Jon served us and was so nice. They let us sit at the table inside even though we ordered to go. The best pastries in town and the best people read more

We got an assortment of sweets to try, but I had the tiramisu slice. It was heavenly and not too sweet at all. It does have a strong coffee taste, but it was balanced well with the cream. I did like this bakery a lot since the pastries tasted fresher. Note: this place is also cash only read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Chocolate chip Cannoli, Tiramisu Slice, Boston Cream Cupcake, Espresso Truffle - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

So we went with friends around various cannoli places. mikes. bovas. Loved them. And you know what was our favorite? Modern. The shell is better. A little more cookie like. And filling a little creamier. And the other pastries like cupcakes were great too. But don't forget the cannolis. The line moves quickly. And they even have mini ones too when you just want something after a great meal in the north end. read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

A neighbor bought an assortment of cookies for us on their trip to Boston. The assortment of Italian cookies they gave us were excellent cookies. I've have cookies from other Italian bakeries but the cookies were usually dry or the cookies all tasted similar. The cookies from Modern Pastry cookies were moist, each cookie tasted unique and had the right amount of sweetness. We will probably ask the neighbors to buy us a box of assorted cookies on their next trip to the Boston area. If you are in the area I recommend dropping in and trying a variety of the baked goods. read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Assorted Italian Cookies - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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I have verified the hands-down are the best cannolis I've had in the USA. Closest thing to the ones they sell in Italy. I recommend the one with ricotta with the plain and chocolate chip. This place has a lot of good desserts, but the build your own cannoli is the way to go! Must try. read more

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Such a classic! The cannolis are amazing. Delicate, crunchy and creamy all at once. Good thing I don't live close by or I'd have them all the time. Usually a line but the nice team is efficient at getting everyone thru quickly. The vibe is fun and you just know it's a classic. Super clean. read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Cannoli - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

When in the North End, Modern Pastry is the dessert shop one must go. We came here specifically to get the cookies by the pound, and especially the rainbow cookies. This place has thee best rainbow cookies (trust me, I know!) What I love about this pastry shop is you can order and take away in a box, or you can sit down and order food. You can't sit in the other dessert places it's just a counter. read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Rainbow Cookies - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Fresh yummy beautiful pastries & desserts! - Fast moving lines - Fresh made cannolis (also have gluten free) - individual macaroons approx $1.30ish. So pretty so yummy! - they have merch (hat, tshirts, hoodies, mugs) - CASH only! Parking is rough on Hanover! Hope for a spot or try side roads read more

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Modern Pastry is my gold standard. Twenty-five years ago, the Sicilian side of my Boston family taught me one of the city's most important unwritten rules: tourists debate. Locals know. And the locals go to Modern Pastry. I've never questioned that advice. After being away from Boston for eight years, one of my first stops was bringing everyone in my group here. As always, the cannoli was the first thing I ordered. Some traditions aren't meant to be broken. But this trip came with a new assignment. My brotha Paulie from the Saint Joseph Society didn't recommend the Zeppole... He *commanded* it. Apparently, Modern only makes them during Easter, but on his personal special request, had them made this year for last weekend's Feast of Saint Joseph. Miss the season, and you wait another year. So the rule isn't to buy one or two. It's to buy as many as you can carry. I can't believe I'd gone my entire life without ever trying one. Imagine impossibly light fried dough surrounding silky pastry cream, finished with a simple cherry hidden in the middle like a secret treasure. Nothing flashy. Nothing overcomplicated. Every bite works because nothing is trying too hard. That's really the story of Modern Pastry. They don't chase trends. They don't reinvent classics. They simply make traditional pastries exceptionally well, year after year, generation after generation. Twenty-five years after my family first pointed me through these doors, they're still right. And now I have one more tradition to look forward to every Feast of Saint Joseph. read more

