Preserve

In a word….. Wonderful. We had a late lunch here. It did not disappoint. The brunch hamburger was good but the smoked salmon Benedict was amazing! Would have licked the plate if I would not have gotten odd stares. Also Lorenza was wonderful. I was unsure about a wine to get and she not only brought me the one I asked to try but two more similar. That’s service. Please go. You won’t regret it.

Excellent restaurant in downtown Annapolis. We originally only planned to grab wine here before heading elsewhere for dinner, but the menu looked so fantastic we stayed. Everything was super delicious, well presented, and creatively crafted. The scallops were probably my favorite and had such an unreal texture!! The servers were also very helpful in choosing wines to enjoy.

Small menu, but very tasty! We had crab hashbrowns (our favorite bite!), the most amazing chili sourdough focaccia, pickled beets (LOVE), and pork bites (decent — a bit small and not as tender). The steak frites was also tasty — so tender, too. The service was excellent. I wish there were more entrees that appealed to us, especially given the high price, but we were delighted with the food we split! The fresh lemonade was also great.

We've been going to Preserve for a few years, and the idea of the restaurant, fermentation-based food, is excellent. However, our last visit in late September 2025 was disappointing. The house pickle recipe changed and tasted more like a basic quick pickle. The pickles were mostly green peppers. The focaccia was a lovely bread, but the topping overwhelmingly tasted of salt, couldn't get a hint of pepper or herb even though they were clearly fresh and visible. We got a beet salad (good, super small), and 2 house sodas which were excellent. We left hungry and spent more than a normal meal elsewhere. Prices are higher than before, and quality has dipped. The servers were impeccable though, many kudos to all of them. I am very hesitant to recommend the place right now, but with a return to the quality that marked them as exceptional before, they would be a destination restaurant. They have clearly labeled vegetarian and vegan items and a strong drink selection. Can be crowded, I would get a reservation.

Had a fantastic experience here. The staff is extremely welcoming and kind. Cocktails were amazing. Food was fantastic. Crispy Kale was a favorite.

Amazing! The sourdough focaccia changed my life. Definitely recommend making a reservation. But great restaurant.

Let's talk food! 🫡😋 If you're on the hunt for a cozy, intimate spot with serious flavor, make your way to Preserve in the heart of downtown Annapolis. This place is ideal for a memorable lunch, brunch, or dinner. Fellas, trust me—you'll want to bring your special someone here. The food? Incredible. We kicked things off with the crispy kale, which was fresh and packed with flavor—highly recommend! Our main event was the Preserve Burger, and it didn’t disappoint. Juicy, fresh, and perfectly cooked, with a side of hand-cut fries that were downright addictive. Plus, their house-made sodas are a fun, refreshing twist! So if you’re in Annapolis, don’t miss out on Preserve. Amazing food, great vibes, and a perfect way to make any meal feel special.

We had a fantastic and memorable meal at Preserve. Loved the atmosphere. It’s perfect for a group that likes to share with small and large plates, and take advantage of a diverse farm-to-table menu. The crispy kale is a signature for a reason, we really loved it! Cocktails were excellent, and a very interesting wine list. Service was excellent and we enjoyed everything that came to our table.

Delicious, creative food and friendly attentive service. The pirogies and halibut chowder were .

We were seated at a high top table right next to the kitchen and while I would've preferred a low top table, my boyfriend and I enjoyed getting to see the kitchen staff cook up some delicious meals. We ordered a variety of food and drinks but some of the highlights were the CHESAPEAKE CHEDDAR PUPUSAS, which were lightly fried and had decent heat to them! I also enjoyed their bread pudding - it wasn't overly sweet.

