Photo courtesy of Matt & Tony's
A dish from Matt & Tony's in Alexandria's Del Ray neighborhood.
The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) has unveiled the Finalists for the 44th Annual RAMMYS Awards & Gala Monday at a packed house at The Hamilton Live, setting the stage for the region’s biggest celebration of its restaurant and hospitality industry.
Following the first-ever public announcement of the semi-finalists, the RAMMYS finalists announcement brought together chefs, restaurateurs and industry leaders as this year’s field narrowed to the top contenders across 20 award categories — a snapshot of the talent and range defining dining in the Washington region right now.
Alexandria has several restaurants in the running as finalists for a RAMMY, the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington annual awards. Several were named as finalists, from a group of 190 semifinalists named earlier this year.
Here are the Alexandria finalists for 2026 RAMMY's; there are five finalists in each category.
• "Fast Casual Restaurant of the Year": Two Alexandria restaurants, Andy's Pizza, 107 N. Fayette Ave., and Call Your Mother, 1300 King St. are both in the running for "Fast Casual Restaurant of the Year."
• "Manager of the Year": Todd Hunt of Oak Steakhouse Alexandria, 901 N. St. Asaph St. is a finalist for "Manager of the Year." Also named as a finalist for "Manager of the Year" in Alexandria is Juan Ramirez, of Bastille Brasserie & Bar, 606 N. Fayette St., Alexandria
• "Best Brunch of the Year": Matt & Tony's is up for "Best Brunch of the Year," a category that will be decided by public voting.
The RAMMYS Awards & Gala benefits the work of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington and the RAMW Educated Eats Foundation.
Presented annually by RAMW, the RAMMYS recognizes excellence across the Washington metropolitan area’s restaurant and foodservice community, from standout culinary and beverage programs to the leadership shaping the industry’s future.
“At The RAMMYS, you’re immersed in the full experience of what makes the D.C. region such a powerhouse for dining,” said Shawn Townsend, president and CEO of RAMW. “These Finalists aren’t just doing exceptional work, they’re also elevating the standard and creating the kind of special moments that keep people coming back and talking about the Washington region as a world-class dining destination. That momentum is real, and it keeps on growing.”
Five categories will be decided by the public: Best Bar, Best Brunch, Hottest Sandwich Spot, and Favorite Gathering Place. Adding to the excitement this year is the debut of the Content Creator of the Year category. Recognizing the vital role of content creators in the regional dining scene, this award is unique as it is determined entirely by public write-in votes.
Fans and followers can vote on the NBC4 Washington website during the voting period to decide winners across all publicly voted categories. Voting opens April 20 and runs through May 17 via 2026 media partner NBC4 Washington at www.nbcwashington.com.
Sponsorships and tickets for The RAMMYS are available now at www.TheRAMMYS.org.
Presented annually by RAMW, The RAMMYS is the restaurant industry’s biggest night. It celebrates excellence across the Washington region’s restaurant and foodservice community. Sponsorships and tickets for The RAMMYS, to be held on Monday, June 29, are now available at TheRAMMYS.org.
Winners will be announced at The RAMMYS, held on Monday, June 29, 2026. For the first time, the Awards ceremony will be hosted at the iconic Arena Stage at The Mead Center for American Theater, cultivating a distinguished experience where honorees can celebrate with colleagues, family and industry pioneers, while a dynamically expanded post-awards celebration will invite revelers from all corners of the industry to The Anthem, one of the nation’s most exciting live music and events venues.
Ahead of the main event, RAMW will honor key industry leaders and contributors selected by the RAMW Executive Committee and/or the Board of Directors on May 5 at the 3rd Annual RAMMYS Honors Cocktail Reception at The Watergate Hotel. Mayor Muriel Bowser will receive the Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award, and Stratus Firm will receive an Honorary RAMMYS Award. The event will also honor beloved establishments that have been in business for 25 and 50 years with the Milestone Award, and the Joan Hisaoka Allied Member of the Year Award will be announced.
The sponsors for The RAMMYS Finalists Announcement are The Hamilton Live; DC Health Link; Acme Paper & Supply Co., Inc.; S.PELLEGRINO; Acqua Panna; SANPELLEGRINO Italian Sparkling Drinks; DC Brau; Saval Foodservice; and Republic National Distributing Co.
