A grand restaurant in every respect that misses the mark. La Padrona seeks to overwhelm the senses but takes it too far: 1. I am not one to typically complain about loud restaurants but this place was totally ridiculous. Booming cub music with a bass that radiates through the floor. Impossible to hear a conversation. The music makes no sense for the ambience. 2. The cocktail menu tries to be innovative but the drinks are average. 3. Service felt disorganized. They never knew who ordered which drink or dish which I would expect for a restaurant of this caliber. Courses came out painfully slow and it often felt we were forgotten. 4. The food was good- not notable. The pastas were tasty and the filet was well prepared. I found dessert to be the best course. Overall a restaurant meant for big events that falls short of expectations read more

So the place is stunning to look at and be in but it is crammed and honestly the steps of service aren't there for the type of restaurant they want to be. For the 3 of us to have 3 entrees the bread sampler and 2 cocktails the bill was 280 without tip. The sa came to put the water and tried to pour the sparkling in one of the other people regular water glass when we told them of error she took while glass and threw away. We had our bread on table which was yummy but our server took our plates with still 4 pieces on there. It was a small table but we do need a plate. We got our entrees I had duck ragú and other chicken saltimboca. The ragú was a ragú but was cream and did have large pieces of duck in it. Tasty and pasta was fresh. Would I go back for it no but ok. The chicken was good but did come on the bone and wasn't described that way. The prosciutto and cheese I think was on top of it. Tasted ok but not worth it. I had 2 martinis each $30. They came with a cute cup of ice with a half fresh passion fruit for me to scoop in. I did like that touch. Overall nothing blew me away. They did bring a small dessert to say thx a orange almond cannoli which was tasty. To be voted best Italian I would expect more from them. read more

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Was here for a work related dinner in a private room. Obsessed with the bread that they bring out covered in grated cheese. The chocolate cake was also amazing and not as rich as it appeared. Halibut was amazing and the right serving size for me. They were very attentive to our needs and dietary preferences. read more

The service here is truly top-notch- from the hostesses, to the bartenders while we waited for our table, to our server who navigated my dietary restrictions with thoughtful recommendations. Another server even walked me to the restrooms instead of just pointing. Overall, I was really impressed. The food was delicious, the vibes were high, and I'll definitely be back. One of my favorite items was the flatbread, I almost ordered another just for dipping! read more

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This was hands down the best anniversary dinner we've ever had--and the fact that it was for our 19th makes that saying something. From the service to the food to the hospitality, everything was incredible. They went above and beyond to make it truly special for us and pulled out all the stops. Thank you for making it so special for us--this night is one we will never forget. read more

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La Padrona delivered an exceptional experience from start to finish. We came in as VIP guests and were treated exactly as such--every moment felt effortlessly special. The atmosphere is cleverly elegant yet young and everyone is very well immersed in their own business and polite. The cocktails were phenomenal, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. As for the food, we ordered the tuna crudo, rabbit ragu, risotto, piato di pane, lobster uni risotto, red wine braised veal, etc (we were celebrating so we ordered almost everything). Every single dish was executed to perfection and it's super fun to share with like nearly a tapas experience if you want it like that. Each bite was packed with bold, elevated flavors that showcased the kitchen's expertise. We spent five hours here even after close, yet the time flew by thanks to the incredible service. The waiters were attentive, charming, and fun, making us feel completely at home while maintaining a level of professionalism that enhanced the experience. So if you're looking for a place in Boston that combines impeccable food, top-tier service, and a stunning ambiance, La Padrona is it (dress well ;) read more

