When we were at Harvard we saw Mike's Pastry and I thought about stopping in to buy cannoli but I didn't because we were planning to go to Paul Revere's house in North End and this Mike's Pastry location is a couple of blocks away. If I had gone to the Harvard location I would have been in and out in 5-10 minutes. That was not the case at the North End location but in fairness it was Friday night and around the time people want dessert. The North End location had four lines from the counter to the door with the line out the door. They take cash only but while you wait you have plenty of time to decide on what you actually want to get. They have 10+ cannoli flavors plus many other pastries. We opted for a pistachio cannoli and a amaretto cannoli. The cannoli were twice the size of what I was anticipating so we split one on Friday and split the other on Saturday. If I went back I'd get the amaretto again. The pistachio was mostly ricotta tasting. If you go, go early and bring cash! read more

Mike's Pastry - Amaretto Cannoli and pistachio cannoli - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Mike's Pastry is one of Boston's most iconic bakeries and a place that almost every visitor has on their list. We walked into a space where the display cases are packed with cannoli, cakes, cookies, lobster tails, and countless Italian pastries, making it difficult to decide what to order. The atmosphere is busy and energetic, with a constant flow of customers, but the staff keeps the line moving surprisingly efficiently, managing the steady crowd with a practiced rhythm that makes the wait feel shorter than it looks. The cannoli are the signature item and the main reason to visit. The shells are crisp and filled to order with a rich, sweet ricotta filling that has a smooth texture without feeling overly heavy. There are plenty of flavors to choose from, including classics like chocolate chip and pistachio, along with seasonal and specialty options. The pistachio cannoli stands out for its generous coating of crushed pistachios, while the chocolate chip version offers a more traditional take that holds up well against the richness of the filling. Beyond the cannoli, the lobster tail pastry is another highlight, with its flaky layers and creamy filling that offers a different texture from the cannoli, and the bakery offers enough variety that it is worth trying more than one dessert. The portions are very generous, and most of the pastries are large enough to share, especially if you are planning to sample a few different items. Everything is displayed behind the counter, making it easy to browse before ordering, though having so many choices can make it take longer to decide. The biggest thing to plan for is the crowd. There is often a line extending outside, especially on weekends and during the summer, but it usually moves faster than it looks because the staff is well organized. Seating is extremely limited, so most people take their pastries to go. It is also worth remembering that the original North End location is cash only, so bringing cash can save you from any surprises. Mike's Pastry is a classic Boston destination that lives up to its reputation if you enjoy rich Italian pastries. The cannoli are the obvious reason to visit, but the wide selection, generous portions, and historic atmosphere make it worth experiencing at least once, even with the crowds. read more

Mike's Pastry - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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I was excited to try Mike's Pastry after hearing so much hype, but unfortunately, I was very disappointed. Having enjoyed cannoli in Italy and éclairs in various places across Europe, I found these pastries to be overrated and not worth the wait--even if there had been no line and everything was half-price. The chocolate éclair looked unappealing and was quite dry. The filling was excessively sweet and left an artificial aftertaste. The cannoli shells lacked the crispness I expected, and again, the filling was overwhelmingly sweet with what tasted like artificial ingredients. I honestly don't understand the hype. My guess is that much of it comes from social media influencers who may not have experienced similar pastries in Europe. Yet whenever someone visits Boston, they're told they "have to" try Mike's Pastry. For me, it simply didn't live up to its reputation. Disappointing. Oh, it is only cash. Hm... read more

Went to Mike's Pastry while in the North End since it's one of the most well-known spots for cannoli and desserts. The line moved decently fast and there are a lot of options to choose from. The cannoli was good--filling was creamy and fresh--but I wish they had smaller sizes available. It felt a bit heavy finishing a full-sized one. Solid experience overall, just would've preferred a mini option. read more

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After hearing amazing things about this place, we decided to try it. We didn't realize it's cash only but thankfully I had a $20 on me, so keep that in mind. It was very busy but the line moved pretty quickly. I had every intention on getting a cannoli but once I saw the display case, I knew I needed the Oreo brownie cheesecake. It was absolutely amazing! I was in heaven eating that! My boyfriend did get the chocolate mousse cannoli and enjoyed it. I tried a bite and it wasn't for me. However, I am not the biggest cannoli person. All of their desserts looked amazing so make sure to bring lots of cash! read more

