The Federal Rehoboth

4.8

454 Reviews

$30 and under

Unspecified

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 23, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 6 times today

Experiences are available.

Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions
Charming

What started as a food truck concept in 2019 then became a beachside bistro in 2021. The Federal, located just a short block from the famed Rehoboth Beach boardwalk has become a full-service, beach casual, fine-dining bistro. The demure restaurant now hosts the two concepts in one space - you can enjoy fritters before dinner, for a happy hour snack, or go for a boardwalk stroll. Federal Fritter menu features a variety of crisp, poppable & snackable fritters, while The Federal menu expands on a way of eating that best defines Todd & Ellen's culinary style, the menu reads like a postcard from the Mid-Atlantic. Chef Gray pays careful attention to the seasons, honoring what the Delmarva region harvests.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Unspecified
Hours of operation
Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(302) 727-5609
Website
https://www.thefederalrehoboth.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Cash not accepted, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Chef Todd Gray
Catering
From a casual dinner drop-off to full service catering is offered
Private party facilities
Please contact us for private events for groups of 7 - 35 people

Location
62a Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Neighborhood
Rehoboth Beach
Cross street
2nd Ave
Parking details
None
Public transit
Local bus service stops out of the front of restaurant
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Vine & Dine Wednesday
$45.00 per person
Nov 6, 2024 - May 21, 2025
Vine & Dine: Savor the Season Every Wednesday Join us for Vine & Dine, our mid-week culinary experience that brings the best seasonal and regional ingredients to your table. Each Wednesday, Chef Todd Gray will create a unique four-course dining experience that celebrates the flavors of the off-season at the beach. 4-course $45 | optional wine pairing $20 Elevate your evening with our optional wine pairings to enhance each dish. Whether you're a wine lover or simply looking for a special dining experience, Vine & Dine is your perfect mid-week escape. Reserve your spot now and indulge in the ultimate culinary journey!
Spirit Dinner Series 2024-2025
$95.00 per person
Oct 18, 2024 - May 23, 2025
Our Fourth Annual Spirit Dinner Season is Back for 2024-2025! Join us for our fourth season of spirited culinary partnerships. The Federal Spirit Dinners are the perfect opportunity to experience and learn about our featured spirit each month. Indulge in a special four-course menu crafted by award-winning Chef Todd Gray, paired with exquisite cocktails created by Ellen Kassoff from our exceptional roster of spirits. (October 18, November 15, December 6, December 13, January 17, February 7, March 14, April 11, May 23, June 6) $95.00 per person plus gratuity

Popular dishes

Red Curried Butternut Bisque $14.00
coconut milk, pickled beech mushrooms, braised leeks
Artisanal Cheese Board $18.00
purple haze goat, boxcar cottonbell, barely buzzed cow cheese, fig jam, candied walnuts, focaccia crostini
Rigatoni Pasta Puttanesca$17.00
late summer tomatoes, capers, cracked green olives, Thai basil
Chablis Poached Pears & Red Oak Leaf Salad$16.00
roasted red & golden beets, pickled fennel, candied walnuts (pb) (gf)
Tempura of Sweet Tiger Shrimp$18.00
arugula salad, pickled fennel, saffron aioli
Equinox Truffled Mac & Cheese$16.00
elbow macaroni, melted Gruyere & panko breadcrumb (veg)

Mains

Tuscan Style White Bean Cassoulet$29.00
Braised black kale, celery root, baby carrots & focaccia crostini (pb)
Baked Cannelloni of Spinach & Ricotta $29.00
oyster mushrooms, caramelized onion, parmesan reggiano (veg)
Pan Seared North Carolina Scallops$39.00
kabocha squash puree, Israeli couscous, sauteed baby bok choy, cracked olive vinaigrette
Slow Cooked Breast of Pennsylvania Duck$37.00
apple celery root puree, braised red cabbage, wild oyster mushroom demi-glace
Grilled Prime Beef Short Rib $38.00
roasted marbled potatoes, cipollini onions, baby spinach, roasted cauliflower (gf)
Pan Roasted Maryland Rockfish$36.00
shrimp etouffee, holy trinity roux, jasmine rice, shaved scallion
House Made Ricotta Gnocchi$42.00
New Bedford scallops, lump crab, gulf shrimp, baby spinach, tomato saffron cream

Dessert

Warm Hazelnut Chocolate Bomboloni$11.00
dusted with cinnamon sugar, cappuccino gelato
Sicilian Style Chocolate Laced Cannoli$11.00
Italian ricotta, strawberry coulis, candied orange
Warm Granny Smith Apple Crisp$11.00
oat streusel, vanilla bean gelato
Tiramisu Layer Cake$11.00
caramel sauce, house-made strawberry ice cream, fresh berries
Apple Pie Fritters$11.00
Granny Smith apple cake, cinnamon & sugar (pb)

The Side DIsh

Sautee of Wild Mushrooms & Baby Bok Choy $9.00
white wine, garlic, caramelized onions
Warm Buttermilk Cornbread for 2$8.00
rosemary honey butter & smoked sea salt
Tatiana's Grilled Focaccia for 2$8.00
basil pesto, parmesan reggiano

What 454 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.9Food
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Ocean City / Delaware Shore
Best Overall
Ocean City / Delaware Shore
Best Food
Ocean City / Delaware Shore
Innovative
Ocean City / Delaware Shore
Healthy
Ocean City / Delaware Shore
Neighborhood gem

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Federal Rehoboth is a culinary gem offering a charming dining experience in a cozy setting. Renowned for its "amazing food," the restaurant serves inventive dishes with standout items like the duck, scallops, and signature fritters. Guests enjoy "great service," creative cocktails, and a welcoming atmosphere led by Chef Todd and Ellen.

454 Reviews

T
Tom
Washington DC
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The Federal is a small wonder. Superb food and cocktails. Engaged and engaging owners and staff. A special treat for a night out, especially during one of their monthly Spirits Dinner.
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C
Carol
Baltimore
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 14, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had the prix fixe 4 course dinner and each course was excellent. We are not drinkers and were happy that the price for wine in the "Wine and Dine" event was not a part of the dinner price. Service was attentive and food served quickly. Small restaurant, good for special dinner.
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C
Christine
Central Coast
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 8, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
An excellent spot for unique, delicious food. Such tasty dishes and great service. Will definitely return.
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P
Polly
Charleston
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 6, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The Wednesday Vine and Dine Special was fabulous! We enjoyed every dish and wine choice and the staff was accommodating and helpful.
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m
martin
Washington DC
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Another fabulous night at the Federal. The food is inventive and amazing and the service is always spot on. There are many great restaurants in Rehoboth and the Federal easily rises to the top as our #1 favorite.
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A
Alicia
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 26, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The staff was very nice and helpful, even gave our dog a treat and water. They gave us information on the signature fritters and they were very good. It was also nice to be able to get a good zero proof cocktail.
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CM
CoolMoD
New York City
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 24, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of the best meals we had in Rehoboth! From the fritters to the affogato we could not have asked for more! Will definitely go back and highly recommend!
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P
Peter
Washington DC
85 reviews
vip
5.0
85 reviews
Dined on October 24, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
It’s always a fantastic experience at The Federal. The rockfish entree is just incredible - it’s a new seasonal addition to the menu and with the shrimp etoufee it is absolutely delicious! Ellen is always welcoming and the service outstanding! It’s the finest dining in Rehoboth Beach!
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R
Rich
Cincinnati
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on October 24, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We enjoyed a wonderful evening of fellowship with friends. Our waiter was attentive and helpful. There were no specials for the menu, but it didn’t matter; the menu was spectacular. I enjoyed the duck and our friend had a wonderful scallops dish. Shared a dessert, apres drinks and capped a lovely evening. This was a sixth visit to Federal in the last two years and each “event” surpassed the last…
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T
Tom
Washington DC
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on October 18, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The Federal is a hidden gem. Small but mighty. I'm hesitant to sing its praises, as I'm eager to keep the secret of The Federal to myself and my friends. The food is superb, a gourmet's delight, rooted in seasonal offerings many of which are grown and secured locally. Careful attention is paid to specialty cocktails that are a cut above. What makes a fine dining experience even better yet is the warm, friendly atmosphere that the owners Todd Gray and Ellen Kassoff create and demonstrate. Their enthusiasm and commitment to providing a truly special evening out for their guests is reflected in the care and service of the entire staff. All of these ingredients are shown at their best in the restaurant's monthly Spirit Dinner. A special Rehoboth Beach treat to be savored and enjoyed, that's for sure.
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FAQs

The Federal Rehoboth offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (302) 727-5609.

The Federal Rehoboth is rated 4.8 stars by 454 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 23, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 6 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

62a Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
2nd Ave
Neighborhood
Rehoboth Beach
Hours of operation
Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Unspecified
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
None
Public transit
Local bus service stops out of the front of restaurant
Payment options
AMEX, Cash not accepted, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Chef Todd Gray
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.thefederalrehoboth.com/
Phone number
(302) 727-5609
Catering
From a casual dinner drop-off to full service catering is offered
Private party facilities
Please contact us for private events for groups of 7 - 35 people

The Federal Rehoboth

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Vine & Dine Wednesday

Spirit Dinner Series 2024-2025

Apple Pie Fritters

Apple Pie

Corn Fritters

Starters

Red Curried Butternut Bisque $14.00

Artisanal Cheese Board $18.00

Rigatoni Pasta Puttanesca$17.00

Chablis Poached Pears & Red Oak Leaf Salad$16.00

Tempura of Sweet Tiger Shrimp$18.00

Equinox Truffled Mac & Cheese$16.00

Mains

Tuscan Style White Bean Cassoulet$29.00

Baked Cannelloni of Spinach & Ricotta $29.00

Pan Seared North Carolina Scallops$39.00

Slow Cooked Breast of Pennsylvania Duck$37.00

Grilled Prime Beef Short Rib $38.00

Pan Roasted Maryland Rockfish$36.00

House Made Ricotta Gnocchi$42.00

Dessert

Warm Hazelnut Chocolate Bomboloni$11.00

Sicilian Style Chocolate Laced Cannoli$11.00

Warm Granny Smith Apple Crisp$11.00

Tiramisu Layer Cake$11.00

Apple Pie Fritters$11.00

The Side DIsh

Sautee of Wild Mushrooms & Baby Bok Choy $9.00

Warm Buttermilk Cornbread for 2$8.00

Tatiana's Grilled Focaccia for 2$8.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does The Federal Rehoboth offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Federal Rehoboth restaurant rated?

Is The Federal Rehoboth currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information