Federal Fritter & Bistro

Great restaurant, wonderful owners and staff.

Went here on recommendation from a friend, made reservations well ahead to be sure we could get in in the middle of busy summer. We showed up a little early, no problem, they had plenty of open tables at that time, but which quickly filled up within an hour...glad we had reservations! It is a smaller restaurant, not that many tables, which is why you need reservations, and why it works so well...plenty of staff to take care of each table without stressing or running about.

Was greeted by the owner Ellen like we were old friends, and Todd (chef and owner) came out and chatted with us also, found out we had mutual friends!

The Federal is known for it's fritters, so of course we had to try some. Had two different kinds with sauce, very tasty! While we were waiting on our dinner, Todd brought us another small appetizer he made for us to try...nice! For dinner, we had pan seared scallops, and the cast-iron skillet Delmarva chicken, a mix of seafood gumbo, andouille sausage and rice, both dishes perfectly cooked and flavorful.

We were too full to order desert and just happy to sit and enjoy our wine, but Todd once again came out with some complimentary small chocolates that went very well as a finish along with our wine.

Can't describe how friendly everybody was, from the owners to the wait staff, everybody just seemed at ease and very polite and attentive. Wish all restaurants could be friendly, so attentive, and have such great food!

Would I go back...absolutely!
Would I recommend...most definitely!

What happened? This was one of our favorite restaurants. Last nights dinner was horrible and expensive. The tempura shrimp with arugula? The arugula was a limp mess as if it had been dressed yesterday. The gnocchi was inedible. Hard little pieces of dough that was to have been accompanied by scallops and shrimp? Didn’t see any shrimp and the scallops were small and buried under some kind of orange sauce. The Scottish salmon was overcooked -can’t say anything to justify the price. Never again!

Fritters are the best here! The other menu items are good - but fritters!! I got corn, artichoke and apple Fritters with caramel sauce. All were good but the apple are melt in your mouth, light and fluffy and with the caramel sauce are beyond amazing. We also had the short ribs with bok choy and carrots in a balsamic glaze and the apple ginger cake a la mode. The cake definitely needs the ice cream (or actually they should offer the caramel sauce as a topper) because it's kinda dry otherwise. All in all a good meal. Definitely get those Fritters. Pro tip - if you order to go check for all of your dipping sauces. We didn't get the other two savory ones to try but didn't want to drive back for those.