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Visited Sunday evening at 7pm. A little tricky to find because it is hidden off to the side of Raffles hotel. We had trouble getting last minute reservations elsewhere (one place gave away our table we reserved online). La padrona was able to accommodate easily! Thank goodness they did because it was a highlight of our trip to BOSTON. Have to admit we were a tad under dressed but when you are hungry just own it. I would advise getting a tad dressed up. It's a perfect special occasion, first date, or excited to have a great meal type place. The decor is sophisticated and luxurious from the entry to the main dining room. Staff was extremely attentive, next level. Yulia was exceptional and very down to earth. Such a pleasurable experience all around. I am gluten sensitive but my teenage kids and husband are not. They ordered focaccia bread items with lots of freshly shaved Parmesan on top. They loved it. We ordered the tuna crudo appetizer and it was unlike anything I have ever had. Such depth of flavor! Unlike anything I have had before. Cesar salad dressing was on point. Wow! I ordered the swordfish (with chunks of lobster) and it was fantastic. Highly recommend!! My family shared the chicken saltimpoca and 2-orders Tagliatelle Emilia romagne. They scraped the plates. The chicken was a favorite. The creme brulee was the creamiest and best flavor I have ever had, better than in Italy!! Wish the crust was a little thicker. But over all yum. We were given complimentary gf cannolis and it was a true treat for a gluten free eater to have those! Yuma was amazing and the staff was very attentive. You must try this place! read more

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No complaints at all. Expansive menu with plenty of options, all looked great. The dishes we did get were outstanding, served and plated well, and meal was well paced. Staff was great, helpful and attentive, ready with recommendations across cocktails, to wine, and of course the food. Great mix of bar and tables, can find just the right spot for you. read more

Hands down, this is a great place to celebrate a special occasion or just to enjoy a fancy dinner with your special company! The ambiance here is phenomenal with the entry way paying homage to a nostalgic world gone by. The bar is classic and the staircase going up to the dining hall is refined. They also have an elevator for those who already worked in their glutes! The dining hall is top notch with everything where it should be. The staff here is very attentive and very efficient. We were lucky to by paired with Clara & her trainee Sam who was shadowing her that evening. Clara was great with her course recommendations and Sam was a natural. Clara recommended some dishes and we just decided to go with her choices! Afterall, she was part of the original staff when they opened this luxurious restaurant about 2 years ago. As each course arrived, they were introduced and beautifully presented. As each course arrived, we were happier and happier. Needless to say, everyone at our table was very satisfied and happy with what we ate! We were so full from dinner that we really didn't have any more room for dessert but Clara & Sam really insisted on the chocolate cake! I mean...Clara & Sam hadn't done us wrong yet. It was delicious and sharing it was absolutely perfect! What a lovely experience and such a memorable dinner! We'll certainly be back....see you here! read more

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Why I won't go back: food is underwhelming, ranging from bland to marginally edible Do NOT order: the osso bucco, which was the opposite of fall off the bone tender. More like saw through it just to get a tasteless chunk of meat. Tony's Tip: the appetizers tend to be better than the entrees. While I see no reason to dine here, especially for the prices they charge, if you choose to go, perhaps just dip your toe in the water vs. a full-on dinner. Well, we've been here twice. I knew after the first time that I was not a fan, but friends we hadn't seen in a while wanted to try it, so we gave it another shot. My bad. Service has been okay, and our main server this last visit had some positive energy. But another one spilled the juice from a main course plate onto the table and had to come back to replace a utensils and napkin setting. Drinks come out pretty quickly and the entrees followed our starters with a comfortable lag each time. The main problem here is the food, though the sticker shock prices leave a figurative bad taste in the mouth as well. I've had a pasta dish (Tagliatelle Emilia) and the osso bucco. The sauce on my pasta was quite heavy/rich - there's definitely a way to pull this dish off with a more subtle preparation. The osso bucco from our most recent visit was dense, fatty, and had the flavor cooked out of it. My wife and I shared it and we both agreed it was barely edible. We left half of it between the two of us. I have mixed reviews on everything else we've eaten. Bread service is decent...but not $28 decent. The sauce with the Nantucket Bay scallops dish did nothing to amp up a fish that typically needs a little boost. Every element of the proscuitto, stracciatella and figs was "dry." We thought the carrots were good, but not spectacular. You get the picture. Bottom line: don't trust the restaurant's landing page, which touts La Padrona as being named Boston's Best New Restaurant of 2024 (by whom???). Trust your fellow Yelpers, who collectively give a "meh" to this overhyped, underwhelming dining experience. read more

