Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Bova's Bakery

    4.3 (2k reviews)
    Open Open 24 hours
    Updated 3 months ago

    Order Bova's Bakery Takeout or Delivery

    Bova's Bakery Photos

    BOVA'S BAKERY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Bova's Bakery

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Judy S.

    I came inside just at the right time. I was so lucky. I checked the place out because it was the first bakery I saw when I turned the street. I didn't know of the bakery's good reputation. I was glad I stayed. It had a line inside the shop, but when I left. The line wrapped around the block. I came on a holiday. I got a Cannoli. How can you not? They have a huge pyramid as you walk in. I also got the cinnamon swirling bread. I loved both. The cannolis were delicious and fresh. I see why they have a tower lol. I recommend them. This is a small bakery. It can get tight inside. It gets really busy. It is worth the visit. It has a good reputation around here, and they are good. The service is fast. People are behind. It is friendly. Just know what you want before getting to the counter. It was hard maneuvering around the crowd.

    Jon R.

    This iconic BOVA's BAKERY & pastry shop has been Opened since 1926, 24 hours a day! Throughout my life I have had almost every cookie, every dessert that was made here and unless it's 12 midnight this place is always busy and you have to be patient in line! It's worth it! Fresh, tasty and oh so delicious!

    Pistachio Cannoli
    Bill S.

    "Bill, ya gotta go to Bova's for their Florentine cannoli!" Andie E, what a great tip! I have been to Florence Italy but never heard of a Florentine cannoli before. What a fantastic treat! I've been to Bova's bakery but wasn't on my radar during this Boston trip. When the Florentine cannoli was mentioned, I changed all my plans to try this cannoli. As luck would have it there was a parking spot almost across the street. I walked inside with one person in front of me. The display case has the all the freshly made cannoli front and center. How do you choose only one? I asked the counter person for a Florentine cannoli and a piece of apple strudel to go. I was out the door in five minutes, hooray! Once I got back to my hotel, I had to take a picture of this incredible pastry. First bite and I get the taste of lace cookie compared to what we're all used to, a crunchy shell. The lace cookie shell is incredible, it's firing off all senses. The cannoli cream is fantastic! Overall, this is a 10 out of 10 pastry. Forget those two large pastry shops with long lines, Bova's Bakery is a must stop when visiting Boston. If it's your first time trying a Florentine cannoli, Bova's Bakery makes the best on the north end. You're welcome.

    Pistachio Cannoli
    Elaine M.

    This mighty bakery on the corner has got everything you could ask for. With the crazy variety of sweet and savory, the hard part is narrowing down what you can actually fit in your stomach. If you see a line out the door, don't hesitate and get in the back of the line because it moves FAST. I really wanted the pistachio cannoli (should have gotten 2!) and ended up grabbing a Sicilian slice as well. I'll be back for another sweet treat tomorrow!

    Calzones
    Johnny Y.

    For what it is, and how late it's open, this place gets a 4 out of 5. I probably wouldn't come here for food during the day when there's other options, but when it's late night and nothing else is open this is definitely a great spot to go. Got a steak and cheese calzone late night and it was solid. Tasted kind of like a cheesesteak except not in a bun. Pretty good! I'd definitely come back for late night cravings. Guy taking the order was very nice too.

    Allison C.

    What an incredible Italian bakery! The variety was impressive, I would've gotten a little bit of everything if I could've. They had plenty of staff that were helping to take orders. The rainbow cookies were some of the best I've had, and I really enjoyed the amount of jam in them. Looking forward to coming back to try more, and love that they're open 24 hours!

    Shaved steak rice ball....so good!!!! Great value
    Shannon R.

    I'm sure this place doesn't need any more publicity, as the line is always around the block! If you happen to be in the neighborhood on one of the less busy days, it's definitely worth a stop. We tried the rum cake, which was a bit too sweet for me personally but still tasty, and the steak and cheese rice ball. The rice ball was amazing!!! Filled with so much shaved steak, lots of cheese, and it came with really tasty marinara. Took a few minutes to warm up, but definitely worth the wait. I wish I could go back for another right now as I reflect --truly delightful.

    Peanut Butter Cannoli
    Alyssa M.

    This Italian bakery is very cute and has a huge selection of desserts, as well as some savory items. When you come in you'll have to get in a long line, which makes it a little difficult to see all of the offerings. I wish they had a menu posted up somewhere so that you can see what they have and the prices (since these are not displayed at all). The inside has no seating so you'll have to take it to go, but it is pretty inside with all of the displays. I got the peanut butter cannoli and it was very tasty. The line moves quickly as well, which could be a good or bad thing depending on how quickly you make your decision!

    Outside
    Anusha S.

