I used to be Modern Pastry when I lived here during college and didn't ever go to Bova. Was never a Mike's Pastry guy, that's was for visitors from out of state. I'm back after 2 decades. Well, I was sleeping on Bova! Bova is excellent. Far superior to the others and it's an actual bakery with savory foods too. read more

I'm torn on giving this place 4 stars, read on to find out why. As I left Parziale's, I walk to the corner, and boom, Bova's is in my face. I had been to Bova's years ago, and did not realize how close I was. So, clearly I walked in. It wasn't that busy as it was an off time at around 345pm, so well after lunch, and before people getting off of work. The family inside were ordering a bunch of things, cool, great, then i'm the only other person in the store for a few moments, with at least 5 employees behind the counter. I peruse the cases, as I just left Bova's with cookies and cannoli, that i'm unsure how much I want to get. 2-3 minutes pass, and i'm ready, i've decided. As I walk closer to the counter to wait on being helped, more customers walk in, a party of 2, a family of 4, and a someone who seemed to be on their own like me. Immediately the employees behind the counter ask all of those parties if they need help, after no one even acknowledged me. Ok, not end of the world. They get helped first, whatever, i'm not in a rush, I can wait, and did waste 2-3 minutes looking around. Standing in the same spot, people are moving around me, i slide back and forth a little so people can see the case better, but basically stay in the same spot by the register/scale. After everyone else has funneled out, no one has still acknowledged me. Ok, at this point, I do not NEED anything, so I start to walk to the door, and someone finally acknowledges me by saying "where you going?" Huh? Leaving, because of what happened. Whatever, I give them benefit of the doubt, and order my cookies, pay (which, i'd like to point out, feel like the prices were a little made up, as i looked around and saw zero signage about pricing, but maybe i missed it ), and leave. Now this is what makes me still give 4 stars, the cookies and pastries are very darn good.... Would I come back, yes, because the cookies are good, but if I run into the same CS experience, i'd prob give up and just stick to other spots. read more

Been going here for ever... Never any prices posted? Cash only I don't like wondering what they charging now, ? My reviews always 5 stars... I got 2 Florentine cannolis and a chocolate brick Was 29 dollars and never got a receipt? Why? Modern Pastry prices are posted . Mike's prices posted. The Bova's cannoli's looked smaller this visit... I'm going back to Modern Pastry from now on. I think all North end three bakeries Mikes, Modern, Bovas overpriced now and are now controlled inflated prices... Go to other growing better Boston Pastry spots...Bakey a growing spot excellent Bakey desserts. Montillios , shop around to get better pastries, Good pastries in Newton at Antoine's, and others been opening... read more

Bova's Bakery - Cappuccino cannoli, chocolate bomb - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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This bakery is the BEST little bakery in the north end. They have so many Italian authentic pastries. They have many cannoli options, other goodies- they're all so fresh. There is no place to sit so it is more "grab and go", but still 10/10 and will definitely visit again. read more

Bova's Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I found Bova's thanks to a great tip from our server at Joe's on the Waterfront when I asked where to find the best cannoli in Boston. I'm glad I listened! I tried the chocolate chip and Nutella cannolis--both hit the spot. Creamy, sweet, and freshly filled with just the right crunch in the shell. I was a little bummed they had run out of the Florentine cannoli (which was the one specifically recommended to me), but honestly, everything else looked amazing. The bakery itself is super cute with a charming, old-school vibe. Staff were friendly, and ordering was easy even though I was a bit overwhelmed by the sheer amount of pastry options. It's like dessert heaven in there. Definitely worth the walk. A must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth in Boston. read more

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Bova's is a Boston staple! I have only ever bought their cannolis, which are fresh and delicious and have multiple different flavors. They have a ton of other cakes, cheesecakes, cookies, and pastries. Most of the time the line isn't too bad, but I most recently came on a Saturday and the line stretched all throughout the store and down the block. It probably took us 15-20 minutes to get through. Big perk that it's open 24/7, especially if you have a late dinner/Celtics game in the area! read more

Bova's, a staple bakery in the North End serving high quality baked goods 24/7. That's right, this place is open all hours of the day! Love a late night cannoli run. Now while they offer so many things, the Florentine Cannoli is a MUST from Bova's. It's fresh and a good size. I've also tried some of their other cannolis but this is by far my favorite. It's the most expensive cannoli they sell but worth it... I've never tried any of their savory foods but they always look good. One of these days I'll venture out of the cannoli world. The interior is quite small, as it's a takeout only establishment. You wait in line around the counter to order but I've never waited more than a few minutes. Since it is takeout only, be prepared to bring your items home or eat them while strolling. When in Boston, go to Bova's Bakery! read more

