The 5 Best Overall Restaurants Around Frederick

Some years back, Frederick, Maryland, evolved into a bona fide foodie town. Now, there are well over 100 dining establishments, which makes for grueling competition every year in this Best of the Best category.

Fratelli's Italian & Seafood, which prides itself on its crab cakes, also serves up some of the best Italian goodness you’ll find. And the portions can be so generous, you’ll take home dinner for days. They grabbed the top spot this year.

Another perennial favorite, finalist Dutch’s Daughter (fare shown above)—among the most be beloved restaurants in the county—wins or places in multiple dining categories in Best of the Best each year. If you prefer a more subdued, somewhat hipper, lounge dining experience, make reservations in its lower level, The Dungeon. It’s stocked with a full bar with seating, tables aplenty, and al fresco dining (they have heaters) until it’s too nippy for even we Northern transplants.

Manalu, also focused on Italian, services genuinely authentic food from Italy—Sicily with a touch of Naples.

And when you're eating your way through the best restaurants in Frederick, don't forget to go to Madrones and The Tasting room.

So much crazy good food in our county. Make time to try it all. You'll be better for it.