Federal Restaurant And Bar

Nice casual atmosphere, pork meal was tasty, well cooked with a delightful beetroot and potatoe salad, the Barra and charcoal crusted "lonely" prawn on a bed of cauliflower rice was great, but the initial appearance was dull and boring , however very nice to eat. Glass of wine during happy hour was $6 👌

Lovely staff. Nice chilled atmosphere very close to theatre and food simple but delicious. White table cloths and traditional feel without the stuffiness. Great location for going to festival centre or convention centre after meal. Friendly helpful staff. My dietary requirements looked after without any problems.

Staff couldn't crack a smile when greeting or when service was provided. We booked 2 wks ahead with a mention of it being a special day but still got squeezed in to a corner. Lamb was tasty but the sides were cold just like the room. Could have gone to the local pub for a better cheaper meal. Won't be coming back.

If you’re wanting a fun “restaurant” with free activities and marginal food, the Federal will tick those boxes. Our Full Breakfasts came out barely warm, mushrooms cold, and there were plenty of airborne guests joining us for our food and wine, a couple even dive bombing the fruit of the vine. One thirsty fly ended up in a glass of water and was covered with a napkin, then dispatched to the kitchen for a microwave treatment. The staff openly admitted the insect problem, got me thinking a sign would have been handy, we would have picked somewhere else. (I’m just fussy when it comes to sharing my dining experience with non humans!). I called for the manager but got a supervisor, who, to her credit, dealt with the matter favourably and urged us to return for a repeat of our previous high tea experience when they get the insect problem sorted. Surprisingly it was revealed that the complaint was welcome as the management didn’t actively respond to the staff concerns about the insect problem..... Says a lot about senior management, they obviously don’t sit in their own restaurant, but clearly they should!!