The Federal

Review summary

1. D

   Denise

   Greater Boston

   48 reviews

   5.0

   48 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Excellent experience! It was our first time here. The ambiance, service and food were all very good! We enjoyed crab cakes starter, entrees of filet mignon with the mashed Yukon gold potatoes, halibut with rainbow carrots and dessert of real (no green dye or almond extract overload here) pistachio gelato and after dinner drinks of Salted Caramel Biscotti martini and Chocolate Hazelnut. All delicious and visually pleasing! Will return and keep in mind for a group gathering too.
   

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2. B

   BELLA

   Caribbean

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on 14 February 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 3

   Service was great! Tables need some light in order to see the menus. Food was good but mashed potatoes were cold. We would go back.
   

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3. P

   Pamela

   Greater Boston

   22 reviews

   5.0

   22 reviews

   Dined on 14 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   First time at the Federal. We had a reservation for a table, but chose to sit at the bar. We dined during the lunch menu. Our bartenders Luke and AJ were attentive, professional, and polite. We started with the shellfish tower, which was good. We then ordered the Prime French dip sandwich and that was extraordinary, and the Kennebec Truffle fries with Parmesan and black truffle oil. The portion was just right and they were out of this world. I had their Sangria which is perfectly made. The owners’s own recipe. I’ve tried a lot of sangrias over the years but this ranks top two for me. We will definitely go back. Next time we will try the steak. I was just trying to make a reservation there for Easter but it looks like they are closed on Sundays, unfortunately.
   

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   The FederalResponded on 15 February 2025

   Pamela, Thanks for the great review! We are not accepting reservations yet for Easter Sunday but will next week. We are closed Sundays as a rule but do open for major holidays. Best, Richard
   

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4. J

   JEAN-FRANÇOIS

   Los Angeles

   11 reviews

   5.0

   11 reviews

   Dined on 7 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great food and wine selection. Both the duck and steak were amazing. It was slightly overpriced though - probably 10-15% above
   

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5. J

   John

   Greater Boston

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on 1 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Three of us went to dinner and two had the steak, one the dry aged bone in cooked medium rare and the other the cowboy cooked medium. The last had haddock with risotto and asparagus. We added mashed potatoes and asparagus for sides and finished off dinner with tiramisu. When I tell you it was one of the best experiences we’ve had dining out in a long time, I’m not kidding. Our server, Amanda was knowledgeable, attentive and overall wonderful. We’ll definitely be back!
   

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6. S

   Steve

   Nashville

   9 reviews

   5.0

   9 reviews

   Dined on 28 January 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Had a wonderful meal at The Federal. Pro tip: don't pass on the short rib.
   

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7. Z

   ZITA

   VIP

   Greater Boston

   310 reviews

   5.0

   310 reviews

   Dined on 18 January 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   The Federal offers an extensive menu providing something for any palate. The portions are substantial and DELICIOUS! The cocktails are excellent~ Our server was Dan, he’s outstanding. He’s helpful, he knows the menu and the how the entrees are prepared, he’s attentive and so gracious ~
   

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8. L

   Lisa

   Greater Boston

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on 10 January 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Excellent all around! We all loved it, the food was great as well as the waitress and ambience!
   

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9. L

   Laurie

   VIP

   Greater Boston

   29 reviews

   4.0

   29 reviews

   Dined on 9 January 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 1

   First time at the restaurant. The food and service were excellent but the atmosphere in the dining room was depressing and worn. Mishmash of styles and lighting too low for the high ceilings. The bar area looked more up to date. If I went back would only sit there
   

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10. C

    Cynthia

    VIP

    New York City

    21 reviews

    4.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on 1 January 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5

    Food was excellent. And our waitress was friendly knowledgeable and attentive, but over all it took to long to clear plates and there was just enough lack in service to not merit 5 stars. Perhaps they were too busy for the amount of staff for new years. But a great restaurant and value. We will definitely be back.
    

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