    Stopped by Bova's Bakery late at night since it's open 24 hours and has a lot of hype around it. The selection is really big, which makes it nice for grabbing something sweet at any time. I tried a couple items and overall thought they were good, just not very sweet compared to what I was expecting. Everything felt fresh, just a bit more subtle in flavor than I personally prefer. Overall, a solid spot and convenient option in the North End, especially late at night. I'd stop by again if I was in the area.

    Pastry case
    Lisa N.

    Still five stars ! Got there early on a Thursday morning and no line. Picked up cannolis cookies and bread Easy first stop after landing at the airport! It's very easy to here by taking the blue line on the T

    Sweet treats!
    Angela C.

    Rating only for the lobster roll! Bova's is the 7-11 of Italian bakeries in the North end, it's open 24 hours! It has such an old school mom & pop shop vibe, and an endless array of desserts in the case. They all looked amazing. My friend ordered a lobster roll for us to try. Unfortunately it wasn't something I enjoyed. I didn't like the cream inside and the pastry itself was bland. However with so many other delicious looking pastries and cakes available I'm sure that something would've been better suited to my tastebuds. Next time!

    Cream puff, tiramisu, Cannoli
    Diana F.

    I don't remember seeing prices in the glass displays. A few items on the counters had prices. Definitely mom-and-pop looking inside with items displayed everywhere, a bit chaotic. Most of the items were just ok or too sweet for me. Nothing stood out but it was super busy.

    Sandy P.

    Cash only! So many delicious items to choose from. 24/7 which is so cool and they offer late night bites too. This place has existed for years and family owned; BEST CANNOLI EVER. Can't go wrong with the original cannoli, the coffee one was yummy as well. Get their coconut cake because wow! Staff was friendly too and quick.

    See all

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Awesome Place will never go to another bakery again! Cannolis were incredible! And tht Sicilian pizza though

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tracy B.
    220
    1163
    4479

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Danan R.
    1029
    2406
    707

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Miko B.
    748
    543
    2009

    5 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Best coconut cake in the city! Great cakes and desserts! Open 24/7 & they even deliver on DoorDash.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jen R.
    296
    1137
    2639

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rene A.
    150
    15
    21

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 8 of 51

    Bova's Bakery Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Bova's Bakery

    Do you accept Apple Pay?

    Yes we do thank you for your question, George F Bova Partner/Co Owner… 

    Is the Florentine cannoli gluten free? Just almond meal?

    Hi Charlene, We can not say the Florentines are gluten free. Recipe varies slightly depending on temperature and humidity and sometimes flour is added slightly. In response… 

    Do they have a ricotta pistachio cake?

    I haven’t seen it in the store but you can order it I’m sure I’d be more than happy to make you cakes.

    Is this a sit down place?

    No. We get ours and then walk to the greenway to eat it

    View All 6 Questions

    You might also consider

    Giacomo's Ristorante - Boston - Fusilli with lobster and shrimp

    Giacomo's Ristorante - Boston

    4.1(4.5k reviews)
    0.1 miNorth End
    $$

    You might accidentally walk past this cute Italian ristorante...and you would regret it. I walked…read morearound the area for a while before settling at a table by the window in Giacomo's. I was quickly greeted and informed that they were cash-only dining. But fret not, for just inside the doorway is a perfectly placed ATM. It took only a few seconds for me to pinpoint the exact item on the menu that my stomach was craving and my eyes fixed upon...Antipasto for an appetiser and chicken Marsala for the entree. The antipasto dish arrived very quickly and was a beautiful layout. Of course I desired to save some room for the entree but ended up eating about 3/4 of the appetiser before it arrived. The chicken marsala was absolutely perfect, still steaming on the plate as she placed it before me. I told myself I would only eat half the dish and take the rest back to my hotel for snacking later. However, my taste buds are not allow me to stop feasting on this Italian delicacy. If you're ever in the area, don't worry about the other Italian restaurants in the downtown, although I am sure that they are well and good, but Giacomo's is well worth your consideration. My only regret is that I only have one more night here to try another one of their delectable dishes.

    Wait wasn't too long on a Friday night…read more I enjoyed the texture of the fusilli and it certainly was a hearty bowl of pasta. Beyond that though, nothing remarkable. Portion size was decent although prices are not cheap (just entree alone will be minimum $30). They specialize in seafood so the only protein options that weren't seafood were chicken or veal. There weren't too many apps that caught my eye, particularly lacking veggies. Service is on the ruder side. They automatically add 20% tip to your bill.

