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: 4.6

4.6

582 Reviews

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Top Tags:

The Federal is an exciting steakhouse 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.

Culinary Director Oscar Figueroa (The Federal, Stazione di Federal) brings 20 plus years of Boston fine dining excellence with him. His menus are filled with inspirations and odes to Boston restaurant icons both current (Scampo) and past (Towne, Locke-Ober) where he refined his culinary technique with renowned Chef Lydia Shire.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 19, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

9:30 PM

Booked 22 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(781) 373-1245

Delivery

Order online

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
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
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Artisanal Charcuterie Board$25.00
Imported Italian Meats, Olives, Cornichons & Garlic Oil Baguette
Artisanal Cheese Board$25.00
Hand Selected Cheeses by Our Friends at Wasik's Cheese Shop & Baguette
Crab Cakes$18.00
Remoulade Sauce
Prime Sirloin Steak Tartare$18.00
Cognac Mustard, Quail Egg & Toasted Baguette
Prime Beef Carpaccio$18.00
Shaved Pecorino, Arugula, Capers & Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Oysters Rockefeller$22.00
Six Oysters baked with Spinach, Parmesan Cheese & Pernod
Grilled Shrimp Skewers$15.00
Brushed Scampi Sauce
Escargot$19.00
Baked in Garlic-Parsley Butter, Seared Olive Oil Baguette & Pernod
Clams Casino$18.00
Eight Littleneck Clams Baked with Bacon, Garlic & Parmesan Breadcrumbs
Calamari Fritto$15.00
Cherry Peppers & Pomodoro Sauce

Raw Bar

Select East Coast Oysters$19.00
Cocktail Sauce & Champagne Mignonette
Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail$26.00
Cocktail Sauce & Lemon
Tuna Tartare$18.00
Cucumber, Avocado, Seaweed Salad & Citrus Vinaigrette
Crabmeat Cocktail$27.00
Jumbo Lump Crabmeat & English Mustard Sauce
Chilled Lobster Tail
Cocktail Sauce & Lemon
- MKT
Shellfish Tower$105.00
Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Lobster Tail, Oysters, Jumbo Lump Crabmeat & Littleneck Clams

Soups & Salads

Onion Soup Gratinée$11.00
Classic Chopped Caesar$12.00
White Anchovies, Garlic Croutons & Parmesan Cheese
Beet & Fried Goat Cheese$14.00
Beets, Fried Goat Cheese, Crumbled Pistachios, Arugula, Dried Cranberries & Saba
Mixed Greens$10.00
Cherry Tomatoes, Aged Balsamic, Red Onion & Garlic Parmesan Crouton
Federal Clam Chowder$11.00
Iceberg Wedge$13.00
Bacon, Cherry Tomatoes & Blue Cheese
Prosciutto & Burrata$18.00
Sliced Prosciutto, Red Wine Poached Pear, Arugula & Drizzled Saba
Lobster Bisque$19.00
Available Friday & Saturday Only

Pasta

Spaghetti alle Vongole$25.00
Littleneck Clams, Garlic & White Wine
Bolognese$25.00
Veal & Wild Boar Ragu, Rigatoni & Parmigiano Reggiano
Orecchiette, Sausage & Broccolini$27.00
Orecchiette Pasta, Sausage Crumble, Broccolini & Chili Flakes

Seafood Entrees

Panko Crusted Haddock$36.00
Olive Oil Crushed Potatoes, Asparagus & Herb Lemon Butter
Grilled Atlantic Salmon$29.00
Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Broccolini & Pinot Noir Sauce
Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Steak$38.00
Sweet Potato Puree, Ginger Bok Choy & Wasabi
Grilled Swordfish$36.00
Shrimp, Baby Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes & Scampi Sauce
Halibut La Meuniére$44.00
Pan Sautéed in Fresh Parsley Lemon Butter with Cherry Tomatoes

