Modern Pastry Shop — Restaurant in Boston

If you’re looking for one of the best Italian bakeries in the North End, you have to stop by Modern Pastry! I promise the wait is worth it and you won’t be disappointed!

Modern Pastry has been a staple in Boston since 1930! While there are a fair amount of tourists, it’s also loved by locals. It’s one of my favorite bakeries/pastry shops in Boston.

Modern has an enormous selection of delectable treats for every sweet tooth! You’ll find classics like tiramisu, fruit tarts, eclairs, carrot cake, chocolate ganache cake, crème brûlée, key lime tarts, and so much more!

You’ll also find a solid selection of Italian-style pastries like limoncello, chocolate mousse cake, rum savoy, napoleon, cassatina, rum baba, and so many more. The selection is truly outstanding.

If you like cannolis, they have you covered. You can have it your way. You’re able to choose the filling and toppings. I’m not a huge cannoli fan, so I can’t speak to how those taste. They’re filled fresh-to-order.

If you’re looking for something more simple, they do offer a solid selection of frosted cupcakes, Italian butter cookies, black/white cookies, macaroons, and French Macarons.

You’ll also find an incredible selection of fine truffles and chocolates. They have homemade chocolate bars, peanut butter cups, truffles, pecan/cashew clusters, and much more! I found it to be a bit pricy for the homemade chocolate, but I am sure it is very good!

You’ll find seasonal specialities, like the Pumpkin Cheesecake. They also have a small selection of canned/jarred goods, candy, and more that is imported from Italy.

We decided to stop by to grab dessert after having dinner in Copley Square. We arrived around 7:30 PM on a Friday and the line was literally into the street. However, the owner does a great job of moving the line and ensuring an orderly process. I waited roughly 15-minutes to get in to browse and make my purchase.

The line moves quickly, so I’d suggest looking at the menu online PRIOR to going. It’ll help move things along and you’ll have an idea of what they have. The selection is massive and it’s easy to miss things. I know we missed the Pumpkin Cheesecake as it was just so jam packed.

They do offer a small seating area. However, be aware it is for paying patrons only that are dining in. This means they’re eating the pastries on glass plates and having cappuccino in proper glassware.

They have a solid cappuccino and espresso, as any good Italian bakery should! You can take it to-go, or enjoy it on-site. The night we went they had two old-school Italian musicians playing for customers while they enjoyed their pastry and cappuccino. It was a really nice touch.

They also have a “secret” underground bar and restaurant below the bakery. I have yet to check it out, but it was slammed the night we were there. A ton of college students. Be sure to bring your ID if you plan to go down there, they do card everyone.

I’d highly recommend Modern to tourists and locals alike. The selection of pastries and sweets is unmatched. The trip to the North End is always worth it and we ALWAYS stop by Modern for dessert after a big dinner.

Be aware it is CASH ONLY. I did not see an ATM on site, so I strongly suggest bringing cash! Don’t let the line scare you off. It moves fast and it’s...

If you are a cannoli lover and planning to visit the North End area of Boston, you might have heard about the two famous cannoli bakeries, Mike's Pastry and Modern Pastry. While both bakeries have a great reputation and are well-known for their cannoli, there are a few differences between them that might help you decide which one to visit.

Firstly, when it comes to the quality of the cannoli, Modern Pastry seems to have an edge over Mike's Pastry. The shell of Modern's cannoli is thinner, crunchier, and fresher as compared to Mike's. The filling is also well-balanced, making it a perfect choice for cannoli enthusiasts. Even after a few hours, the cannoli from Modern Pastry stays crispy, while Mike's cannoli tends to lose some of its crispiness. This might be because of the size of the cannoli as Mike's is bigger and includes more cream.

Secondly, if you are looking for variety, Modern Pastry is the way to go. They offer customization options for the shell, filling, and topping, allowing you to create your cannoli according to your preference. If you are a first-timer, I would recommend you try the plain ricotta filling, but if you love chocolate, then you must try their chocolate-filled cannoli. They also offer pistachio or almond toppings, which are great combinations!

Thirdly, packaging matters, especially because these two places do not provide seating only for dessert. Both places provide box packaging for several cannoli. Modern Pastry offers a great option for those who plan to take their cannoli home, as they provide a box with a ribbon even for a single cannoli. However, if you're planning to gift a cannoli, it might be worth noting that Mike's Pastry provides a small self-opening square bag, which may not be ideal for a gift or a long journey.

Fourthly, the overall operation and service quality of the employees is better in Modern Pastry. The employees are friendly and especially a guy who has black hair took my order and provided detailed explanations and recommendations. He also wait for me to stop by an ATM to cash out. The waiting system at Modern Pasty is organized, and there are no obscure lines that can be confusing for the customers like Mike’s Pastry.

Lastly, when it comes to the price and portion size, there is a significant difference between the two bakeries. Modern Pastry offers two cannoli and tiramisu for $10, while Mike's Pastry charges $7 for a single cannoli. Even though Mike's cannoli is bigger, Modern's cannoli tastes better and provides a nice overall experience.

In conclusion, both Mike's Pastry and Modern Pastry are great places to try some delicious cannoli. However, if you are looking for a well-balanced cannoli with customization options and better packaging, I highly recommend visiting Modern Pastry. On the other hand, if you are looking for a bigger portion size with various flavors to choose from, Mike's Pastry might be a...

Modern Pastry – Boston: Where Tradition Meets Innovation 🍰✨

Tucked away in Boston’s lively North End, Modern Pastry is a hidden gem that masterfully blends classic Italian tradition with a modern twist. This local favorite is known for its incredible pastries—and of course, being the home of the iconic Black and White Cookie 🍪. If you’re in the area, it’s an absolute must-visit!

As you step inside, you’re immediately welcomed by the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods. The display cases are filled with an irresistible selection of treats 🍩🎂—from cookies to cakes, tarts to cannoli, each one more tempting than the last. It’s clear that Modern Pastry takes great pride in every creation, with attention to detail in both flavor and presentation.

The star of the show? The Black and White Cookie 🤩. This oversized, cake-like cookie has a perfectly soft texture that’s both satisfying and light. The top is divided into two halves—one glazed with a sweet, tangy fondant and the other with a smooth, rich chocolate glaze 🍫. The combination of sweet and slightly bitter flavors is a delightful balance, making it a treat you’ll crave long after you leave.

But don’t stop there—Modern Pastry offers so much more! Their pistachio macaroons 🥜, creamy cannoli 🥖, and Italian cream cakes 🍰 are just a few of the other indulgent options. Whether you're in the mood for something light and delicate or rich and decadent, you’ll find a pastry to satisfy every craving.

The friendly staff is always eager to share recommendations and help you choose the perfect treat. While there can be a line, especially during busy hours ⏳, it moves quickly, and the payoff is more than worth it. Every bite of pastry here reminds you why Modern Pastry is a staple in Boston’s culinary scene.

In short, Modern Pastry is a must-try destination for anyone in Boston. Whether you're here for the famous Black and White Cookie or just looking to try something new, this bakery offers a perfect mix of tradition, creativity, and deliciousness. 🍪🍰...