Although it was not crowded it was very loud and there was a LONG wait between appetizers and meal. Food was good, but the experience and good-enough food is not worth returning for.
Jim
Always excellent food and service, today was no exception! Wonderful restaurant in which to spend a holiday or special event.
Kryska
Recommended by a friend and we live out of town. Excellent food, great customer service, and great atmosphere.
Foodfav
We have recently become consistent diners at the Federal. The menu is a mix of amazing Italian pastas with great steaks and seafood. I have not disliked anything. I have tried. Best pasta and clams I have had in a while! Look forward to going again!
SURYASISH DEY
Not for vegan foody.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Jenna Vanessa
Their bar is literally segregated and the bartenders/GM make it that way. Went in on a Friday night and it was absolutely dead minus about 10 people at the bar. The elite wealthy guests were on the left corner of the bar, while my friend & I along with other blue collar people were on the right side of the bar. The difference in attentiveness and service from the bartenders and GM was astounding. There were wealthy regulars to the left of us who had a $500 bottle of wine. They were all talking amongst each other on that side of the bar and the GM was chatting it up/laughing with them while himself and the bartenders paid no attention to us and completely ignored us all night, to the point where we had to get their attention multiple times. The fact that our bill was over $200 with just drinks and apps yet we were treated like peasants is what is appalling. Believe it or not blue collar people tip very generously as well. Sorry we didn’t order a $500 bottle of wine. The food was good but nothing special for the price and the service was “gross” enough to never come back. We deserved better. There is no excuse for that type of treatment ever. It’s literally Waltham, get over yourselves.
The food was excellent. The jumbo shrimp cocktail was extra meaty. The beet and goat cheese salad was delicious . The swordfish was prepared well and very tasty. Would highly recommend!
Rudolf
I had a great date there, everything was perfect. Food, cocktails, wine and our waitress was attentive. 10 out of 10!recommend
Opentable Diner
For a reputed chop restaurant both steak orders were poorly done and sent back to the kitchen. The clam sauce was tasteless for another diner in the party. Overall value was not good.
suzanne
It was our first time dining at the Federal. All four of us enjoyed our entrees. The salads and starters were as delicious as the deserts. Our server was attentive and friendly. We will be back!
Excellent food with a diverse menu, well made cocktails, and uncompromising service. We have been about a dozen times and have not had a bad experience. Already looking forward to the next visit.
Wheelchair accessibility: Large double door entrance with ample HC parking spots. Spaciousness interior.
The Federal has become our local go to for date night! Nothing can beat their beef tartar, spicy margs, & dirty martinis!
Always great service!
They also just updated (and finally broadened) their dessert menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nicole VanderLaan
One of our go to local favorites! The staff is always super friendly and helpful, the food is delicious- steak always great and you can't miss the seasonal duck! Crab cakes and fries (yes fries) a must, and some of the best drinks around (it's THE sangria for a season).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crab Cakes
Max
Amazing food and the staff was very friendly. I brought my mentor with me. He is in poor health and has a wheelchair. The staff was very accommodating. My mentor is a very good man who has helped thousands of people and last night he was able to eat like a King! Thank You!
Wheelchair accessibility: Yes, it is wheelchair accessible. My friend is in a wheelchair and he had no issues!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Will McCarthy
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Outstanding Experience at The Federal!
Everything about The Federal in Waltham is top-tier—the ambiance, service, and food were all exceptional. The menu offers a fantastic variety, and every dish is expertly prepared. I had the roasted duck, which was crispy, tender, and full of flavor, and the tiramisu, which was rich and perfectly balanced.
Service was attentive and professional, making the entire experience truly special. Whether for a date night, celebration, or just a great meal, this spot delivers. Highly recommend and can’t wait to return!
(Photos attached—both the duck and tiramisu were incredible!)
Although it was not crowded it was very loud and there was a LONG wait between appetizers and meal. Food was good, but the experience and good-enough food is not worth returning for.
Always excellent food and service, today was no exception! Wonderful restaurant in which to spend a holiday or special event.
Recommended by a friend and we live out of town. Excellent food, great customer service, and great atmosphere.
We have recently become consistent diners at the Federal. The menu is a mix of amazing Italian pastas with great steaks and seafood. I have not disliked anything. I have tried. Best pasta and clams I have had in a while! Look forward to going again!
Not for vegan foody.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Their bar is literally segregated and the bartenders/GM make it that way. Went in on a Friday night and it was absolutely dead minus about 10 people at the bar. The elite wealthy guests were on the left corner of the bar, while my friend & I along with other blue collar people were on the right side of the bar. The difference in attentiveness and service from the bartenders and GM was astounding. There were wealthy regulars to the left of us who had a $500 bottle of wine. They were all talking amongst each other on that side of the bar and the GM was chatting it up/laughing with them while himself and the bartenders paid no attention to us and completely ignored us all night, to the point where we had to get their attention multiple times. The fact that our bill was over $200 with just drinks and apps yet we were treated like peasants is what is appalling. Believe it or not blue collar people tip very generously as well. Sorry we didn’t order a $500 bottle of wine. The food was good but nothing special for the price and the service was “gross” enough to never come back. We deserved better. There is no excuse for that type of treatment ever. It’s literally Waltham, get over yourselves.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Tuna Tartare, Oysters Rockefeller, Tiramisu
The food was excellent. The jumbo shrimp cocktail was extra meaty. The beet and goat cheese salad was delicious . The swordfish was prepared well and very tasty. Would highly recommend!
I had a great date there, everything was perfect. Food, cocktails, wine and our waitress was attentive. 10 out of 10!recommend
For a reputed chop restaurant both steak orders were poorly done and sent back to the kitchen. The clam sauce was tasteless for another diner in the party. Overall value was not good.
It was our first time dining at the Federal. All four of us enjoyed our entrees. The salads and starters were as delicious as the deserts. Our server was attentive and friendly. We will be back!
Restaurantji Recommends
Excellent food with a diverse menu, well made cocktails, and uncompromising service. We have been about a dozen times and have not had a bad experience. Already looking forward to the next visit.
Wheelchair accessibility: Large double door entrance with ample HC parking spots. Spaciousness interior.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Escargot, Roasted Rabbit, Tuna Tartare, Calamari, Panko Crusted Haddock, Skirt Steak Frites
The Federal has become our local go to for date night! Nothing can beat their beef tartar, spicy margs, & dirty martinis!
Always great service!
They also just updated (and finally broadened) their dessert menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
One of our go to local favorites! The staff is always super friendly and helpful, the food is delicious- steak always great and you can't miss the seasonal duck! Crab cakes and fries (yes fries) a must, and some of the best drinks around (it's THE sangria for a season).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crab Cakes
Amazing food and the staff was very friendly. I brought my mentor with me. He is in poor health and has a wheelchair. The staff was very accommodating. My mentor is a very good man who has helped thousands of people and last night he was able to eat like a King! Thank You!
Wheelchair accessibility: Yes, it is wheelchair accessible. My friend is in a wheelchair and he had no issues!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Outstanding Experience at The Federal!
Everything about The Federal in Waltham is top-tier—the ambiance, service, and food were all exceptional. The menu offers a fantastic variety, and every dish is expertly prepared. I had the roasted duck, which was crispy, tender, and full of flavor, and the tiramisu, which was rich and perfectly balanced.
Service was attentive and professional, making the entire experience truly special. Whether for a date night, celebration, or just a great meal, this spot delivers. Highly recommend and can’t wait to return!
(Photos attached—both the duck and tiramisu were incredible!)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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