The Federal Rehoboth

Name: The Federal Rehoboth
Address: 62a Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE, United States, 19971
Telephone: (302) 727-5609
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7 (512)

$30 and under

Unspecified

62a Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 7 times today

About this restaurant

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.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Unspecified
Hours of operation
Wed–Sun 4:00 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

Popular dishes

Yellow Tomato & Pineapple Gazpacho$16.00
English Cucumber, yellow Pepper, Backyard Mint (pb, gf)
Mixed Pennsylvania Field Greens$17.00
local strawberries, English cucumbers, Sonoma goat cheese (gf)
Artisanal Cheese Board$19.00
Purple Haze Goat Cheese, Boxcarr Cottonbell, Barely Buzzed Cow Cheese, Fig jam, Candied Walnuts, Focaccia Crostini
Creamy Grits with Fennel Sausage Bolognese$16.00
Wild Mushrooms, Spring Asparagus, Parmesan Reggiano (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

Jersey Sweet Potato & Cauliflower Curry$31.00
lime scented basmati, Rays sweet peppers, shaved scallion (pb, gf)
Baked Cannelloni of Spinach & Ricotta$33.00
Oyster Mushrooms, Caramelized Onion, Parmesan Reggiano (veg)
Pan Roasted Golden Tilefish Filet$39.00
gingered carrot coulis, sweet peas, fresh mint, lemon butter (gf)
House Made Ricotta Gnocchi$44.00
Local Scallops, Lump Crab, Gulf Shrimp, baby Spinach, Tomato Saffron Cream
Pan Seared Ocean City Scallops$42.00
sweet and sour peach puree, grilled sweet corn, roasted peppers, Thai basil (gf)
Pan Roasted Delmarva Chicken$37.00
Andrew`s seafood gumbo, Andouille sausage, basmati rice
Grilled Black Angus Beef Hanger Steak$42.00
Vidalia Onion "Soubise," Rosemary Roasted Potatoes, Red Wine Mustard jus (gf)

Dessert

Chocolate Brownie a la Mode$11.00
vanilla bean gelato, berry coulis, raspberry powder
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)
Warm Hazelnut Chocolate Bomboloini$11.00
dusted with cinnamon sugar, cappuccino gelato

The Side DIsh

Early Summer Sweet Corn Succotash$10.00
english peas, red peppers, thai basil(gf)
Tatiana's Grilled Focaccia for 2$8.00
basil pesto, parmesan reggiano
House-Made Warm Buttermilk Cornbread for 2$8.00
rosemary honey butter & smoked sea salt

What 512 people are saying

The Federal Rehoboth reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.8Service
4.5Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Baltimore / Maryland
Innovative
Ocean City / Delaware Shore
Great for brunch
Ocean City / Delaware Shore
Innovative
Ocean City / Delaware Shore
Healthy
Ocean City / Delaware Shore
Neighborhood gem
Ocean City / Delaware Shore
Good for special occasions

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Federal Rehoboth offers an "extraordinary culinary experience" with "outstanding food" and "great craft cocktails." Chef Todd Gray and co-owner Ellen Kassoff ensure "personalized service" in a "casual beachy setting." Guests rave about the "creative execution" of dishes like hanger steak and fritters. Perfect for a "gourmet dining experience."

