Best Restaurants in Frederick Maryland: 20+ Local Favorites

Last updated on March 10th, 2025

I’ve been on a mission to find the best restaurants in Frederick Maryland. 

I took a lot of word-of-mouth recommendations, and polled some of my amazing local Facebook communities. I then visited a lot of the spots to make sure they’re truly worth your time (and calories!). 

Thankfully, there’s so many fun restaurants in Maryland that you’re spoiled for choice. So keep reading and I’m sure you’ll find that perfect place!

Frederick Restaurant Gems You Need to Try

1. Showroom

Showroom has a very interesting claim to fame! It’s run by someone you may have heard of before: Chef Bryan Voltaggio, an American celebrity chef, restaurateur, and author.

He’s an award winner and serves up some incredible food, but what I love most is their breakfast. They serve up all the favorites – chicken & waffles, biscuits & gravy, and smoked salmon with New York bagels. 

It’s definitely one of the best breakfast restaurants in Frederick!

2. Red Horse Steak House

When it comes to steak, it’s got to be a good steak – cooked just the way you like it, right?

One of my absolute favorites for steak is Red Horse Steak House.

I was 5 years old the very first time I dined at this iconic Frederick restaurant. Seeing that iconic red horse sitting proudly up high for all to see in front of the restaurant always meant I was about to enjoy some delicious food! 

For more amazing steak places, check out my full list of the best steak restaurants in Frederick!

3. Monocacy Crossing Restaurant

Another favorite Frederick restaurant for a great steak is the super popular Monocacy Crossing Restaurant.

You’ve got to try their bacon-wrapped filet mignon – it comes topped with truffle wild mushrooms and a delicious port wine demi-glace.

If you’re looking for fine dining in Frederick, this is one of the top places. It’s pretty upscale, and they have a smart-casual dress code.

4. Manalu Italian Restaurant

When it comes to Italian food, people have very strong opinions as to what’s authentic Italian and what’s not!

A great Italian place that we love to go to, with excellent food, is Manalu. And I’m part Italian so I know what’s good!

Every time my son gets a good report card or wins an award at school, his celebratory dinner choice is always Manalu.

Their menu has a wide range of authentic Italian dishes, and the atmosphere is always lovely and inviting.

5. Fratelli’s Italian & Seafood

If you’re craving homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and some of the best crab cakes around, you need to check out Fratelli’s in Middletown.

People seriously love this place, and I’m also impressed every time I go. Their pasta is always super fresh and their seafood is top-notch.

If you’re on the hunt for more amazing Italian spots, don’t miss my list of the best Italian restaurants in Frederick!

6. Santa Rosa

Mexican food is another cuisine that our Frederick restaurant Facebook groups are extremely passionate about!

Most people seem to agree that the best place is Santa Rosa! Here they serve delicious, authentic Salvadorian cuisine with very reasonable prices!

There’s plenty more, so check out my updated list of the best Latin-inspired & Mexican restaurants.​

7. Cafe Bueno

I LOVE Cafe Bueno! It’s one of those little gems that never lets me down. 

If you’re craving authentic Mexican food, this is the place to go. Their tacos are amazing and don’t even get me started on their burritos!

As far as the best restaurants in Frederick Maryland go, Cafe Beuno is up there!

8. Beef ‘n Buns ‘n Paradise

Hot dogs? Yup!

And we’re not talking about your run-of-the-mill hot dog!

We’re talking really good hot dogs with amazing buns and toppings!

One place I absolutely love is Beef ‘n Buns ‘n Paradise. Honestly, they’re some of the freshest, tastiest hot dogs I’ve ever eaten! 

If you’re looking for more fun restaurants in Maryland, check out my list of the best hot dogs in Frederick.

9. Glory Days Grill

If you’re craving wings, you’ve got to hit up Glory Days Grill!

Their wings are seriously good – I’ve tried plenty around Frederick, and these come out on top. Plus, the menu is huge, so there’s something for everyone.

We had a bunch of local guys weigh in to help create our list of the top chicken wings in Frederick, and Glory Days was up there as one of the best picks!

10. Avery’s Maryland Grille

Clearly, because we live in Maryland, knowing where to get the best steamed crabs is of utmost importance!

A very popular place here in Frederick, and one of my favorites, is Avery’s Maryland Grille.

