For a city once nicknamed “Fredneck” because of its reputation as an unsophisticated working-class town, Frederick, Maryland’s second largest city after Baltimore, has had an impressive makeover. The flourishing culinary scene is undoubtedly the biggest change. Natives of this metropolis of 65,000 are transforming the city, one hour from Washington, by opening restaurants and food shops.

Long a destination for its Civil War heritage, Frederick has seen most of the changes in its 50-block historic district. At least 13 restaurants and artisanal culinary spots have opened in the last two years, according to the Downtown Frederick Partnership, which tracks business openings. The turnaround began in 2008, when Bryan Voltaggio opened Volt, featuring entrees prepared with local ingredients in a 19th-century town house. The chef, 37, returned to his hometown after serving as the head chef at Charlie Palmer Steak in Washington.

“A lot of our customers were coming from Frederick because there weren’t any good places to eat here,” he said. “It was the perfect time to come back and bring in that quality dining.”

Mr. Voltaggio and Volt rose to fame after his 2009 appearance on “Top Chef,” and he is currently competing in “Top Chef Masters” on Bravo. He has opened two more casual spots in the last two years. The latest is Family Meal (880 North East Street, 301-378-2895; voltfamilymeal.com), a bustling restaurant in what was an abandoned car dealership. “I wanted to create an affordable place where my kids and I would both be happy eating,” he said. Familiar dishes like burgers and steaks are the highlights.