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Bova's Bakery is a well-oiled machine! We were so impressed with how they got us in and out even when we were waiting in a long line to get in. We went here every night during our recent trip to Boston because we couldn't get enough of the cannolis! All the flavors we tried were delicious but the crème brûlée cannoli was our favorite.
I came inside just at the right time. I was so lucky. I checked the place out because it was the first bakery I saw when I turned the street. I didn't know of the bakery's good reputation. I was glad I stayed. It had a line inside the shop, but when I left. The line wrapped around the block. I came on a holiday. I got a Cannoli. How can you not? They have a huge pyramid as you walk in. I also got the cinnamon swirling bread. I loved both. The cannolis were delicious and fresh. I see why they have a tower lol. I recommend them. This is a small bakery. It can get tight inside. It gets really busy. It is worth the visit. It has a good reputation around here, and they are good. The service is fast. People are behind. It is friendly. Just know what you want before getting to the counter. It was hard maneuvering around the crowd.
Our friend wanted to get a cannoli here so we went over. There was a line outside but it was moving and once inside it was sort of a circular wrapping the edges of the store. The hubs got a meat (Italian cold cut) calzone and friend got a chocolate cannoli. Everything looked really amazing- all the sweet treats! No wonder the lines! Hubs enjoyed his calzone next day for lunch! Overall good experience.
I can't pick a favorite cannoli because they were all so delicious!! You can't really go wrong with any of them. The line can get crazy so be prepared to wait but the service is very fast. There is no space inside because of how busy it gets so it's more of a grab and go situation.
"Bill, ya gotta go to Bova's for their Florentine cannoli!" Andie E, what a great tip! I have been to Florence Italy but never heard of a Florentine cannoli before. What a fantastic treat! I've been to Bova's bakery but wasn't on my radar during this Boston trip. When the Florentine cannoli was mentioned, I changed all my plans to try this cannoli. As luck would have it there was a parking spot almost across the street. I walked inside with one person in front of me. The display case has the all the freshly made cannoli front and center. How do you choose only one? I asked the counter person for a Florentine cannoli and a piece of apple strudel to go. I was out the door in five minutes, hooray! Once I got back to my hotel, I had to take a picture of this incredible pastry. First bite and I get the taste of lace cookie compared to what we're all used to, a crunchy shell. The lace cookie shell is incredible, it's firing off all senses. The cannoli cream is fantastic! Overall, this is a 10 out of 10 pastry. Forget those two large pastry shops with long lines, Bova's Bakery is a must stop when visiting Boston. If it's your first time trying a Florentine cannoli, Bova's Bakery makes the best on the north end. You're welcome.
This iconic BOVA's BAKERY & pastry shop has been Opened since 1926, 24 hours a day! Throughout my life I have had almost every cookie, every dessert that was made here and unless it's 12 midnight this place is always busy and you have to be patient in line! It's worth it! Fresh, tasty and oh so delicious!
This mighty bakery on the corner has got everything you could ask for. With the crazy variety of sweet and savory, the hard part is narrowing down what you can actually fit in your stomach. If you see a line out the door, don't hesitate and get in the back of the line because it moves FAST. I really wanted the pistachio cannoli (should have gotten 2!) and ended up grabbing a Sicilian slice as well. I'll be back for another sweet treat tomorrow!
For what it is, and how late it's open, this place gets a 4 out of 5. I probably wouldn't come here for food during the day when there's other options, but when it's late night and nothing else is open this is definitely a great spot to go. Got a steak and cheese calzone late night and it was solid. Tasted kind of like a cheesesteak except not in a bun. Pretty good! I'd definitely come back for late night cravings. Guy taking the order was very nice too.
During my trip to Boston I tried Modern, Mike's and Bova's. In terms of cannoli my favorite was the one from Modern by Bova's was very close, definitely better than Mike's. The cream was light and fluffy and the chocolate chips were flavorful. Also tried the mini lobster tail from Bova's which was delicious. It was crispy and flaky and the cream inside was super light. There was a line out the door and wrapped around the corner when I went on a Saturday night but it moved quickly. They're open 24 hours and they take card. Highly recommend giving it a try. I'd love to go back and try more of their stuff!
I'm sure this place doesn't need any more publicity, as the line is always around the block! If you happen to be in the neighborhood on one of the less busy days, it's definitely worth a stop. We tried the rum cake, which was a bit too sweet for me personally but still tasty, and the steak and cheese rice ball. The rice ball was amazing!!! Filled with so much shaved steak, lots of cheese, and it came with really tasty marinara. Took a few minutes to warm up, but definitely worth the wait. I wish I could go back for another right now as I reflect --truly delightful.
