The 44th Annual RAMMYS crowned Albi, The Occidental, and Perry’s among the Washington region’s top restaurants at Arena Stage on Monday, June 29, 2026.
RAMMYS 2026 Winners Light Up Arena Stage
The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) named the 44th Annual RAMMYS winners on Monday, June 29, turning Arena Stage at The Mead Center into the region’s biggest night for restaurants. The ceremony ran theater-in-the-round, and a Watch Party rolled straight into a Celebration Party at The Anthem.
Albi took Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year. The Occidental earned New Restaurant of the Year. Matt Conroy and Isabel Coss of The Popal Group shared Chef of the Year.
Presenters Carla Hall, Eun Yang, Maureen Umeh, and Jummy Olabanji kept the room moving, while RAMW President and CEO Shawn Townsend anchored the evening. DC’s restaurant industry gathers only once a year and this 2026 delivered!
Adams Morgan Owns RAMMYS Night in DC
Adams Morgan had a night to remember! Perry’s won Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year, a fitting nod to a neighborhood anchor known for its menu, its management, and its team. Just up the road, Tsehay Ethiopian took Casual Restaurant of the Year. Named for founder Selam’s mother, Tsehay, who learned to cook as a child in Ethiopia and ground her own berbere by hand, the restaurant turns family tradition into one of the city’s warmest dining rooms. Nearby, Rose Nguyen of Rose Ave Bakery was named Pastry Chef or Baker of the Year, giving anyone walking the blocks between the National Zoo and 18th Street another reason to stop.
Three wins, one corridor. Adams Morgan is having a moment.
DC’s Best Bars, Wine, and Breakout Chefs Win Big
Beyond the marquee categories, the wins spread across the DMV. Fernando González of 2fifty Texas BBQ earned Restaurateur of the Year, proof that a great founder story and everyday consistency still win. Fiola claimed Wine Program of the Year, holding its place among the city’s most detailed and exclusive tasting experiences.
After years as a finalist, Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab finally took Service Program of the Year, and the crystal obelisk goes home at last!
Jose Luis Salgado of Zinnia in Silver Spring was named Employee of the Year, while Martel Stone of Dōgon by Kwame Onwuachi earned the OpenTable-backed Rising Culinary Star of the Year award.
Old Ebbitt Grill, Service Bar, Amazonia, Andy’s Pizza, and Unconventional Diner rounded out a stacked field. Read more about all the winners here: RAMMYS WINNERS
The Washington Lobbyist Celebrates DC’s Best
The RAMMYS closed a season that opened in May with The RAMMYS Honors at the Watergate, where RAMW recognized longtime restaurants and community leaders. Public voters picked five of this year’s winners, revealed on NBC4 Washington, including Joia Burger for Hottest Sandwich Spot and Old Ebbitt Grill as Favorite Gathering Place.
The Washington Lobbyist covers these restaurants year-round, from opening night to award night, because DC’s dining rooms are where the city actually connects. Book a table. Tip well. Tell them we sent you! Every reservation keeps this scene thriving, so treat this list as your summer dining map and go support a winner near you.
The 44th RAMMYS were held at Arena Stage at The Mead Center for American Theater, 1101 6th St SW, Washington, DC 20024.