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What an experience this bakery offers and it's not about just the excellent bakery items with choices far and wide! The old school experience with hand written descriptions of the treats lined the counters on both sides. They also have hot food choices too including arancini deep fried rice balls filled with other goodies. I was there for the cookies, cannolis and the huge apple dumplings (which I didn't get in my bag and didn't noticed after we got to the airport). But everything else that we got raspberry bow tie cooked, Russian tea cookies and pistachio cannoli were yummy! The service was great and the lady who helped us was nice - she just forgot my apple dumpling - and conversational. The ambiance put me back in time with the glass window lined shelves full of baked goods and the old door entrance and tile floors. This place is open 24/7 too! read more

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Great people very fun place to get dessert freaking Italian dessert heaven!!! A must visit in the north end!! We timed it perfect and missed the usual line!! Love the homey Italian feel!! I would be a 100lbs heavier if I lived near here but don't get it wrong we left with 4 bags of cookies and treats to take back home for the holidays!! They do take card but the better deal is to be had with cash so make sure you've got a full wallet and an extra person to carry the bags cause it's that good and the prices are very reasonable for the quality of the product!! read more

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Open 24hr and cash only (*edit: they take card*) Service was quick at night and selection was still very widely available. 4/10 Pistachio Cannoli $5.50 - shell was average, pistachio filling was pretty bad. Did not taste like pistachio but rather like color cream with an artificial after taste. Would not recommend read more

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The cannolis here are AWESOME! Tiramisu was great too! It's a little cramped inside, but it's justified by how tasty their desserts are. Staff is quick and friendly as well! read more

Nut allergy warning: Seriously consider not eating here or bringing severe allergy medicine to this or any of the other cannolis locations. None of them guarantee nut allergy safety and even have signs warning against cross contamination. I generally take the smallest possible bites of a cannoli and still suffer cross contamination reactions. The things I do for a review. I brought some friends on the North Boston mini-Cannoli tour. Bova's was our first stop, being the northern-most. The line was not too bad when we stopped by around 7:30pm on a Saturday, about 25 people long. We got the chocolate chip cannoli ($5 cash, the cheapest of the big three). While overall it was a good cannoli, we rated it the least unique of the big three. I'd say it wins on value (cheapest) and availability (24 hours). It is not too sweet and sufficiently flaky and crispy. It is still a marvelous cannoli overall. read more

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This adorable stop is one street away from long lines at pastry shops and a couple of blocks off the path between the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church ~ but this detour is 100% worth it! Cannolis are amazing!! We had crème brûlée (oh gracious!!!) and peanut butter. It was a pure act of discipline not to go nuts and load up with many of the scrumptious offerings! Try this shorter line but oh-so-fabulous stop for a taste of Italian Boston that will have you singing! read more

Oooooooooweeeeee!! Finally made it down here to Bova's. All I can say is WOW!! I'm sorry I don't have pics, I dug right in and forgot all about capturing the moment. However the moment is locked in my taste buds forever. I've been eating cannoli's all my life, now I can never eat another unless it's from Bova. Everyone said they are the best, now I know why. Their coconut cake is so good. Light, and just the right amount of sweetness. My goal is to try everything eventually. Totally worth a trip to The North End and driving around the block a few times to get a parking spot. Customer service is fast and efficient. Looking forward to my next visit. read more

one of the best bakeries in boston. their pastries are far better than their more "popular" competitors in the north end. the rice balls are always a hit too. service is good, they're very efficient. clean and classic inside. read more

Everything looked great but only tries a few cookies. The rainbow fell very flat, no real flavor which seemed odd to mess that one up. The pignole cookie was decent pine nuts tasted a bit old. The best was the macaroon cookie with a cherry on it. The pastries all looked amazing but we didn't try them. Based on what we had I didn't love their cookies. read more

A late night gem, Bova's doesn't get the full recognition it deserves. Being a 24 hour shop makes it a go to, especially late at night when you want something sweet. The line can get long but it's well worth the wait and it can run fairly smooth. I love the s'mores brownie. The different cannolis are fantastic too. So many variations, flavors, and treats - it's nearly impossible to leave with just one treat. read more

went here after our 5 am arrival flight to Boston. My coworker from Boston recommended this bakery and we went everyday on our trip. The workers are so sweet and the pastries are incredible. The lobster tail (especially in the morning) is amazing, the cream is made in house and the pastry is so light and airy and not too sweet. Their cannolis and cheesecakes were so rich, I'd share with someone else. Their calzones are also delicious and warmed up when ordered. read more

