The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) announced its nominees on Monday, April 14, 2025, for the 2025 RAMMYS, celebrating the best in the region's dining scene. Four Alexandria businesses have made the prestigious list, showcasing the vibrant culinary landscape of the area.
Among the nominees is Andy's Pizza, which has earned a nomination in the Fast Casual Restaurant of the Year category. Andy's Pizza, known for its New York-style pizza by the slice, has two Alexandria locations: one at 107 N. Fayette St. in Old Town and another at 2429 Mandeville Lane in the Carlyle District. Since its inception in 2018, Andy's Pizza has expanded to 11 locations in the DC area and has been recognized with numerous awards, including the title of world champion for best traditional cheese pizza at the 2021 International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas.
Atlas Brew Works, also located at 2429 Mandeville Lane in Alexandria, is nominated for the Beer Program of the Year category. This neighborhood production brewery and taproom features four locations across the DC metro area, offering artisanal beers in a variety of styles. Besides its Alexandria location, Atlas Brew Works can be found in Ivy City, Navy Yard in DC, and at Washington Reagan National Airport.
In the Manager of the Year category, Founding Farmers' Lorena Reyes has received a nomination. The restaurant, which recently opened a location in Alexandria at 461 Swann Ave. in the Potomac Yard area, is known for its commitment to serving fresh, locally sourced food.
Voting for the public categories will take place from May 1-31, 2025, via NBC Washington. Alexandrians will have the opportunity to vote in categories such as Favorite Gathering Place, Best Brunch, Hottest Sandwich Shop, Best Bar, and Favorite Fast Bites. Josephine, located at 109 S. St. Asaph St., is nominated in the Best Brunch category, while Andy's Pizza is also up for Favorite Fast Bites.
This year's nominations reflect the diverse range of dining experiences available in Alexandria, from casual eateries to upscale dining. The RAMMYs not only recognize the hard work and dedication of local restaurant staff but also highlight the importance of community support for these establishments.
In addition to the Alexandria nominees, the RAMMYs also feature other notable contenders. Pascual, a modern Mexican restaurant from the team behind the acclaimed neo-bistro Lutèce, has garnered nominations for Best New Restaurant, Manager of the Year, and Chef of the Year. Causa and its sister restaurant Amazonia have received nominations for Employee of the Year and Chef of the Year, showcasing the talent and creativity of the local culinary scene.
The public's involvement in voting for the winners adds an exciting element to the awards, allowing diners to have a say in recognizing their favorite restaurants. However, it's important to note that restaurants that are not dues-paying members of RAMW can only be nominated for the publicly voted categories, which limits some establishments from competing in the more prestigious categories.
The final RAMMY winners will be announced at an awards gala on August 3, 2025, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, marking a celebration of the hard work and resilience of the region's restaurant industry.
As the dining landscape continues to evolve, the RAMMY nominations serve as a reminder of the rich culinary diversity that Alexandria and the surrounding areas have to offer. With community support and recognition, local restaurants can thrive and continue to provide memorable dining experiences for residents and visitors alike.