Mike's Pastry - Chocolate Mousse Cannoli and Oreo Cheesecake - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mike's Pastry is worth trying, especially if you're visiting Boston for the first time. When we arrived, the line was out the door, but don't let that discourage you. It moved fast! One thing we didn't realize beforehand is that it's cash only, so be prepared. Thankfully, there was an ATM nearby so we were able to get cash. We tried the lobster tail, chocolate chip cannoli, Boston cream puff, and Florentine cannoli. The Florentine was my favorite! read more

Mike's Pastry - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Okay, after returning to Boston, I managed to try the actual Mike's (and its rival across the street, Modern). The huge lines seem intimidating, but they go by quite quickly, and it spreads into 3 separate lines inside. Bear in mind they are CASH ONLY. They do box your orders nicely with their iconic string. :) Although they're known for their cannoli, you can also order other pastries like eclairs, whoopie pies, brownies, cheesecakturnovers, florentines, scones, croissants, cookies, and even Dubai chocolate. Their pastry variety is endless. I ordered the Mint chip and Pistachio cannoli. Both were decadent but not too heavy or sweet. One downside is that I felt they were a bit drier than Modern, but otherwise comparable. Each was $8, although you can get "kits" for cheaper (some flavors like Dubai chocolate are more expensive). I'd love to come back and try the rest of their cannolis and pastries! read more

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We showed up on a Wednesday around 3:30 pm there was a little line but it went fast. I already knew I wanted the pistachio. Only got one cost $8 in cash. No seating inside it's take and go. The box and string are a nice touch. Found it to be delicious and a good size . I would have given this closer to 4 stars because the $8 seems a little steep. But the packaging alone might cost $2. It is popular and famous for a reason read more

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Mike's vs Modern is to cannoli's what Pat's and Geno's is to cheesesteaks in Philly. We got here on a Thursday around 2pm and we walked right up to the counter. The lady friend wasn't ready since she had heard there would be a long line before we arrived. The lady at the counter was operating as if they were really busy hurrying us along. We ordered a Florentine with Espresso filling and a traditional cannoli from the Soup Nazi then took them to the park to eat. I guess she would be a Cannoli Fascist in this example...anyway back on track. The Florentine is not for me. Too dense and too sweet since it's a rolled out almond cookie made into the shell. The espresso filling was good despite me not being a coffee fan. The traditional rolled in chocolate chips is where it's at! Perfect texture, not too sweet but sweet enough. Absolutely delicious. Get here early on a weekday if possible but be prepared to order or "No cannoli for you! 1 month!" read more

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Maybe this place is just a tourist trap, but I dropped by because I heard such great things about it. I guess I lucked out because when I went (Wednesday, around 3 PM), there was virtually no line. I heard it can get super busy, so beware. This place is cash only, and the service is really straight-to-the-point. I guess they just want people in and out quickly. There's not really anywhere you can sit, so definitely just get what you want and go. The bakery itself is kept very simple and minimal. Sweets are displayed behind the glass, and there are plenty of signs along the wall that display what they have to offer. There were a lot of different goodies, but I noticed that people really only ordered the cannolis. I got a singular chocolate chip cannoli, and I think it really threw the person helping me off that I only got one to try. Pastries are packaged in a nice blue box and securely tied with a long string. The cannoli itself tasted pretty nice, but I wish there were more chocolate chips other than the ones that coated the areas of visible filling. I liked that the shell was crunchy and flaky. I can't say much because this was my first time having a cannoli, so I have no point of comparison. Not sure if I can eat a lot of it in one sitting. read more

Mike's Pastry - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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My review is not on the cannolis as I don't like cannoli and didn't get any here. So maybe the cannolis are the way to go at Mike's. During my visit, there was only a short line. I perused all the offerings behind the case and couldn't find anything that called my name. Everything looked dry and unappetizing TBH. There were some interesting things that I have never seen before like an angry Easter Lamb (large for $25, small for $15). The marzipan fruit looks super cute, but not something I would want to eat. My friend purchased a lemon bar and a raspberry stick. She offered me some and I tried both. I didn't like either one. The pastry dough was dry and the filling was very artificial tasting. I don't get the hype. read more

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Being a tourist visit Boston one thing I kept seeing on a lot of travel vlogs was that you had to come to the north end to get a cannoli. There's two locations that start with an M that everyone should try, Mikes and ..... the other one is in my next review. This being my first time ever having a cannoli the winner to me is Mike's. Their cannoli cost a little more than the other shop, but mikes was a little bigger and i liked that Mikes was a little sweeter. But overall you can lose with either both are worth trying. I didn't notice Mikes was a little busier, but the line went pretty quick I think it only took me maybe 5 minutes to be in and out with the line being at the edge of the door. read more