Entrees

Cassoulet$38.00
Duck Confit, Herb Sausage, White Beans & Pancetta
Chicken Under a Brick$28.00
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Asparagus & Arneis Beurre Blanc
Kurobuta Pork Chop$38.00
Soft Polenta, Red Wine Poached Pear & Pork Jus
Roasted Portobello$25.00
Portobello Mushroom, Caponata with Cannellini Beans, Asparagus, Broccolini & Blistered Cherry Tomatoes
Prime Skirt Steak Frittes$38.00
Garlic Butter & Parmesan Fries

Chops

Filet Mignon
- 8 Oz.$46.00
Prime NY Sirloin
- 16 Oz.$48.00
Prime NY Sirloin Au Poivre$50.00
Dry Aged Bone-In NY Sirloin
- 16 Oz.$54.00
Delmonico Steak
- 16 Oz.$48.00
Cowboy Steak
- 18 Oz.$54.00

Add On

Blue Cheese$4.00
Roasted Bone Marrow$6.00
Grilled Shrimp Scampi Skewer$8.00
Hot Buttered Lobster Tail
- MKT
Oscar Style$29.00

Sauces & Salts

Au Poivre
Béarnaise
Horseradish Crema
Truffle Sea Salt
Lemon Rosemary Sea Salt
House Steak
Demi Glace
Maitre d'Hotel Butter

Sides

Roasted Butternut Squash$9.00
Fried Sage & Olive Oil
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes$9.00
Sautéed Broccolini$10.00
Garlic Butter, Chili Flakes & Sea Salt
Sautéed Wild Mushrooms$11.00
Roasted Cipollini Onions & Herb Oil
Grilled Asparagus$12.00
Sea Salt & Olive Oil
Creamed Spinach$12.00
Parmesan Croutons
Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes$9.00
Garlic Confit & Chives
Kennebec French Fries$7.00
Parmesan Polenta$10.00

Chef's Daily Specials

Tuesday: Pork Milanesa$38.00
Bone-In Pork Cutlet, Arugula & Shaved Reggiano
Wednesday: Frutti di Mare$42.00
Calamari, Littleneck Clams, Scallops, Shrimp, Lobster, Pomodoro Sauce & Spaghetti
Thursday: Braised Veal Short Rib$38.00
Tagliatelle & Parsley Butter
Friday: Catch of the Day
- MKT
Friday & Saturday: Beef Wellington$52.00
Classic Wellington baked in Puff Pastry with Liver & Mushroom Duxelle

What 582 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Boston Suburbs
Notable Wine List
Boston Suburbs
Steakhouse

