DC’s biggest restaurant industry awards, the RAMMYs, returned to semi-normal with a big gala at the convention center Sunday night. The usual recognitions for best new restaurant and chef of the year had paused during the pandemic in favor of honors for innovative to-go packaging and prime patios. But this year, the big accolades were back, along with some Covid-era carryover categories (outstanding pop-up, “splendid holidays at home”).
Another change that’s stuck around? Recognizing at least some restaurants that aren’t members of the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington—a move that’s helped make the awards more diverse and reflective of the dining scene. Publicly voted categories like best brunch and hottest sandwich shop were open to all. The other main categories—decided by an anonymous panel of food and media professionals—were limited only to dues-paying members.
Here are the winners:
Chef of the Year: Rob Rubba, Oyster Oyster
Rising Culinary Star of the Year: Christian Irabien, Muchas Gracias
Restaurateur of the Year: Scott Drewno and Danny Lee, The Fried Rice Collective
Pastry Chef of the Year: Francois Yann Buisine, Un je ne sais Quoi
Employee of the Year: Herman Machado, The Salt Line – Navy Yard
Manager of the Year: Robert Heim, Shaw’s Tavern
New Restaurant of the Year: Daru
Casual Restaurant of the Year: Ruthie’s All-Day
Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year: Albi
Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year: Cranes
Wine Program of the Year: Queen’s English
Cocktail Program of the Year: Serenata
Beer Program of the Year: Quarry House Tavern
Service Program of the Year: Tail Up Goat
Joan Hisaoka Allied Member of the Year: Congressional Seafood
Publicly Voted Categories
Splendid Holidays at Home: Unconventional Diner
Hottest Sandwich Spot: Mangialardo’s
Favorite Gathering Place of the Year: Casta’s Rum Bar
Favorite Fast Bites: Little Miner Taco
Outstanding Pop-Up Concept: Bun Papa
Standout Family Meal Packages To Go: 2 Fifty Texas BBQ
Best Brunch of the Year: A&J Restaurant
The 2022 Honorary Milestone RAMMY Award recipients were also honored, celebrating a significant number of years serving locals and visitors in Metropolitan Washington: 1789 and The Tombs (60 years), Anthony’s Restaurant (50 years), Bombay Bistro (30 years), Duangrat’s (35 years), El Tamarindo (40 years), Franklins (30 years), La Côte d’Or Café (30 years), Mike’s American (35 years), and Tabard Inn (100 years).
Jessica Sidman covers the people and trends behind D.C.’s food and drink scene. Before joining Washingtonian in July 2016, she was Food Editor and Young & Hungry columnist at Washington City Paper. She is a Colorado native and University of Pennsylvania grad.
