Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Greater Boston
  4. Boston
  5. Waltham
The Federal, Waltham, MA

The Federal

4.5
4.5
981 Reviews
$50 and over
Steakhouse

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 7 times today
  • Good for business meals
  • Good for special occasions
  • Fancy
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.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Steakhouse, Italian, Contemporary Italian
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Fri 11:30–16:00 Dinner Tue–Thu 16:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–22:00
  • 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
  • Area
    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, Takeaway, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

Seasonal Dinner Menu. All steaks come with choice of one sauce or salt. Additional $2 each

Starters

  • CharcuterieUS$25.00

    Assorted Italian Meats, House Marinated Olives, Cornichons, Local Jam & Garlic Toast

    • Cheese BoardUS$25.00

      Hand Selected by Our Friends at Wasik's Cheese Shop

      • Crab CakesUS$21.00

        Remoulade & Lemon

        • Steak TartareUS$19.00

          Cognac Mustard, Capers, Onion, Parsley, Cornichons & Toasted Baguette

          • CarpaccioUS$18.00

            Pecorino Cheese, Arugula, Capers & Extra Virgin Olive Oil

            • RockefellerUS$27.00

              Six Oysters Baked with Spinach, Parmesan Cheese & Pernod Anise Liquor

              • Shrimp SkewersUS$17.00

                Brushed With Scampi Sauce

                • EscargotUS$19.00

                  Baked in garlic-parsley and Pernod anise liquor served with olive oil baguette

                  • Clams CasinoUS$18.00

                    Eight Littleneck Clams Baked w/ Bacon, Garlic & Parmesan Breadcrumbs

                    • CalamariUS$17.00

                      Cherry Peppers & Pomodoro Sauce

                      Raw Bar

                      Add 1 Shrimp $4, Add 1 Oyster $4, Add 1 Littleneck Clam $2

                      • Oysters (6)US$24.00

                        Cocktail Sauce & Champagne Mignonette

                        • Shrimp Cocktail (6)US$24.00

                          Cocktail Sauce & Fresh Lemon

                          • Tuna TartareUS$19.00

                            Cucumber, Avocado, Seaweed Salad & Citrus Vinaigrette

                            • Crabmeat CocktailUS$29.00

                              Jumbo Lump Crabmeat & English Mustard Sauce

                              • Chilled Lobster TailUS$35.00

                                Cocktail Sauce & Lemon

                                • Shellfish TowerUS$115.00

                                  Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Lobster Tails, Local Oysters, Littleneck Clams & Jumbo Lump Crabmeat

                                  • Littleneck Clams (8)US$16.00

                                    6 fresh shucked littleneck clams

                                    Salads & Soup

                                    • Onion SoupUS$11.00

                                      Classic French Onion Style Soup with Broiled Baguette and Cheese

                                      • ChowderUS$11.00

                                        • Caesar SaladUS$12.00

                                          White Anchovies, Garlic Croutons & Parmesan Cheese

                                          • Wedge SaladUS$13.00

                                            Bacon, Cherry Tomatoes & Blue Cheese

                                            • Mixed GreensUS$12.00

                                              Aged Balsamic Vinaigrette, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion, Cucumber, Shredded Carrots, Radishes, Garlic Parmesan Crouton

                                              • Prosciutto & BurrataUS$22.00

                                                Sliced Prosciutto di Parma, Fresh Burrata, Red Wine Poached Pear, Arugula & EVOO

                                                • Beet & Goat CheeseUS$14.00

                                                  Red and Golden Beets, Fried Goat Cheese, Pistachio Nuts, Arugula, & Citrus Vinegarette

