The New York Times is Excited About These Four New England Restaurants

It's always exciting when a big name network or newspaper gives New England a shoutout.

Last year, a New York Times Instagram post highlighted The Restaurant List, featuring 50 restaurants across the country that the paper is most excited about right now. Four New England spots - two in Maine, two in Massachusetts - made it on this prestigious list. Now that is quite the honor.

So, let's take a look at these places and see what they're all about.

#1- Dear Annie in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Dear Annie is a new establishment offering "a selection of fine + rare natural wine and pescatarian fare," according to their website. They also have special Monday night pizza nights. Um, yes please.

#2- Leeward in Portland, Maine

Just a short walk away from the Cross Insurance Arena and the Portland Museum of Art is Leeward, a new Italian restaurant with a "fondness for fresh pasta."  Who doesn't love pasta?

#3- Neptune Oyster in Boston, Massachusetts

Neptune Oyster is a popular seafood restaurant and oyster bar situated in the North End of Boston near the Paul Revere House. They've also got amazing buttered lobster rolls.

#4- Twelve in Portland, Maine

Shoutout to Portland for having two establishments on the list. Twelve prides itself on being a truly Maine establishment by offering "modern New England dining in a historic waterfront setting, inspired by Maine's landscape and natural bounty."

Want to see some other noteworthy New England restaurants? Here are the New Hampshire and Maine restaurants that have been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.