One of the nation’s leading restaurants is tucked inside the Raffles Hotel in Back Bay.
Spearheaded by James Beard Award-winning Chef and Restaurateur Jody Adams, La Padrona ranked as the second-best hotel restaurant in the nation, according to USA Today readers. The swanky Italian steakhouse in Back Bay serves cannolis tableside and a massive Porterhouse steak that makes hearts sing.
La Padrona opened only two years ago, but has already earned several accolades. Chef Amarilys Colon received a nod on the James Beard “Best Chef Northeast” shortlist in 2026, plus the restaurant ranked among the “top 50 in the nation” according to The New York Times only one year after opening. La Padrona also made Boston’s first-ever Michelin Guide as a “recommended” restaurant.
Adding to the list of awards for La Padrona is the most recent recognition as a USA Today 10 Best winner:
La Padrona at Raffles Boston delivers fantastic elevated Italian cuisine so fine that it was named as one of the 50 Best Restaurants by the New York Times. The warm dining room feels like an Italian villa interior and sets the stage for the gastronomic offerings, led by their signature Bistecca Alla Fiorentina, a 40-ounce black angus porterhouse, served with bone marrow and grilled focaccia. Acclaimed chefs Amarilys Colón and Jody Adams have crafted an exquisite menu and dining experience inspired by their culinary journeys through Italy, combining elegance and gourmet cuisine at Boston’s most prestigious address.
Joining La Padrona on the list is The Wharf Restaurant at Madison Beach Hotel in Madison, Connecticut, located 2 hours and 30 minutes south of Boston.
Methodology
Over 200,000 USA Today readers voted for their favorite hotel restaurants in the nation. From there, a team of seasoned USA Today travel experts and editors narrowed down the final list to the “top 10 best hotel restaurants in America.” La Padrona (#2) and The Wharf Restaurant (#4) are the only New England restaurants to make the list.
