Modern Pastry Shop

257 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113, United States
$$$ Pastry shop
(2242 Reviews)

If you find yourself wandering the charming streets of Boston's North End, make sure to carve out some time for a stop at Modern Pastry Shop—a delightful haven for sweets lovers. Nestled at 257 Hanover St, this pastry shop is not just a bakery; it's a cherished institution that has become synonymous with authentic Italian pastries, drawing both locals and visitors alike to its enticing aroma and vibrant ambiance.

As you step inside, you're greeted by an array of colorful confections and freshly baked goods that beckon from behind the gleaming glass display. The atmosphere is a delightful mix of bustling energy and warm, inviting familiarity, often filled with chatter and laughter from patrons eagerly awaiting their delectable treats. It's a place where sweet dreams come true—a true homage to the art of pastry-making.

Among the highlights of Modern Pastry's extensive menu, the star attraction is undoubtedly the cannoli. Customers rave about the freshly filled shells, crisp on the outside and bursting with rich, smooth ricotta cream on the inside. Personalized to your taste, you have the option to choose your shell—a plain or chocolate-dipped treat—and filling flavor, making each cannoli a unique indulgence. Just ask Nicole Powers, who describes it as "fantastic" and worth every moment in line.

But the allure of Modern Pastry Shop doesn't stop with cannoli. Their menu extends to a selection of breakfast pastries that are perfect for an early morning treat. The croissants are a French classic, flaky and buttery, while the fruit-filled turnovers provide a delightful burst of flavor with every bite, with choices that include apple, blueberry, and raspberry—all for just $4.25 each.

If you're in the mood for something a little more decadent, you'll find their whoopie pies and black and white cookies equally irresistible. These cookies are a delightful combination of texture and flavor, with $5.25 worth of frosted bliss that will keep you coming back for more, as customer Jackie Adler discovered after trying their vanilla custard-filled cannoli — a decision she called “the best ever.”

The confectionery section is equally impressive, boasting handmade treats like chocolate peanut butter cups and torrone that promise to satisfy any sweet tooth. As Michael C. shares, indulging in a cannoli filled with traditional ricotta, dipped in chocolate and pistachios, is an experience worth savoring—just be ready to handle the cash-only policy and the anticipation in line!

Modern Pastry Shop isn't just about the pastries; it's about the experience of enjoying them. Customers like Christine Song have highlighted the bustling atmosphere, noting the freshness and quality of the pastries that make every visit special. The dedicated staff, including standout team members like Christina Aguilar, add to the welcoming vibe, ensuring you feel right at home amidst the delightful chaos.

For anyone with a penchant for pastries or a simple love of sweets, a visit to Modern Pastry Shop promises not just delicious treats, but a slice of Boston's culinary heritage. So bring some cash, grab a friend, and experience the irresistible charm of this beloved pastry shop—where every bite is a testament to the rich traditions of Italian baking.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
No wheelchair-accessible car park
No wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers delivery
In-store pick-up for online orders
Has in-store shopping
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No same-day delivery
Highlights
Serves great dessert
Offerings
Serves coffee
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves dessert
Amenities
Has toilet
Planning
Good for quick visit
Payments
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Openings Hours
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Monday

7:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Tuesday

7:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Wednesday

7:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Thursday

7:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Friday

7:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Saturday

7:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Sunday

7:00 AM - 11:00 PM

2242 Reviews
Nicole Powers

23 Sep 2025

Modern Pastry is a North End classic—and definitely worth the visit. Their cannoli is fantastic: filled fresh to order with a crispy shell and rich, smooth ricotta filling. You can choose your shell (plain or chocolate-dipped) and even your filling flavor, which makes it feel extra personalized. They also offer a great variety of Italian pastries, cookies, rum cake, and ricotta pie—everything we’ve tried has been delicious and made with care. It’s less flashy than some other bakeries nearby, but just as authentic (some might say even better). The shop itself has an old-school charm, and while there’s sometimes a line, it usually moves fast. Tip: -You can go downstairs for table service if you’d rather sit and enjoy a coffee with your pastry. -Cash only If you’re in the North End and want a classic, no-fuss Italian bakery experience, Modern Pastry hits the spot.

Jackie Adler

20 Sep 2025

I decided to try a less traditional cannoli filled with vanilla custard. Best decision ever. It was so delicious that I only wished I had ordered more and tried other combinations. The store is full of delicious looking treats. If I lived locally, I would be trying something different every day. Keep in mind - cash only! The line looks long, but moved quickly even the week of 4th of July when we were there. Friendly and efficient with so many wonderful items to choose from. Highly recommend.

Christine Song

18 Sep 2025

BRING CASH ONLY!!! Got me a delicious pistachio ricotta cannoli here. THEY WERE SCRUMPTIOUS. The ricotta was so light, so was the pastry, it was fresh and crispy. The ambience is great, it's busy, it's bustling, it's a true bakery because people were lining up for the goods. If only I lived in Boston, I would be here every week. I would try everything on the menu because I have a huge sweet tooth and everything seemed like it would be delicious.

Michael C

30 Jul 2025

Christina Aguilar is it true asset to this place her personality goes a long way. The pastries in baked goods are fantastic. I ordered cannolis with traditional stuffed ricotta dipped in chocolate and pistachios and there were no regrets! Maybe one regret... That we didn't get more. Be prepared to stand in a line that moves pretty quickly and is cash only.

Michael A.

18 Jul 2025

Not once , not twice but three times we visited this iconic place ! So good and worth 6 stars each time. Morning walking in the neighborhood we stopped in for a traditional Lobster Tail pastry , also known as a sfogliatella. Buyer beware ! These are not only huge and stuffed with succulent good pastry cream but it will require two people to eat it . Holy smokes this was delicious . Next day after dinner we stopped in late for a sweet and the line was almost around the corner . Must be busy … but we stayed in line . Like goes Fast and it’s worth the wait ! Cannoli options included a build it yourself or take the traditional sweet ricotta filled with pistachios toppings. Best part is they offer Gluten Free cannoli options ! Definitely a must for GF friends. Third night we stopped in again after a later dinner around 10p and the line was long again but : if you know you know the wait it worth it. We got Italian pistachio cookies and another gluten free cannoli . Delicious again . The shop is bustling with deserts and filled cases of treats . As you wait in line once inside they offer various imported Italian packaged goods or cookies for purchase . What a treasure for the neighborhood and for Boston . Keep up the great tradition guys !

Diego Salinas

03 Jul 2025

Hard to describe how worthwhile this cannoli is. You wait in line because they fill it BY HAND, TO ORDER! And you can feel it. It’s crisp, cold, and not too sweet. The place is cash only, but it’s a family business in Little Italy, why are you surprised? I definitely want to come back to try their other desserts!

Alabama OUTSIDErs

14 Jun 2025

We came all the way from Alabama to try these world-famous cannolis! Not really, but they were excellent! We even came back later to try some of the other pastries and chocolates and they were just as good as the cannolis! We also got a t-shirt, which was very reasonably priced and had the great logo design that's on the box. If you're in the North End, you HAVE to go by this place!

Tracy James

01 Jun 2025

Modern Pastry has the best cannolis I have ever had. They are made to order and offer various options for the shell, filling, and toppings. Absolutely delicious and worth the short wait in line! FYI: they are cash only

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