A handful of restaurants with Fairfax locations are still in the running for the D.C. region’s 44th annual RAMMYS Awards.
Narrowed down from dozens of semifinalists who were publicly revealed last month for the first time ever, the list of finalists announced last night (Monday) by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) includes regional chains and hip, chef-driven spots as well as a longstanding local favorite.
Among the five finalists competing for “Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year” is relative newcomer Elyse, a carefully curated venture from former Clarity chef Jon Krinn that opened in Fairfax City in 2024.
Offering an intimate environment with just 30 seats, the restaurant at 10822 Fairfax Blvd promises a culinary adventure with a seasonal tasting menu and wines chosen by staff sommelier David Hale. Elyse was named one of the region’s 40 best restaurants last year by retired Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema.
Also in the higher-end categories, Joon in Tysons is competing against four D.C. establishments for “Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year.”
Serving up Persian cuisine in Fairfax Square (8045 Leesburg Pike) since June 2023, the restaurant and bar co-founded by chefs Najmieh Batmanglij and Christopher Morgan has been a mainstay on Washingtonian’s annual ranking of the region’s best restaurants, but this appears to be Joon’s first appearance on the RAMMYS shortlist.
Two of the “Fast Casual Restaurant of the Year” finalists — Andy’s Pizza and Call Your Mother — can be found in Fairfax County as well.
Andy’s, which made the finals in the category last year but was beaten by the D.C.-based taco shop La Tejana, got its start at Tysons Galleria in 2018 and now also has locations in Fairfax City, Ballston, Alexandria, the District and Maryland.
Call Your Mother, meanwhile, began as a farmers’ market stall in D.C. and didn’t expand into Northern Virginia until 2023, when its mobile Lil’ Deli truck pulled into the Chesterbrook Shopping Center in McLean. In addition to opening a permanent storefront there, the bagel maker has since set up shop in Vienna and Reston’s North Point Shopping Center.
Finally, Celebrity Delly (7263A Arlington Blvd) in West Falls Church is vying for “Hottest Sandwich Spot of the Year,” one of five categories that will be determined by a public vote instead of a judges’ panel. Already granted the title of Best Sandwich Shop in Fairfax last year by FFXnow readers, the deli has been satisfying local diners with its handcrafted reubens and cheesesteaks since 1975.
Public voting 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 brand-new Content Creator of the Year categories will also be decided by the public.
While they’re not located in Fairfax County yet, local foodies might also want to take note of Old Ebbitt Grill’s placement among the finalists for “Service Program of the Year” and “Favorite Gathering Place.” Ebbitt House — a new expansion of the D.C. restaurant, which comes from the same company behind Clyde’s — is expected to open sometime this year at Reston Station.
In addition, Ruthie’s All Day, which is up for “Best Brunch,” is slated to open its second location this spring at Fairfax Corner.
All winners of the 44th annual RAMMYS, which celebrate the region’s food service industry, will be announced at a gala at Arena Stage in D.C.’s The Wharf on June 29.
“At The RAMMYS, you’re immersed in the full experience of what makes the D.C. region such a powerhouse for dining,” RAMW President and CEO Shawn Townsend said in a press release. “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. That momentum is real, and it keeps on growing.”
