The Federal

The Federal reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. P

   Patricia VIP

   Greater Boston4 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on 1 March 2025

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

   The decor was subpar. Not a very comfortable setting
   

   Is this helpful?

2. D

   Denise

   Greater Boston48 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 22 February 2025

   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.
   

   Is this helpful?

3. B

   BELLA

   Caribbean1 review

   3.0

   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.
   

   Is this helpful?

4. P

   Pamela

   Greater Boston22 reviews

   5.0

   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.
   

   • 
   • 
   • 

   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
   

   1 person found this helpful

5. J

   JEAN-FRANÇOIS

   Los Angeles11 reviews

   5.0

   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
   

   1 person found this helpful

6. J

   John

   Greater Boston5 reviews

   5.0

   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!
   

   • 
   • 
   • 
   • 
   • 

   Is this helpful?

7. S

   Steve

   Nashville9 reviews

   5.0

   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.
   

   Is this helpful?

8. Z

   ZITA

   Greater Boston311 reviews

   5.0

   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 ~
   

   Is this helpful?

9. L

   Lisa

   Greater Boston2 reviews

   5.0

   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!
   

   Is this helpful?

10. L

    Laurie VIP

    Greater Boston29 reviews

    4.0

    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
    

    Is this helpful?