    Photos
    Giacomo's Ristorante - Boston - More menu

    More menu

    Giacomo's Ristorante - Boston
    Giacomo's Ristorante - Boston - Open dining room

    See all

    Open dining room

    Piattini - Rigatoni alla vodka

    Piattini

    4.0(1.2k reviews)
    1.7 miBack Bay
    $$$

    Thought that I was gonna get pasta, but decided to settle for sandwiches instead and it ended up…read morebeing a great decision! The pesto chicken sandwich is absolutely delicious-- from the focaccia bread being heavily seasoned to the chicken being juicy and crunchy at the same time, with the pesto, bring a great taste to the table overall, I absolutely loved this sandwich. The meatball Panini was also delicious if you are a meatball fan! Service was good. I just wish that it was a little bit more attentive at times as we waited a little longer to have gotten our check. I will come back here again to try more of their dishes and to try some of their drinks as well!

    I wanted to love this restaurant - the service was so friendly and attentive. This may have been…read morethe particular dishes I chose , but unfortunately, the food was just okay I ordered the shrimp scampi and Brussels sprouts. The sprouts had too much balsamic reduction on it which was cloying, and the garlic aioli didn't have a distinctive taste. Together it was too much sauce and the sprouts were generally overcooked, the mushy texture that makes people dislike them. The shrimp was cooked perfectly but the seasoning was on the bland side and too little sauce. It did have a nice brightness on the lemon and butter. The pasta had good texture (freshly made), but not enough flavor. The place was quite busy on a Monday night, but I don't think I'll return.

    Photos
    Piattini - Inside

    Inside

    Piattini - Tuna Crudo

    Tuna Crudo

    Piattini - Raffaela's Tiramisu (~$12)

    See all

    Raffaela's Tiramisu (~$12)

    Mida - Carne supremo

    Mida

    4.3(63 reviews)
    2.8 miFenway

    Wow! This kitchen is on fire! We were happy to find Mida open on the 4th of July! We were in Boston…read morefor a week and had some excellent food and this was our favorite restaurant of the trip. The service was amazing from the kitchen. We had a food party and shared all items. Pizza, fritto misto, braised beef on cauliflower puree ( no picture it was so good I forgot) Caesar salad and meatballs (also forgot to shoot a picture). Food was absolutely amazing. One note that I would normally score down on service when I order a drink before dinner I should at least get the drink and be able to consume it before all the food comes! Mida missed an opportunity here in timing the food and lost some liquor sales as a result. We gave this feedback to our server. Food was totally worth it and the vibe of the space was nice. Thanks Mida for a greata meala!

    Moody, classy interior that's perfect for a night out !…read more Spacious with plenty of seating (had no trouble making a last minute reservation) and great service all-around. Ordered the sausage pizza and mushroom pappardelle. 10/10 pizza--crispy crust with spicy peppers that balance out the sausages. Not to mention, most of the pizzas had reasonable prices for this area. Pasta was very mild (great if you're looking for a 'butter noodle' vibe) but personally wish it had more flavor. Highly recommend overall and would be a great choice for groups !

    Photos
    Mida - Inside

    Inside

    Mida - Sausage pizza +  Mushroom pappardelle

    Sausage pizza + Mushroom pappardelle

    Mida - Inside

    See all

    Inside

    SRV Boston - Stuffed fired zucchini flower

    SRV Boston

    4.4(657 reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$$

    Back in July 2020, I returned to SRV and decided to try the Arsenale tasting menu, a chef-curated,…read moremulti-course shared experience. Since it was summertime, we were able to sit outside in the courtyard out back. I had been to SRV before and had no idea this space was even there. It was tucked away, relaxed, and a great setting for dinner. I was pleased with just about everything that came to the table. There was one dish that simply wasn't doing it for us, but we didn't complain or ask for anything different. Then something happened that really stood out. The chef came out herself and mentioned that she noticed we barely touched that particular dish. She asked if she could send us something else instead. Sure enough, she did. That immediately took the service to another level. We never had to say a word. She noticed, cared enough to ask, and made sure we left happy. Looking back on this July 2020 visit, the food was creative, the courtyard was a nice surprise, but that level of attention from the chef is what I remember most. It turned a great dinner into a memorable one.

    We stopped in for an early dinner before the theater. We had reserved seats at the counter but…read moredecided the bar was more comfortable and ate there instead. The restaurant is quite large and was nearly empty during our visit, but it was early. Beware if you sit at the bar as it can be hot as there's a small heating grill on the back of the bar that emits a lot of heat. The curated menu includes cicchetti, or individual bites, along with first courses, pasta, fish, and other proteins. Despite the variety, I found it surprisingly difficult to find something appealing. We shared the zucchini, served over radicchio with ricotta and chipotle. It was heavier than expected, and the combination of flavors felt muddled rather than cohesive. For our main course, we both ordered the hake, served with fennel, onion, and pine nuts. As with the zucchini, the presentation felt somewhat awkward and unrefined, and the individual flavors did not come through as distinctly as we had hoped. The highlights were the friendly service and the Spring in a Bottle nonalcoholic sparkling rosé. Overall, however, we were underwhelmed and would not return.