Unique in everything! Delicious food, especially if you are game for the unusual. The decor is really neat. We were seated in a booth that appeared to be a leather/pleather scraps. It was cute. The restaurant was decorated with canned fruits, vegetables, & juices. The large windows were open, which was nice. The music was very loud. We ordered smoked fish dip as an appetizer. It was very good. For entrees, we had summer squash, fried blue catfish, eggplant pesto sandwich, & smoked salmon L.T. (forgot to add the salmon, but corrected the mistake). We noticed that the kids meals came in dinosaur shaped containers, so my sister asked if we could have fries served in a dinosaur. The server granted her wish. We all enjoyed our own food & each other's tastings. Our server did an excellent job with everything. This is a restaurant that uses what is currently available, & it is good for people who prefer a vegan or vegetarian diet. Definitely would recommend.

Preserve is interesting and quite unique. I believe it is the only restaurant I have been to that focuses on preserving, pickling and fermentation. Though it is on Main Street, it is a bit fancier than most of the restaurants--yes, casual but dress to impress. The aesthetic is adorable, décor is witty and the bathrooms are always clean. Atmosphere is perfect for a date to grab drinks and an app or two. Drinks are fancy and pretty! They also have the most extensive list of non-alcoholic mocktails on the strip which are also priced the best. Appetizers are thoughtfully portioned. I recommend trying the preserve pickles, pickled squid, griddled pierogies and smoked fish dip! Please note that they at times have an extra charge on their receipts--"Labor of Love." Which I understand, however, at times, restaurant staff seem to not provide the best service due to knowing that they will already get some sort of tip. It is truly annoying and sad that restaurants have to add this. Please tip on good service and high quality food!

Finally visited Preserve! Been dying to try it. The crispy kale did not disappoint. Food was fresh and local. Our server was so attentive and we loved the vibe!

Such a cute spot in Annapolis with great service and food. It does get extremely busy so a reservation is recommended. It was just the two of us and luckily got a spot at the bar. The pierogies ($16) were good nothing spectacular but was delicious. The rockfish ($38) was amazing. It was so tender and the spaeztle with it was great. Definitely need to come back for a date night.

I've been missing fish and chips since going gluten free and I'm so happy to finally find a place that uses another kind of batter. Both the fish and chips were so crispy and perfectly seasoned. They do not use a dedicated fryer and the aioli is made with malt vinegar so I do not recommend if you have celiac's. The fried tempeh was on the saltier side but the crunch factor was 10/10. The harvest salad, I would definitely get again. As a salad lover who's eaten a ton of salads, greens/poached pear/toasted granola/pecorino cheese/parsley vinaigrette was a new kind of combo I hadn't tried before and loved it.

Preserve was a great spot to grab a drink and quick food. It has a very chill vibe. Can't remember the gentleman's name, but our service was amazing. We got an Italian Club Sandwich and Crispy Kale - which is a one of their popular dishes which we ended up getting. It was definitely one of the best I had, you don't even need to like Kale to enjoy it. It was, however, too oily for me. Overall was a fun place to grab lunch

Severely understaffed, but the drinks and food that we did get were delicious (tequila drink, the meat terrine and the grilled cheese). It was cool to hear about the restaurant, using *Preserved* local ingredients to make their feature: sauerkrauts, pickles, kimchi and such that you see incorporated into the menu. We made a reservation online a few days in advance and were seated at the best seat in the house, inside right at the little garage door opening, enjoying the nice weather of downtown Annapolis. We only ordered a few things and with all the waiting, dinner took 2 hours which is madness.

tried to call their phone number repeatedly today 7/25/2024 and it was going straight to a recording. Ok i didn't let that stop me because I wanted to try the Krispy kale. I pulled up and got it to go, it was mid and super greasy. Would not get it again or recommend. Respectfully!