512 Reviews

C
Cheryl
Philadelphia County1 review
3.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
We were excited to visit this place which was new to us. Service staff were very good and the music was wonderful and created a good atmosphere. The focaccia was very good. We ordered risotto fritters and cauliflower fritters. The risotto inside was good but the coating was just fried bread crumbs and really had no flavor. The cauliflower was not even coated with anything other than maybe some corn starch, flour and a bit of spice. Where is the 'fritter' in that? Also, tiny, one small piece of cauliflower. The salad my husband had was very good. greens with strawberries, etc. He ordered succotash - not seasoned and just boring. He ordered the cannelloni and it was good but the pasta in it was gluey. I ordered the gnocchi which came with seafood. It smelled very 'fishy' and was not pleasant at all. I had two mussels that had a horrible taste and it seemed as though the seafood was not fresh. There seemed to be a lot of seafood but, other than the mussels, the pieces were unrecognizable. And that entree was $44.00. I didn't see evidence of a CIA trained chef and will not go back. Prices too high for the quality in my opinion.
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M
Melissa VIP
Philadelphia County2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Dinner at The Federal is always excellent. It’s one of our favorite Rehoboth restaurants. Last night we enjoyed soft shell crabs and the hanger steak … both perfectly done with tasty sides. Thank you Chef for another great meal. Oh, and the craft cocktails always make dinner at the Federal extra special.
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J
Jorge VIP
Baltimore / Maryland7 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 7, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
No better spot in RB. ALWAYS get the salad to share.
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P
Peter VIP
Washington, D.C. Area98 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 6, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We enjoyed a very special evening in The Federal’s spirit dinner series featuring Belvedere vodka-based cocktails. The entire meal prepared by chef-de-cuisine Andrew Guffey was outstandingly delicious, beautifully presented. The cocktails were perfectly paired with each course. The entire staff, led by Federal co-owner Ellen Kassoff, was working efficiently like a well-oiled machine, ensuring very smooth and excellently timed service. The Federal is a true Rehoboth Beach treasure!
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M
Mark
Washington, D.C. Area3 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Outstanding food. I’d skip their fritters and start with the truffled Mac and cheese. My wife insists it’s the best she’s ever had. She lived her scallops and I felt the same about the hanger steak. Both had terrific flavor and cooked perfectly. Our young waiter was friendly and attentive. Great. Place for a nice dinner at the beach.
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J
Jason VIP
Denver / Colorado9 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Really outstanding. We weren’t coming for the fritters, we were coming for other dishes. But we did try a variety of fritters and they were very good. Even some GF, dairy-free, and egg-free options there. Very memorable sausage and grits dish. And the hangar steak was cooked perfectly and was delicious. The succotash was great. Generally very skillful and creative execution of the dinner. Service was attentive and engaged.
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L
Lauren VIP
Los Angeles7 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 31, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent! Thank you for having plant based options!
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J
James VIP
Baltimore / Maryland13 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 25, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic experience as always. Each course was amazing! Started with the strawberry margarita and elderberry gin and tonic - both were great. Shared fritters - delicious and had gnocchi and cannelloni for dinner. Spot on! Don’t miss this hidden gem!
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M
Michael
Austin1 review
5.0
Dined on May 25, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The Federal is fabulous little restaurant in Rehoboth perfect for a date! Ellen was a gracious host while Todd cooked up delicious fritters and dishes and new bartender Ian made inviting drinks; we’ll be back for sure.
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P
Peter VIP
Washington, D.C. Area98 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 25, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Dining at The Federal Rehoboth is always an extraordinary culinary experience. Chef Todd Gray was preparing fantastic meals in the kitchen and occasionally popping out to greet diners; his wife, Ellen Kassoff, was welcoming guests and assisting with service. Server CeCe was her delightful, cheerful self, helping with menu selections. Highly recommend The Federal Rehoboth for a gourmet dining experience in a casual beachy setting.
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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 4.7 stars by 512 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 7 times today

62a Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
2nd Ave
Neighborhood
Rehoboth Beach
Hours of operation
Wed–Sun 4:00 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

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

Apple Pie Fritters

Apple Pie

Corn Fritters

Starters

Yellow Tomato & Pineapple Gazpacho$16.00

Mixed Pennsylvania Field Greens$17.00

Artisanal Cheese Board$19.00

Creamy Grits with Fennel Sausage Bolognese$16.00

Tempura of Sweet Tiger Shrimp$18.00

Equinox Truffled Mac & Cheese$16.00

Mains

Jersey Sweet Potato & Cauliflower Curry$31.00

Baked Cannelloni of Spinach & Ricotta$33.00

Pan Roasted Golden Tilefish Filet$39.00

House Made Ricotta Gnocchi$44.00

Pan Seared Ocean City Scallops$42.00

Pan Roasted Delmarva Chicken$37.00

Grilled Black Angus Beef Hanger Steak$42.00

Dessert

Chocolate Brownie a la Mode$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

Warm Hazelnut Chocolate Bomboloini$11.00

The Side DIsh

Early Summer Sweet Corn Succotash$10.00

Tatiana's Grilled Focaccia for 2$8.00

House-Made 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

Dining areas

Additional information