The Federal Rehoboth

4.9

476 Reviews

$30 and under

Unspecified

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 17, 2025

7:00 PM

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
Federal Holiday Brunch
$35.00 per person
Feb 16, 2025 only
Join us for a delightful Sunday Brunch at The Federal as we celebrate both Valentine's Day and a federal holiday! Enjoy fabulous eats and a cozy morning by the sea!

Popular dishes

Smoked Kabocha Squash Soup$18.00
Maryland lump crab meat, truffle butter, nori chips
Baked Lower Chesapeake Bay Oysters$18.00
spinach, sweet scallop, gruyere cheese
Blood Orange & Red Oak Leaf Salad$16.00
roasted red & golden beets, pickled fennel, watermelon radish, blood orange vinaigrette (pb) (gf)
Artisanal Cheese Board $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 $16.00
red wine tomato sauce, baby carrots, parmesan reggiano
Tempura of Sweet Tiger Shrimp$17.00
arugula salad, pickled fennel, saffron aioli
Equinox Truffled Mac & Cheese$16.00
elbow macaroni, melted Gruyere & panko breadcrumb (veg)

Mains

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

Dessert

Warm Hazelnut Chocolate Bomboloni$11.00
dusted with cinnamon sugar, cappuccino gelato
Classic New York Cheesecake$11.00
Graham cracker crust, Hawaiian pineapple compote
Caramel Machiato Petite Gateaux$11.00
mocha anglaise, candied citrus
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 Spinach $9.00
white wine, garlic, caramelized onions
Tatiana's Grilled Focaccia for 2$8.00
basil pesto, parmesan reggiano
Warm Buttermilk Cornbread for 2$8.00
rosemary honey butter & smoked sea salt

What 476 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.9

4.9 based on recent ratings

4.9Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

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
Neighborhood 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.

476 Reviews

c
corey
VIP
Washington DC
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined 1 day 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 2 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?
R
Robert
Baltimore
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Fantastic, creative food. Perfectly timed service.
Is this helpful?
L
Linda
VIP
New York City
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined 3 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 February 1, 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 January 25, 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 January 22, 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 January 19, 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?
M
Michael
Washington DC
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on January 18, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We are fans of Equinox and wanted to try here. The food and wine were amazing but the service is the star. Thank you for a wonderful evening.
Is this helpful?
P
Peter
VIP
Washington DC
32 reviews
4.0
32 reviews
Dined on January 18, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
this was a whiskey pairing dinner. The food was excellent – demonstrating that this restaurant is heading shoulders above any others in the area at this kind of food pairing activity. The drinks were also very interesting but the program would’ve benefited by having the distributor/distillery representative talk about the drinks prior to each course as there were some differences in taste among the varying Japanese whiskeys. This is what is done at the wine, pairing dinners, and would’ve been helpful here. It would also have been very helpful to explain why each cocktail was paired to that particular course. The restaurant also should consider how the placement of solo attendees is done. Part of the fun of these food pairing dinners is the camaraderie with other attendees, which becomes important in a program that lasted well over two hours. Given the physical lay out of the restaurant it may be well to place a note that seating is limited for solo attendees.
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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 4.9 stars by 476 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 17, 2025

7:00 PM

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

Federal Holiday Brunch

Apple Pie Fritters

Apple Pie

Corn Fritters

Starters

Smoked Kabocha Squash Soup$18.00

Baked Lower Chesapeake Bay Oysters$18.00

Blood Orange & Red Oak Leaf Salad$16.00

Artisanal Cheese Board $18.00

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

Tempura of Sweet Tiger Shrimp$17.00

Equinox Truffled Mac & Cheese$16.00

Mains

Jersey Sweet Potato & Cauliflower Curry$29.00

Baked Cannelloni of Spinach & Ricotta $31.00

Pan Seared Ocean City Sea Scallops $38.00

Citrus Glazed Golden Tile Fish$39.00

House Made Ricotta Gnocchi$42.00

Grilled Semi Boneless Manchester Farm Quail$37.00

Grilled Black Angus Beef Hanger Steak$38.00

Dessert

Warm Hazelnut Chocolate Bomboloni$11.00

Classic New York Cheesecake$11.00

Caramel Machiato Petite Gateaux$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 Spinach $9.00

Tatiana's Grilled Focaccia for 2$8.00

Warm Buttermilk Cornbread 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