WASHINGTON (April 20, 2026) — Public voting is now open for the 44th Annual RAMMYS Awards & Gala, giving diners across the Washington region the chance to help decide winners in four fan-favorite categories and, for the first time, a new write-in award recognizing the voices shaping how people discover where to eat.
Hosted by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), the RAMMYS Awards & Gala celebrate excellence across the region’s restaurant and hospitality community. This year, the public will select winners for Best Bar, Best Brunch, Hottest Sandwich Spot and Favorite Gathering Place, while also submitting write-in votes for the inaugural Content Creator of the Year award.
Voting is open now through May 17 on the website of The RAMMYS media partner, NBC Washington/Telemundo.
“Diners are a vital part of our restaurant community — and they help shape the evolution of our region’s taste and culture,” said Shawn Townsend, president and CEO of RAMW. “Public voting is a chance to rally behind the places you love and, this year, to recognize the creators who are helping tell the story of our industry in new and impactful ways.”
New for 2026, Content Creator of the Year honors a digital storyteller who goes beyond the aesthetic to champion local restaurants, bars and small businesses, helping drive discovery and championing the Washington region as a world-class dining destination. The winner will be determined entirely by public write-in votes and announced on June 1 via RAMW’s social media channels.
The Finalists for the publicly voted categories are:
Favorite Gathering Place:
Cafe Milano
Jane Jane
Le Diplomate
Old Ebbitt Grill
SOST
Best Brunch:
dLeña
I Egg You
Matt & Tony's
Ruthie's All Day
Unconventional Diner
Best Bar:
Cana
El Presidente
Press Club
Service Bar
Silver Lyan
Hottest Sandwich Spot:
2fifty Texas BBQ
Celebrity Delly
Joia Burger
Soko Butcher
Your Only Friend
Winners will be revealed on NBC Washington and on RAMW’s social media accounts during the week of June 22, and will be recognized at the 44th Annual RAMMYS Awards & Gala, on Monday, June 29, 2026. The awards ceremony will be held at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater, followed by a post-awards celebration at The Anthem.
Sponsorships and tickets for The RAMMYS are available now at www.TheRAMMYS.org.
About The RAMMYS Awards & Gala
Presented by Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), The RAMMYS Awards & Gala honors the exceptional ability and accomplishments of the hard-working individuals and organizations of the region’s restaurants and food service community. Named the #1 Food & Restaurant event by BIZBASH Magazine since 2009, The RAMMYS celebrate one of Metropolitan Washington’s greatest assets: its restaurants.
About Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW)
The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is the regional trade association representing restaurants and the food service industry in the Washington, DC, Metropolitan Area. Established in 1920, RAMW is an advocate, resource, and community for its members. The Association works to promote and sustain the growth and development of the industry while providing its members legislative and regulatory representation, marketing and small business support, programming and events. RAMW strives to serve its members with professionalism and integrity and provide them with the training, education, and support they need to grow a successful business. For more information about RAMW, visit www.ramw.org.