Italian Restaurants in Frederick MD | Best Pasta & Pizza
Frederick's Top Italian Tables
Frederick's strongest Italian restaurants include Tempo Di Pasta (4.9★, house-made pasta on East Church Street), Manalú Italian Restaurant (4.7★, 1,974 reviews), Pistarro's (4.5★, Neapolitan pizza on North East Street), Cugino Forno (4.8★, wood-fired Neapolitan on North Market), Il Porto (4.4★, downtown ristorante on South Market), and Cucina Massi (4.5★, East Patrick Street). Reservations are recommended on weekends at all of them.
The best Italian restaurants in Frederick MD range from house-made pasta at Tempo Di Pasta and Manalú to wood-fired Neapolitan pizza at Cugino Forno and Pistarro's, plus downtown ristorantes like Il Porto and Cucina Massi. Whether you want a quick slice, a casual family dinner, or a romantic plate of fresh pasta, Frederick's Italian scene delivers. Here are the top verified picks with addresses, ratings, and what to order.
8 Best Italian Restaurants in Frederick MD
1. Tempo Di Pasta
Address: 244 E Church St, Frederick, MD 21701 · Cuisine: Italian / Fresh Pasta · Price: $$ · Rating: 4.9/5 (465 reviews)
Frederick's highest-rated Italian restaurant builds its menu around house-made pasta turned out fresh daily. The intimate East Church Street dining room and from-scratch sauces make it a favorite for date nights and special meals. With a near-perfect 4.9★ average, it is the place locals send visitors who want serious Italian cooking — reserve ahead, as the small space books up fast.
2. Manalú Italian Restaurant
Address: 5227 Presidents Ct, Frederick, MD 21703 · Cuisine: Italian · Price: $$ · Rating: 4.7/5 (1,974 reviews)
The most-reviewed Italian restaurant in Frederick, Manalú pairs traditional recipes with consistent, polished service. Nearly 2,000 reviews back its 4.7★ average, making it one of the most reliable Italian tables in the county. Expect classic pastas, hearty entrées, and a comfortable setting that works for families and couples alike.
3. Cugino Forno Frederick
Address: 1705 N Market St Suite 100, Frederick, MD 21701 · Cuisine: Neapolitan Pizza · Price: $$ · Rating: 4.8/5 (1,167 reviews)
Cugino Forno fires true Neapolitan pizzas in a wood-burning oven, producing the puffy, leopard-spotted crust the style is known for. The fast-casual format and 4.8★ rating across more than 1,100 reviews make it a downtown standout for pizza done right. Order a classic margherita to judge the dough, then add specialty pies and Italian small plates.
4. Pistarro's
Address: 221 N East St, Frederick, MD 21701 · Cuisine: Italian / Neapolitan Pizza · Price: $$ · Rating: 4.5/5 (1,787 reviews)
Pistarro's is the rare spot that does both fresh pasta and wood-fired Neapolitan pizza at a high level, with nearly 1,800 reviews supporting its 4.5★ average. The North East Street location offers a full Italian menu, so it suits groups split between pizza lovers and pasta fans. A dependable all-rounder for a casual Italian dinner.
5. Il Porto Restaurant
Address: 200 S Market St, Frederick, MD 21701 · Cuisine: Italian · Price: $$ · Rating: 4.4/5 (881 reviews)
A cozy downtown ristorante on South Market Street, Il Porto is repeatedly praised for anniversary and date-night dinners. Creative pasta dishes, attentive service, and a warm room make it a go-to for couples celebrating something special. Its central downtown location pairs well with an after-dinner walk along Market Street or Carroll Creek.
6. Cucina Massi
Address: 111 E Patrick St, Frederick, MD 21701 · Cuisine: Italian · Price: $$ · Rating: 4.5/5 (368 reviews)
Cucina Massi brings authentic Italian cooking to East Patrick Street in the heart of downtown. The 4.5★ rating reflects strong, consistent pasta and entrée plates in a relaxed but polished setting. It is an easy walkable choice for visitors staying downtown who want quality Italian without a long drive.