    Photos
    SRV Boston - Bar Interior

    Bar Interior

    SRV Boston - Lobster risotto

    Lobster risotto

    SRV Boston - Outdoor

    See all

    Outdoor

    The Salty Pig

    The Salty Pig

    4.2(2.1k reviews)
    1.6 miBack Bay
    $$

    My coworkers and I had an amazing experience at The Salty Pig in Boston!…read more From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was lively and inviting. You can immediately tell this place takes pride in what they do, especially when you see the chefs in action. Watching them work with the freshly made dough and expertly handle the pizza oven added such a fun and authentic touch to the experience. The food was absolutely incredible. The pizza was hands down one of the best we've had--perfectly crisp crust, fresh ingredients, and full of flavor in every bite. We also ordered the cucumber salad, which was refreshing, light, and the perfect complement to the richness of the pizza. Everything about our visit felt thoughtfully done, from the quality of the food to the energy of the space. If you're in Boston and looking for a spot with amazing pizza, fresh ingredients, and a great vibe, The Salty Pig is a must-visit. We'll definitely be back! We had just arrived to Boston and we were starving so I didn't take photos.

    Our group of 16 was genuinely excited to dine at The Salty Pig in downtown Boston, hoping it would…read morebecome a regular spot on our list. While the kitchen delivered a solid meal, the service was so profoundly disappointing that it completely overshadowed the food. The culinary side of things easily earns a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. We ordered a wide variety of items to share, and the highlights included: * The Pizzas: Creative flavor combinations with fresh, high-quality toppings and fantastic crusts. * The Bucatini Pasta: Perfectly cooked and packed with rich flavor. * The Asparagus Appetizer & The Chicken Milanese: Both executed well, flavorful, and cooked to a high standard. Unfortunately, the front-of-house experience was uniformly horrible. For a large party, hospitality can make or break the night, and our server missed the mark at every single turn: * Argumentative & Dismissive: He actively argued with our host regarding an appetizer that had been ordered in advance. When asked about vegetarian substitutions for a sold-out pasta dish, he curtly replied, "Pasta with butter is all we can do"--despite the fact that we could clearly see a wide variety of fresh vegetables being used right on their pizzas. * Inattentive: Dirty dishes piled up on our table, and when we politely asked for them to be cleared, he claimed he needed to get help and walked away completely empty-handed. Our drink orders were rarely checked on or refilled. * Rude to Guests: He displayed visible attitude and put-off body language whenever anyone asked a simple question. This peaked when he was outright rude to one of the young women in our party who simply wanted to put her order in a bit early because she had to leave before the rest of the group. It is a real shame because the ingredients and the kitchen's output are genuinely good. However, between the hostile attitude and the lack of basic service standards, we unfortunately won't be rushing back.

    Photos
    The Salty Pig - Interior

    Interior

    The Salty Pig - Pork pate, manchego cheese, olives

    Pork pate, manchego cheese, olives

    The Salty Pig - Sippin' easy (w/ alc)

    See all

    Sippin' easy (w/ alc)

    MIDA - Foccacia

    MIDA

    4.2(718 reviews)
    2.2 miSouth End
    $$

    Great food, lovely ambiance, and awesome waitress! Perfect GNO or date night spot…read more I really liked both of the entrees we ordered. - - The lasagna was a hearty, comforting bite. Adding short rib as the protein gave the classic dish a unique but welcome twist. I was a fan! - The rock shrimp carbonara was al dente (and made with bucatini!!) and covered in the perfect amount of creamy sauce. No notes there. Also huge shout out to our waitress (who we unfortunately did not get the name of). She helped us pick a delicious wine, and made our night a bit more entertaining.

    Was excited to try this place because of all the reviews but I have to admit I'm confused…read more The highlights of our night were our server Daniel, their olive oil, and the deconstructed, wacky tiramisu. Daniel was super friendly, checked on us a lot, and offered a lot of suggestions including a red wine that is now my boyfriend's favorite. The free bread they give you came with some of the best olive oil I've ever eaten. Lastly, The tiramisu is not like any I've tried before but I honestly really liked it. It was super fresh and the espresso they pour over it is delicious. The rest of the food was meh. -North Shore Fritto Misto: 4/5, average squid:pepper ratio, fried well so they were not too chewy, great sauce. -Foccacia: 3/5, fluffy and soft but pretty boring unless you dip it in your pasta sauce. -Lasagna: boyfriend 4/5, me 2.5/5. I thought it was really salty and all I could taste was rib, no other components. Important to note though this was not my entree and I only had a few bites. -Bolognese: 1/5, the pasta cooked so well gave this a point otherwise the sauce was super thin, there was like no meat, and all I could taste were scallions.

    Photos
    MIDA - Inside

    Inside

    MIDA - ARANCINI

    ARANCINI

    MIDA - Arancini

    See all

    Arancini

    Bova's Bakery - bakeries - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...