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Call it a tourist trap if you want, but I loved Mike's Pastry! I visited on a Friday afternoon, and was surprised it wasn't super full. There was a line, but it moved quickly - we waited about 10 minutes total. We tried several things: pistachio, limoncello, pecan caramel cannoli and the pecan caramel cheesecake. I didn't even think I liked cannoli at all based on a previous experience, but WOW - these changed my perspective. They were sweet without being overwhelming. The cheesecake was delicious as well. Heads up, as other reviews have mentioned, it's cash only. Luckily, my mom is old school and always carries cash with her. I wish I lived in Boston - I'd love to come back to try their other offerings. read more

Mike's Pastry - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Last time I was in town, it was on a weekend and the line stretched out the door and down the sidewalk to get into this bakery. Since I don't ride the FOMO train I passed. Today I walked in with only one customer in front of me, that's the way I like it! I got a pistachio cannoli to-go and "holy cannoli" it was very good! I still wouldn't stand in any kind of line to get one, but it was probably the best cannoli I've ever had. Still, it's just a cannoli. read more

Mike's Pastry - To-go package - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Classic Italian feel in this bustling bakery. The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable. There are so many wonderful treats it can be a little overwhelming but we chose the pistachio cannoli for a little pick me up on our stroll in North End. It was hands down the best cannoli I have ever had! Will definitely stop here again before heading home. read more

Mike's Pastry - Pistachio Cannoli - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

After a sub sandwich lunch in the Paul Revere park picked up 5 cannolis to share. Cut them in half for three of us and shared. Brought home at least 2-3 cannolis. Really a great dessert. I wish the lines were shorter though. read more

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Ambiance: good ambiance also a long line. They are known for their cannolis Service: the service was fast and cute packaging Food $$: I got the espresso cannolis and they are huge! I think I wasn't able to appreciate it like most people, be aware the powder sugar can get messy Audience: Solo Trip [X] Family Friendly [ X] Friends [X] Date Spot [X] Recommendations/tips: I recommend waiting read more

Love the fresh filled cannolis at Mike's! Don't be discouraged by the long line because it moves fast. My favorite is the chocolate chip cannoli and I had to stop here this trip. The shell is light and crispy and it's filled with a delicious lightly sweet and creamy ricotta filling. The ends are covered in mini chocolate chips. So good! read more

Mike's Pastry - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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We kept seeing everybody walking around with boxes from Mike's Pastry shop. We figured we had to stop in and there was a line at 7:30pm. A line of like 40+ people. They work through that line quickly when the customers use their brains. We got a selection of cannoli's. When we finally got the chance to taste them, they were fantastic! read more

Mike's Pastry - Hazelnut - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I had heard that Mike's and Modern had the best cannolis in Boston, so naturally I got the chocolate chip version from both and tried them side by side. Mike's was the winner by a mile!!! The shell was crispy even though I waited 5-10 minutes before eating it, and the filling was made with high quality ingredients which was really highlighted by Modern's filling tasting very artificial and overly sweet. They also used dark chocolate chips, which was a welcome contrast since the cannoli was very sweet (as all cannolis are!) The service was also very quick, no line and the price was reasonable for how big the cannoli is. Thank you Mike's! read more

Mike's Pastry - Chocolate Chip Cannoli - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Friendly excellent service. They were out of lobster tails so couldn't try. Had the small ones in chocolate. Amazing with thick shell chocolate. Cannoli pistachio - great ! Carrot cake - very good ! Apple marzipan - pretty but very dry Boston cream pie - creamy and delicious Tiramisu - big portion and very good. High prices but they do not skimp on portions, ingredients, and quality. read more

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Definitely a tourist trap sort of place but I think Mikes deserves all the hype they get! If you don't want to wait inside as I hear it can be quite packed you can order delivery which is what I did. I tried the whoopie pie and the neopalitan. The whoopie pie is a 5/5. I had a best friend when I was a kid whose family was from Maine. Whoopie pies are a huge thing for them and her grandma who lived next door would make them for us as kids. Mikes whoopie pie is spot on and reminded me of what I had when I was a kid. Great nostalgia. The neopalitan was the first dessert my now partner gifted me when he worked at a bakery almost 10 years ago. I haven't had one like it in a long time. This one was quite good. Not as good as the one I had years ago but close. Overall the desserts are fabulous and there is a wide array so you are sure to find something you like. And their packaging is gorgeous. Check them out! read more

Mike's Pastry - Mikes pastry box - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

