The Federal Rehoboth

4.8

482 Reviews

$30 and under

Unspecified

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 15, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 3 times today

Experiences are available.

Neighborhood gem
Great for creative cocktails
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

Smoked Kabocha Squash Soup$18.00
Maryland lump crab meat, truffle butter, nori chips
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)
Federal Risotto Fritters$12.00
Sweet Garlic, Crème Fraîche
Crispy Roman Style Artichokes$12.00
Italian Parsley, Red Pepper Aioli (GF, PB)

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)
House Made Ricotta Gnocchi$42.00
local scallops, lump crab, gulf shrimp, baby spinach, tomato saffron cream
Pan Seared Red Snapper Filet Pan Seared Red Snapper Filet$38.00
little neck clam chowder, celery root, yukon tater tots
Black Ink and Saffron Taglioni$37.00
OC day boat scallops, Bang Island mussels, Pernod saffron cream
132 Degree Slow Cooked Breast of Muscovy Duck$37.00
Kimchee fried rice, heirloom carrots, maple teriyaki (gf)
Grilled Black Angus Beef Hanger Steak$38.00
horseradish potatoes, broccoli rabe, chimichurri sauce (gf)

Dessert

Classic New York Cheesecake$11.00
Graham cracker crust, Hawaiian pineapple compote
Sicilian Style Chocolate Laced Cannoli$11.00
Italian ricotta, strawberry coulis, candied orange
Bittersweet Chocolate Molten Cake$11.00
Kiln-dried cherry sauce, 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 482 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
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Ocean City / Delaware Shore
Best Overall
Ocean City / Delaware Shore
Best Food
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 is a cozy gem with a "friendly and attentive" staff and "superb food." Known for "delicious cocktails" and a "creative menu," it offers a variety of standout dishes like "excellent gnocchi and scallops." Despite being a "small restaurant," it delivers "great service" and "a warm atmosphere," making it a must-visit spot in Rehoboth.

482 Reviews

SG
SherrieG
Orange County1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great Chef and quality of food is outstanding. If you want a true unique and quality meal. This is the place.
Is this helpful?
K
Krista
Unspecified1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful dinner! The 4 course dinner was amazing! The food and (Paul Cullen) wines were delicious. Very pleasant atmosphere. So glad that we went!
Is this helpful?
J
John VIP
Washington DC34 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food is absolutely amazing! Great service and good wine selections.
Is this helpful?
A
A
Washington DC3 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 19, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
What a find! Delightful service, lovely atmosphere and top notch food.
Is this helpful?
c
corey VIP
Washington DC6 reviews
4.0
Dined on February 16, 2025
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
Baltimore2 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
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 DC1 review
3.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
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
Baltimore20 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
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 DC4 reviews
3.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
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 City13 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 14, 2025
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?

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 482 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 15, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 3 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

Smoked Kabocha Squash Soup$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

Federal Risotto Fritters$12.00

Crispy Roman Style Artichokes$12.00

Mains

Jersey Sweet Potato & Cauliflower Curry$29.00

Baked Cannelloni of Spinach & Ricotta $31.00

House Made Ricotta Gnocchi$42.00

Pan Seared Red Snapper Filet Pan Seared Red Snapper Filet$38.00

Black Ink and Saffron Taglioni$37.00

132 Degree Slow Cooked Breast of Muscovy Duck$37.00

Grilled Black Angus Beef Hanger Steak$38.00

Dessert

Classic New York Cheesecake$11.00

Sicilian Style Chocolate Laced Cannoli$11.00

Bittersweet Chocolate Molten Cake$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