The pistachio macaroons were a bit too sweet for my taste and overpowered the actual pistachio pieces that were in the pastry (also with a strong flavor of almond extract which I didn't mind, but FYI). Also quite expensive - priced by weight but ended up being $8 for four small pieces. We also got the nutella and coffee cannoli and oreo cannoli, both of which were delicious. The fillings were creamy and the outer shell was crispy. They had numerous flavors of cannolis to choose from. Unfortunately, did not have lobster tails ready when we went in the morning but will have to loop back around another time to try! Staff provided quick service, be prepared to grab and go.
What an incredible Italian bakery! The variety was impressive, I would've gotten a little bit of everything if I could've. They had plenty of staff that were helping to take orders. The rainbow cookies were some of the best I've had, and I really enjoyed the amount of jam in them. Looking forward to coming back to try more, and love that they're open 24 hours!
Stopped by Bova's Bakery late at night since it's open 24 hours and has a lot of hype around it. The selection is really big, which makes it nice for grabbing something sweet at any time. I tried a couple items and overall thought they were good, just not very sweet compared to what I was expecting. Everything felt fresh, just a bit more subtle in flavor than I personally prefer. Overall, a solid spot and convenient option in the North End, especially late at night. I'd stop by again if I was in the area.
Reviews are largely positive. People highlight the wide pastry selection, especially the popular cannoli and lobster tail, along with efficient, friendly service and being open 24 hours.
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I made the trip into Boston and figured I would stop here since I had heard great things about it. There was only 2 people there when I got there bur quickly got crowded. You are not allowed to eat inside the store. 4% charge if you use credit card so bring cash to save money. The people were not the friendliest but the cannolis and lobster tails were top notch. read more
1 year ago
3 years ago
100% worth the wait Whether you want something savory or something sweet, this place has the solution for all your hunger needs. The line is moving just remember cash Unlike some of the other bakeries in the north End, bovas has more flavor options for cannolis and really anything you could ask for from a bakery. read more
Excellent service. Line out the door. Wonderful variety. Friendly staff. The butter cookies were fine, not special. The Boston cream cake was good with a layer of chocolate crème as well! The fudge chocolate cake was also good. A great treat and awesome that thwyre open 24/7! read more
Get the lobster rolls!!! The filling cream was light and subtly sweet, and the outsider layers were crispy. On the other hand, we got the cappuccino cannoli was solid but not out of this world. I personally thought the filling was great but the dough tasted like oil. Line is much shorter than Mikes/modern, would recommend checking it out read more
1 year ago
Used to come here during my college days all the time and loooved their pastries more than Mike's pastry. Years later, I can still say the same. However, it does feel like the quality went down a bit, but it's still tasty. This time, I got the lobster tail as usual and got their cannolis. They are still tasty and very filling. They still taste amazing and would come back here again in the future. For those who aren't local, I would strongly recommend not to drive because parking is near to impossible in the North End. I recommend you orider your sweets, walk on over to the Greenway and enjoy you pastry there! read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
3 years ago
This place has the contender for best cannoli. The original cannoli and I'm blanking in the other one but it has a like toffee like outside. The Florentine!! Definitely my favorite. Will absolutely be a staple in every trip back East! 10/10 better than Mikes tourist trap, just down the street. IYKYK!! Don't sleep on Bova's!! They got A LOT more than pastries too, so buckle up cause you're about to be in dessert heaven. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
3 years ago
[Edit] DO NOT PAY WITH CREDIT CARD HERE. I ordered a peanut butter bomb ($6), and the cashier confirmed the price at checkout. A few days later, I received a charge for $37.44. Luckily, I was able to dispute the charge with my bank. I'm pretty disappointed, since Bova's was one of my favorite bakeries, and I don't think I'll come back again :(( ----------------- Love the selection here. I decided to try something new, and the peanut butter bomb caught my eye. It's like a cream puff filling, coated in chocolate. 13/10 recommend, I liked that it wasn't too sweet. read more
