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The Federal, Waltham, MA

The Federal

4.7 (1010)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
74 Tower Rd, Waltham, MA 02451-1022

Make a reservation

2 people
11:30 PM
Booked 4 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
  • 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
  • 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

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

NoiseModerate

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
  1. Paula

    Greater Boston2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 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.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Tom

    Greater Boston1 review

    5.0

    Dined 4 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?

  3. 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.

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  4. 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!!

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  5. 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

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  6. 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

  7. 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!

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  8. 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.

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  9. 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

  10. 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!

    Is this helpful?

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.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Greater Boston
  4. Boston
  5. Waltham

Make a reservation

2 people
11:30 PM
Booked 4 times today
Google Map for The Federal

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
  • Phone number
  • 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.
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