The Federal

4.7

965 Reviews

$50 and over

Steakhouse

The Federal

4.7

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Waltham

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 4, 2024

9:30 PM

Booked 22 times today

Good for business meals
Good for special occasions
Lively

The Federal is an exciting seafood and chophouse with scratch-made, chef driven modern Italian inspired food. The restaurant is upscale, affordable, comfortable, and relaxed.

Come and explore our wine list where new age and old world meet. Our wine list is curated by co-owner/managing partner David Alphonse and features wines from around the world with a focus on Italian and old world selections. We have a great selection of new world wines as well.

We feature two adjoining private dining rooms and a seasonal covered patio.

Located in Waltham, MA in the Market Basket Plaza, we look forward to serving you soon.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Steakhouse, Italian, Contemporary Italian
Hours of operation
Lunch Fri 11:30 am–4:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(781) 373-1245
Website
http://the-federalrestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Joel Portillo
Private party facilities
Please contact Erika@the-federalrestaurant.com regarding any private events! We have plenty of versatile indoor and outdoor space available for parties of all sizes.

Location
74 Tower Rd, Waltham, MA 02451-1022
Neighborhood
Waltham
Cross street
Main Street
Parking details
Public Lot
Public transit
Bus Route 70, Main Shopping Center @ Marshall's stop
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Charcuterie$25.00
Assorted Italian Meats, House Marinated Olives, Cornichons, Local Jam & Garlic Toast
Cheese Board$25.00
Hand Selected by Our Friends at Wasik's Cheese Shop
Crab Cakes$21.00
Remoulade & Lemon
Steak Tartare$19.00
Cognac Mustard, Capers, Onion, Parsley, Cornichons & Toasted Baguette
Carpaccio$18.00
Pecorino Cheese, Arugula, Capers & Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Rockefeller$27.00
Six Oysters Baked with Spinach, Parmesan Cheese & Pernod Anise Liquor
Shrimp Skewers$17.00
Brushed With Scampi Sauce
Escargot$19.00
Baked in garlic-parsley and Pernod anise liquor served with olive oil baguette
Clams Casino$18.00
Eight Littleneck Clams Baked w/ Bacon, Garlic & Parmesan Breadcrumbs
Calamari$17.00
Cherry Peppers & Pomodoro Sauce

Raw Bar

Add 1 Shrimp $4, Add 1 Oyster $4, Add 1 Littleneck Clam $2

Oysters (6)$24.00
Cocktail Sauce & Champagne Mignonette
Shrimp Cocktail (6)$24.00
Cocktail Sauce & Fresh Lemon
Tuna Tartare$19.00
Cucumber, Avocado, Seaweed Salad & Citrus Vinaigrette
Crabmeat Cocktail$29.00
Jumbo Lump Crabmeat & English Mustard Sauce
Chilled Lobster Tail$35.00
Cocktail Sauce & Lemon
Shellfish Tower$115.00
Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Lobster Tails, Local Oysters, Littleneck Clams & Jumbo Lump Crabmeat
Littleneck Clams (8)$16.00
6 fresh shucked littleneck clams

Salads & Soup

Onion Soup$11.00
Classic French Onion Style Soup with Broiled Baguette and Cheese
Chowder$11.00
Caesar Salad$12.00
White Anchovies, Garlic Croutons & Parmesan Cheese
Wedge Salad$13.00
Bacon, Cherry Tomatoes & Blue Cheese
Mixed Greens$12.00
Aged Balsamic Vinaigrette, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion, Cucumber, Shredded Carrots, Radishes, Garlic Parmesan Crouton
Prosciutto & Burrata$22.00
Sliced Prosciutto di Parma, Fresh Burrata, Red Wine Poached Pear, Arugula & EVOO
Beet & Goat Cheese$14.00
Red and Golden Beets, Fried Goat Cheese, Pistachio Nuts, Arugula, & Citrus Vinegarette

