The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is preparing to host the 44th RAMMYS on June 29 at The Anthem and Arena Stage in Southwest, D.C. The event will honor the strength and importance of the local food and beverage industry.

Local Restaurants Shine

This year’s event not only continues the annual tradition of celebrating and showcasing the value of D.C’s dining culture, but many of the nominees highlight the breadth, beauty, and diversity of the local restaurant scene. Lonie Murdock, owner and executive chef of Isla, a RAMMY-nominee for New Restaurant of the Year, said she feels fortunate to bring ‘global soul cuisine’ to the District’s growing food industry.

Isla has been a place for diners in downtown D.C. to be flavorfully transported to the Caribbean since opening in October 2025. The restaurant offers dishes with island flavors, such as crudo with soursop, patties filled with oxtail or crab, curry goat, and a coconut chiffon pie.

Celebrating D.C. Culture

Marcus DC, another restaurant nominated for New Restaurant of the Year, highlights Black culinary traditions, blending flavors from the District to Ethiopia. The restaurant offers a tasty and educational dining experience, with dishes such as blue cornbread, baked Chunu oysters, a roasted bird with mambo sauce, and collard greens.

The teams at Marcus DC and Isla are working to elevate their businesses and contribute to the DMV overall. ‘I just want to keep building up the restaurant and our reputation,’ said Anthony Jones, executive chef at Marcus DC. ‘We’re trying to make it better than how we found it. And, you know, just keep improving the food culture and dining culture that D.C. has to offer.’

Original reporting: The Washington Informer — read the source article.