7. Il Forno Pizzeria
Address: 1035 W Patrick St, Frederick, MD 21702 · Cuisine: Pizza / Italian · Price: $$ · Rating: 4.3/5 (1,185 reviews)
A long-running Frederick favorite, Il Forno has built more than 1,100 reviews on generous portions of pizza and Italian-American classics. The West Patrick Street location is a dependable, family-friendly choice for a casual weeknight dinner or takeout. Expect big slices, hearty pastas, and friendly neighborhood service.
8. Rosati's Pizza
Address: 911 W 7th St, Frederick, MD 21701 · Cuisine: Pizza · Price: $$ · Rating: 4.7/5 (1,530 reviews)
Rosati's is Frederick's top-rated high-volume pizza spot, holding a 4.7★ average across more than 1,500 reviews. The Chicago-style approach and reliable quality make it a strong pick for delivery, takeout, or a quick family dinner on West 7th Street. A great low-key option when you want pizza without a wait for a table.
Planning Your Italian Dinner in Frederick
For a special occasion, book ahead at Tempo Di Pasta, Il Porto, or Cucina Massi — the downtown rooms are intimate and fill up on weekends. Mention anniversaries or birthdays when reserving; downtown Italian spots are happy to accommodate.
For pizza, head to Cugino Forno or Pistarro's for wood-fired Neapolitan pies, or Rosati's and Il Forno for classic, crowd-pleasing slices and takeout. Each leans a different direction, so match the spot to whether you want artisan or hearty.
For a casual or budget meal, Juliet's Italian Market and Café (4.7★) on East Church Street and Pasquale's Italian Pizza (4.5★) deliver quality at a lower price point. All of these sit close to downtown Frederick's shops, parks, and Carroll Creek for an easy evening out.
Tips & Guidelines
Order the House-Made Pasta
At Tempo Di Pasta, Manalú, and Pistarro's, the fresh pasta is the headline. Ask which shapes are made in-house that day and pair them with the kitchen's signature sauce.
Choose Neapolitan for Pizza
Cugino Forno and Pistarro's run true wood-fired ovens. Order a margherita or marinara to judge the crust before branching into specialty pies.
Book Downtown Tables Ahead
Il Porto, Cucina Massi, and Cugino Forno sit in walkable downtown Frederick and fill up on weekends. Reserve a day or two ahead for dinner.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Italian restaurant in Frederick MD? ▼
Tempo Di Pasta at 244 E Church St holds Frederick's highest Italian rating at 4.9★ for its house-made pasta. Manalú Italian Restaurant (4.7★, 1,974 reviews) is the most-reviewed favorite, and Pistarro's (4.5★) is the top pick for Neapolitan pizza and pasta combined.
Where can I get authentic wood-fired pizza in Frederick? ▼
Cugino Forno Frederick (4.8★, 1,167 reviews) on North Market Street and Pistarro's (4.5★) on North East Street both run wood-fired ovens for true Neapolitan-style pies. Il Forno Pizzeria on West Patrick Street is a long-running local favorite at 4.3★ with over 1,100 reviews.
Which Italian restaurant in Frederick is best for a date night? ▼
Il Porto at 200 S Market St offers a cozy downtown ristorante setting praised for anniversaries. Cucina Massi at 111 E Patrick St (4.5★) and the intimate tables at Tempo Di Pasta also suit romantic dinners. Reserve a weekend table in advance.
Are there casual or budget Italian options in Frederick? ▼
Yes. Juliet's Italian Market and Café (4.7★) on East Church Street and Pasquale's Italian Pizza (4.5★) on River Run Road are affordable, well-loved spots. Rosati's Pizza (4.7★, 1,530 reviews) on West 7th Street is a top-rated quick option.
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