When you have that unwavering craving for something sweet, you need to go to a really sweet place to satisfy it–and you need to do so fast. Fortunately, the best bakeries in Boston are just what the doctor ordered.
While visiting the city, you’ll be surprised by the number of bakeries that line the streets, that fill the air with aromas of freshly baked bread, cakes, cookies, and other sweet treats. Not only will you be surprised, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised in fact!
But hey–we all know from experience that no two bakeries are alike. That’s why you need to step into only the best options the city has to offer and dig into their treats with delight! Without further ado, here are the seven best bakeries in Boston for you to discover and taste for yourself.
Expert’s Tip: What pairs better with bakery goodies than coffee? Check out our five best coffee shops in Boston.
Bova’s Bakery
Bova’s Bakery (134 Salem Street, Boston, MA 02113) is found in the heart of the North End, which is also Boston’s Little Italy. This family-owned and operated bakery first opened its doors in 1926, and has since been supplying dessert lovers with delectable Italian specialties from cannoli and cookies to pastries and pies.
There are a few favorite bakeries in the North End (we’ll see those others in a moment, don’t you worry!), but this is our top bakery because their offerings are undeniably delectable, their menu is fraught with goodies to match nearly any palate, and they are open 24 hours.
So, yes, if you are having a rather late night in the city, stumble on into Bova’s for a treat to end the evening just right…and go back tomorrow or every day, if possible!
Modern Pastry
Modern Pastry has been servicing the North End with Italian American baked goodies for over 90 years. Today, they remain one of the best bakeries in Boston.
Fun fact: there is a bit of a rivalry between Modern Pastry and Mike’s Pastry. The two are located just steps from one another, but the fan bases are passionate and rivalrous. As the saying goes in Boston, “Tourists like Mike’s, locals like Modern.”
Test out this parable for yourself by heading to Modern Pastry first and foremost. Give their famed pistachio cannoli a shot or build your own cannoli, as they have that option as well. Browse their colorful and mouthwatering displays and find which dessert (or, really, desserts) speaks to you. But, be sure to anticipate a long line because they’re that big of a deal.
Oh, and if you’re looking for a unique club, head downstairs for an underground cocktail bar with a speakeasy vibe!
Jonquils Cafe and Bakery
On the hunt for some more unique, colorful, and picture-perfect (yet still delicious) baked goods? Then Jonquils Cafe and Bakery is the spot to be.
Jonquils is on the legendary Newbury Street in Back Bay and offers impressive desserts for those who step inside their quaint shop. Their counter is fraught with attention-grabbing edible art, especially their 3D cakes! These cakes come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, like apples, cubes, leaves, coconuts, and many others.
They also offer some stellar drink options to pair perfectly with their Instagram-worthy desserts, such as their lavender latte, an assortment of blooming teas, and hot chocolate.
Keep in mind, though, that they tend to run out of their 3D cakes by the early afternoon, so get there in the morning or call ahead to reserve your geometric dessert!
Mike’s Pastry
That’s right: we said it. Modern Pastry Shop is better than Mike’s Pastry. Having said that though, we won’t discredit Mike’s Pastry because it too has some seriously scrumptious and unforgettable treats!
Mike’s Pastry has been in the business of making sweet treats since 1946. But why is it so famous? Because Michael Mercogliano (a.k.a. “Mike”) created the city’s most decadent cannoli, for which people now come from all over the world to try for themselves.
Mike’s Pastry now offers a plethora of cannoli for visitors along with other delicious options, like their lobster tail pastries, biscotti, pignoli, and macaroons. Much like Modern Pastry, however, be wary that you are likely to have to wait in a long line with other cannoli cravers!
Tatte Bakery & Cafe
Tatte Bakery & Cafe has several locations across Boston and even Washington D.C., a fact that alone speaks volumes about its popularity and overall quality. Tatte first began in 2007 when Tzurit Or humbly sold her homemade baked goods at the Copley Square farmers market.
Today, all of Tatte’s numerous locations offer bakery-goers sleek, modern interior designs with a relaxed atmosphere. The drinks, desserts, and breakfast and lunch dishes are made with the utmost care and highest quality ingredients.
Tatte has a vibrant display case filled with a wide variety of sweet treats, like cakes, pies, scones, pastries, croissants, and even personal cheesecakes!
Flour Bakery + Cafe
Flour Bakery + Cafe is a sublime option for whether you’re looking for a quick bite and/or coffee or a full-on lunch date. Found in various locations throughout the city, you can get your pastry or coffee fix almost no matter where you wander!
If you find yourself walking through their doors, keep these few items in your mind when ordering: pecan sticky bun, any breakfast sandwich, grilled chicken with Brie sandwich, lemon ginger scone, and flaky croissant. These happen to be some of their most popular items (and we won’t judge you if you happen to try them all!).
Greenhills Bakery
Last but certainly not least is Greenhills Bakery, which is located in Dorchester (we know– it’s not technically Boston, but listen: it’s close enough and very much worth it). This Irish bakery is easily the best Irish bakery in the Boston area (we weren’t kidding when we said it was worth it!).
Greenhills is most well-known for their traditional Irish bread and scones, but they offer other notables, like handmade cookies, custom wedding cakes, fresh-baked pies, pastries, and even traditional Irish breakfast and lunch foods.
And there you have it: the seven best bakeries in Boston. Now you know that while you’re visiting the city, you can have your cake and eat it too! Which one will you try first?
Counting down the days to your trip to Boston so you can start devouring all the delicious food in sight? We feel you—that’s how we travel, too.
Let’s hang out while you’re in town, preferably on our Best of Boston food tour! Let us feed your curiosity and show you our Boston.
Marilyn Borth is a Boston-based writer and foodie who loves all things travel. She has lived in and backpacked through 36 countries and counting. When she isn’t tasting her way through the world, she can be found writing poetry, reading, and playing volleyball. Follow her travels on her blog at Her Quirky Journey!