Washington DC’s vibrant restaurant event season is officially in full swing! As a long-time hospitality expert covering the dynamic Washington D.C. dining scene, the excitement following yesterday’s announcement is palpable. On Monday, April 14th, at a bustling reception at The Hamilton Live, the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) unveiled the highly anticipated full list of finalists for the 2025 RAMMY Awards, affectionately known as “The RAMMYS.”
This prestigious event is the cornerstone of DC restaurant awards, celebrating the incredible talent, creativity, diversity, and resilience within our local foodservice community. As RAMW President and CEO Shawn Townsend stated, “This year’s finalists represent the heart of our community — from innovative entrepreneurs to the teams that deliver outstanding experiences… We look forward to honoring them on August 3 at The RAMMYS Awards & Gala.”
The RAMMYs 2025 Nominations – Full List
Getting a RAMMY nomination is a significant honor, recognizing the best of the best across 20 distinct categories. The competition was fierce, reflecting the exceptional quality found throughout the Washington metropolitan area. Congratulations are in order for all the 2025 RAMMYS finalists!
Here is the complete list of nominees:
Judged Categories:
Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year: (Recognizing the pinnacle of food, service, and atmosphere)
Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year: (Excellence in a refined yet relaxed setting)
- Ometeo
- King Street Oyster Bar (Multiple Locations)
- Tail Up Goat
- Petite Cerise
- Amparo Fondita
Casual Restaurant of the Year: (Dedication to excellence, service, and value)
- 2Fifty Texas Barbecue (Riverdale Park, Mt Vernon Triangle)
- Stellina Pizzeria (Multiple Locations)
- Tsehay Ethiopian Restaurant And Bar
- I Egg You
- The Falls (Falls Church, VA – Metro Area)
Fast Casual Restaurant of the Year: (Great food and service in a quick-serve format – Note: Now judged by the panel)
- Emma’s Torch
- Yellow (Georgetown, Navy Yard)
- La Tejana
- Love on the Run at Love Makoto
- Andy’s Pizza (Multiple Locations)
New Restaurant of the Year: (Opened in 2024, already a pacesetter)
Wine Program of the Year: (Quality, diversity, clarity, and value enhancing the dining experience)
- ERA Wine Bar
- Beauty Champagne and Sugar Boutique
- Lulu’s Winegarden
- Little Black Bird
- Easy Wine Company
Cocktail Program of the Year: (Exemplary quality, diversity, clarity, and value in craft cocktails)
- Amazonia (at Causa)
- Jane Jane
- Medina
- Moon Rabbit
- Quadrant (at The Ritz-Carlton)
Beer Program of the Year: (Quality, diversity, clarity, and value in beer offerings)
- Atlas Brew Works (Multiple Locations)
- Pizzeria Paradiso (Multiple Locations)
- Red Bear Brewing Co.
- TallBoy
- Astro Beer Hall (Downtown, Shirlington)
Service Program of the Year: (High standard of excellence across the entire guest experience)
Chef of the Year: (Consistent standards of culinary excellence and artistry)
- Carlos Delgado, Causa/Amazonia
- Matt Adler, Caruso’s Grocery (Multiple Locations)
- Matt Conroy & Isabel Coss, Lutèce and Pascual
- Rubén García Castilla, Casa Teresa
- Mike Friedman, The Red Hen
Rising Culinary Star of the Year: (Up-and-coming chefs showing exemplary talent and leadership)
- Suresh Sundas, Daru/Tapori
- Paolo Dungca, Hiraya/Kayu
- Sara Ravitz, Shilling Canning Company
- Fernando Gonzales, 2Fifty Texas Barbecue
- Miguel Guerra and Tatiana Mora, MITA
Pastry Chef or Baker of the Year: (High standard of excellence in desserts, baked goods, or breads)
- Alicia Wang, Yellow/Albi
- Susan Bae, Moon Rabbit
- Rachel Sherriffe, formally at Ellie Bird (Falls Church, VA – Metro Area)
- Carmelo Gil, Petite Cerise
- Rose Nguyen, Rose Ave Bakery
Restaurant Manager of the Year: (Non-owner displaying professionalism, leadership, and mentorship)
- Lorena Reyes – Founding Farmers (Multiple Locations)
- Antonio Chavarria – Metropolitan Hospitality Group (Circa, Él Bebe, etc.)
- Allison Williams – Pascual
- Tony Strowd Hamilton – Pizzeria Paradiso
- Luke Lin – CUT by Wolfgang Puck
Restaurant Employee of the Year: (Non-managerial model employee with outstanding service and work ethic)
- Keiri Tobar Morales – RPM Italian
- Luis Jara – All Set Restaurant & Bar (Silver Spring, MD – Metro Area)
- Juan Sanchez – Café du Parc (at Willard InterContinental)
- Daniel Fuentes – Madhatter
- Kristen Wilson – Causa/Amazonia
Restaurateur of the Year: (Setting high standards in operations and entrepreneurship for 5+ years)
- Seng Luangrath, Baan Mae (Thip Khao,Padaek)
- Cici Yang, Yume Sushi, KYOJIN Sushi, and Rimtang
- Daniel Kramer, Duke’s Grocery (Multiple Locations)
- Stephen Starr, Starr Restaurant Group (Le Diplomate, St. Anselm, etc.)
- Téa Ivanovic, Immigrant Food (Multiple Locations)
Joan Hisaoka Allied Member of the Year: (Associate member supporting RAMW – Winner honored July 1)
- Congressional Seafood Co.
- Harmony Group
- Keany Produce & Gourmet
- The Legacy Group, Inc.
- Preferred Insurance
Public Voting Categories
(Vote May 1 – May 31 via NBC Washington/Telemundo):
Favorite Gathering Place of the Year*: (Neighborhood spot with great atmosphere and vibes)
Best Brunch of the Year*: (High standard of dining excellence for brunch)
- Sequoia
- Vera Cocina & Bar
- Josephine
- J. Hollinger’s Waterman’s Chophouse (Silver Spring)
- Le Diplomate
Best Bar of the Year*: (Primary focus on beverages, atmosphere, and hospitality)
Hottest Sandwich Spot of the Year*: (Dedicated to creative and delicious sandwiches)
- Your Only Friend
- Queen Mother’s
- Soko Butcher (Takoma Park, MD – Metro Area)
- Jetties (Multiple Locations)
- Ampersandwich at Shilling Canning Co.
What are the RAMMY’s? What is RAMW?
Presented by RAMW, The RAMMYS Gala is truly the Washington DC restaurant industry’s biggest night. Consistently named the #1 Food & Restaurant event by BIZBASH Magazine, it’s more than just an awards show; it’s a celebration of the hard work and passion that make the Metropolitan Washington dining scene one of the best in the country. These nominations often guide diners seeking exceptional culinary experiences in DC. Remember to cast your vote for the publicly voted categories starting May 1st!
As we anticipate the 2025 RAMMYS Awards & Gala on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, now is the perfect time to explore these nominated establishments. Visiting these RAMMY-nominated restaurants and bars offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the best food and drink DC offers firsthand. Note that winners for the Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement, John G. Laytham Exceptional Leadership and Impact, Milestone, and Joan Hisaoka Allied Member Awards will be celebrated earlier at the 2nd Annual RAMMYS Honors Ceremony on July 1st.
Congratulations again to all the 2025 RAMMYS Finalists!
For more details on the awards, voting, and the upcoming gala, visit the official RAMMYS website: www.therammys.org. For more information about the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, visit www.ramw.org.