Entrees

Vongole$25.00
Littleneck Clams, Garlic & White Wine
Bolognese$25.00
Veal & Wild Boar Ragu, Rigatoni & Parmesan Reggiano
Orecchiette$27.00
Orecchiette Pasta, Sausage Crumble, Broccolini & Chili Flakes
Genovese Primavera$24.00
Basil Fusilli Pasta & Seasonal Vegetables
Haddock$36.00
Olive Oil Crushed Potatoes, Asparagus & Herb Lemon Butter
Salmon$29.00
Mashed Potatoes, Broccolini & Pinot Noir Sauce
Baked Stuffed Shrimp$40.00
Five Baked Crab Stuffed Shrimp, Drawn Butter, Lemon & Aparagus
Tuna$42.00
Sweet Potato Puree, Gingered Bok Choy & Wasabi Aioli
Swordfish$36.00
Shrimp, Baby Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes, Scampi Sauce
Halibut$45.00
Herb Lemon Butter Sauce, Basil Fusilli, & Cherry Tomatoes
Brick Chicken$28.00
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Asparagus & Arneis Beurre Blanc
Pork Chop$38.00
Soft Polenta, Red Wine Poached Pear & Pork Jus
Skirt Steak Frites$38.00
Garlic Butter & Parm French Fries
Vegan Plate$26.00
Portobello, Black Bean Salad, Grilled Tomato, Seasonal Vegetables, Broccolini & Asparagus

Chops

8oz Filet$48.00
NY Sirloin$55.00
Au Poivre NY$57.00
Dry Aged Bone-In$58.00
16oz Bone-In NY Sirloin (will be rarer towards bone, consider Boneless Sirloin if ordering over Medium temperature)
Delmonico$55.00
Cowboy$58.00

Sides

Zucchini & Summer Squash$10.00
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes$9.00
Sautéed Broccolini$12.00
Garlic Butter, Chili Flakes & Sea Salt
Sautéed Wild Mushrooms$13.00
Roasted Cipollini Onions & Herb Oil
Grilled Asparagus$12.00
Sea Salt & Olive Oil
Parmesan Polenta$10.00
Soft White Polenta with Cream & Parmesan
Creamed Spinach$12.00
Parmesan Croutons
Yukon Mashed Potatoes$9.00
Garlic Confit & Chive Butter
Kennebec French Fries$7.00
Kennebec Truffle Fries$9.00
Fries w/ Parmesan Cheese and Black Truffle Oil
Bone Marrow$11.00

Additional Sauces

Armagnac Sauce$2.00
Béarnaise$2.00
Demi-Glace$2.00
Horseradish Crema$2.00
Lemon Rosemary Sea Salt$2.00
Maitre d'Butter$2.00
Herbed Garlic Butter
Steak Sauce$2.00
Truffle Sea Salt$2.00

Chef's Specials

Friday: Catch of the Day$46.00
Friday: Beef Wellington$55.00
Friday Special - Individual Puff Pastry Wrapped Filet w/ Liver and Mushroom Duxelle. Medium Rare Only

What 965 people are saying

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

4.6Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Greater Boston
Steakhouse
Boston
Steakhouse

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Federal offers a diverse and extensive menu, "great food and service," and an inviting atmosphere. Known for "delicious steaks" and a variety of seafood options, it's perfect for special occasions. While the temperature can sometimes be a concern, the attentive staff and excellent cocktails create a memorable dining experience.

965 Reviews

K
Karen
Greater Boston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was delicious…steaks on point! Our server Amanda was amazing! She was informative, offered suggestions without being pushy, was very attentive without being overbearing….she was awesome!!!! Our first time there to celebrate my husband’s birthday and will absolutely return….
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R
Rita
Greater Boston
249 reviews
vip
5.0
249 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious! The steak tartare was perfect! Superb escargot. Loved my veal tortelloni. Jeff, our server was so happy to be there, enthusiastic about the menu and very helpful. A tad pricey but worth it. Meal was flawless
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K
Karim
Cleveland
20 reviews
vip
4.0
20 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Our traditional place for Thanksgiving dinner. Outstanding food. Fun and tasty cocktails. My daughter and I especially love their steaks that are always the highest quality and cooked to perfection. My wife had their Thanksgiving special and really enjoyed it (again)- a very large plate of good traditional Thanksgiving fare to satisfy anyone’s Thanksgiving appetite. Historically the service has been excellent - this year’s server was less enthusiastic and a bit slow to follow-up with the table. Still a great meal and experience. Looking forward to next year’s meal!
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K
Kymberley
New Orleans
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Really enjoy the Federal and very happy with my experience on Thanksgiving the food was excellent!
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H
Heather
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Went for Thanksgiving and they were wonderful. Huge dinner and the food was amazing.
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A
Alyson
Greater Boston
2 reviews
vip
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 27, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Service and food are usually top notch. We did go right before Thanksgiving and it was a slow night at the restaurant. Our server was not responsive enough. Usually the portions are quite large. However, my son’s bolognese was not. In addition, the ratio of pasta to sauce was not right. When the pasta was gone, he still had half a bowl of sauce. The cheese plate was nicely presented. However, it was expensive for the size of the appetizer. The cheese portions were skimpy. Everything else we ordered was very good and the greeting by staff when we arrived and left was very welcoming.
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E
Emily
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 24, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Such a fun night for my fiancé’s birthday! Food was outstanding and they surprised us with champagne and cannoli’s with a candle. Thanks Julie & everyone at The Federal!
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D
Darshna
Greater Boston
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I'm going to start this review by saying that I know that the federal is a steak house. And the steak, beef Wellington and appetizer dishes are amazing! But I do expect high quality from the other dishes on the menu. The single vegetarian entree on the menu is a vegetable pasta (pasta Genovese), and it was terrible. Flavorless and swimming in an oily sauce. I usually don't expect variety in vegetarian food at a steakhouse, but I don't expect to not be able to actually eat the dish.
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Z
ZITA
Greater Boston
300 reviews
vip
5.0
300 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The Federal has an extensive menu that would please any palate. We enjoy the swordfish which is done to perfection as well as the boneless duck breast with a delicious cherry sauce! Their baked stuffed shrimp is so tasty. The cocktails are excellent! What makes for a very pleasant dining experience are the servers. Amanda was great, she had extensive knowledge of the menu, she is attentive and so friendly. Lastly, the hostess staff at the desk is always gracious and welcoming.
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A
Alan
Greater Boston
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Swordfish entree was amazing. Amanda is an exceptional server and was very helpful in helping us with food and wine selections.
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FAQs

