Inside Raffles’ Recipe for Success: How Top Restaurateurs Are Creating the City’s Buzziest Dining Destinations

Courtesy of Raffles Boston

In today’s competitive hospitality landscape, hotels are no longer just places to sleep—they’re becoming culinary destinations in their own right. A growing number of hotel brands, from boutique to luxury chains, are partnering with acclaimed restaurateurs and chefs to create buzz-worthy restaurants that attract not only guests, but also locals and food tourists.

Brian Samuels

These collaborations often go beyond food—they're lifestyle statements. From bar programs designed by award-winning mixologists to interiors by top design firms, hotel restaurants are now tailored experiences aimed at appealing to influencers, tastemakers, and discerning travelers. Social media-worthy aesthetics and inventive menus make these venues as much about the vibe as the meal.

Even legacy hotel brands are getting in on the action. Marriott’s luxury properties like The Ritz-Carlton are reimagining their dining concepts to better compete in local markets and brands like Raffles are tapping the best of the best to create the buzziest restaurants in town at their properties from Singapore to Boston. 

In fact La Padrona, an Italian restaurant located within the Raffles Hotel in Boston's Back Bay has quickly become the most sought after reservation in town.

Led by Eric Papachristos, co-founder of A Street Hospitality Group, which owns several successful establishments, including Trade, Porto, Saloniki Greek, and the Venetian, he has transformed a passion for hospitality into a thriving business and created a legacy of culinary excellence. 

Raffles took notice and tapped him and his partners legendary Chef Jody Adams and Jon Mendez to create La Padrona. The result? The restaurant has quickly become one of the city's most talked-about dining destinations. Since its opening in late spring 2024, it has garnered numerous accolades, including being named "Best New Restaurant" by Boston Magazine, Modern Luxury, and Eater Boston to name a few. 

At the helm, James Beard Award-winning chef Jody Adams and Executive Chef Amarilys Colón, present a menu that highlights regional Italian flavors infused with a New England flair. Signature dishes include lobster and uni risotto, a 36-ounce dry-aged bistecca alla Fiorentina, and tagliatelle inspired by Emilia-Romagna and a bread program that is a must-have.

Brian Samuels

Born in Boston and raised in Thessaloniki, Greece, Papachristos was introduced to the restaurant industry at a young age through his fathers diner.

Papachristos attributes his success to a blend of hospitality passion and business acumen.

"The magic begins at 5 p.m.—that’s when the doors open, the lights dim, and every guest becomes part of the story. As owners, we don’t clock out. This isn’t a 9-to-5 job; it’s a way of life. At La Padrona, we welcome each guest as if they were entering our home, and the party starts the moment they arrive. We’re there for every step, because excellence doesn’t happen by accident—it’s something we live and breathe." Said Papachristos.

Hotels like Raffles understand that today’s travelers aren’t just booking a room—they’re booking an experience. By partnering with top chefs to create destination-worthy restaurants, they’re raising the bar and turning their properties into the city’s most talked-about tables.

As Papachristos continues to innovate and expand, word is his impact on the culinary scene may just lead him to Miami. 'There’s something electric about the Miami scene—it’s dynamic, diverse, and constantly evolving. The blend of neighborhoods and cultures creates a playground for both global brands and chef-driven concepts. There’s truly something for everyone. Who knows, you might just find us there one day.' said Papachristos

Here’s to hoping he’ll save us a seat…

By ML staff.