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Expect to wait in line unless you get lucky. You can't go wrong with much here as it is one of the most authentic Italian spots in the Boston area. The Sfogliatella, Rum Baba, and the lobster tails are all top notch. Don't expect super attentive service if you want to dine in but that is more due to the fact that this place is BUSY! read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Baba with rum/cream/cherry - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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I forgot how good the cannolis are in the North End. The filling is just to die for. So good. I don't think there is a better cannoli anywhere in Boston or anywhere else for that matter. Don't go here if you want to be gushed over. They had a "could care less" if we were there attitude but who cares the cannolis are exceptional. read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Build your own Cannoli - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Cash only! Pastries were okay! Not terrible but not life changing. Had the Neapolitan and I wish it was lighter and flakier and used a different top than an icing. Had a chocolate covered canoli with vanilla custard and pistachios and it was good but the waffle was thick and hard Overall pastries are super dense. read more

Tried Mike's in the past so I had to check out Modern. There's a line but it moves quickly. Tried a chocolate chip and pistachio cannoli. Both were good but my fav was the pistachio. Check out this iconic sweet spot if you're visiting. read more

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Best cannoli in the city! Be prepared to wait in a line outside the shop and to bring cash! Don't let the line discourage you it moves fairly quickly and the cannolis are worth it. We took ours to go because the inside was packed but they had tables to sit at if you can find the room. read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Exterior - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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SOOOO, if you know you know. This rivalry between this place and Mike's is like the Gino's vs Pat's Philly sandwich war. BUT IMHO, this debate is more philosophical: Mikes is more modern offering a bunch of crazy flavors like peanut butter and key lime, where here at Modern, they (ironically) stick with the classics, chocolate and vanilla, pistachios or cc chips. My husband is not a connoisseur, so he wobbled and ordered the chocolate cream with pistachios. I went with the classic marscapone version with CC chips. YUM. I imagine Mike's is also fantastic, and if I had a hollow leg and a less fat a$$ I might have suffered the line there. Note here that if you want to eat in, you do NOT go through the line, we got reprimanded, but they did let us sit and enjoy only bc table service was about to end. read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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When in Boston's north end, make sure to stop by Modern Bakery. Amazing selection and super friendly service! Make sure you have cash- it's a cash only business. They have amazing cannolis and other delicious treats. Every time I visit Boston, I stop and try something new. This time was Tiramisu. The coffee flavor was delightful and not over powering, the cream was amazing, smooth and delicious- very yummy all around! read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Tiramisu Slice - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Still my favorite Boston bakery! Can't leave without their cannolis and a few pastries. Yes there is usually a line. Yes it moves fairly quickly. In the meantime you can check out all the amazing looking sweets in the displays while you wait. And it's a must visit every time I'm in Boston. Remember it's cash only. read more

We sat at one of the few tables inside and enjoyed the table service. (It's bustling so don't plan to stay long). The cupcakes and Napoleon were delicious and the crème brûlée was good. Remember to bring cash! read more

Modern has really good "build your own" cannolis. I had a vanilla custard with pistachios on top. Delicious! Modern also offers a good selection of cakes and cupcakes. Great service and cash-only. read more

Every visit to Boston, we always go to Moden Pastry! It's a must for us! What a treat today, we dined in with table service! Itbeen years and usually too crowded to wait for a table. Their pastries are amazing as take out, but to enjoy them there with a nice hot drink; best thing ever! I ordered a regular (ricotta) cannoli with chips and a hot tea. My husband ordered a chocolate ganache with coffee. He stated it was the best coffee he had ever had!! The ganache desert waa excellent. My cannoli was heaven! I have had a lot of cannoli but nothing beats Modern Pastry. Shells are great )made in Sicily). They fills them while you wait. So fresh! I have been coming here since I was a young child, they taste as good as they did back then! Cash only, that too hasn't changed! We had a great server. Staff is always nice and patient! read more

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Modern vs Mike's is the Boston version of Pat's vs Geno's except with cannolis. Both have long lines on weekends and peak times and both move through those lines quickly. Modern has a lot more overall pastry option than Mike's. Hell, they even serve alcohol and have a small number of tables to sit if you can actually get a spot. Modern doesn't have as many cannoli options as Mike's, however. I found that Modern's were a little sweeter and the filling texture was a little thinner. It was still really good though. So, it's all about personal preference, if you want your cannolis to be like Kim Kardashian go to Mike's but for more of a Kate Moss style stick with Modern. read more

