On April 6, The Hamilton Live served as the backdrop for a significant moment in the region’s dining scene as the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) named the finalists for the 44th Annual RAMMYS Awards. Leading figures in hospitality, including chefs and restaurateurs from across the area, were in attendance for the announcement. The event highlighted the breadth of talent and diversity that continue to shape Washington’s restaurant industry.
As the region’s top culinary honors, The RAMMYS recognize excellence across every facet of the foodservice community. From sophisticated beverage programs to the visionary leadership shaping the industry’s future, these awards celebrate the very best of Washington dining. RAMW President and CEO Shawn Townsend noted that these finalists continually elevate the standard, creating the unforgettable moments that cement the DC area as a world-class culinary destination.
While industry experts decide many of the prestigious awards, several key categories remain entirely in the hands of the dining public. This year brings an exciting new addition to the ballot, giving you more influence than ever over who takes home a coveted RAMMY.
Make Your Voice Heard: The Public Voting Categories
- Five highly competitive categories will be decided completely by public vote.
- Fans and food lovers can cast their ballots on the NBC4 Washington website between April 20 and May 17.
- Visit www.nbcwashington.com during the voting window to support your favorite weekend spots and neighborhood dining destinations.
A Fresh Addition: Content Creator of the Year
Social media has transformed how diners discover new restaurants, stay updated on culinary trends, and find lesser-known options throughout the DMV. In recognition of this major cultural shift, the RAMMYS introduced the Content Creator of the Year category for 2026.
This unique award recognizes the vital role digital creators play in spotlighting the regional dining scene and driving traffic to local businesses. Even better, this category is determined entirely by public write-in votes. You have the freedom to champion the local food influencers and lifestyle bloggers who keep your social feeds looking delicious and guide your weekend dining choices.
Best Bar of the Year
- Cana
- El Presidente
- Press Club
- Service Bar
- Silver Lyan
When you want a perfectly mixed drink in an unforgettable atmosphere, these finalists deliver. This category, sponsored by Perrier, honors establishments where the beverage program takes center stage.
Best Brunch of the Year
Weekends in Washington practically revolve around brunch. These nominees provide exceptional daytime dining experiences, whether through a lavish buffet, bottomless options, or a meticulously crafted prix fixe menu.
- Finalists for Best Brunch of the Year:
- dLeña
- I Egg You
- Matt & Tony’s
- Ruthie’s All Day
- Unconventional Diner
Cast your vote for your favorite nominee.
Hottest Sandwich Spot of the Year
Sometimes, nothing beats a creative, perfectly constructed sandwich. This category celebrates the quick-serve spots, delis, and mobile vendors mastering the art of the handheld meal.
- Finalists for Hottest Sandwich Spot of the Year:
- 2Fifty Texas BBQ
- Celebrity Delly
- Joia Burger
- SOKO Butcher
- Your Only Friend
Favorite Gathering Place of the Year
Great food is essential, but the right atmosphere makes a restaurant stand out. These neighborhood anchors provide outstanding indoor or outdoor settings where guests frequently return to connect.
- Finalists for Favorite Gathering Place of the Year:
- Cafe Milano
- Jane Jane
- Le Diplomate
- Old Ebbitt Grill
- SOST
Celebrating Culinary Excellence: The Professional Categories
Beyond the public vote, the RAMMYS highlight the exceptional professionals driving the local hospitality industry forward. To qualify for these prestigious titles, establishments and individuals must meet rigorous standards of culinary artistry, service excellence, and community impact.
Fine Dining and Upscale Casual Leaders
- Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year finalists:
- Albi
- Dōgon by Kwame Onwuachi
- Elyse
- Rania
- Rooster & Owl
- Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year finalists:
- Joon
- Moon Rabbit
- Osteria Mozza
- Pascual
- Perry’s
Exceptional Beverage Programs
- Wine Program of the Year finalists:
- Bourbon Steak DC
- Fiola
- Lulu’s Winegarden
- Lutèce
- Maydān
- Cocktail Program of the Year finalists:
- Amazonia
- Cucina MORINI
- Rania
- Residents Café & Bar
- Your Only Friend
- Beer Program of the Year finalists:
- Franklin Hall
- Pizzeria Paradiso
- Red Bear Brewing Co.
- Solace Outpost
- Wunder Garten
Standout Casual and Fast Casual Venues
- Casual Restaurant of the Year finalists:
- Ellē
- La Bonne Vache
- Purple Patch
- Taqueria Xochi
- Tsehay Ethiopian
- Fast Casual Restaurant of the Year finalists:
- Andy’s Pizza
- Call Your Mother
- Queen Mother’s Kitchen
- San Pancho
- Yellow
New Restaurant of the Year
- Elmina
- ISLA
- Marcus DC
- The Occidental
- Tapori
Chef and Restaurateur Honors
- Chef of the Year finalists (sponsored by SanPellegrino):
- Matt Adler
- Amy Brandwein
- Matt Conroy and Isabel Coss
- Rubén García
- Jeremiah Langhorne
- Rising Culinary Star of the Year finalists (sponsored by OpenTable):
- Paolo Dungca
- Guy-René Gerin
- Anthony Jones
- Alam Méndez
- Martel Stone
- Restaurateur of the Year finalists:
- David Deshaies and Eric Eden
- Fernando González
- Enrique Limardo and Ezequiel Vázquez-Ger
- Michael Rafidi
- Stephen Starr
A Dynamically Reimagined Awards Gala
The 44th Annual RAMMYS Awards will take place on Monday, June 29, 2026, featuring a completely revamped format. For the first time, the ceremony itself will be held at the iconic Arena Stage at The Mead Center for American Theater. This distinguished setting allows honorees to celebrate their achievements in an elegant, theater-style environment surrounded by colleagues and family.
Following the awards presentation, the energy will shift to The Anthem for a massive post-awards celebration. This expanded format invites industry professionals and revelers to enjoy one of the nation’s most exciting live music venues, creating a truly unforgettable night for the local hospitality community.
Support Your Favorite DC Dining Spots
The 2026 RAMMYS perfectly capture the vibrant, evolving nature of the Washington dining scene. Now that the finalists are officially public, the next step is entirely up to you.
Make sure to visit the NBC4 Washington website starting April 20 to vote for the spots that make living in the capital region so flavorful. Most importantly, remember to write in your favorite local food influencer for the brand-new Content Creator of the Year award. If you want to experience the culinary party of the year in person, head over to www.TheRAMMYS.org to grab your tickets and sponsorships today.
