Frederick, Maryland's Six Best Restaurants - Updated 2024

Volt: Putting Frederick on the map

Top Chef Bryan Voltaggio helped put Frederick on the map with his fine dining restaurant Volt. Chef Voltaggio competed on Top Chef, season 6, and made it to the final round before losing to his brother Michael.

It should be no surprise that Volt makes the list for Frederick’s top five places to eat. For about two years after Bryan’s appearance on Top Chef, it was challenging to get into Volt. Now some years later things have calmed down, and it’s possible to get reservations on shorter notice. Come for dinner Tuesday through Sunday for a seasonally inspired menu at this historic former mansion on Frederick’s Market Street. Volt’s house-made bread is so good you have to be careful to not overeat before ordering entrees. The desserts are fabulous also. Try the Passion Fruit variations of mango, black sesame cake with passion fruit sorbet for a sweet and tangy finish. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday where delicious entrees like Duck Bolognese or Potato Hash will tempt you. Be prepared to pay top dollar at Volt, but it’s worth it if you love quality fine dining.

Sabor de Cuba: A world of dining choices

For ethnic dining, Frederick has Greek, Vietnamese, Cuban, Spanish, Mexican, and Italian to name a few. Making the top five list is Sabor de Cuba on Patrick Street. This small eatery is the real deal Cuban food. Co-owner Maikel Gattorno was born in Cuba and moved to the U.S. when he was very young. His parents and grandparents taught him typical Cuban foods, and Maikel grew up with an interest in cooking these family favorites. Find Arroz con Pollo, Ropa Vieja, and the Cubano, a sandwich with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on the menu for lunch and dinner. Don’t miss the tres leches cake for dessert! Beer and wine are available including south-of-the-border suds like Presidente, Corona, Modelo, and Dos Equis. The prices for food and drink are reasonable, and you won’t go away hungry with Sabor de Cuba’s large portion sizes.

Firestone's Culinary Tavern: Dine in a historic building

Firestone’s Culinary Tavern reminds one of walking into an old-west saloon and restaurant. This well-preserved building used to be a department store but is pleasing more people by serving up great food and drink now. The menu changes daily as does the street scene. Grab a table upstairs by the window and watch the street show. Shoppers, dog walkers, cars, and locals parade by as you sit back and enjoy it all.

Open for lunch, dinner, and brunch the menu’s offerings might be a Maryland Crab Dip starter baked with three kinds of cheese and sherry. Main dishes that might show up on the menu are 18 ounce Cowboy Steak with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, roasted turnip, sautéed zucchini and a two mustard demi-glace. The bar carries some of the local distilleries whiskey, rum, vodka, and gin when available and always has several local beers on offer. Prices range from moderate to expensive depending on whether you eat in the dining room or bar area and if you order a burger versus the steak.

Silver Diner: A diner makes the list (from USD 129)

Forget what you know about diner food when you stop by Silver Diner on Buckeystown Pike. Their motto is “Redefining the modern diner.” and they do this in several ways. Silver Diner has embraced the farm-to-table movement. Customers will find more than 15 local farms listed as sources of fresh produce, meat, and dairy products. Silver Diner guarantees you’ll be 110% satisfied and proudly offer flexitarian menu options for gluten-free diners as well as a healthier kids menu. The recent seasonal features included Carolina wild-caught shrimp and grits, ancient grain shrimp bowl, Maltese Turkey burger, and organic chickpea hummus. Their extensive full menu is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Brewer's Alley: For brews and sports

Fans of craft beer and good food flock to Brewer’s Alley on Market Street. They are well known for their beer, but the menu is excellent also. Try the bacon-wrapped jalapeños for a spicy starter and the Brewer’s Meatloaf for a main dish. Their wood-fired pizzas seem to be ordered by every table and are available in eight pleasing choices plus a special pizza of the day. During good weather, their new upstairs open deck is a crowd pleaser, or down on the main level is the dog-friendly patio. For sporting events like Oriole’s baseball, or Raven’s football the bar area is the place to be. Order up one of their beers made onsite and pair it with a Maryland crab cake, fish tacos, burgers, or vegetarian items and enjoy the game. Prices are reasonable, and the whole family will enjoy this fun restaurant in the historic building that was once city offices, and later an opera house.

Ayşe: For Greek Fare

On the East side of town find Ayşe, a Greek, Turkish, and Lebanese themed restaurant. This family-oriented eatery has plenty of space inside or outside for dinner, lunch, or Sunday brunch. The grilled halloumi cheese is a great way to start as they flame the cheese right at your table. The extensive menu offers grilled skewers of souvlaki, chicken thighs, beef, or shrimp.

Meat dishes like moussaka are reasonably priced at 10USD so you can order several for sharing at your table. For vegetarians, Ayşe has falafel, lavashadilla, hummus, dolmades, and more. Ayse has a full bar and serves local beers, wines from around the world, and spirits.