The Federal offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (781) 373-1245.

The Federal is rated 4.7 stars by 965 OpenTable diners.

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

The Federal

4.7

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Waltham

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 4, 2024

9:30 PM

Booked 22 times today

Order delivery or takeout

74 Tower Rd, Waltham, MA 02451-1022

Additional information

Cross street
Main Street
Neighborhood
Waltham
Hours of operation
Lunch Fri 11:30 am–4:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Steakhouse, Italian, Contemporary Italian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Public Lot
Public transit
Bus Route 70, Main Shopping Center @ Marshall's stop
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Joel Portillo
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://the-federalrestaurant.com/
Phone number
(781) 373-1245
Private party facilities
Please contact Erika@the-federalrestaurant.com regarding any private events! We have plenty of versatile indoor and outdoor space available for parties of all sizes.

The Federal

The Federal

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Steak Tartare

Swordfish

Tuna Tartare

Starters

Charcuterie$25.00

Cheese Board$25.00

Crab Cakes$21.00

Steak Tartare$19.00

Carpaccio$18.00

Rockefeller$27.00

Shrimp Skewers$17.00

Escargot$19.00

Clams Casino$18.00

Calamari$17.00

Raw Bar

Oysters (6)$24.00

Shrimp Cocktail (6)$24.00

Tuna Tartare$19.00

Crabmeat Cocktail$29.00

Chilled Lobster Tail$35.00

Shellfish Tower$115.00

Littleneck Clams (8)$16.00

Salads & Soup

Onion Soup$11.00

Chowder$11.00

Caesar Salad$12.00

Wedge Salad$13.00

Mixed Greens$12.00

Prosciutto & Burrata$22.00

Beet & Goat Cheese$14.00

Entrees

Vongole$25.00

Bolognese$25.00

Orecchiette$27.00

Genovese Primavera$24.00

Haddock$36.00

Salmon$29.00

Baked Stuffed Shrimp$40.00

Tuna$42.00

Swordfish$36.00

Halibut$45.00

Brick Chicken$28.00

Pork Chop$38.00

Skirt Steak Frites$38.00

Vegan Plate$26.00

Chops

8oz Filet$48.00

NY Sirloin$55.00

Au Poivre NY$57.00

Dry Aged Bone-In$58.00

Delmonico$55.00

Cowboy$58.00

Sides

Zucchini & Summer Squash$10.00

Roasted Fingerling Potatoes$9.00

Sautéed Broccolini$12.00

Sautéed Wild Mushrooms$13.00

Grilled Asparagus$12.00

Parmesan Polenta$10.00

Creamed Spinach$12.00

Yukon Mashed Potatoes$9.00

Kennebec French Fries$7.00

Kennebec Truffle Fries$9.00

Bone Marrow$11.00

Additional Sauces

Armagnac Sauce$2.00

Béarnaise$2.00

Demi-Glace$2.00

Horseradish Crema$2.00

Lemon Rosemary Sea Salt$2.00

Maitre d'Butter$2.00

Steak Sauce$2.00

Truffle Sea Salt$2.00

Chef's Specials

Friday: Catch of the Day$46.00