Cute, slightly bougie spot with indoor and outdoor seating. My partner (in crime) and I stopped in for lunch and couldn't have been happier. The food was delicious, although I chaffed at the "pierogis" on the menu cos they were green. The menu states "basil-mozzarella pierogies, pickled pinenuts, charred cherry tomatoes, olive tapenade" -- bro that's ravioli. Where's the potato filling, the onions, the bacon, the sauerkraut (which they make in house!)?!?!? Now these ravioli/rogis were delicious, but I'm PA Dutch and Polish, so naturally particular about my potato filled pasta. The burger?! Fantastic. The club? Amazing. The house made kimchi? Pretty good! I wish I could have tried all the craft cocktails cos they looked delicious, but unfortunately I had a long drive ahead of me. Service was polite, the doors were open, and it was beautiful out. 9/10, would go again!

Immediately caught my eye when walking the streets. Preserve has a sophisticated, appealing ambiance that provides local, high quality ingredients. What interested me was their incorporation of fermented ingredients within their meals or cocktails. It was so unique tasting a slight fermented flavor within my cocktail. I opted for the Rum based drink while my friend got the Tequila. I preferred the Tequila for the better and taste and portion size, but the Rum was still a good, unique drink. We tried their special of the day, spätzle which had some spaghetti squash, goat cheese, and other ingredients. It tasted delicious honestly and unlike food I normally eat. Visually, it looks like a baked Mac and Cheese, but this was better. Overall, a nice, quaint place to enjoy dinner at. I would come again to try their other fermented creations. A unique perspective to find in this area.

Cute impromptu lunch. The catfish seemed pieced together inside of the batter, almost like a mush. Not pictured, the burger was quite delicious.

The preserved lemon marg is a must! Great spot to sit at the bar for a casual dinner + drinks. The concept is unique, worth spending a few minutes chatting with your server to hear about.

I was in Annapolis for a few hours and decided to stop in here for a late lunch/early dinner. It was my second time here and I was even more impressed than the first time! My friend and I decided to get a few things to share. We got the harvest salad and the fish and chips. I also got the bartender's choice of spritz as my cocktail. The spritz was probably one of the best drinks I've ever had. I gave the bartender a few ideas about the kind of flavors I liked and she whipped up a refreshing green colored cocktail that had some elderflower liqueur and other sorcery mixed in. Seriously, I have no idea what kind of spell she cast on this cocktail but it was magically delicious. I only wish I could come back and reorder it exactly the way she made it but since it was a on-the-fly creation, it'll just have to exist in my memories, I suppose. The harvest salad was super fresh tasting and had a nice combination of flavors and textures with the mixed greens and snap peas. The fish and chips were the star of the show too especially since they were gluten free! You would've never known that the fish was battered in rice flour. Even the vinegar based aioli for dipping was gluten free because they prepare it all in house in a very specific way. I hadn't had fish and chips in SO long and this was such a tasty treat for me. The total was about $45 per person including tip. It's expensive but worth it, in my opinion. I highly recommend this spot to anyone in Annapolis looking for an upscale, farm to table experience.

Oh my heavens what a fun place for a double date night! We all of the food was so creative and the pairings were delicious. It was a little loud but we cozied up in our booth and had a lovely time! I can't wait to try again! Everything was prepared fresh and you could tell the staff loved being there.

Preserve has become a go-to place for me. So when I was working in the area, I knew I had to stop by. It's easy to find and parking was plentiful. Nonetheless, the server took the time to make some very, very good choices. Chef Alex took the time to explain some of the amazing creations and add his personal touch. Can't wait to come back!

"A 4% Labor of Love fee" is another way of saying, "We underpay our staff." Food was fine. Service was what you'd expect from a place that advertises its stinginess.

Came here for lunch during a day trip to Annapolis and it was absolutely the right choice. They had a great drink selection with cocktails and local beers. We had the Bloody Mary (maybe my favorite ever) and a local Pilsner. Their thing is pickled/fermented things so we had to start with the pickles, half pickles half giardiniera (which we liked a lot more). We also got the pickle brined fried oysters (also my favorite fried oysters I've ever had), and the mushroom "cheesesteak" which was so good that I didn't miss the meat part one bit. The desserts sounded amazing but we were stuffed. Will definitely be back again!

Cozy and cool environment, friendly staff. We tried their pierogis and i fell in love.

