The Federal

Name: The Federal
Address: 74 Tower Rd, Waltham, MA, United States, 02451-1022
Telephone: (781) 373-1245
Price range: $50 and over
Rating: 4.7

4.7 (1010)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

74 Tower Rd, Waltham, MA 02451-1022

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 2, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 9 times today

About this restaurant

Good for business meals
Good for special occasions
Neighborhood gem

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.

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.
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

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

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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 1,010 people are saying

The Federal 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
4.7Service
4.5Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Federal boasts "excellent food and service," making it a "go-to" destination for celebrations and special nights out. Guests rave about its steaks, seafood, and cocktails, highlighting that "portions are substantial and delicious." While some found the atmosphere lacking, the attentive staff and delectable menu have many eager to return.

1,010 Reviews

P
Paula
Greater Boston2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
What's not to love about the Federal? It has such a great vibe, and the food is outstanding. We hadn't been in a while but were greeted by Amanda, who remember our birthdays. Wait what? Top notch service, great music and David Alphonse the owner always stops to chat.
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T
Tom
Greater Boston1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We had a great experience and will return in the future.
Is this helpful?
M
Matthew VIP
Greater Boston2 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 20, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a great experience at the door. Kind host people, wait staff is friendly and patient. Support staff responds to special requests like” can I have the water heated up.” Managers always welcoming. And the food is great. From walking in the door to leaving, we feel welcome.
Is this helpful?
J
Jenice
Greater Boston1 review
5.0
Dined on June 19, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and service- if I had to decide between The Federal and Capital Grill, I would choose The Federal hands down!!
Is this helpful?
J
JoAnn VIP
Greater Boston16 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 14, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
You can never go wrong with ordering a steak- I have been there 3 times and the steak has been consistently excelkent
Is this helpful?
J
Julie
Greater Boston1 review
3.0
Dined on June 13, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
Our server Julia was attentive and unlike many servers...she was outstanding!! The manager spoke disrespectfully to my daughter. The owner needs to look in the mirror and will see why he has an empty restaurant at peak hours on a Friday night. We will never recommend this restaurant. We will never return.
The FederalResponded on June 19, 2025
Julie, Thank you for both dining with us and taking the time to write a review. I will certainly share your comments with Julia. In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in order to be served beverage alcohol a person must be at least 21 years of age and IN POSSESION of a valid form of ID. Your daughter showing a picture of her ID on her phone is not and never has been acceptable proof as was explained. It was not meant to be disrespectful, simply the facts. It is also unlawful for a licensed establishment to serve alcohol to a person who, after being asked has failed to produce a proper ID. Your husband threatening to leave multiple times if she was not served clearly did nothing to enhance the dining experience for all involved. Richard
1 person found this helpful
N
Nancy VIP
Greater Boston5 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 11, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had an amazing meal for our 31st wedding anniversary! Our server Grant was incredible!
Is this helpful?
R
Robert VIP
Greater Boston51 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Had a very nice anniversary dinner. Great cocktails, food and a really nice bottle of wine. Our server Dan was great. David and Erica were their usual friendly and professional selves. Very much looking forward to our next visit.
Is this helpful?
E
Eric VIP
Greater Boston34 reviews
3.0
Dined on May 28, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
For my purposes (anniversary dinner) I have an unusual complaint. The service was too good and too fast. We could have been in and out of the restaurant in 30 minutes. The appetizers came a few minutes after ordering. The main course immediately after the appetizers were finished. The waiter was at the table every 5 minutes checking on us, but it felt that we were being rushed. The food was excellent as you'd hope for with the relatively high prices The Federal charges.
2 people found this helpful
Z
ZITA VIP
Greater Boston314 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 11, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The tone set from the moment you walk into the Federal, you are warmly greeted by Erica the hostess who is so gracious and welcoming as well as the team at the desk. The Federal has a menu that’s appealing to any palate, seafood, vegetarian, beef eaters and chicken. A wide range of appetizers and salads. We enjoy and recommend the swordfish, baked stuffed shrimp and duck breast when it’s in season. The swordfish is a thick cut served over spinach topped with shrimp~ Cocktails are always delicious!! Our server Dan is outstanding! He is so gracious and is so knowledgeable about the menu. He is such a professional!
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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 1010 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 2, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 9 times today

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
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

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

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Steak Tartare

Tuna Tartare

Swordfish

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

Friday: Beef Wellington$55.00