Lobster
Sat down at about 6:30 and it was so loud I could not hear my dad talking across the table, appetizers were okay onion soup was amazing, it went down hill when we ordered air entrees, my dad ordered chicken on a brick and I ordered the grilled salmon The only thing good about the food. It was the presentation. my salmon came with Pinot Noir sauce that was cold, and my salmon was completely raw. However, my dad‘s chicken was cooked to death. I had a bite and I couldn’t see what it was so tough. Then we ordered dessert trying to end the meal on a good note. My dad ordered the sticky toffee pudding and it was cold and tasted like Chicken. I ordered the apple crème brûlée. The only apple tasting thing was a single apple slice they put on the top. Everything was so expensive, but they did take the entrées off the bill, which was very nice. Our server, Kaitlyn was amazing though when handled everything professionally and calmly.
… moreSteven Chin
We had our Valentine’s Dinner at The Federal. We arrived early for our reservation, but they were able to get us a table right away! Our waitress was wondering wonderful. Very friendly, attentive, informative and available for our multitude of questions regarding the menu and specials. The clam chowder was very tasty, full of flavor and had a consistency of a soup rather than a thick chowder. Loved it. The Caesar Salad with anchovies on the side was tasty, but the lettuce was not as crispy as it should be. A bit disappointing. The escargo was delicious and the biscuit was very light and crispy. Excellent. Now for the entrees, the Valentine’s Surf and Turf special was a Filet mignon cooked medium rare (great) and baked stuffed shrimp (crab meat) were very tasty. Asparagus was soft (thank you) and a plate of mashed potato complemented the meal nicely. The Entree for my wife was the special of the day, Beef Wellington. Unfortunately, it was not well cooked. The pastry was burnt on the bottom so the meal had a burnt taste on every bite. The beef was not as tender and tasty as the other (won’t mention the other place but it has a famous popular Chef’s name to it). It also did not come with any sides which was disappointing. Lastly, it seemed to have been doused with lots of gravy. Overall, the second Entree was disappointing. But now to the dessert. Tiramisu is my favorite dessert, so we ordered it. It was one of the best Tiramisu dessert I have ever tasted. It was light, hint of rum, very tasty and loved the tiny crispy crunchy balls added on top of the Tiramisu. A+ on dessert. Overall a nice first experience at The Federal. As for the ambience, nice decor, nice romantic round booth, but unfortunately behind our booth was a party that was gregariously enjoying their dinner. That meant not a quiet romantic nice for us, though appreciated that they enjoyed their dinner. Should have asked for a booth away from a party! I would consider dining here again, but need the chef to be attentive to their Beef Wellington and to have crispy Romaine lettuce for their Caesar Salad.
… moreMs. Mercy
The meal here was truly disappointing and fell flat. I ordered the salmon, while my partner chose the short rib pasta. Both dishes seemed simple but arrived bland and lacking in flavor. The mashed potatoes tasted artificial, likely made from potato powder or flour, with no real taste or texture. Even the escargot was underwhelming. Overall, I’d rate the food a 2 out of 10. The only bright spot was our server—friendly and sweet, but that wasn’t enough to save the experience.
… moreJeanne Delacruz
Incredibly great food. Superb drinks. We came here for the first time about six weeks ago. Have been back every week! Very varied menu. Everything we have tried has been top
notch. Appetizers are excellent tuna tartare is the best I’ve ever had served with an avocado wasabi cream! . First rate steaks and crispy fries!!! Nightly specials are
fun. Tonight we had the pork Milanese, it was out of this world.
Even the atmosphere,
we prefer the bar side the lighting is perfect and the staff (Amina) are now friends!
Do yourself a favor and get here!!!
… morejanet guerra
First time here last night. We had friends suggest this restaurant and glad they did. Everything was delicious. Four of us shared the clams casino which were great. Each salad was fresh and beautifully plated. The Wellington was exceptional as was the duck. Steak was terrific. Our server Amina was a joy! So efficient and welcoming. So glad we tried it, we’ll definitely be back!
… moreRen Ganino
This is my go-to restaurant when I’m in the Boston area.
The food is always incredible, the atmosphere is wonderful, and the service can’t be beat. Shout out to Amina for being so completely fantastic!
Their steak tartar and roasted salmon might be the best I’ve ever had.
… moreEmily Phelan
We went for dinner tonight (a Saturday) with a reservation and were seated without delay. Front desk staff was pleasant.
Our server, Chris, came to greet us and was surprised to see bread hadn’t been offered. He excused himself and was back quickly with bread and dipping oil. He then informed us of the specials and said the Beef Wellington was almost gone and there were 5 left if any of us thought we might order it. I immediately said I would like one held aside.
We ordered the crab cake and escargot appetizers, which were both tasty. My husband thought the escargot had a bit too much garlic, but overall, a solid start.
We then ordered 3 different steaks: previously mentioned Wellington, a sirloin (medium) and steak frites (medium rare). When I tell you we have NEVER been out to eat and had 3 different cuts all come out perfectly, I’m not kidding. We go out to eat often and to various establishments, but have never had the entire table so pleased with their steak. I even said to Chris the Wellington was superior to the one I had at a restaurant in downtown Boston with the name of a person well known for their Wellington on the front door…but I said the name.
As for any downside, they seemed short staffed. When asked how long he’s been working at The Federal, Chris said he’d just started and was in his 3rd day. I don’t know if they’re actually short staffed but it felt that way. Also, the support staff didn’t seem too supportive. When we decided to box up what was left, there was ABSOLUTELY NO ONE to help him bring the plates to box up. He did it over 3 trips, while also having other tables to serve. I worked in restaurants for 20 years. I’ve seen it happen. But the manager or someone usually steps in to help. I saw who I assume was the evening manager, but I didn’t see her help any of the staff. She walked around a lot and gave orders, but I never saw her carrying anything.
I should also mention this was not at the height of dinner service. It was on the early side of dinner time, I hope they got another turn on the table! I’d definitely try it again for the food and the server we had. I’d hope for a smoother experience next time.
… moreWayne Berard
My wife and I went to the Federal for our wedding anniversary and Valentines Day and got seated in the lounge which was fine. Our server was Kaitlyn B. And she was(is) fantastic, gave great recommendations on the food,very attentive and made our night special! Thank you Kaitlyn!!
… moreDeborah Itzkowitz
Our family of 5 were there yesterday/Thanksgiving for dinner. Our server Amanda was the best we have ever had at a restaurant. She is a gem, and they should be so happy to have her. This was our first time there, and the food was excellent. It is as good as Mooo, Capital Grille, Smith and Wolensky, and any of the high end restaurants at a lower price point. Don’t hesitate to go there. You won’t be sorry. Ask for Amanda to take care of you.
… moreShane Gormley
I had dinner here a couple of weeks ago for the first time. The food was tasty (I got the duck for an entree and we shared several of the apps). Our server was really upbeat, attentive and very knowledgeable about the menu. I didn’t find the atmosphere especially great. We were in the back section on a large round table which felt like a slightly off position and I didn’t think the overall aesthetic was clear.
… more