smoked citrus syrup.
10 Best Waterfront Restaurants in Northern Virginia
Nestled in Old Town Alexandria, Ada’s offers wood-fired modern American cuisine right on the Potomac River. Enjoy expertly grilled meats, fresh seafood, and signature salads with front-row patio views. It’s a top pick for date nights or special occasions.
Old Town Alexandria Restaurant Recs...
If you’re looking for drinks beforehand, plenty of spots do craft cocktails but Ada’s on the river and it’s companion (Barca) are my pick. Ada’s food is top-notch as well, my firm does lots of celebratory lunches and dinners there for groups of 8-20.
16 Best Restaurants in Alexandria in 2023
3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA 22314Phone: 703-638-1400 Visit Website. A post shared by Ada’s on the River (@adasontheriver). Ada’s on the River is one of the best restaurants in Alexandria, Virginia, with a panoramic view of the Potomac River.
Best Dinner in Old Town Alexandria, VA: From Casual to Fine Dining
Located along the Potomac River, Ada’s on the River offers breathtaking waterfront views paired with wood-fired seafood and steaks. Its serene atmosphere and innovative menu make it a top choice for a romantic evening or a gathering with friends.
Best Seafood Restaurant in Alexandria Va, Seafood Restaurant near me
Built around a custom wood-burning oven and featuring stunning panoramic views of the Potomac river, ado’s on the river draws inspiration from the ingenuity of ad Lovelace, one of the greatest mathematicians of the 19th century.
The Best Bakeries in Old Town Alexandria: Lady Camelia by the Waterfront
I was walking along the waterfront near the Potomac and was in search of Ada’s on the River. The establishment was completely booked and I decided to walk down to Virtue Feed and Grain. But on the way, I spotted the tea room.
Heated Outdoor Dining Options Available in Alexandria This Winter
– Ada’s on the River: Dine riverside at Ada’s on the River in Old Town with a $69 prix fixe Christmas menu featuring seared scallops, wood-fired prime rib and a cranberry tart. Special Christmas hours are 11:30 a.m.
Best Things To Do In Alexandria VA
Ada’s (Instagram: @adasontheriver): Modern American and seafood restaurant along the water. The food is good (and drinks are great) but the views are what make it.
Interesting Restaurants/Bars in Old Town Alexandria? : nova
I was leaning Ada’s, but all these comments about the magestic won me over. Plus I walked by and it looked nice.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit