The Federal Rehoboth

4.8

478 Reviews

$30 and under

Unspecified

Make a booking

2 people

18 Feb 2025

19:00

Booked 2 times today

Experiences are available.

Neighbourhood 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 17:00–21:00
Phone number
(302) 727-5609
Website
https://www.thefederalrehoboth.com/
Payment Options
Cash not accepted
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
Area
Rehoboth Beach
Cross Street
2nd Ave
Parking details
None
Public transit
Local bus service stops out of the front of restaurant
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan

Experiences

Vine & Dine Wednesday
US$45.00 per person
6 Nov 2024 - 21 May 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
US$95.00 per person
18 Oct 2024 - 23 May 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

Smoked Kabocha Squash SoupUS$18.00
Maryland lump crab meat, truffle butter, nori chips
Baked Lower Chesapeake Bay OystersUS$18.00
spinach, sweet scallop, gruyere cheese
Blood Orange & Red Oak Leaf SaladUS$16.00
roasted red & golden beets, pickled fennel, watermelon radish, blood orange vinaigrette (pb) (gf)
Artisanal Cheese Board US$18.00
purple haze goat, boxcar cottonbell, barely buzzed cow cheese, fig jam, candied walnuts, focaccia crostini
Creamy Heirloom N.C. Grits with Lamb Shank Ragout US$16.00
red wine tomato sauce, baby carrots, parmesan reggiano
Tempura of Sweet Tiger ShrimpUS$17.00
arugula salad, pickled fennel, saffron aioli
Equinox Truffled Mac & CheeseUS$16.00
elbow macaroni, melted Gruyere & panko breadcrumb (veg)

Mains

Jersey Sweet Potato & Cauliflower CurryUS$29.00
lime scented basmati, Rays sweet peppers, pomegranate seed (pb, gf))
Baked Cannelloni of Spinach & Ricotta US$31.00
oyster mushrooms, caramelized onion, parmesan reggiano (veg)
Pan Seared Ocean City Sea Scallops US$38.00
jasmine rice, local shrimp gumbo, stewed okra
Citrus Glazed Golden Tile FishUS$39.00
Sweet potato purée, black-eyed peas, bacon-braised collard greens.
House Made Ricotta GnocchiUS$42.00
local scallops, lump crab, gulf shrimp, baby spinach, tomato saffron cream
Grilled Semi Boneless Manchester Farm QuailUS$37.00
smoked andouille sausage, toasted farro, baby spinach, winter vegetable mirepoix,
Grilled Black Angus Beef Hanger SteakUS$38.00
horseradish potatoes, broccoli rabe, chimichurri sauce (gf)

Dessert

Warm Hazelnut Chocolate BomboloniUS$11.00
dusted with cinnamon sugar, cappuccino gelato
Classic New York CheesecakeUS$11.00
Graham cracker crust, Hawaiian pineapple compote
Caramel Machiato Petite GateauxUS$11.00
mocha anglaise, candied citrus
Sicilian Style Chocolate Laced CannoliUS$11.00
Italian ricotta, strawberry coulis, candied orange
Warm Granny Smith Apple CrispUS$11.00
oat streusel, vanilla bean gelato
Tiramisu Layer CakeUS$11.00
caramel sauce, house-made strawberry ice cream, fresh berries
Apple Pie FrittersUS$11.00
Granny Smith apple cake, cinnamon & sugar (pb)

The Side DIsh

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

What 478 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
4.7Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

Baltimore / Maryland
Best Food
Ocean City / Delaware Shore
Best Overall
Ocean City / Delaware Shore
Best Food
Ocean City / Delaware Shore
Best Service
Ocean City / Delaware Shore
Best Value
Ocean City / Delaware Shore
Innovative
Ocean City / Delaware Shore
Healthy
Ocean City / Delaware Shore
Neighbourhood gem

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Federal Rehoboth delights patrons with "excellent cocktails, appetizers, main courses, and desserts." Guests praise its "amazing service" and "warm, friendly atmosphere," likening it to dining in someone's home. Chef Todd Gray's innovative dishes, including "fantastic fritters," consistently impress. The intimate setting is perfect for special occasions or a cozy night out.

478 Reviews

c
corey
VIP
Washington DC
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
The food was fantastic! Always a good spot to visit.
Is this helpful?
J
Jeffrey
VIP
Baltimore
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of absolute favorite spots on the Delaware shore. Great food, ambience and an amazing 1960’s sound track tonight.
Is this helpful?
B
Bill
Washington DC
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Great food and wine, always 5 Star. I got the winr pairing and the waitress proved she didn't understand , put glass in front of me saying the name and type no description. My wife had to ask for a new place setting and later in the meal mine wasn't replaced. Picky yes but with the prices and gratuity expected I demand good aand spot on service.
Is this helpful?
R
Robert
Baltimore
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Fantastic, creative food. Perfectly timed service.
Is this helpful?
W
Wendy
VIP
Washington DC
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
Food is good yet this was our second time here and the service is slow, especially if you order a bar drink.
Is this helpful?
L
Linda
VIP
New York City
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Very much a foodie restaurant with very engaged owners who really try to make the experience wonderful!
Is this helpful?
D
Donna
VIP
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 1 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The cocktails, appetizers , main course & dessert were excellent. It was out first time at The Federal, certainly will not be our last. Looking forward to next time, Fantastic!
Is this helpful?
J
James
VIP
Baltimore
127 reviews
5.0
127 reviews
Dined on 25 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was our 3rd time going to The Federal. 4 of us had the Tile Fish and it was outstanding. Fritter were good too. If you haven’t been, go. The food and service were great.
Is this helpful?
M
Matthew
Philadelphia
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on 22 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The venue is somewhat unique in that you sit very close to other patrons. The food and service is very good, but the background music should be lower. The wine is nothing special, but it is reasonably priced. My hanger steak was cooked to perfection, and my wife loved the squash soup. They absolutely do not rush you you to get through your meal. We will be going back!
Is this helpful?
R
Richard
New York City
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 19 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Very impressed with our first visit. There for brunch will return for dinner.
Is this helpful?

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 478 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

18 Feb 2025

19:00

Booked 2 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

62a Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
2nd Ave
Area
Rehoboth Beach
Hours of Operation
Tue–Sat 17:00–21:00
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
Cash not accepted
Executive Chef
Chef Todd Gray
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan

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 booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Vine & Dine Wednesday

Spirit Dinner Series 2024-2025

Apple Pie Fritters

Apple Pie

Corn Fritters

Starters

Smoked Kabocha Squash SoupUS$18.00

Baked Lower Chesapeake Bay OystersUS$18.00

Blood Orange & Red Oak Leaf SaladUS$16.00

Artisanal Cheese Board US$18.00

Creamy Heirloom N.C. Grits with Lamb Shank Ragout US$16.00

Tempura of Sweet Tiger ShrimpUS$17.00

Equinox Truffled Mac & CheeseUS$16.00

Mains

Jersey Sweet Potato & Cauliflower CurryUS$29.00

Baked Cannelloni of Spinach & Ricotta US$31.00

Pan Seared Ocean City Sea Scallops US$38.00

Citrus Glazed Golden Tile FishUS$39.00

House Made Ricotta GnocchiUS$42.00

Grilled Semi Boneless Manchester Farm QuailUS$37.00

Grilled Black Angus Beef Hanger SteakUS$38.00

Dessert

Warm Hazelnut Chocolate BomboloniUS$11.00

Classic New York CheesecakeUS$11.00

Caramel Machiato Petite GateauxUS$11.00

Sicilian Style Chocolate Laced CannoliUS$11.00

Warm Granny Smith Apple CrispUS$11.00

Tiramisu Layer CakeUS$11.00

Apple Pie FrittersUS$11.00

The Side DIsh

Sautee of Wild Mushrooms & Baby Spinach US$9.00

Tatiana's Grilled Focaccia for 2US$8.00

Warm Buttermilk Cornbread for 2US$8.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Diners' Choice Awards

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 bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information