See Alexandria Restaurants Nominated For Top Dining Award

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Three restaurants with Alexandria connections are among the finalists for the 2025 RAMMYs, the regional restaurant and food service awards held by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington.

The annual awards honor the accomplishments of the DMV's restaurant and food service community. The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington announced nominees for 20 award categories during a Monday reception with local chefs, restaurateurs, and restaurant industry leaders.

Josephine, a Fresh brasserie in Old Town Alexandria, is nominated for Best Brunch of the Year. The restaurant in the former Columbia Firehouse location opened in June 2023. It is run by Neighborhood Restaurant Group, which is known for Evening Star Cafe, Vermilion, Rustico, Buzz Bakeshop, Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ, Planet Wine and more restaurants around the DC region.

Andy’s Pizza, which has 11 locations in D.C., Maryland and Virginia, was included in the Fast Casual Restaurant of the Year category. The home-grown pizza chain includes an Alexandria location at 107 N Fayette Street in Old Town Alexandria, and it is also served at the Alexandria location of Atlas Brew Works.

Atlas Brew Works, a DC-based brewery, is up for the Beer Program of the Year award. The brewery has locations in D.C.'s Ivy City and Navy Yard neighborhoods, but it opened an Alexandria location at the Carlyle Crossing development in June 2024. Later in 2024, it opened a location inside Reagan National Airport.

“Each year, the RAMMYS shine a light on the incredible talent, resilience and creativity that define our region’s vibrant hospitality industry,” said Shawn Townsend, RAMW president and CEO, in a news release. “This year’s finalists represent the heart of our community — from innovative entrepreneurs to the teams that deliver outstanding experiences.”

Although RAMW members will vote to choose the winners in a majority of categories, the public can cast ballots in these categories: Best Bar of the Year, Best Brunch of the Year, Hottest Sandwich Spot of the Year, and Favorite Gathering Place of the Year. Public voting will be open from May 1 to May 31.

Winners will be announced on Aug. 3, during The RAMMYS Awards & Gala, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. View the full list of 2025 RAMMY Awards Finalists.

Patch editor Michael O'Connell contributed to this report.