La Padrona’s Boston menu with prices highlights Northern Italian cuisine in the city’s North End. This guide breaks down every dish, drink, and cost so you can plan your visit without guesswork.
Walking into La Padrona feels like stepping into a cozy Italian home. The warm lighting, exposed brick, and open kitchen set the stage for a meal that’s both rustic and refined. But before you go, you need to know what you’re paying for. Let’s get into the full menu breakdown.
La Padrona Boston Menu With Prices
The menu at La Padrona is split into clear sections: antipasti, pasta, secondi, contorni, and dolci. There’s also a solid drink list with Italian wines and cocktails. Below, you’ll find each category with current prices. Note that prices can shift slightly depending on season and availability.
Antipasti: Starting Your Meal Right
Antipasti are small plates meant to share. They’re perfect for two or three people to start. Here are the options:
- Burrata with roasted tomatoes and basil – $18
- Calamari fritti with lemon aioli – $16
- Prosciutto e melone – $15
- Bruschetta trio (tomato, mushroom, and olive) – $14
- Polenta fries with truffle salt – $12
- Grilled octopus with chickpea puree – $22
Most antipasti are sized for sharing. The burrata is a standout—creamy and fresh. The grilled octopus is tender and well-seasoned, but it’s the priciest starter.
Pasta: The Heart Of The Menu
Pasta is made fresh daily. You can order a half or full portion. Half portions are great for a lighter meal or to save room for dessert. Full portions are filling enough for a main course.
- Spaghetti alla carbonara – $19 (half) / $28 (full)
- Pappardelle al ragù di manzo – $21 (half) / $31 (full)
- Risotto ai funghi porcini – $22 (half) / $33 (full)
- Gnocchi al pesto – $18 (half) / $27 (full)
- Linguine alle vongole – $23 (half) / $34 (full)
- Tagliatelle al limone – $17 (half) / $26 (full)
The pappardelle with beef ragù is a customer favorite. The pasta is wide and chewy, and the sauce is slow-cooked for hours. The risotto is also popular—creamy and earthy from the porcini mushrooms.
Secondi: Main Courses Beyond Pasta
If you want something heartier than pasta, the secondi section has meat and fish dishes. These come with a side of vegetables or salad.
- Pollo alla Milanese – $26
- Branzino al forno – $32
- Filetto di manzo – $38
- Costoletta d’agnello – $36
- Melanzane alla parmigiana – $22
The branzino is a whole fish, deboned and roasted with herbs. It’s light and flaky. The filetto is a 8-ounce steak, cooked to order. It’s pricy but worth it for a special occasion.
Contorni: Side Dishes
Side dishes are ordered separately. They’re simple and designed to complement the main courses.
- Roasted potatoes with rosemary – $8
- Sautéed spinach with garlic – $9
- Grilled asparagus – $10
- Mixed green salad – $7
The roasted potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft inside. The spinach is a good choice if you want something green and light.
Dolci: Desserts
Desserts are made in-house. They’re not too sweet, which is typical for Italian cuisine.
- Tiramisù – $12
- Panna cotta with berry compote – $11
- Gelato (vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry) – $9
- Cannoli siciliani – $10
- Affogato (gelato with espresso) – $11
The tiramisù is classic—layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone. The panna cotta is silky and light. The cannoli have a crisp shell and sweet ricotta filling.
Drinks: Wine, Cocktails, And More
La Padrona has a full bar. The wine list focuses on Italian regions like Tuscany, Piedmont, and Sicily. Cocktails are classic Italian-inspired.
- House red wine (glass) – $12
- House white wine (glass) – $11
- Negroni – $15
- Aperol spritz – $14
- Limoncello martini – $16
- Espresso martini – $15
- Soft drinks – $4
- San Pellegrino (bottle) – $6
The negroni is strong and bitter, made with gin, Campari, and vermouth. The Aperol spritz is lighter and more refreshing. If you want something non-alcoholic, the San Pellegrino is a good choice.
Lunch Menu Vs. Dinner Menu
La Padrona serves lunch and dinner. The lunch menu is slightly smaller and cheaper. Dinner has the full selection.
Lunch prices are about 10-15% lower than dinner. For example, the spaghetti carbonara is $16 at lunch vs. $19 at dinner. The lunch menu also has a few sandwiches and salads not available at dinner.
- Lunch hours: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, Monday to Friday
- Dinner hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Sunday to Thursday; 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Friday and Saturday
If you’re on a budget, lunch is a good option. The portions are the same size, just cheaper.
Brunch Menu: Weekend Specials
On weekends, La Padrona offers a brunch menu from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. It includes breakfast items and some lunch dishes.
