Nicole and I are passionate about discovering unique places and sharing them with our readers on this site. We have many favorite restaurants in Frederick and the surrounding area, and we are always happy to spread the word about them.

However, there are occasionally some special places that make me hesitate. I find myself questioning whether I truly want to share this hidden gem with the world.

Writing about Market Table Bistro in Lovettsville, VA, evokes that feeling for me.

Two Glasses of White Wine Sit on a Black Tablecloth at Market Table Bistro Beside a Wooden Board Holding Two Small White Dishes Each Dish is Topped with Toasted Bread and Fresh Microgreens with a White Plate Cutlery and a Glass of Water in the Background

You’ll have to drive 30 minutes from Frederick into Loudoun County to visit Market Table Bistro.  But trust us on this one – its worth it.

Market Table Bistro - Lovettsville, Virginia

Market Table Bistro - Basics

White Text Reads Market Table Bistro and Origin Specific Cuisine over a Blurred Background of Food Possibly Scrambled Eggs and Roasted Meat Capturing the Essence of a Bistro Known for Locally Sourced Seasonal Dishes

Market Table Bistro is located in the charming town of Lovettsville, Virginia, in Loudoun County.  Lovettsville is about 5 minutes south of the Potomac River after crossing in Brunswick.

Why Do We Consider This Restaurant So Special?

I first discovered Market Table Bistro in 2016 on a visit for brunch while on an outing in Loudoun County.  The restaurant had gotten some recent acclaim from The Washington Post.

I usually cross-check all restaurant recommendations on TripAdvisor, which we also refer to on all our recommendations on this site.  I know people have mixed opinions on TripAdvisor ratings, but I find it a good resource.

a Wall mounted Wine Rack at Market Table Bistro Holds Dozens of Wine Bottles Arranged Horizontally on Sleek Black Metal Shelves Dim Lighting Shelves with Glassware and Bowls and a Patterned Rug Complete the Inviting Wooden floored Room

Back in 2016, my kids and I checked out Market Table Bistro for brunch while on a weekend outing, and it immediately became one of our favorite restaurants.

Nicole and I have returned many times since, including this week when we made a special trip for a Saturday date night.

a Black Sign with White Typewritten Text Reads the Arts Are Not a Way to Make a Living at Market Table Bistro Theyre Seen As a Very Human Way of Making Life More Bearablea Practice That Helps Your Soul Grow Kurt Vonnegut

Why do we love it so much? It fulfills so many aspects of what makes an ideal restaurant experience for Nicole and me:

  1. Local Focus: use of local ingredients, produce, meat, and wine enhances the connection to the region.
  2. Upscale Yet Delicious Dishes:  The constantly evolving menu is exciting and creative.
  3. “Just Right” Wine List:  The selection features both local and international wines, striking a perfect balance without being overwhelming.
  4. Great Cocktails:  Need we say more?
  5. A Unique Atmosphere: This restaurant boasts character and charm, in a small-town setting.

The Vibe at Market Table Bistro

Market Table Bistro is so unassuming, its hard to find.  During our visit last week, I noticed that they don’t even have a sign out front anymore.

This does not make it any less charming.  The indoor dining room is cozy and modern.  The kitchen and prep area feels like its next to you, but in an approachable way.

a Modern Restaurant Interior with Dark Walls Wooden Floors and Neatly Set Tables Market Table Bistro Features Wine Racks Shelves with Dishes Contemporary Chairs Soft Lighting and Large Windows Some Tables Are Pushed Together for Group Seating

There’s interesting artwork from locals adorning most walls. What was once a patio area is now enclosed, creating a bright secondary dining section.

a Cozy Modern Dining Area at Market Table Bistro Features Wooden Chairs and Black Tables in a Narrow Room Large Windows Fill the Space with Natural Light Highlighting Potted Plants Wall Art Rugs on the Stone Floor and Glass Doors at Both Ends

Cocktails, Beers, and a 'Just Right' Wine List

As far as the menu, starting with beverages, MTB gets a lot right.  The main dining room cocktail menu is not extensive, but always has options for gin, bourbon, vodka, and tequila cocktails to choose from.

We tried the Thyme to Chill gin-based cocktail at our last visit.

(There’s a more extensive cocktail list in their new lounge, described in more detail below).

the Cocktails Menu at Market Table Bistro Features Four Signature Drinksall Summer Long Ol Fashioned Cure all and Thyme to Chillplus a Refreshing Elderberry Blackberry Lemon Mint Sparkling Water Mocktail Prices and Details Are Listed

The beer menu spans from Virginia and Pennsylvania to destinations across the globe. 

You can opt for a local craft beer or something interesting and European, such as Estrella Galicia Lager (especially if you are having seafood). 

a Beer Menu at Market Table Bistro Lists 12 Beers and Ciders by Type Location and Price Options Include Stouts Lagers Ipas Ciders and a Non alcoholic Ale from the Us and Europe Ranging from to

Nicole and I usually order wine at MTB, and their wine list has plenty to choose from without burdening you with a bible to flip through.

The MTB wine list features a mix of old and new world wines that are both reasonable and interesting, while also incorporating some local Virginia wines.  

