Five Alexandria eateries have advanced to finalist status in the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington’s annual restaurant awards.
Narrowed down from dozens of semifinalists who were publicly revealed last month for the first time, the list of finalists announced last night (Monday) at The Hamilton Live in D.C. by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington span regional chains, chef-driven favorites and independent restaurants. The 20 categories of the RAMMYs recognize the region’s chefs, restaurateurs and other industry professionals.
“These Finalists aren’t just doing exceptional work, they’re also elevating the standard and creating the kind of special moments that keep people coming back and talking about the Washington region as a world-class dining destination,” Shawn Townsend, president and CEO of RAMW, said in a release.
Matt & Tony’s All Day Kitchen + Bar in Del Ray is a finalist for Best Brunch of the Year. The all-day brunch concept has been open since 2022 and has earned accolades including a spot on Yelp’s Top 100 U.S. Restaurants.
Todd Hunt of Oak Steakhouse Alexandria and Juan Ramirez of Bastille Brasserie & Bar are both up for the Manager of the Year award.
The Charleston-based Oak Steakhouse chain opened its Old Town North location in 2019, bringing a high-end steakhouse to the neighborhood.
The award-winning Bastille from Chefs Christophe and Michelle Poteaux has been a favorite for chef-driven modern French cuisine in Old Town since 2006. Originally open at its Royal Street location, the eatery relocated to 606 N. Fayette Street in 2015 and has earned recognition including an OpenTable Diners’ Choice award and eight RAMMY nominations.
Two Fast Casual Restaurant of the Year finalists — Andy’s Pizza and Call Your Mother — can be found in Alexandria as well.
Andy’s, a finalist in the category last year, got its start at Tysons Galleria in 2018 and now also has locations in Old Town Alexandria, Fairfax City, Ballston, D.C. and Maryland.
Call Your Mother, which began as a farmers’ market stall in D.C., has expanded across the region and opened its Old Town Alexandria location in 2024.
Public voting for several categories will take place from April 20 through May 17 on NBC Washington, the designated media partner for the RAMMYS. The winners of Best Bar, Best Brunch, Favorite Gathering Place and the new Content Creator of the Year categories will be decided by a public vote.
Winners will be announced at the 44th Annual RAMMYs Awards & Gala at Arena Stage at The Wharf in D.C.
Image via Matt & Tony’s/Instagram
