New York Times Best Restaurant List 2025 Has 2 From Massachusetts

The New York Times released its best restaurant list for 2025, and two Massachusetts spots made the cut.

That would be La Padrona and McGonagle's, which are both in Boston.

Talk about some serious bragging rights for the Bay State.

La Padrona in Boston Is Named on The New York Times Best Restaurant List 2025

According to its website, La Padrona is "where the rustic charm of Italy meets the vibrant spirit of New England." So you know you're in for something special with a combo like that.

And La Padrona hasn't even been open long, either.

Boston Magazine said the restaurant debuted in 2024 in the Raffles Boston hotel, bringing to life a luxurious-looking spot with a menu that "highlights a variety of Italian regions."

The New York Times said that the "must-have" is the tagliatelle Emilia-Romagna, which is "composed around two ingredients from the Italian region: A mound of shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese does creamy and salty, and a trickle of aged balsamic vinegar chimes in with sour and sweet.”

In addition to La Padrona landing on the NYT's best restaurant list, it has also earned other awards and accolades, including best Italian restaurant by Boston Magazine and best new restaurant by Eater Boston.

You can check out the menus here.

McGonagle's in Boston Is Named on The New York's Best Restaurant List 2025

Opening on the tail end of 2024 in December, according to Mass Live, McGonagle's is the classic neighborhood pub offering classic Irish fare such as Shepherd’s Pie and Bangers and Mash.

Its website highlights "perfect pints," "Irish hospitality," and "great music." You'll be getting an Irish experience in Boston for sure at this restaurant.

The New York Times called out the spice bag as one to get: "a crunchy, Chinese-Indian-Irish jumble of fried chicken bits with chiles, cumin, star anise, turmeric and more, all tossed with fries and served takeout style in a paper bag."

You can check out the menu here.

How great is it for these two Massachusetts restaurants to get the big-time recognition? You've got an Italian eatery with luxury in Back Bay and a pub redefining Irish fare in Dorchester.

Sounds like two really good places to plan your next meal. Is it dinner time yet?

50+ of the Best Massachusetts Bars and Nightclubs That have Closed

Below are over 50 of the best bars that have come and gone in Massachusetts. They may be closed, but the blurry, drunken nights, will be somewhat remembered forever.

Gallery Credit: Logan