Had an outstanding dinner on Thanksgiving, great seafood. Nice wine pairings. Swordfish was excellent

I am writing to share feedback regarding a very disappointing experience my group had at your restaurant on the evening of March 7. We had a reservation for a party of 10 at 9:00 PM to celebrate a milestone birthday for our friend Juliet. Our group arrived early at approximately 8:45 PM, however we were not seated until after 9:30 PM. Unfortunately, from the moment we arrived, the evening felt extremely disorganized and the service did not reflect the level of hospitality one would expect from a high-end establishment. Once seated, everything took an unusually long time to be served -- including drinks, starters, and our main meals. In fact, we did not receive our dinner until well after 11:30 PM. For a large group celebrating a milestone birthday, the experience was overwhelming and frustrating rather than enjoyable. While we did eventually receive a complimentary bottle of champagne, it had to be requested rather than offered proactively, and nothing else was extended to acknowledge the significant delays or the inconvenience we experienced throughout the night. Additionally, when our main courses arrived, the server noticed that no one had ordered sides and asked if we wanted to add any. By that point it was already around midnight, and we had neither the patience nor the desire to place additional orders that we were told could take up to another hour to come out of the kitchen. Another disappointment was learning that several of the key menu items our group had planned to order were already sold out. This further dampened the mood of what was meant to be a special celebration. Overall, the evening did not meet the expectations we had for a restaurant of La Padrona's caliber, especially considering the significant amount spent by our group and the importance of the occasion. I felt it was important to share this feedback so that the experience of future guests celebrating special occasions can be improved. I would appreciate hearing from management regarding this matter. read more

I had no idea what to expect stepping into La Padrona, but left in awe of this miraculous team and their incredible cuisine. A newer Boston restaurant has definitely found their sea legs and is flourishing. Walking into this place is like an architectural digest review, each inch carefully curated. We were seated in a gorgeous booth in the back that set a perfect tone for the night. Our server and their team was kind, thorough, personable, and quickly knew what to suggest as the night went on. I was so impressed. While my camera didn't take the best photos, trust me when I say that this stands in a town known for Italian food. My top hits: - the bread was magnificent and decadent with a bunch of fresh Parmesan on top - the ricotta and celery root agnolotti surprised me and was my absolute favorite main with delicate, yet complex flavors and beautifully balanced - the dirty martini brought a smile to my face with the unique presentation, perfect execution and ample accoutrements - the Florentine cannolis were perfectly crafted, offered a delicate lacy shell and beautiful filling for a more unique take on the classic cannoli Will absolutely be visiting again and next time I will go to the speakeasy too. read more

Very nice ambiance, the staff was very friendly and the service was spot on. Best Negroni in town with a wide selection of vermouth. The food was very good but some of the pasta dishes need a little more thought. read more

We got quite a few things and the only time we would not get again is the cornbread. It was far too sweet. Our server was wonderful. It was a very good evening (our xmas celebration). My adult kids loved the cocktails. My only complaint, and I was quite disgusted, was the condition of the bathroom. It is a joint bathroom. I have no Issue with that but, every stall was disgusting. Pee everywhere. And I witnessed every man come out of a stall and not wash their hands. So gross. They need a bathroom attendant to encourage hand washing or at the least hand sanitizer and clean the stalls after every person. This is an expensive restaurant. Guess the affluent think they are above decent hygiene manners. I am not sure I will go back there. It was quite literally the worst bathroom I have ever been in. read more

The food was excellent and our waiter was great. Dined with a party of five on a Saturday night. They play disco music so it is a challenge to hear those in your group. read more

If this place doesn't impress you with drinks food and service it's on you! Had a great experience top to bottom. Waiters were terrific without any snobbishness. Menu, tight and something for everyone. Great wines and cocktails. Stylish ambiance. I have 2 items to add. Handheld toast terminals are not appropriate at this price point and tablecloths are a must again at this level. My little 2 cents. Can't wait to return!!! read more