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Tried something new and i think i have a new fav.... Florentines! Wish i had a pic... ate it uppppp Place is packed Def a line I see why But the workers keep it moving No complaints Good job yall! read more

Bova's Bakery - Yummy - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Boston Cream Pie with no cream. Bova really needs to work on their quality assurance. read more

Bova's Bakery - Boston "cream" cake. - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Delicious bakery items for a great price!!! Open 24 hours, perfect for a late night snack. I'll always recommend Bovas. They got the best cannolis in Boston!!! Everything here is good, but their chocolate covered strawberries and fruit tarts are a bit less good. Go for the chocolate cake or a cannoli!!! read more

Pretty decent selection!! I was very impressed with their cannoli. They have both chocolate and raspberry rugelach!! Unlike modern this place has great hours and accepts credit card! read more

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I found out for myself why it's called Boston cream pie. Many duplicates but this is the original & the best I ever had. I stopped by after an event to get some treats to go. There was a long line even after midnight, but the staff did a good job of keeping things moving while being pleasant. I can't wait to return. read more

Bova's Bakery - Authentic Boston cream pie - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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This place is open 24hours so you can get your sweet fix anytime of the day. They also have savory items too! The line wrapped around the building when we got there on a Sunday afternoon. It did go by really fast though! So many options to choose from but we got the pistachio cannoli and the steak and cheese arancini. The cannoli was decent. I really don't know what I was expecting. I think I was really thrown off at how bright green the filling was. The pistachio flavor was not very present. The star of the show was the arancini for me! They warm it up so the cheese is nice and ooey gooey. The marinara sauce was so perfect. I could eat multiple of those but they are quite heavy. read more

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Everything was FRESH, and extremely tasty. My favorite was the Pistachio cannoli , but the chocolate chip cannoli was awesome as well. We even kept some for the next day, and they were still amazing. read more

While wandering Boston with some friends we came upon this simple little bakery near the Old North Church. What a treat! So many delightful choices. Each one we tried was simply delicious. The service was as good for a place as crowded and as busy as they were. read more

Bova's Bakery - A variety of biscotti, macaroons, etc - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

What a cool place! Get an idea in your mind of what you want before you're in line! It's like something you see in movies, they are moving quick and so organized!! Their Nutella cannoli, and Cherry macaroons were delicious! These pastries are way better than Mikes in my personal opinion! We found them to be unbelievably fresh! read more

Bova's Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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I wish i could have this bakery in vegas. I got their pistachio cannoli and their chocolate chip. Both were so amazing! I would 1000% recommend this place. Looked very authentic & loved how many options they had read more

Bova's Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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The people working were very nice, and explained the different desserts. The Oreo brick and the chocolate bom were amazing and the cinnamon pinwheel thing was great. Highly recommend it. We went to various bakeries while here for vacation and this was by far our favorite. There was some other Italian pastry on the counter, wish I remember what it was called. It was the bomb!!! Great flavor! read more

Pistachio Cannoli -- YUM! We arrived to Boston relatively early and was looking for something to do before we started the drive up to Salem. I saw that Bova's was 24 hours, so we made the trek here. I ordered the pistachio and vanilla cannoli. They were both very good and pretty big in size. This place is cash only and parking is very hard in this neighborhood. read more

Solid cannoli after trying all three "hot spots" for cannoli's in the north end. Got the chocolate dipped and the filling was so fresh and smooth, the shell was a bit thick for my liking though but it could have been the nature of the shell we chose so no points off for that. We also got a rainbow cookie which was great, good chocolate and generous jam filling. Will be back to keep testing for the best around and the 24/7 menu is a big plus read more

Bova's Bakery - Cannoli - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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This place came highly recommended so my family stopped in. We tried the cappuccino cannoli, the Nutella cannoli, the crème brûlée, the cream puff, and chocolate covered strawberries. The cannolis were good, the strawberry wasn't worth it. The crème brûlée was okay but had a unique flavor I wasn't a fan of. Everyone here was very nice though, and answered all of our touristy questions without annoyance! read more