Sort by

Filters

BH
BradfordH
New England
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Steaks were wonderful, perfectly done and very tasty. Service was impeccable and personable. Drinks and dessert were great, too. Heartily recommend!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
14 reviews
4.0
14 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience5
We had a nice dinner. We’ve visited The Federal three times over the past 2 years…the first was the best, the second visit was the ‘Place’, and this one was ‘Show’. While the service (Gregory) was excellent, the Venetian Martini seemed off…based on the description and taste, I felt as if I had been given someone else’s cocktail. Filet was Medium, not the Very Rare as requested. Noise level in the section where we sat was quite loud. Other than those three comments, it was enjoyable.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall3food5service2ambience4
Food was very good. Service was pretty slow. Took a long time to order and a long time to get each course. We frequent other steak houses in the area and typically have a much better experience. On a positive, food was very good. For this price range though I expect good food and service. And I just don’t get the sense that anyone cared that it was slow.
F
Foodplusmore
New England
7 reviews
vip
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience3
Salmon was farm raised with no flavor. Worst I have had.
B
Bryan
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I took my wife and kids to the Federal for a Mother's Day lunch, and we were not disappointed. The food and drinks were wonderful, and the staff attentive and readily available. I highly recommend to everyone looking for a slightly upscale dining experience.
RP
RocP
New England
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service was great our waitress was wonderful.
K
Kris
New England
31 reviews
vip
4.0
31 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Very nice night… just VERY busy
SD
SDoering
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
From the greeting to the dessert... everything was top notch. The Food and service was terrific. Our table had the seared tuna entree, filet mignon and Delmonico steak. Everyone loved their entrees. I highly recommend The Federal for a romantic dinner for two or a gathering of friends. The noise level was moderate... lively atmosphere but quiet enough to hold conversations at the table.
WZ
WeiZ
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
if you are looking for a nice place to have a quiet nice dinner with perfect ambience it is the place. The service was good. it was a little expensive but worth every penny you spend on it.
DR
DianeR
New England
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on May 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love The Federal. Food is always excellent. Atmosphere is great - back dining room is cozy and quiet, the bar area is a little more lively and also great. I also love their outdoor seating.
RO
ROBERTOG
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 4, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience3
good experience, excellent food, a little pricy.....
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Was a great evening. Loved the food
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
The bar is great, and the bartenders are fantastic! Service is very attentive and friendly. My steak came out over cooked, 2nd attempt was almost rare, but got it right in the end and was very good! Without my asking it was taken off the bill. Prices are what you’d expect from a good steakhouse. We will be back for sure.
c
cocoarmy
Louisville
33 reviews
vip
4.0
33 reviews
Dined on April 20, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience3
The French fries were fabulous. Filet was perfectly cooked.
B
Brucec
New England
60 reviews
vip
5.0
60 reviews
Dined on April 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great steaks and good drinks made for a Easter dinner
KP
KarenP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was excellent. Service was great. Can't wait to go back.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waitress, Sophia, was phenomenal! All staff are exceptionally kind. The timing of everything was perfect. The food blows us away every time we visit.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 10, 2022
overall3food4service3ambience2
I have been to the federal before and the service and food was much better. My entire table was freezing as well as those around me. Everyone had there jackets on which made it difficult to enjoy the meal. The service was very slow and overall not what I expected compared to the last time.
MP
MichaelP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Amanda our waitress was amazing. We were a party of five and everyone's food was perfect. The noise level was a little high but what to you expect when you go to a popular restaurant. I would recommend the Federal.
PB
PatriceB
New England
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service. Ives was charming, knowledgeable and attentive. He was interesting to talk to. The food was delicious and prepared perfectly. A+ on ambience. my date and I were seated in the curved banquet - very private and romantic and not too tucked away as my date likes to talk with everyone who walks by...lol A great evening - will be back!
k
kimm
New England
11 reviews
3.0
11 reviews
Dined on April 2, 2022
overall3food3service1ambience4
Food and drinks were okay. Service was very disappointing for a higher end restaurant. Had to keep asking for water to be refilled. Impossible to order a 2nd drink but saved on the calories :). We were celebrating a birthday and even though my husband told the server that we wanted additional desserts and drinks, she never returned to take the order.
WS
WemdyS
New England
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food, ambiance and service were great! Unfortunately, the noise level was weigh too high and we were in a booth.
JS
JohnS
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on March 31, 2022
overall3food2service3ambience3
Food was decent. Waiter was great. The veal special was way undercooked. Sent back. Got a steak which was good. But nothing comped which was strange. Would I go back? Not for a big meal.
AF
AmFoley
New England
58 reviews
vip
5.0
58 reviews
Dined on March 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic dinner! From the cocktails, appetizers, wine, entrees to the fabulous desserts! Of course, service was on point. Richard and David are always gracious hosts. Wonderful to see the place busy and full of life!
R
Rattatouille
New England
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 29, 2022
overall3food5service1ambience3
Food is really excellent, if quite expensive. Service, though, was slow and forgetful. Enormous wine list; they have a particularly good selection of Italian wines.
M
Miami12
New England
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food, nice place!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Late birthday
JM
JMoney
Philadelphia
4 reviews
vip
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 23, 2022
overall3food3service5ambience3
Nothing special nor especially wrong, just average for a $100+/person meal. Nice people, but nothing to write home about the food. More like..."eh".
KT
KenT
New England
15 reviews
4.0
15 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Food was good, not great. Steak not up to real steak house standards, though pricey. Drinks very well poured.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was great and our sever, Amanda, made it a better experience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2022
overall1food5service1ambience4
Terrible service
K
Kornerman
New England
29 reviews
5.0
29 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I highly recommend The Federal for excellent prompt service, delicious food (fish and steak), while giving kudos to the bar tender for drinks.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
This is our favorite restaurant. Good food, drinks and service. Waiters are very friendly.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great restaurant and food. A bit on the pricier side.
BG
BumpersGirl
New England
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great dinner.
KC
KarenC
New England
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always great ! Food & service
CL
ClaireL24
New England
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, service was exceptional our server was great!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
Decent meal and a nice atmosphere but the food was way overpriced and the quality nowhere near that of Capital Grille or Ruth’s Chris but the prices were very comparable.
T
Tara
New England
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience4
Great wait service!!
AT
AnnaT
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 19, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Overall fantastic dining experience. This was the first time we went to this restaurant, food quality and service was outstanding. Waiter really explained everything and answered all questions.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from The Federal using the Order Online button. The Federal also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (781) 373-1245.