Overrated food, bad service, not too loud (but they do have a quite room if this is an issue). We enjoyed the prosciutto with figs and tuna crudo. The flatbread is the best among the breads, but I would pass them all. There is a potato side dish, which is basically tater tots. Also skip. Lobster risotto and swordfish were tasty but nothing spectacular. Overall the food doesn't justify the prices. The cocktails were tasty, but lacking alcohol. Our service was slow and unnecessarily pretentious. There are better places in the neighborhood. read more

Delayed seating but Syria kindly took care of us. Everything excellent. Grilled Caesar, grilled cabbage, halibut, swordfish, huge portion of cacio Pepe focaccia. Truffle martini is a good savory martini but probably wouldt order again. Espresso martini w baileys was perfect. We made that our dessert along w the complementary canollis. Loud, high energy vibe. Will return but best w small party. Enjoyed high top table on end of bench nearest hostess stand. read more

I wasn't a fan of their cocktails. But their main courses were pretty good. I got the swordfish and my friend got the halibut both were done perfectly and the sauces around them were dreamy. We did start off with the chickpea bread which they say it's gluten free but I feel slightly off after eating it so beware. Other than that very cute ambiance and the service was good. read more

La Padrona - Chickpea Bread - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Food, service and drinks were really good. Loved the ambiance and the vibe. Definitely perfect for a date night or dinner with the girls. It is pricy tho I will say and the portion sizes aren't that big but not too small either. I just don't think a martini should cost 24$ when average price in the area is around 20 and under. Not sure why a new restaurants would want to increase prices for drinks and food you can literally get for cheaper and just as good around the corner. read more

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Food: Very disappointing. Many menu items were unavailable, and the $250 entrée we ordered arrived cold and chewy. Service: Acceptable, but not enough to make up for the food issues. Value: Absolutely not worth the price point. read more

The food was excellent. Probably 5 stars,, and the environment was great. We really liked the décor, especially the signature hand gesture, which felt very Italian. However, there was an incident that left us a bit surprised. When I mentioned that I get along well with Russian people because they are hardworking, since I know the waitress is Russian, she visibly rolled her eyes and turned away. I caught the glance, but didn't mention it to friends because I didn't want to ruin our evening or take away from the beautiful dinner experience. I was taken aback and didn't engage with her any further after that. If the staff is unhappy with customers' comments, I kindly suggest that they keep their reactions discreet and avoid rolling their eyes so visibly. It doesn't leave a good impression, especially for a high-end restaurant. read more

Came here for dinner with a bachelorette party and it was perfect for the occasion! The service was amazing. Started off with a champagne toast after server suggested it. Between 8 of us we had lots of different dishes, all were good. I only gave 4 stars instead of 5 because the food was good but not great. The vibe awesome and decor is beautiful. Would definitely recommend for a special occasion. read more

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This restaurant is dazzling with an elegant ambiance which transports you to Milan. The service is impeccable. All servers and hosts were friendly, attentive and accommodating. We celebrated my mother's birthday here with a group of friends and it felt quite special. The cuisine was very good. Dishes my table enjoyed: Tagliatelle Emilia, Eggplant Milanese. Seared halibut was nice (not great). One guest requested the swordfish Fra diavolo to be made non-spicy (an unusual request because it's a spicy dish). It came out very spicy. They were able to remake it without spice and were very accommodating. It turned out delicious. The Tuscan flatbread was good. Basic bread like this should be Free. The burnt rigatoni with clams sounded interesting, but it was weird and had an unusual taste that none of us enjoyed - had a strong oregano seasoning and the pasta was pasty and overcooked. That dish was a Big No. For dessert: The chocolate cake was very good, but the tiramisu not so much. It was soupy. There were 0 dairy free options for dessert and very few options on the dinner menu which was disappointing. This could be improved. Valet parking is $50 Cash Only (plus gratuity). Overall, I'd highly recommend La Padrona. read more