I had a creme brulee cannoli here and it was LIIIFEE changing. I haven't had many cannolis in the past though, but they definitely blew me out of the water! I visited Bova's upon recommendation from a friend, as we were in the North End and it was conveniently located near where we were having dinner. Walking into the bakery, it's easy to get overwhelmed with all of the baked goods and sweets they have to offer. I was super impressed by the cannoli selection, and the creme brulee was too tempting to not pass up on! The filling was super rich, not too sweet. You could definitely taste the torched bits of sugar too. Would definitely recommend! :) read more

The ladies behind the desk are great. My favorites are the pistachio and crème brûlée cannoli. Will certainly be back. read more

Our Freedom trail tour guide recommended this place as one of the top cannoli spots in Boston. Let me tell you this place did not disappoint! We didn't know they also served hot items which was perfect as it was lunch time. We do not have bakeries like this near us and never heard of rice balls so we asked the lady filling the cannoli what they were. The rice ball was great as well as the meatball calzone. We enjoyed these sitting in the little park area by Paul Revere's home. And the cannoli recommendation did not fail, the cannoli was excellent. We had it later down by the harbor. I wish we had an authentic Italian bakery like this near us. I would be a regular. read more

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Everything here is amazing!!!! If you're looking for the best pastry shop in Boston, this is it. We tried some of the other recommended places in the North End and this was definitely our favorite. Highly recommend any of the cannolis, the Boston cream donut, black and white cookies, and honestly anything else on the menu! It's gets a little hectic but the staff were so friendly and patient while we made our choices. A must visit! read more

I know no one needs this review - there are over 1,800 here - but do not go anywhere else for your cannolis. Period. Hard stop. The fact they are open 24/7 is epic. It makes me mad when I expend calories on a dessert and it fails on all levels. This place will not disappoint - don't bother going to the other more commercial places. Not worth the time, energy or calories. Also, I am Boston born and bred but I don't have an accent. Five minutes in here and I was talking like I came from the neighborhood - yah, it is that authentic. read more

Coming here was a must for me. I had dinner near by and the walk wasn't far at all. I heard about the long lines, but I waited about 10 minutes before being helped as the line moves quickly. I had pistachio and lemon cannoli and my goodness I didn't know I need this in my life. Too bad I live across the country for these goodies. read more

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Brief Summary: - Located in the Italian are on the north side of Boston - Lots of pastries to choose from - Accepts card - Very airy whoopie pie A fantastic encounter indeed. We first visited the Boston Public Market near closing time, so most of the food restaurants have closed up and cleaned away. We stopped by a dessert food stall, when a stranger came up to us and told us about the different dessert places around the area. However, when he mentioned that while he likes the desserts here, he concluded his favorite is the Bova's, which is located in the Italian area (where the best food is, he added). That got us curious, so we ventured off into the Italian town, which starts a block or two away from this public market. Across a little bridge with a cool fountain display, the Italian town begins, and this was a bustling but quaint town. The buildings here are also made out of brick but there was also a nice touch to it that felt like I was in Italy (there was one area that reminded me of a restaurant in Rome). We walked down the bendy alleyways, and it almost felt like walking straight into the town, and there it was, "Bova's." Inside is small because it was filled with rows of food display cases and shelves, and there was a line of people forming a semi-circle new the cash register. The line went by quickly, but it also gave us enough time to walk around and view the other options. The Boston Cream pie looked absolutely tempting, but we wanted to try the one that the local stranger recommended to us: the whoopie pie. In addition to the whoopie pie, we also ordered the cannoli. These were packed in a plastic takeout box and we carried it back home to our hotel to eat. Whoopie pie was very delicious. I don't think I have ever eaten a whoopie pie so light and airy. It was evaporating in the mouth before I got the chance to chew it. The cream was as light and airy, and there was no heavy sweet aftertaste either. This dessert is dangerous in that I could have eaten a dozen more and would be eating more for how light it is. We also loved the cannoli. This also had the light and airy cream, and the outer shell is a unique soft and gentle crisp. This one doesn't melt in the mouth as fast as the whoopie pie due to its shell. Personally, I liked the cannoli with the chocolate chips because of the additional texture of the little chocolate bites. read more

Bova's Bakery - cannoli and a whoopie pie - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Extremely underrated pastry spot in the North End! Their service is super quick and they have a huge variety of pastries in addition to their well known cannolis. They also typically have a much shorter line than Mikes or Modern, making it super convenient as well. Has become my go to dessert stop after dinner in the North End! read more

Bova's Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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