                                                  Entrees

                                                  • VongoleUS$25.00

                                                    Littleneck Clams, Garlic & White Wine

                                                    • BologneseUS$25.00

                                                      Veal & Wild Boar Ragu, Rigatoni & Parmesan Reggiano

                                                      • OrecchietteUS$27.00

                                                        Orecchiette Pasta, Sausage Crumble, Broccolini & Chili Flakes

                                                        • Genovese PrimaveraUS$24.00

                                                          Basil Fusilli Pasta & Seasonal Vegetables

                                                          • HaddockUS$36.00

                                                            Olive Oil Crushed Potatoes, Asparagus & Herb Lemon Butter

                                                            • SalmonUS$29.00

                                                              Mashed Potatoes, Broccolini & Pinot Noir Sauce

                                                              • Baked Stuffed ShrimpUS$40.00

                                                                Five Baked Crab Stuffed Shrimp, Drawn Butter, Lemon & Aparagus

                                                                • TunaUS$42.00

                                                                  Sweet Potato Puree, Gingered Bok Choy & Wasabi Aioli

                                                                  • SwordfishUS$36.00

                                                                    Shrimp, Baby Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes, Scampi Sauce

                                                                    • HalibutUS$45.00

                                                                      Herb Lemon Butter Sauce, Basil Fusilli, & Cherry Tomatoes

                                                                      • Brick ChickenUS$28.00

                                                                        Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Asparagus & Arneis Beurre Blanc

                                                                        • Pork ChopUS$38.00

                                                                          Soft Polenta, Red Wine Poached Pear & Pork Jus

                                                                          • Skirt Steak FritesUS$38.00

                                                                            Garlic Butter & Parm French Fries

                                                                            • Vegan PlateUS$26.00

                                                                              Portobello, Black Bean Salad, Grilled Tomato, Seasonal Vegetables, Broccolini & Asparagus

                                                                              Chops

                                                                              • 8oz FiletUS$48.00

                                                                                • NY SirloinUS$55.00

                                                                                  • Au Poivre NYUS$57.00

                                                                                    • Dry Aged Bone-InUS$58.00

                                                                                      16oz Bone-In NY Sirloin (will be rarer towards bone, consider Boneless Sirloin if ordering over Medium temperature)

                                                                                      • DelmonicoUS$55.00

                                                                                        • CowboyUS$58.00

                                                                                          Sides

                                                                                          • Zucchini & Summer SquashUS$10.00

                                                                                            • Roasted Fingerling PotatoesUS$9.00

                                                                                              • Sautéed BroccoliniUS$12.00

                                                                                                Garlic Butter, Chili Flakes & Sea Salt

                                                                                                • Sautéed Wild MushroomsUS$13.00

                                                                                                  Roasted Cipollini Onions & Herb Oil

                                                                                                  • Grilled AsparagusUS$12.00

                                                                                                    Sea Salt & Olive Oil

                                                                                                    • Parmesan PolentaUS$10.00

                                                                                                      Soft White Polenta with Cream & Parmesan

                                                                                                      • Creamed SpinachUS$12.00

                                                                                                        Parmesan Croutons

                                                                                                        • Yukon Mashed PotatoesUS$9.00

                                                                                                          Garlic Confit & Chive Butter

                                                                                                          • Kennebec French FriesUS$7.00

                                                                                                            • Kennebec Truffle FriesUS$9.00

                                                                                                              Fries w/ Parmesan Cheese and Black Truffle Oil

                                                                                                              • Bone MarrowUS$11.00

                                                                                                                Additional Sauces

                                                                                                                • Armagnac SauceUS$2.00

                                                                                                                  • BéarnaiseUS$2.00

                                                                                                                    • Demi-GlaceUS$2.00

                                                                                                                      • Horseradish CremaUS$2.00

                                                                                                                        • Lemon Rosemary Sea SaltUS$2.00

                                                                                                                          • Maitre d'ButterUS$2.00

                                                                                                                            Herbed Garlic Butter

                                                                                                                            • Steak SauceUS$2.00

                                                                                                                              • Truffle Sea SaltUS$2.00

                                                                                                                                Chef's Specials

                                                                                                                                • Friday: Catch of the DayUS$46.00

                                                                                                                                  • Friday: Beef WellingtonUS$55.00

                                                                                                                                    Friday Special - Individual Puff Pastry Wrapped Filet w/ Liver and Mushroom Duxelle. Medium Rare Only