My boyfriend and I dined at Preserve on a whim and I'm so glad we did! It was a busy Friday night, but we were able to be seated at the bar. We received great service and got to have conversations with the staff I don't think we'd have been able to have at a table. The food is amazing, to say the very least. Flavor and execution is spot on!! Portion sizes are perfect, the plates are presented beautifully, and the menu is creative. We also tried three different cocktails which were all delicious. We especially liked that while the restaurant is beautifully decorated with a higher than average price point, it is not pretentious or stuffy. A special shout out to Austin working the bar. He absolutely made an impression on us. We will be back again and again!

After some shopping on Main Street, my family, and I decided to pop into Preserve to get dessert and drinks. It was really neat to see that Preserve had Woman's Month Cocktail Specials. After getting to know the beautiful staff, we learned that the drinks were actually named after each woman that works there, which was really fun to learn! It was also exciting to see that they had a vegan dessert, which was OUT OF THIS WORLD! The vegan Pot De Creme was absolutely phenomenal! If I were to visit Annapolis again, I would definitely stop in because of the ambiance and the staff was extremely kind!

We went to preserve for a nice casual lunch. They were still serving brunch so I went with the brunch burger. Preserve is supposed to be known for their fermentation, but I didn't notice anything in my dish that was fermented or stood out to me. Another person in my party got the chicken salad sandwich, which was fermented, but did not stand out and was very soggy. Overall the food was just average, but more on the expensive end. The service, however, was very slow. We ordered an appetizer of pickles, which took nearly 20 minutes to come out. Had to wait nearly an hour for the rest of the food to come. I'd possibly give it another chance, but not sure.

Excellent Kale salad Bison Bolognese and NY Strip was enjoyed by the carnivores in group Small initiate environment Great service Excellent house made soda choices Selection for main course limited

Came to this nice modern restaurant right on Main St. for brunch and it was a pleasant experience! We sat right on the edge of the restaurant peering out on the street, people watching. The bloody mary was decent, not bad but I've had better. My girlfriend got the pan roasted rockfish which was delicious. The fish was cooked well, nice crunch and juicy. The herbs used were flavorful and the presentation was gorgeous in color. The ragout complimented the fish very well! I had the burger and it was also delicious! A double smash burger with their nice and zesty house sauce. The fries weren't crispy, but they were still pretty decent. Their brunch special honey pickles stole the show though! It went well with both the fish and the burger and had great crunch and flavor! Awesome vibes, would consider coming back for dinner.

Wow! Start w a pickled Bloody Mary. Also the Tequila cocktail was amazing. Note we're very tart, but a great balance of flavors. The place is pretty refined compared to the tourist dives surrounding it. Very stylish.People here care about what the make. The grilled pierogies w pesto and the giardinara is delicious. The fries and double burger perfection! We came in because of a high yep review ...

The food is amazing and the service followed suit. I like the way they designed the place modern and cute. I think it's too expensive for what it is though. I'd take my money somewhere else :/

Convenient place on Main Street with good décor, decent service, and good food, if somewhat overpriced. But my primary beef is with the 4% "Labor of Love fee to provide fair wages, benefits..." If you're in business, shouldn't you include all the costs in your menu prices to cover expenses of operating the business, and this includes paying sufficient wages to attract staff? So instead of you, the restaurant, paying "fair wages", you surreptitiously transfer the cost to the customers via a fee shown in such a way as not to be easily noticeable. I think it's highly dishonest way of doing business.

Food really isn't great, it's very bland. But the worst part about this place is the service. It's almost like they don't want you to be there. The bartenders actually ignore you and come off as super hostile. Really disappointing lunch

Yum! Food was great, cocktails delicious and the just a cute place all around. Gin cocktail was perfect and the tequila one was good too. We started with pierogi's, which were really tasty. I got the fish and chips and my husband got the lamb tartine. We shared and both were really good. The fish was so crispy! The lamb tartine was nice and lite, but so good! We also got the bread pudding which was good but the rum taste was a little too much for me. Overall though, everything was great and would definitely come back!