What's better than a 24 hour bakery?! Not much! If you visit Boston, you MUST visit Bova's! They have too many sweet treats to name so I'll focus only on what I had! It was hard for me to decide what I wanted, so I stuck to my old faithful- CARROT CAKE! The carrot cake was absolutely divine! It was incredibly moist, full of raisins and nuts and the icing was perfectly creamy and sweet! The lobster tail was also delicious but that carrot cake stole the show for me. We also tried their chocolate covered strawberries and cookies and they were all delectable! Don't be intimidated by the long line that wraps around the corner because it moves fast! Trust me on this-- I went three times during my visit and I waited less than 15 minutes each time. The guy that works security at night keeps the crowd under control, and he kept us entertained! He even paid for a huge cookie for my son which was really nice of him. The prices are fair for what they have to offer. The staff were all really nice and worked really hard to get everyone in and out as quickly as possible. Social distancing is not there so don't look for it. Mask wearing is not enforced although mostly everyone had on a mask inside the bakery, and while waiting outside in the line. Bova's for the WIN! read more
Less sweet than the cannoli's at Mikes Pastry's. Did a taste test between Mikes and Bovas two popular bakeries in the North End. All of their pastries looked mouth watering. I'd love to come back and try one of those lobster tails. I definitely prefer the less sweet cannoli. Was too excited to eat it before I snapped a pic! read more
4 years ago
Bova's Florentine cannoli is one of the best things I've ever eaten in my life. Being from California, there just isn't anything else here they comes close. The ricotta is creamy but not too sweet and pairs perfectly with the honey and almond florentine shell. The first time I bought them I was worried that a large one would be too much to eat in one sitting...but after taking a bite, I regretted not buying more. The only downside to these cannolis is they do not travel well at all. Even after an hour, the filling is melty and everything falls apart. Still delicious though. Other yummy items we tried were the peanut butter & chocolate halfmoon pie and rice krispy treats. I want to eventually sample their savory offerings (their calzones look popular) and other cakes and donuts. It's cash only unless you buy more than $10 worth of goods (which is very easy to do). Finally, Bova's is open 24/7! That should earn this place 6 stars!!! read more
10 months ago
3 years ago
Original cannoli was awesome- not too sweet or sugary which made it better than other bakeries nearby. Crunchy layer of crusts w/ sweet creamy ricotta inside. **Coffees are from external vendor read more
A tour bus driver yesterday told us that the real winner in the Mike's vs Modern battle... was Bova's. Them's strong words. I had to see for myself. I'm a Modern Bakery loyalist when I come up here. I love everything about them. I still do. But now, I see why people might be equally as loyal to this place. This cannoli was simply phenomenal. Now, I can't say that I can compare it to Modern directly. I'd have to try them side by side. But I can tell you that it was definitely as good as anything I've had anywhere in this land of ours. Now the butter cookies are where I also judge. Modern's taste like real butter to me which I love. These don't have that taste. But the taste they do have is fresh and sweet in a different way. The champagne cookies sold me in the end. They're exquisite. And, honestly, I like the real look of the place. It's not prettied up. It's more real to me that way. They may have talked me into changing my bakery loyalties, or at least sharing it going forward. read more
Decided to stop by here on a touristy walk around the north end. Definitely do this if you're there! It's a no-frills Italian bakery with baked goods and savory items (pizzas, sandwiches). We tried a creme brulee cannoli, and I have to say I don't have a lot of experience with cannolis but it was delicious! The pizza was alright, nice to have an option for something non desserty. I wouldn't go for that, though. Wish I'd had the appetite for more goodies, it would probably become a problem for me if I lived nearby. Also nice that it's not as busy as modern or Mike's :) read more
I tried all 3 famous bakeries in the North End. This one was the least crowded since it is off the beaten path. This was the most expensive. I tried two cannolis for $12. I thought they were just ok The Florentine cannoli was too sweet. I did not like the chocolate chip cannoli since the chocolate chips were too big and over powered the other other flavors. I prefer Mike's. I did notice they have other hot food items like chicken parm and they sell fresh bread. FYI there's no seating inside. read more
We were visiting Boston and our friend that we were visiting said Bova's was one of the spots we had to check out if we were craving cannolis. Upon walking in, there is a huge display of desserts as well as other food items. Since we just came for the cannoli's, we just ended up getting 2 flavors (Nutella & original dipped in chocolate chips). Just a FYI - there's a $10 credit card minimum (2 cannolis came out to be less so we paid cash). Cannolis were pretty decent, we did notice one was a lot more fresh than the other one so if you see a fresh tray come out, definitely go for that flavor :) Staff was very friendly and service was quick. read more
Excellent. To die for. Butter cookies that taste like butter. Florentines that are lacey n crispy and so good. Cannoli's to die for. Line was moderate. This is special. Not the "w" of bakeries. Go to the others for that. This is fresh and so good. read more
1 year ago
