The restaurant awards that define DC dining just got serious.
44th Annual RAMMYS Gala Heads to Arena Stage on June 29
The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington has announced the finalists for the 44th Annual RAMMYS Awards & Gala, and the field reads like a who’s-who of the region’s most compelling dining rooms. Unveiled at a packed house at The Hamilton Live, this year’s contenders span 20 award categories — from Formal Fine Dining to Fast Casual, Pastry Chef to Restaurateur — capturing the full range of what makes eating and drinking in the DC metro so worth paying attention to right now. Names like Albi, Dōgon by Kwame Onwuachi, Pascual, Moon Rabbit, and The Dabney appear alongside newer arrivals like Elmina, Marcus DC, and ISLA, making for one of the most competitive finalist pools in recent memory.
Public Voting Opens April 20 — Your Vote Counts
Five categories are decided entirely by the public: Best Bar, Best Brunch, Hottest Sandwich Spot, Favorite Gathering Place, and the brand-new Content Creator of the Year — a write-in category recognizing voices shaping how people discover DC dining. Cast your votes through May 17 on the NBC4 Washington website, the official 2026 media partner. Whether your pick is Silver Lyan for Best Bar, Le Diplomate for Favorite Gathering Place, or 2Fifty Texas BBQ for Hottest Sandwich Spot, this is your moment to make it count!
The RAMMYS Honors Mayor Bowser at the Watergate on May 5
Before the main event, RAMW’s 3rd Annual RAMMYS Honors Cocktail Reception on May 5 at the historic Watergate Hotel will recognize key industry leaders — including Mayor Muriel Bowser, who receives the Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award for her advocacy of DC’s restaurant and small business community. Stratus Firm will also receive an Honorary RAMMYS Award, and Milestone Awards will go to restaurants celebrating 25 and 50 years in business.
Arena Stage and The Anthem Host the June 29 Celebration
For the first time, the Awards ceremony moves to the iconic Arena Stage at The Mead Center for American Theater, with a post-awards celebration at The Anthem — one of the most electric live music venues in the country! Tickets and sponsorships are available now at TheRAMMYS.org. This is DC’s restaurant industry at its best, and The Washington Lobbyist will be covering every moment. Follow our site for previews, finalist spotlights, and full gala coverage — bookmark us and stay in the mix.
Event Venues & Details
RAMMYS Honors Cocktail Reception — May 5, 2026. The Watergate Hotel | 2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037.
44th Annual RAMMYS Awards & Gala — June 29, 2026. Arena Stage at The Mead Center for American Theater | 1101 6th St SW, Washington, DC 20024.
Post-Awards Celebration: The Anthem | 901 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024.
Ticket pricing and sponsorship packages available at TheRAMMYS.org
