Boston's Best Cannoli
Boston is rich with Italian heritage, which means the city has some of the best pastry chefs in the country. Most of them are clustered in Boston's North End, where every window has a sign claiming they serve the best cannoli in town. Though there is no shortage of cafes in which to find this tasty treat, there are only five bakeries that take the lead for best cannoli. If you're feeling hungry, go on a cannoli tour of all five bakeries, after all, they are all within easy walking distance from one another.
Bova's Bakery
134 Salem St.
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 523-5601
bovabakeryboston.com
Since the closing of Pompeii Cafe earlier this year, Bova's Bakery has taken the top spot as Boston's favorite late night food destination. This 24-hour bakery has served up homemade pastries in the heart of the North End for more than 83 years! Most famous throughout the neighborhood for their delicious, crusty Italian bread, they provide many of the area restaurants with baked goods to complete their menus and add a bit of local flare. But the best snack to get at Bova's is a classic ricotta cannoli. They also have innovative and tasty seasonal offerings like pumpkin cannolis, pistachio cannolis and peanut butter cream cannolis. There is no flavor that is off limits!
Modern Pastry
257 Hanover St.
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 523-3783
www.modernpastry.com
Modern Pastry, just diagonally across the street from Mike's Pastry, is widely known as Mike's biggest contender in the "best cannoli" competition. Some swear that Modern is better, but it is best to try them all for yourself! Modern Pastry is in a newly expanded space that includes seating, a full cafe, and, of course, an incredible selection of treats baked in-house daily. Since Mike's Pastry and Bova's Bakery don't have seating, Modern Pastry is the best place to go for a casual breakfast or a mid-afternoon break.
300 Hanover St.
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 742-3050
www.mikespastry.com
Mike's Pastry is the most famous bakery in greater Boston. It is not unusual to see a line out the door all year-round, in any weather. But their cannolis are worth waiting in the rain and snow for. Hand-made in the traditional style, people travel from around the world to try cannolis from Mike's. Just remember to bring cash; the busy bakery simply does not have time for credit cards!
Cafe Vittoria
290 Hanover St.
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 227-7606
www.caffevittoria.com
Looking for a place to enjoy a delicious homemade cannoli without the crowds or lines that are constantly at many of the North End bakeries? Try Cafe Vittoria. This classic European cafe operates at a slower, more calm pace, but offers equally delicious treats and incredible cocktails. Cafe Vittoria is a great date spot or after-dinner destination. It is especially wonderful in the spring and summer when the venue has open air seating.
Cafe Paradiso
255 Hanover St.
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 742-1768
caffeparadiso.com
Cafe Paradiso is the closest you can get to Europe without leaving Boston. Also on Hanover street, Cafe Paradiso is the best place to get in real Italian spirit by eating a cannoli while watching a futbol game. Many city residents who follow international soccer leagues frequent Cafe Paradiso. And while it may be best known as a good spot to catch a sports game, they also feature absolutely incredible desserts. Make a date to drink Peronis, eat cannolis and watch futbol at Cafe Paradiso.
Related: Boston's Best Food Trucks
Cameron Bruns is the founder of BostonGreenBlog.com and co-author of Just Us Gals Boston. She lives in Boston's North End, where her goal is to promote ethical, stylish, and sustainable lifestyle choices to all Boston residents. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