The Federal is rated 4.6 stars by 582 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 19, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

9:30 PM

Booked 22 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(781) 373-1245

Delivery

Order online

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
Cuisines
Steakhouse, Italian, Contemporary Italian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Public Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Joel Portillo
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, 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

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Delivery

Additional information

House Steak

Filet Mignon

Grilled Swordfish

Starters

Artisanal Charcuterie Board$25.00

Artisanal Cheese Board$25.00

Crab Cakes$18.00

Prime Sirloin Steak Tartare$18.00

Prime Beef Carpaccio$18.00

Oysters Rockefeller$22.00

Grilled Shrimp Skewers$15.00

Escargot$19.00

Clams Casino$18.00

Calamari Fritto$15.00

Raw Bar

Select East Coast Oysters$19.00

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail$26.00

Tuna Tartare$18.00

Crabmeat Cocktail$27.00

Chilled Lobster Tail

Shellfish Tower$105.00

Soups & Salads

Onion Soup Gratinée$11.00

Classic Chopped Caesar$12.00

Beet & Fried Goat Cheese$14.00

Mixed Greens$10.00

Federal Clam Chowder$11.00

Iceberg Wedge$13.00

Prosciutto & Burrata$18.00

Lobster Bisque$19.00

Pasta

Spaghetti alle Vongole$25.00

Bolognese$25.00

Orecchiette, Sausage & Broccolini$27.00

Seafood Entrees

Panko Crusted Haddock$36.00

Grilled Atlantic Salmon$29.00

Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Steak$38.00

Grilled Swordfish$36.00

Halibut La Meuniére$44.00

Entrees

Cassoulet$38.00

Chicken Under a Brick$28.00

Kurobuta Pork Chop$38.00

Roasted Portobello$25.00

Prime Skirt Steak Frittes$38.00

Chops

Filet Mignon

Prime NY Sirloin

Prime NY Sirloin Au Poivre$50.00

Dry Aged Bone-In NY Sirloin

Delmonico Steak

Cowboy Steak

Add On

Blue Cheese$4.00

Roasted Bone Marrow$6.00

Grilled Shrimp Scampi Skewer$8.00

Hot Buttered Lobster Tail

Oscar Style$29.00

Sauces & Salts

Au Poivre

Béarnaise

Horseradish Crema

Truffle Sea Salt

Lemon Rosemary Sea Salt

House Steak

Demi Glace

Maitre d'Hotel Butter

Sides

Roasted Butternut Squash$9.00

Roasted Fingerling Potatoes$9.00

Sautéed Broccolini$10.00

Sautéed Wild Mushrooms$11.00

Grilled Asparagus$12.00