Modern restaurant creative and delicious menu. Great service with nice sitting area. Restaurant temperature was cool even though weather was around 97 degrees.

Great small restaurant in downtown Annapolis. They have a casual ambiance and a friendly staff. The food is creative and everything we tried was delicious. Interesting flavor combinations. It's definitely worth trying again.

We had an absolutely outstanding dinner for our anniversary. We sat outside, soaking up downtown Annapolis. Service was wonderful, perfectly timed and not rushed. Husband had the burger and neither of us can wait to have it again. I had the rockfish special which I'm still dreaming about. Cannot wait to go back.

This was a gem in the open, no hiding this one. Right off the street, you can immediately see the appeal to Preserve. Both indoor and outdoor seating allows space for a pretty good crowd. It's warm, welcoming and the staff is visibly happy to be there. The menu is amazing, with selections that are fresh, creative and healthy choices to appease any foodie alike. I settled on their duck sausage sandwich with an egg over easy on top. It was beyond my expectations, with just enough fat for juiciness and flavor.

Quaint establishment serving American cuisine on the main drag in downtown Annapolis. After our tour of the near by naval academy, the Preserve was the lunchtime choice for our group. When we arrived, the restaurant was sill serving brunch. I chose the sausage , grits and gravy as my entree. It was very good. Just the right amount of food. I also enjoyed my wife's preserve burger entree as a left over the next day. The burger was was very good as well. I had the local pilzner draft that was exceptional. The Peserve had a very good selection of adult beverages including local craft beers. I had the local pilzner draft that was exceptional. I definitely recommend the Preserve for any meal while visiting downtown Annapolis.

The food is excellent, some of the best in Annapolis, I have referred a ton of tourists to the restaurant, because I live a few blocks away from the restaurant. Their menu is creative and innovative, the chef is a true artist. They are so accommodating to food allergies and it is clear each meal & each drink is individually crafted for each customer, so I want the kitchen staff to know, we see your ability and we love what you do for the clients of Preserve, keep doing what you are doing. The service though is not friendly, every time I go, I feel like I annoy the wait staff and everyone that I know that goes to Preserve feels the same way. I am a local, and the snobbiness from the wait staff makes me feel less inclined to visit. I know Preserve will do just fine without my satisfaction, but I wonder if the owners want the reputation of unkind servers? Because that is what they have right now. So far Garten's staff is very friendly so I hope that friendliness is the intent of the owners of Preserve for their servers. (Just noticed another review from another client that had the same experience, hope someone is paying attention.)

One of the best meals I've had in years. Preserve has a very unique menu that is masterfully executed. Steak, seafood, and sandwiches but with a twist. I've never enjoyed kale so much (anything fried, they say...lol). This place deserves to be listed in the Michelin guide if it isn't.

The food is excellent, fresh and innovative! The atmosphere is quaint right on Main Street

After living in Annapolis for 3+ years, I finally decided to try out preserve. My friend and I both ordered the preserve burger and were very satisfied by the presentation, taste, and price. Though the food at this restaurant is far from cheap, the restaurant's ambience and hospitality are inviting. I am sure I will dine here again and look forward to trying something new!

Only the hamburger was good with the French fries. But the pasta that cost almost 3 times more expensive than any other dish, and was the smallest was so unbelievably bad, that it traveled between three of us but was not eaten. The sandwich with the tongue was way to salty and super oily, so we let it unfinished. Also the perogi were not the best with bitter burns cheese on top. I would not go there again.

everything was great other than the mid 20s curly hair cook picking and wiping his nose the whole time. Probably not best practice with an open prep kitchen.

Great atmosphere, nice presentation. I was disappointed with the cocktails and coffee.