(Loudoun County wines are surprisingly good; Maryland is trying to catch up.)

a Wine List Titled red at Market Table Bistro Features 16 Red Wines from Regions Including France Italy Oregon Washington California Greece and Virginiaeach Listed by Year Name and Glass or Bottle Price

The Market Table Bistro Menu

Dining at Market Table Bistro is an exceptional experience. The menu presents a thoughtfully curated selection of appetizers and entrées that are not only creative and unique but also approachable and inviting. I often find it difficult to choose.

at Market Table Bistro a White Rectangular Plate Holds a Glass of Yellow Soup with Herbs Two Breaded Croquettes and a Slice of Toasted Bread Topped with Diced Vegetables the Plate Rests on a Dark Tablecloth Wine Glasses Blurred in the Background

On our most recent visit, we savored The Tasting of School Hill Garden Tomatoes, featuring three exquisite starters crafted from locally sourced tomatoes: a refreshing gazpacho, crispy fried green tomatoes, and a vibrant salad. Each very fresh, and full of flavor.

a Close up of a Plated Gourmet Dish from Market Table Bistro Featuring White Fish Shrimp Colorful Cherry Tomatoes and Sesame Seeds over Noodles in a Creamy Sauce in the Blurred Background Two Glasses of White Wine and a Wine Bottle Are Visible on a Dark Table

For entrees, Nicole chose the Misty Meadow Farm Mushroom Tostada, an earthy vegetarian dish with local mushrooms.  I had the Thai Curry Seafood entree.  

The Market Table Bistro’s First menu features Greek Salad, A Tasting of School Hill Garden Tomatoes, Confit Duck Peking-Style, and Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab—all with detailed descriptions, wine pairings, and prices from $11 to $22. A restaurant menu section labeled Main at Market Table Bistro lists four entrees: Mushroom Tostada, Alaskan King Salmon, Red Sasso Chicken, and Berkshire Pork, each with detailed descriptions, prices, and suggested wine or beer pairings. Text is brown on a white background.

Hard to recommend one over the other.  The menu usually includes chicken, pork, and a steak entree as well.  Choose your wine accordingly.

a White Plate at Market Table Bistro Holds Two Golden Crispy Fried Pieces Beside a Drizzle of Orange Sauce in the Background Shredded Meat is Topped with Purple Slaw and Microgreens While Wine and Water Glasses Sit Blurred in the Distance

The Newly Renovated Cocktail Lounge

In previous visits to MTB, we have occasionally been seated in the alternate dining room at the front of the house.  During this visit, I noticed that it has been renovated into a trendy cocktail lounge.

a Cozy Lounge at Market Table Bistro Features Wooden Beams Red Walls and Floor Lamps Armchairs and Small Tables Sit on Rugs a Stone Fireplace and Bookshelves Add Warmth While Large Windows and Draped Blankets Create a Welcoming Relaxed Atmosphere

There’s also a new cocktail list that completes the room into a very cool hangout, which I only wish was closer to my home.

Make A Day Out of Visiting Loudoun County

Market Table Bistro will require you to travel anywhere from twenty to forty minutes, depending on where you live in Frederick.  But as mentioned, trust us- it’s worth an outing.

a Bottle of Red Wine Labeled with a Red Scorpion Graphic Stands on a Metal Patio Table at Market Table Bistro Alongside Two Glasses of Red Wine Behind a Vineyard Stretches out Under Cloudy Skies with Green Hills in the Distance and a Barrel and Lantern Nearby

However, we also recommend making a day of it.  Loudoun County is filled with charming wineries, breweries, farms, and other attractions that can easily make for a great day trip from Frederick.

Here are some of our favorites:

  • Wheatland Spring – A dreamy farm brewery.  Great beer and lovely setting.
  • Breaux Vineyards – Stunning winery with great wine and fabulous views.
  • Stone Tower Winery – Maybe the best wine in Loudoun, and a great winery visit experience.
  • Middleburg, VA – Charming town in the center of Virginia horse country.  (Also where we were married!)
a Man and Woman Sit at a Wooden Picnic Table Outdoors at Market Table Bistro Smiling at the Camera the Woman Holds a Wine Glass with More Empty Glasses on the Table the Man Holds a Water Bottle Amid Lush Green Trees and Grass on a Sunny Day

A great outing is to visit a few Loudoun wineries or small towns, then end your day at Market Table Bistro for dinner on the way back to Frederick.

Final Thoughts and Considerations

Black Ankle Winery Tasting Area

If you’ve read this far, it’s clear Market Table Bistro is a special restaurant for Nicole and me.  We highly recommend you check it out.

But shhhhhssssss, let’s not tell too many Marylanders!  Let’s keep this place a secret amongst the EpicFrederick community.

Looking for more recommendations around Frederick?  Check out these articles:

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Glenn VanLandingham Travel Writer
Glenn is a travel enthusiast and adventure seeker who lives in Frederick, Maryland, and Bend, Oregon. He and his wife Nicole use EpicBend and EpicFrederick to chronicle their adventures in these amazing places so others can live their best lives in Frederick and Bend.
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Frederick, Maryland Bend, Oregon
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