                                                                                                                                    Last updated: 19 April 2023

                                                                                                                                    What 981 people are saying

                                                                                                                                    Overall ratings and reviews

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

                                                                                                                                    4.5
                                                                                                                                    4.5 based on recent ratings
                                                                                                                                    • 4.4Food
                                                                                                                                    • 4.6Service
                                                                                                                                    • 4.5Ambience
                                                                                                                                    • 4.2Value

                                                                                                                                    Noise • Moderate

                                                                                                                                    Review summary

                                                                                                                                    AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                                                                                    The Federal offers an exceptional dining experience with "delicious food" and a "great menu" that caters to diverse palates. Standout dishes include the swordfish, short rib, and baked stuffed shrimp. The cocktails are "excellent," and the service is consistently praised for being attentive and knowledgeable. The ambiance varies, but the bar area is notably energetic.

                                                                                                                                    981 Reviews

                                                                                                                                    1. BELLA

                                                                                                                                      Caribbean

                                                                                                                                      1 review

                                                                                                                                      3.0

                                                                                                                                      1 review

                                                                                                                                      Dined 3 days ago

                                                                                                                                      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?

                                                                                                                                    2. Pamela

                                                                                                                                      Greater Boston

                                                                                                                                      21 reviews

                                                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                                                      21 reviews

                                                                                                                                      Dined 3 days ago

                                                                                                                                      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 2 days ago
                                                                                                                                      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

                                                                                                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                                                                                                    3. 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

                                                                                                                                      1 person found this helpful

                                                                                                                                    4. 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!

                                                                                                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                                                                                                    5. Steve

                                                                                                                                      Nashville

                                                                                                                                      8 reviews

                                                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                                                      8 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.

                                                                                                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                                                                                                    6. 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 ~

                                                                                                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                                                                                                    7. 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!

                                                                                                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                                                                                                    8. 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

                                                                                                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                                                                                                    9. 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.

                                                                                                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                                                                                                    10. Kelly

                                                                                                                                      Atlantic City

                                                                                                                                      7 reviews

                                                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                                                      7 reviews

                                                                                                                                      Dined on 1 January 2025

                                                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                                                      4. Ambience 3
                                                                                                                                      Soup to nuts everything was fabulous. Special kudos to our server Mariah! She was just spectacular! Attentive, on point, friendly, outstanding! Thank you for a memorable New Year's Eve dinner!

                                                                                                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                                                                                                    FAQs

                                                                                                                                    The Federal offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (781) 373-1245.

                                                                                                                                    The Federal is rated 4.5 stars by 981 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                                                                                                    Make a booking

                                                                                                                                    2 people
                                                                                                                                    19:00
                                                                                                                                    Booked 7 times today

                                                                                                                                    Order delivery or takeout

                                                                                                                                    Google Map for The Federal

                                                                                                                                    74 Tower Rd, Waltham, MA 02451-1022

                                                                                                                                    Additional information

                                                                                                                                    • Cross Street
                                                                                                                                      Main Street
                                                                                                                                    • Area
                                                                                                                                      Waltham
                                                                                                                                    • Hours of Operation
                                                                                                                                      Lunch Fri 11:30–16:00 Dinner Tue–Thu 16:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–22:00
                                                                                                                                    • 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, Takeaway, 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.
                                                                                                                                    Discover
                                                                                                                                    OpenTable
                                                                                                                                    • About Us
                                                                                                                                    • Blog
                                                                                                                                    • Careers
                                                                                                                                    • Press
                                                                                                                                    More
                                                                                                                                    Our sites
                                                                                                                                    Businesses
                                                                                                                                    • Delight more diners
                                                                                                                                    • Restaurant Blog
                                                                                                                                    Join us on
                                                                                                                                    • Privacy Policy
                                                                                                                                    • Terms of Use
                                                                                                                                    • Impressum
                                                                                                                                    • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
                                                                                                                                    • Cookie Preferences
                                                                                                                                    Copyright © 2024 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
                                                                                                                                    OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
                                                                                                                                    Booking Logo
                                                                                                                                    Priceline Logo
                                                                                                                                    KAYAK Logo
                                                                                                                                    Agoda Logo
                                                                                                                                    OpenTable Logo