Albi Tops 2026 RAMMYS as Washington Celebrates Its Best Restaurants and Chefs

Albi Claims the Top Honor

Washington's restaurant community gathered Monday evening for the 44th annual RAMMYS Awards, where Albi was named Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year in the region's highest-profile recognition for the hospitality industry. The ceremony honored restaurants, chefs, bars and hospitality professionals across nearly two dozen categories, highlighting both established institutions and newer arrivals shaping the area's dining scene.

Michael Rafidi's Momentum Continues

The victory adds another milestone for chef Michael Rafidi and his Levantine restaurant. Albi recently drew national attention after receiving a rare four-star review from The New York Times , becoming the first restaurant outside New York City to earn that distinction from the publication. The RAMMYS recognition reinforces the restaurant's growing reputation both locally and nationally.

Downtown Revival Earns Recognition

The Occidental received New Restaurant of the Year following its high-profile revival under restaurateur Stephen Starr. Located near the White House, the restaurant has helped revive one of downtown Washington's best-known dining addresses while blending historic surroundings with a modern approach. Its recognition reflects continued investment in central Washington's restaurant scene despite changing dining patterns across the city.

Popal Group Takes Chef Prize

Chef of the Year honors went to Matt Conroy and Isabel Coss of The Popal Group, whose portfolio includes Lutece, Maison Bar à Vins and Pascual. Fernando González, owner of 2Fifty Texas BBQ, earned Restaurateur of the Year after helping transform the Salvadoran-owned barbecue business into one of the region's most respected destinations. Their awards illustrate the breadth of culinary influences now defining Washington dining, from European-inspired concepts to acclaimed barbecue operations.

Neighborhood Favorites Also Recognized

Several restaurants earned awards across additional categories. Perry's captured Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year, highlighting chef Masako Morishita's Japanese cuisine in Adams Morgan. Tsehay Ethiopian won Casual Restaurant of the Year, while Amazonia was recognized for Cocktail Program of the Year, reflecting its extensive focus on pisco-based drinks. Together, the winners demonstrate the diversity that increasingly characterizes the capital's restaurant landscape.

Public Votes Celebrate Local Institutions

Not every award was decided solely by industry judges. Diners selected several fan-favorite categories, naming Joia Burger as Hottest Sandwich Spot of the Year, Old Ebbitt Grill as Favorite Gathering Place, Unconventional Diner for Best Brunch, and Service Bar as Best Bar of the Year. Those public honors complemented awards determined by a judging panel assembled by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, giving consumers a direct role in recognizing local favorites.

A Changing Industry Finds New Voices

This year's ceremony also introduced a new Content Creator of the Year category, acknowledging the expanding influence of social media on restaurant discovery and local food culture. The inaugural award went to DCFoodGod, the Instagram account operated by Tessa Alimahmoodi and Jason Fisher, which has built an audience of more than 119,000 followers. Beyond competitive awards, Mayor Muriel Bowser received the Capital Achievement Award, while milestone anniversaries were celebrated for longstanding Washington institutions including The Diner, La Chaumière and Giant Food. As the region's restaurant industry continues to evolve, future editions of the RAMMYS will likely reflect both changing consumer habits and the emergence of new culinary talent, although sustaining growth remains tied to broader economic conditions and the competitive hospitality market.