La Padrona - SEARED HALIBUT Braised tomatoes, basil pesto, lemon - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Ambiance is a vibe! It feels like a Miami or Vegas restaurant- amazing energy and the music is bumping! Service- we were seated promptly, however, it took a little longer then you'd expect for this price point to be greeted. Drinks came up a little slow at first then things were smooth sailing! Food- was top notch! Everything we got was truly amazing! The apps were so tasty and my main dish was best pasta ever had! This would be a great place for a girls dinner or fancy dinner! read more

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New restaurant in back bay with fabulous service and food. Great ambience, unlike a lot of restaurants in hotels, this has its own entrance off the street so you'd never know there's a hotel attached. Yes, it's pricey but the overall experience was a hit. Downsides (there are always some), we were first shown to a table right behind the maitre d stand. No thanks (the entire dining room was open at 5:30). Took us to a very nice window table instead (they never filled that crappy table while I was there...do I have sucker stenciled on my forehead?). The beef (wagyu) carpaccio was very salty (some kind of black salt on the skin of the medallions). They removed the item from my bill without question (as it should be). My hubby was not fond of his chicken saltimboca... came out as a small chicken leg instead of a plump boneless breast we are accustomed to. On the plus side They also brought out a complimentary veg side of sautéed mushroom assortment...morels, lions mane) which was delish. Complimentary Tiramisu along with the peach cobbler we ordered, both very good. We were never rushed despite the restaurant being packed by the time we left. Sorry, no pix to share, but here's the menu with pricing read more

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Heard this place was one of the best new Italian restaurants in Boston. Nothing could be further from the truth. Beautiful interior, great service, horrible food. The cannelloni for two tasted old and reheated. Couldn't finish it which is a first for my wife and I. The prices do not align with the quality. I know the North End has changed dramatically over the years, but the food there is still far superior than anyplace else in New England. read more

La Padrona is an elegant restaurant with excellent food. The dining room is well-appointed and the service is of the finest quality. Meal presentation is very sophisticated. Regrettably, our party of four was seated in a banquette designed to fit two comfortably. The techno-sounding music was a bit loud for easy conversation. There was also a sense of being moved along rather quickly for a restaurant of this caliber -- but I understand the cost pressures on restaurants. Overall, I recommend this restaurant. read more

La Padrona hit it out the park last night! Ambience, food, and service was amazing. Our waiter Billy never made us feel rushed and offered great recs throughout the night. Manager came out twice to say hi and even asked if she could do anything else to elevate our dining experience. One reviewer had mentioned timing was impeccable and they weren't kidding. The service staff was very attentive to detail. Complimentary limoncello at the end of the night was a kind gesture as well. Highlights of the night included the rabbit, beet salad, cod, and tagliatelle. Don't forget to save room for desert. Will def be back! Pro tip: try to get into Blind Duck (top floor) before dinner as it's nearly impossible to snag a spot later in the night. That being said, the vibe and drinks on the first floor did not disappoint! read more

La Padrona - FAZZOLETTI milk braised rabbit, roasted sunchokes, fennel - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Nice downstairs bar area to get drinks while we waited for the table to be ready. Upstairs dining area is lovely - busy and very loud. Service was great. I left a little underwhelmed by the food. It's the vibe/experience/decor that makes up most of the positives for me. I can definitely see me coming back to get a drink downstairs though. read more

Food was good...portions are very small...more like app size. Drinks were absolutely NOT with alcohol!!! I bought 4 drinks at bar before dinner....tab including tip $100. So disappointing. When you have a margarita in a small glass topped off with ice, you'd at least expect a buzz. read more

Food was pretty terrible, but the service was much worse. Do not get the cacio e Pepe bread. Dry. Tasted like a massive crouton. Lobster risotto was so fishy I had one bite read more

La Padrona - Cacio e Pepe focaccia. Stale and dry - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Loved La Padrona! Was hesitant with all the mixed reviews but I'm so glad I gave it a chance!Swanky and moody, great for a date night or special dinner out. Service was excellent, food was incredible, and ambiance was high-end and beautiful. The cacio e pepe focaccia was delicious, the bucatini alla napoletana was amazing even though it's such a simple entree, and the vanilla gelato was decadent and interesting with a balsamic drizzle and olive oil croutons. This place is pricey but I'll definitely be back!! read more

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Amazing! Ask for Kate. Everyone was super helpful and the food was great. I would recommend this place for any occasion.