Modern Pastry Shop - 1 dipped in pistachio and 1 in chocolate chip - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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This is the best cannoli I've ever had in my entire life. I didn't get to try any other ones in Boston, but we chose to try this place over Mike's since it had some seating inside. The line was long, but it moved fast. I ordered a cannoli with a plain shell, traditional ricotta filling, and pistachios-- it was perfection. I think about this place every time I crave a cannoli. read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Part 2 of my review in the battle of the North end cannolis, while Modern didn't get the victory over the other M named bakery they still made a solid cannoli. Pros for modern is they're cost a little less and I was in and out of there in a few minutes. I even think mine was made on the spot since I got to pick what type of "crust" I wanted. They're a cash only establishment and also things considered I think both of these shops on the north end are worth trying so you can judge for yourself to see which one you like best. read more

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My mission for Boston was to find THE cannoli...and we sure found it at modern. It was a very close tie to the local favorite at Bovas but this ended up taking first place. I love the fact that the cannolis are made to order leaving you with a crispy shell everybody. They even offer many cannolis for those like myself who don't have a large sweet tooth. The filling people might find on the Tad sweeter side in which I would recommend the pistachio or almond topping if not, go traditional with the chocolate chip. The location is adorable with a variety of pastry options, notably, the moon cookie! The service was great and attentive, and if you get the chance I would recommend sitting and enjoying a nice coffee or tea versus waiting in the line. In comparison to Boa's, it was very close for our party, but the fresh shell put it on top. I will state that Boba's cream filling was more of my style with the less of the sweet kick. Either way you can't go wrong either location, but the additional pastries offered at modern along with the sitdown option was also another touch. Don't be timid by the line it moves rapid and it's well worth it! read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Modern (top box) vs Bovas! - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Ok there's always a line so be prepared to wait but at least the line goes fast. But the wait is well worth it. Sooooo many options of pastries. We got the lobster tail pastry which was similar to a large croissant with lots of cream filling. It was super sweet and the crust was harder so definitely a pastry that needs reheating before eating. We also got the cream puff and it was also very sweet. My favorite was the chocolate mousse that had 3 layers, a hard butter cookie bottom, a middle cake layer and the top mousse layer with whipped cream icing. It was delicious! Prices were very reasonable. The only thing is they only accept cash. We wanted to order more but I don't regularly have cash on hand. Great place for delicious pastries read more

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Got lucky to get a little table by the window and enjoyed our cannolis and some espressos. Line very long but moved quickly. Don't forget CASH ONLY. So Modern vs Mikes. I loved both cannolis but they are different. Moderns is more traditional and Mikes is sweeter. So who comes out on top it's for you to decide. I would say it was nice to be able to sit in the shop and enjoy the snack and will also say this is a must stop when visiting Boston. Then decide on your own which is better. read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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There are other options for cannolis in the North End but I'm glad we went with this bakery. I've had many cannolis in the past and I couldn't say before trying Modern Pastry that they were among my favorite desserts. These were amazing cannolis and now among my favorite desserts. They have a long line and it is a cash only business so come prepared. read more

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We did the viral three different cannoli shop tastings. Modern definitely won for both my daughter and myself. The shell was delicious, and the filling was sweeter than the other two, but it was very rich and a clear winner for both of us. read more

Modern Pastry Shop - The three cannolis we tried & Modern was the clear winner. - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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I genuinely wish I took pictures, but we got a box of cannolis and Napoleons before leaving back home and wow! I described it as so to my fiancee. "Each bite tasted like being comforted by my mother as a baby and getting a comforting kiss on the forehead". This is not an exaggeration. All in all, pastries were great! Wish I got more! I also didn't have cash and was super bummed I wasn't going to try anything, but a Boston local had cash and spotted me so I could Zelle her! Sonia, if you ever read this! THANK YOU! read more