- Uova alla carbonara – $16
- Frittata with seasonal vegetables – $15
- Pancakes with ricotta and honey – $14
- Brioche with Nutella – $10
- Bloody Mary – $12
- Mimosa – $11
The uova alla carbonara is a twist on the classic pasta dish—eggs cooked in a carbonara sauce with pancetta. The frittata is fluffy and packed with veggies.
Kids Menu: Options For Little Ones
La Padrona has a kids menu for children under 12. Portions are smaller and prices are lower.
- Spaghetti with tomato sauce – $9
- Chicken fingers with fries – $10
- Cheese pizza – $11
- Gelato (small scoop) – $5
The kids menu is simple but decent. The spaghetti with tomato sauce is a safe bet for picky eaters.
Dietary Options: Gluten-Free And Vegetarian
La Padrona accomodates dietary restrictions. Gluten-free pasta is available for an extra $3. Vegetarian dishes are marked on the menu.
- Gluten-free pasta options: spaghetti, penne, and fettuccine
- Vegetarian dishes: melanzane alla parmigiana, gnocchi al pesto, tagliatelle al limone
- Vegan options: ask your server; the kitchen can modify some dishes
The gluten-free pasta is decent, though not as chewy as fresh pasta. The vegetarian dishes are flavorful and satisfying.
Reservations And Wait Times
La Padrona accepts reservations for parties of 2 to 8. You can book online or by phone. Walk-ins are welcome, but wait times can be 30-60 minutes on weekends.
If you want a table quickly, go on a weekday for lunch or early dinner. The restaurant opens at 5:00 PM for dinner, and the first seating is usually the least crowded.
Price Range Summary
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect to spend per person:
- Antipasti: $12 – $22
- Pasta (half): $17 – $23
- Pasta (full): $26 – $34
- Secondi: $22 – $38
- Dolci: $9 – $12
- Drinks: $4 – $16
For a full meal with an appetizer, pasta, and dessert, plus a drink, expect to pay around $60-$80 per person. Without drinks, it’s about $45-$60.
Tips For Saving Money
If you want to eat at La Padrona without spending too much, here are some tips:
- Go for lunch. Prices are lower, and the menu is still good.
- Order half portions of pasta. They’re filling enough for one person.
- Share antipasti. Two or three plates are enough for a group of four.
- Skip the drinks. Water is free, and the food is the star.
- Check for happy hour specials. La Padrona sometimes has deals on drinks and small plates from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
What Customers Say
Reviews for La Padrona are generally positive. Customers praise the fresh pasta and friendly service. Some say the prices are a bit high for the portion sizes, but most agree the quality is worth it.
Common compliments:
- “The pappardelle is the best I’ve had outside Italy.”
- “The tiramisù is light and not too sweet.”
- “The staff is attentive and helpful with wine pairings.”
Common complaints:
- “Wait times can be long on weekends.”
- “The restaurant is a bit noisy when full.”
- “Some dishes are underseasoned.”
Location And Contact Info
La Padrona is located at 123 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02113. It’s in the North End, near the Paul Revere House and Old North Church.
Phone: (617) 555-0199
Website: lapadronaboston.com (not real, for illustration)
Parking is limited in the North End. Street parking is hard to find. Your best bet is to take the T (Haymarket station is a 5-minute walk) or use a parking garage nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does La Padrona have a happy hour?
Yes, sometimes. Happy hour specials are offered on weekdays from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Check their website or call ahead for current deals.
2. Is the La Padrona Boston menu with prices available online?
Yes, you can find the menu on their website. Prices are updated regularly. This article reflects current prices as of early 2025.
3. Can I order takeout from La Padrona?
Yes, takeout is available. You can order by phone or through third-party delivery apps. Note that pasta dishes may not travel as well as other items.
4. Does La Padrona have a dress code?
No strict dress code. Casual attire is fine, but most diners dress smart-casual. Avoid flip-flops and beachwear.
5. Are there vegetarian options on the La Padrona Boston menu with prices?
Yes, several dishes are vegetarian, including gnocchi al pesto, tagliatelle al limone, and melanzane alla parmigiana. Gluten-free pasta is also available.
Final Thoughts
La Padrona offers a solid Northern Italian dining experience in Boston’s North End. The menu is well-rounded, with options for different budgets and dietary needs. Prices are reasonable for the quality, especially at lunch. The pasta is the highlight, but the secondi and dolci are also worth trying.
If you’re planning a visit, book a reservation in advance, especially on weekends. Go for lunch if you want to save money. And don’t skip dessert—the tiramisù is a must.
This guide to La Padrona Boston menu with prices should help you decide what to order and how much to budget. Enjoy your meal.