Preserve is a gem hidden among the all shops and stores on the main strip of Annapolis. I understand if you walk by it and don't notice it as I have done it a hundred times Pull out your smart phone and find this hidden gem and you will thank me later. It's a smaller place with some booth seating and large bar area that seats plenty. The inside of the restaurant is simple and gorgeous. It's warm and makes you feel at home. The staff is wonderful people who are friendly and make you feel like you are part of their family. The food is the real highlight at Preserve. The food is thought out and everything seems to compliment each other very well. Some highlights are the Preserve burger, smoked fish dip and the pirogies. I highly recommend all three of these dishes. Highly recommended restaurant, worth the trip to Annapolis if you don't live in the area.

Had lunch here after walking around Annapolis. Nice spot with some outdoor seating, which was perfect on a beautiful day. An eclectic menu with interesting options. Tried the duck tongue appetizer, which was very good. Our table had chicken sandwiches, mushroom (and yes, only mushrooms) cheesesteak, and gyro. Fries were excellent and varying degrees of satisfaction with the meals. A nice spot for a meal especially if looking for something different, but a little pricey and not for a picky eater.

Question I have is, why don't they just pay here staff more? Why transfer operation cost to us so directly. Moreover they way they have it, the more I spend with them to support their establishment, the more I need to pay. ...just a crazy business model. Which I could have done this in medical device industry...pay my engineers less and just add a surcharge to my customers they they don't notice! With that said, food and service good.

Note: this was for a fixed NYE menu ($150). Absolutely worth every penny. The only dish that we weren't in love with was the pasta, but even it was still a 7/10. The service was impeccable, tastes and pairings were on point, and presentation was perfect. Would be curious to taste their regular menu as I have heard good things.

Preserve is one of my favorite places to eat in Annapolis! I have to tell myself to try new places, otherwise I'd just keep coming back here because of their unique food and drinks. I love how their namesake is incorporated into practically every dish. Some type of pickled vegetable or meat is going to end up on your plate somewhere. The most recent dish I got was their BLT which featured beef lengua and pickled green tomatoes. I already love lengua, so turning into a pastrami made my heart skip a beat. And the pickled green tomatoes had a bit of sweetness to them that truly elevated the whole sandwich. Normally I'd only eat about half a sandwich and take the rest to go, but it was just so good and so light that I ate the whole thing with no regrets. With it's location on Main Street, Preserve is in the perfect spot to thrive in Annapolis. Outdoor seating, beautiful indoor seating, a pristine bar, and a large bay window that can be opened up in the warmer months. It's definitely a must try for any foodie or anyone wanting to try something new and different.

The Best overall dining experience I've had in Annapolis and the surrounding area. Food/cocktails, atmosphere, and service were exquisite! They were so friendly, we cannot wait to go back! In addition to what's pictured, we strongly recommend the Chesapeake Cheddar Pupusas Starter, and warm Apple Cider Margaritas (on special). Don't hesitate to make your reservation, this restaurant and their amazing team will not disappoint! Thank you Preserve, see you again soon!

An unexpected discovery on Main Street in downtown Annapolis. We didn't know there was a boat show weekend when we took our out of town guest to Annapolis. Our favorite lunch places were fully booked and parking was impossible. Found Preserve thanks to fellow Yelpers' reviews and we were lucky to get a table right away. On Sundays there is a branch menu till 3 pm. We chose from it - smoked salmon on toast with eggs Benedict and salad. It was excellent. Salad was an interesting mix of garden greens, eggs Benedict were cooked to perfection. I tried home made kombucha and it was very good, truly kombucha with a hint of honey , not a typical commercially made vinegar smelling acidic drink. This is the first establishment where kombucha was exactly how it is supposed to taste. The regular menu looks very good and we are already making plans to come back for lunch to try Ruben sandwich with beef tongue

If you are from out of state and have e a LEGAL vertical drivers license, they will not serve you alcohol. Apparently they are one of the few places in the United States that is not intelligent enough to distinguish a legal and valid DL from a fake.