Historically and culturally rich, Boston’s North End, or “Little Italy,” is one of the city’s oldest, most beloved neighborhoods. Wander the winding brick streets to take in the historical sights, browse in quaint shops, and EAT!
From simple cured meat sandwiches at salumerie to seafood platters at upscale restaurants and literally everything in between, the North End’s Italian eateries serve some of the city’s finest foods. There’s dessert to be had, too—in fact, both locals and tourists alike queue outside of the neighborhood’s most popular Italian pastry shops for sweet traditional baked goods, such as creamy ricotta-filled cannoli, chocolaty cookies, and elaborate cakes.
To get in on the action, join the lines at three megastar North End pastry shops.
Modern Pastry: 257 Hanover St, Boston, MA
Small and cozy with pastry cases chock full of colorful, homemade desserts and Italian language spoken behind the bar, Modern Pastry feels as though it has been uprooted from Italy and dropped into Boston’s North End. Come in with a plan as the hardworking, no-nonsense Modern Pastry team doesn’t appreciate indecisiveness. Order freshly filled cannoli, or try a crunchy, chocolate-covered, espresso-laced nougat (torrone). The elaborate, custard-filled, flaky lobstertail (sfogliatella), or simple carrot cake are wise decisions as well. A piping hot coffee rounds out the experience.
Mike’s Pastry: 300 Hanover St, Boston, MA
Larger than the other two shops, yet still almost always crowded with queues out the door, Mike’s is a popular place. Though you’ll have plenty of time to contemplate your order in line, standouts are donut-shaped cookies doused in powdered sugar (taralli), chocolate-covered quasi-cream puffs (bocconotti), and of course, cannoli. Mike’s makes cannoli ordering simple, too, by displaying large, colorful photos of each variation on the front wall. Chocolate lovers should consider the chocolate-covered, chocolate custard-filled cannoli.
Bova’s Bakery, 134 Salem Street
Since 1925, Bova’s Bakery has been a fixture in the North End. Generations have lined up for the grand variety of Italian specialty cookies, cannolis, pastries and pies. If savory is more of your taste, you’ll want a loaf of fresh, warm Italian bread or indulge in a thick, cheesy slice of the famed Sicilian-style pizza. Bova’s is open 24 hours – so no matter when the craving strikes, you’ll find the treat here!
This blog was updated Fall 2025.
