2 Massachussetts Restaurants Made The New York Times' List Of 50 Best In The US
Restaurants dotted across the United States have something to celebrate: The New York Times has unveiled its annual list of the 50 best restaurants in America. Earning a slot on this prestigious list broadcasts to the entire world that each restaurant is clearly doing something right. And two Massachusetts eateries in particular have earned that very honor: La Padrona and McGonagle's Pub.
Both dining destinations can count themselves among the absolute best restaurants in Boston. La Padrona is a high-end Italian spot that opened in May of 2024 in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood; from James Beard award-winning chef Jody Adams, it sits in the Raffles Hotel where it has earned all manner of accolades. The New York Times nod follows rave reviews for its regional Italian fare and stunning design, as well as its being named 2025's best Italian restaurant by Boston Magazine – it's clearly one of the best places to feast on pasta in Boston. McGonagle's Pub, meanwhile, opened even more recently, debuting in December of 2024 in Dorchester. It's a true, cozy pub, albeit with a bit of an upscale feel, one that's reflected in beautifully prepared comfort dishes and classics. The New York Times list considers every kind of eatery, from the country's best hole-in-the-wall restaurants to fine-dining hot spots, and these two picks represent a snippet of that variety within the Bay State.
What it's like to dine at La Padrona and McGonagle's Pub
A prime-time table at La Padrona is one of the toughest reservations to get in Boston, but if you're willing to eat late, you can secure a spot. The space feels like you're attending the world's most elegant home dinner party, with modern yet comfy furnishings and warm lighting. For the menu, the team sources local ingredients to create New England-meets-Italy cuisine. Dishes include cacio e pepe foccaccia, grilled sweet farm peppers, charred arrowhead cabbage, seared scallops, sweet corn agnolotti, rabbit ragu fazzoletti, and swordfish fra diavolo. Pastry chef Kimberly Beatrix serves up treats like crème brûlée with sweet corn, caramelized saffon sugar, lime creme, and caramel rosemary popcorn.
McGonagle's is a bit more laid-back, but as sophisticated as it is welcoming. You can expect the warm wood interior, perfectly poured pints of Guinness, and live Irish music you'd find at some of Ireland's best pubs, but McGonagle's considers itself an updated pub with more global influences on its cuisine, plus craft cocktails. What does that look like? The menu features fried prawn crackers with curry sauce, cheese croquettes, Irish seafood chowder, wood-fired pizzas, Caesar and cobb salads, smash burgers, bangers and mash, fish and chips, shepherd's pie, and Irish chicken curry. Appropriate for the convivial atmosphere, reservations are easy enough, so don't miss out.