RAMMY Awards finalists: What's new and surprising
Washington's bar and restaurant honors, the annual RAMMY Awards, are back with an exciting lineup of nominees.
Why it matters: The RAMMYs are like a local version of the James Beard Awards, celebrating talent, diversity, leadership — and of course deliciousness — in the local food and drink scene.
What's new: The 20 award categories are either voted on by the public (e.g. Best Brunch, Best Bar) or a panel of judges made up of anonymous industry experts. For the first time, the Best Fast Casual honor will be awarded by judges — meant to indicate "their elevated stature in the industry," per the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington.
Finalists include popular spots like taco joint La Tejana and Yellow pita shop, as well as newcomers like Emma's Torch, a pioneering Woodridge cafe that trains refugees and asylum seekers in culinary arts (and also makes a tasty egg and cheese biscuit).
And of course, best new restaurants! Up in that category are:
Ama (Italian, Navy Yard)
La' Shukran (Middle Eastern, Union Market)
Kayu (Filipino, H Street)
Pascual (Mexican, Capitol Hill)
San Pancho (Amaze burritos, Takoma Park)
Between the lines: Darlings of the award circuit are well-represented, like Shaw's plant-based tasting room Mita — up in three RAMMY categories (Formal Fine Dining, Service, Rising Culinary Stars) and a 2025 James Beard Award. You'll also find award-magnets Moon Rabbit, Causa, Anju, and more.
Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique in Arlington (Best Wine Program).
The intrigue: While the RAMMYs are a hyper-local affair, there's a notable out-of-town name in the mix: Philadelphia's Stephen Starr, up for Restaurateur of the Year.
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