Everything about our night was truly amazing from the food to the service and the atmosphere. Was a little louder than expected but the whole experience more than made up for that. Guila was one of the best servers we have had in years. read more

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service off the charts, awesome wine selection and food was so good!!! Loved it all!!! yum

This restaurant has a very old Hollywood vibe - in addition to the decor, all guests look like they're dressed to impress. While welcoming this restaurant is very crowded so by no means is it quiet. We ordered the tuna crudo which was delicious and a great appetizer. The tagliatelle has a nice twist with the balsamic glaze cutting into the flavor of the cheese. My husband ordered the osobuco and really enjoyed the flavors. The best part of our night was the chocolate cake at the end. This might have been the most decadent chocolate cake we've had and we were very pleased. We also were trying to decide between the florentine cannoli and chocolate cake, and so our waitress even brought out two for us to try with our cake. The attentiveness to each table is also something that makes this place worthwhile. read more

We booked a dinner at La Padrona with high expectations. I had dined there three or four times previously -- the food had generally been very good, though the service was sometimes a tad slow. With that in mind, I felt confident hosting an important business dinner for a client visiting from Europe. Unfortunately, nearly everything that could go wrong did. I had requested in advance one of the quiet booths at the back of the dining room, away from the bar. I first booked online, then followed up by phone to confirm, even discussing a specific table. I was assured all was set. Yet when we arrived, the maître d' attempted to seat us at a cramped table in the bar area -- the opposite of what I had requested. When I objected, the manager appeared with his iPad and insisted they had honored my request, claiming that because we were not literally at the bar, the request for "away from the bar" had been met. Only after some back-and-forth did he offer an alternative in the so-called "club room," which is essentially a bland overflow space with no charm. With the restaurant fully booked, we had little choice but to accept the table by the bar. The manager assured us he would take excellent care of us. That promise was not kept. The bar seating was intolerable: the music was so loud that conversation was strained, and a subwoofer under the banquette made the bass line vibrate through the seat. Our guest, understandably uncomfortable, had to swap seats with me. Service was no better. Our waitress took nearly 45 minutes to place our order, and when dishes finally arrived, they came out haphazardly, not in the order we had requested. The food itself was a disappointment -- mediocre overall, with one pasta dish served at room temperature. Service miscues continued throughout the evening. A different server delivered dessert menus while we were still eating our main courses, which was bizarre. Later, our own server offered dessert menus again, and when we declined and asked for the check, she disappeared for 20 minutes. When the bill finally arrived, I asked to pay immediately, but she vanished once more. After another 15 minutes I had to track her down myself, and when the payment was processed she walked off with the receipt. The maître d' could not locate it when I requested it as we left. She also promised to email it to me -- but did not follow up. As for the manager who had promised attentive care: we never saw him again. This experience was not merely disappointing -- it was embarrassing, particularly with a valued client and my wife at the table. I have long admired Jody Adams and have made a point of supporting La Padrona (and her other restaurants in Boston), spending generously on each prior visit. Until now, those evenings were genuinely enjoyable. But this dinner felt like one indignity after another, capped by indifference from a management team that seemed more interested in filling tables than in offering hospitality. La Padrona now comes across less as fine dining than as a cash register with a menu -- a place coasting on its glamorous ambiance while letting down loyal customers. read more

Incredible video paired with an incredible selection of food and drinks. Would definitely recommend getting there before your reservation to enjoy a drink or cocktail at the downstairs bar. read more