They’ve got a load of seafood dishes, including those renowned steamed crabs. You’ll also find crab cakes, fried shrimp platters, and stuffed flounder on their menu. 

For more restaurants, check out my list of the best steamed crabs in Frederick.

11. Dutch’s Daughter

We absolutely love a good Sunday brunch because it’s a great excuse to eat breakfast foods, lunch foods, and drink champagne all in one sitting!

And a great Frederick restaurant that serves brunch is Dutch’s Daughter. We always go here on special occasions. 

There’s several elegant dining rooms with fireplaces for a wonderful, fine dining experience.

They also have Dutch’s Dungeon, which has a nice bar with an outdoor seating area on their patio.

Frederick does not disappoint when it comes to choosing an incredible brunch spot! Check out the top brunch spots in Frederick.

12. Aroma House

Without a doubt, you cannot have a best restaurant list without including the best pizza!

At Aroma House, they’ve been serving the community since 1999 with amazing pizzas, strombolis, and subs. Their pizzas are hand-tossed and baked to perfection, and they only use the freshest ingredients.

Everyone says it’s one of the top pizza places in Frederick!

13. The Tasting Room

The Tasting Room wins a ton of accolades every year for their amazing food, with best surf & turf being one of them! It’s one of the best restaurants in Downtown Frederick.

They offer great service AND it’s the perfect place for people watching as it sits right in the heart of Downtown Frederick. 

If you’re looking for more surf & turf restaurants in the area, check out my list of the top local surf & turf restaurants!

14. Bruster’s

For the best dessert in Frederick, Bruster’s might be the one for you. 

This family-owned gem is all about delicious homemade ice cream with tons of flavors — key lime, rich chocolate peanut butter cup, and pumpkin cheesecake. 

They even have a convenient drive-thru so you can quickly grab a sweet treat on the go.

Check out my amazing list of the best ice cream places.

16. Attaboy Beer

Frederick thinks of everything and thank goodness they do, because we are so fortunate to be able to enjoy some amazing breweries all over our county.

One such place is Attaboy Beer. Here you’ll find tasty IPAs, fruity sours, and crisp Belgian-style brews.

This is all served up in a laid back, mellow atmosphere. There’s also a beer garden with plenty of outdoor seating. 

Check out my list of the finest selection of local beers in my post, best breweries in Frederick!

17. Fratelli’s Italian & Seafood.

If you’re looking for a romantic vibe, Fratelli’s Italian & Seafood is a fantastic option – especially if you make a reservation and ask for one of the back tables. 

They’re also very well known for their amazing, meaty crab cakes. It’s definitely one of the best restaurants in Frederick Maryland.

18. The Wine Kitchen on the Creek

Another Frederick restaurant favorite with a great atmosphere is The Wine Kitchen on the Creek. You’ll find it on ​Carroll Creek. 

Their elegant interior, with its intimate lighting gives the place a romantic vibe. It’s the perfect cozy place for couples. 

It’s definitely one of the most romantic restaurants in Frederick.

19. Anchor Bar

What makes Anchor Bar special is its great selection of gluten-free options. 

I have a couple of friends who can’t eat gluten, and they swear by their gluten-free pizza. All the sauces have gluten-free varieties, too. 

If you want more, check out my list of the best gluten-free restaurants in Frederick.

20. Il Porto

Now if you want to experience a truly iconic Mayland food, you have to try the Rockfish at Il Porto!

Imagine a plate with a parmesan encrusted Rockfish fillet, topped with jumbo lump crab!

So GOOD! And my absolute favorite spot for this in Frederick has to be Il Porto Restaurant!

To ask for this ta-die-for dish, request the Filleti di Pesce. 

21. Wye Oak Tavern

You’ll find Wye Oak Tavern on Church Street in the beautifully restored Visitation Hotel. It’s a trendy place led by renowned chefs Bryan and Michael Voltaggio (same as Showroom above). 

They have a menu of dry-aged steaks, handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and local game. 

It’s an extra special place to go on a special occasion. Book ahead because they’re really quite popular!

Before You Go…

Finally, be sure to keep this list of the best restaurants in Frederick Maryland handy for when you’re deciding on the restaurant to buy your next meal.

Leave a comment below if you’ve got any other recommendations. I’d love to hear from you!

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