Very solid bakery in the North End with the classics along with hot food options, like arancini, pizza, and frozen entrees. The line moves quickly and the baked goods are worth it. Some items we tried: 1. Lobster roll: Delish! Perfectly flaky and crispy shell filled with a light whipped custard. A must-try! 2. Pizza: The sauce and cheese ratio was perfect (a bit on the sweet side, which I prefer) but I highly recommend taking it home to pop in the oven for 8 min to get a nicely toasted crust. 3. Sesame bread: Fluffy with a cispy crust. Very solid. Be sure to stop by if you are in the area - it's a hidden gem with a much shorter wait time than Mike's or Modern read more
I was inspired to come here by Food Insider's "The Best Cannoli in Boston" YouTube video. Bova's Bakery was voted as the winner -- and I can definitely see why! I tried the Florentine cannoli and gobbled the whole thing right up. The caramelized cookie shell contrasted so well to the smooth and thick ricotta filling. The pastry cost a whopping $7, but it was well worth it. Mmmmm! read more
3 years ago
Pure heaven! Everything looked absolutely delicious, but we came here for cannolis so that's what we went home with . They had so many different flavors and I think I have tried for so far lol they are all amazing. I am going to a Christmas party and I am not going to be able to fit in my new jeans but I don't care the cannolis were worth it. Friendly efficient staff Yum Yum Yum ! read more
Super excited to try after reading the reviews Ordered Boston Cream Pie, chocolate chip cannoli, and Napoleon So disappointed in the Boston cream pie. The white cake was light and fluffy. The vanilla cream was bland, the coffee cream was bitter and the chocolate topping had no flavour The cannoli was good. The cannoli was light and not greasy. The filling was light. The Napoleon was the best of the three. If it had been freshly made the pastry it was still flaky coming out of the chilled display case read more
I almost don't want to hype this place up to keep it from getting flooded with tourists, but Bova's deserves recognition! Upon walking in you will be overwhelmed by the various cookies, cakes, pastries, and breads on display. There are also savory options in the back. There wasn't a line out the door when I visited, but the inside was quite crowded and it was difficult to tell if someone was waiting to be served or if they were simply browsing through the selections. The employees are super friendly and QUICK! Service here is much quicker than at Modern or Mike's. I tried their tiramisu and cappuccino cannoli. Most of their pastries seem to be in the $4-5 range. The cannoli here is smaller than the monstrous giants you'll get at Mike's. I liked that the shell isn't too greasy. However, the coffee flavor in the filling was very subtle to the point where it tasted more like a chocolate cannoli than a cappuccino cannoli. The tiramisu had a heavy coffee flavor. The mascarpone wasn't too sweet and was super light. Some tiramisus are so sweet and heavy that they make me feel sick after eating them, but not the one at Bova's. I would definitely get it again. read more
Forget Mike's and Modern Pastry debate and go a block or two over to Bova's for the best cannoli. Seriously, the traditional ricotta filling is just sweet enough. We tried some of the other flavors like the pistachio and the chocolate chip (my favorite), and all were fantastic. The shell itself is as delicious as my Nonna's from Sicily. Seriously don't overlook this place just because it isn't on the main street. Plus, they are open 24/7 for whenever you get in the mood for a treat (dangerous, I know!) read more
5 years ago
Came to Boston for the long weekend. Found out they have the only 24 hours bakery called Bova's Bakery (a nice Italian bakery) so we decided to check it out at midnight. The owner is friendly and funny. We walked out with an eclair and a cannoli - both were good. We will be coming back on Monday to grab a bunch of things before heading back to Jersey! They're open 24/7 - unusual and very cool. read more
1 year ago
3 years ago
The most amazing cannoli!!!! They have a wide selection of cannoli types (ex. Oreo, Nutella, chocolate chip, etc.) to try. I got the chocolate chip cannoli and it was delicious. The service is fast and there wasn't a long line when we went in the afternoon. There's no seating inside so definitely plan to take it to go. Overall, great place to stop by for a post-meal dessert! read more
This a a little jewel.. it's one of the few places in The North End that you can pay with a credit card. They have plenty of different pastries, Sicilian Pizza and more. It's basically get your stuff and go. Thus far everything I've tried has been great. If you are strolling around the neighborhood. Go in, order a few things you won't regret it. Staff is helpful and fun and the inside looks like an old school bakery you'd see in a Scorsese movie. read more
1 year ago
More info about Bova's Bakery
134 Salem St
Boston, MA 02113
North End
Directions
(617) 523-5601
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http://bovabakeryboston.net
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Ask the Community - Bova's Bakery
Do you accept Apple Pay?
Yes we do thank you for your question, George F Bova Partner/Co Owner…
Is the Florentine cannoli gluten free? Just almond meal?
Hi Charlene, We can not say the Florentines are gluten free. Recipe varies slightly depending on temperature and humidity and sometimes flour is added slightly. In response…
Do they have a ricotta pistachio cake?
I haven’t seen it in the store but you can order it I’m sure I’d be more than happy to make you cakes.
Is this a sit down place?
No. We get ours and then walk to the greenway to eat it
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