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This was honestly one of the best cannolis I've ever had. My husband doesn't even like cannolis but was stealing bites of mine lol. Only downside is this place is cash only, so come prepared but would recommend! read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Chocolate chip cookie and build your own cannoli - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Busy and long lines but fast service. Cannoli was good. I prefer their version to Mike's Pastry. Glass display of treats. Limited table for dining. read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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This place has a busy ambiance but really fast service! Fresh delicious cannolis that come in the cutest box! I got half ricotta and half custard topped with chocolate chips. Scrumptious! read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Cannoli with half custard, half ricotta and chocolate dipped with chocolate chips - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Stopped in for a quick desert. We each got a cannoli and it might be the best cannolis we've ever had. They were really cheap but the taste was very "high priced". One was plenty, even though I could have easily had 3 or 4. read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Gluten Free We skipped all the other bakeries because this one boasted of GF whoopie pies, cookies, etc. We got there, waited in line, and when we placed the order, we were told there was nothing, and they had not had a "shipment" of GF pastries in two weeks. When we expressed our frustration, and pointed to the menu, written in chalk and which could have been erased, over the head of the server, she brushed us aside and kept moving to the next customer. My 12 years old son old who has Celiac was so confused as were we. If GF isn't an issue, obviously this is a great place, but choosing this location based on the website and menu boasting GF options should be done with caution as they clearly did not care. read more

I'm usually not a huge cannoli fan, but the cannolis here completely changed my mind. I built my own with a classic shell, ricotta filling, and pistachios, and it was absolutely incredible. We also tried the macaron and the carrot cake. They were good, but honestly, the cannoli completely stole the show. It genuinely surprised me how much I loved it. I would absolutely come back just for another cannoli, which says a lot considering I'm not normally a cannoli person. read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Carrot Cake Slice & Cannoli - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

The tourist stop in North station did not disappoint. The line was wrapped around the corner but so worth the wait. We did the cannoli off and not gonna lie they all are so delicious! The space was clean and offered a small eat in section. Staff was super friendly. Cash only!! So bring enough, would say average cost is $7 an item. read more

Modern Pastry Shop - How to make your own cannoli - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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As we waited in a very long line to get take outs, an employee came out and said there is table service. So my son and I skipped the line and went in to have dessert. I had the espresso martini which was wonderful and we both had a cookie. The chocolate chip cookie was huge! After we finished we got a chocolate Boston cupcake and a triple chocolate piece of cake for takeout. We had those later that evening. Oh so good!!! Will definitely be back when we're back in the area. read more

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OMG - being gluten free for about the last 5 years, I have not had a cannoli in sooo long. They have a gluten free cannoli which was individually wrapped and they pipe the cream to order . I legitimately DEVOURED it! It was incredible- the cream filling was super fresh and heavenly! Cannot say enough good things. I almost went back for another one, and would have, but I was staying a bit far away and was there for a conference so didn't have enough time to make it back. They only accept cash and I did have to wait about 20-30 mins in a line but it was still worth it! read more

A local told us this was the better of the two pastry shops. We went to both and this one seemed superior. My husband was looking forward to trying the cannoli with pistachios and he really enjoyed it. I really enjoyed the hostess. Loved the ganache on it. There were tons of good things there and would love to try more when I go back for work. read more

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Modern pastry shop is one of the big competitor's for the best cannoli in the North End of Boston. There's limited parking, but can be walked to from a T stop. There's always a long line here, but it moves pretty fast. Out of the other cannoli shops, this one had the most limited options for cannoli, but had other dessert options. You choose your shell, filling, and toppings and then order at the front. This place is cash only!! Also, there's limited seating indoors, so I wouldn't recommend going with a big group. In terms of the taste, I liked the crunch of the shell and the amount of chocolate chips to filling ratio. The packaging was also cute. I wouldn't rank this cannoli above Mike's, but they cost less and are a must try at least once. read more

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