This was my favorite stop on my North End cannoli tour. I loved that the filling gave more of a ricotta v icing vibe. Not too sweet. Just perfect. The shell was light and crispy and really provided balance. They are on the bigger side so could probably share if this is an after dinner treat... or maybe two to try the options. Either way you won't be disappointed :) Walk up to the counter when you're ready and don't forget your cash! read more

Mike's Pastry - The mini in back - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Get the cannoli! Seriously so good you'll be back. Perfect crunch, not too sweet, not soggy or greasy. Some people say it's too touristy. Ignore those people. IT IS SO GOOD! Lines can be long but it moves very quickly. Cash only. read more

My wife used to live in Boston so on a trip to Boston with our son we ended up on Hanover Street. After an excellent dinner at North End Lobster, we walked 2 blocks to Mike's. We found it without even looking as the lines are out the door. It's really an incredible place. We got a cannoli, cheesecake and another pastry. All were excellent. This is a Must See place in Boston! read more

Short and sweet! Best Cannoli We have ever had! Filling perfect! Not too sweet, perfect consistency! No fillers or artificial flavoring detected! Shell perfect, crisp, light, just the right crunch, not overpowering! Worth the wait! Better than it looks! Travels well! Not fancy looking inside, no seating, just get a box to go! read more

Mike's Pastry - The box! Kind of a status symbol to walk around the North End with one! - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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A must try when you're in Boston! A large selection of different types of Italian cannolis and other desserts. These are the best cannolis that I've had. The shells are flaky and the filling is rich and creamy. A great place to stop by when you want something sweet! Just a heads up, they are cash only so make sure you bring some cash before you get there. Also, it's to go only so you'll need to find a park to sit down and enjoy! read more

Mike's Pastry - Cannoli - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mikes is the place to go for cannolis and any of your Italian sweet treat needs! I, personally, don't like cannolis but my family does and has been coming for years. I love the other treats- Florentine cookies and the Italian rainbow layered cookies! It's busy almost any time of day, but they have a quick and efficient system and the line moves quickly. read more

Be aware that this spot is CASH ONLY! Located in the North end, this bakery is always bustling with people. From its popular (and abundant number of cannolis) to their Boston creme pies to their other delicious pastries, Mike's Pastry is great for a sweet treat. I got their Boston cream pie here (my first time trying one) and I thought it was great. I was worried it would be too indulgent and overly sweet but it was perfect. Definitely have to come back here to try their cannolis one day (I mean, as I walked out, a man walked back in just to say that their cannolis were the best he's ever had). read more

Mike's Pastry - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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A must stop, at least for once in a life time . The lobster tails are to die for and you won't regret trying something from their vast menu read more

Mike's Pastry - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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We stopped by Mike's Pastry in the North End, and it was absolutely worth the visit. We ordered the crème brûlée, pistachio cannoli, and a slice of carrot cake. While everything was good, the crème brûlée was hands down our favorite pastry here. It was incredibly flavorful, perfectly creamy, and beautifully balanced--easily the standout of the visit. The pistachio cannoli was classic and enjoyable, and the carrot cake was solid as well, but the crème brûlée really stole the show for us. If you're visiting Mike's Pastry, definitely try a few things--but don't skip the crème brûlée. We'd absolutely get it again. read more

Mike's Pastry - Pistachio Cannoli, creme brûlée, - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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I tried to go on a cannoli tasting tour, but I didn't have enough stomach room by the time I got to here. This place is very large, busy, and efficient. Wherever you see the hanging spheres, it's a line with a staff member to help you. It took my friend and I a bit to figure it out. They take orders and wrap the to go boxes well (securely, efficiently, and conveniently). Out of the three cannoli places I visited (Mike's, Modern Pastry, and Bova's) they definitely have the largest variety of filling options...and desserts in overall. Instead of the cannolis, my friend and I ordered a Tiramisu (my friend had a craving) and Boston Crème Pie (when in Boston) to go. It's cash only and not really anywhere you can sit down to eat. It's a hustle and bustle type of environment with no frills. Staff were courteous. After opening up the box, we were kind of disappointed. The Tiramisu was not a traditional one like my friend was hoping for and the Boston Crème Pie was just okay. It's definitely a tourist destination, but I don't think I would revisit it. read more

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The lines are always long!!! The Cannoli is Huge!! A lot of choices... They have other pastries which looked yummy!!! The cannoli was good but a bit much!!! I would get another pastry next time but the Canister what they are known for. read more

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It's been 18 years since my lady cannoli from mikes and it's exactly as I remembered except now all of the flavors are epic!!!!!! The original is definitely the best. That ricotta is just mmmmmmm so good. Next fave was the espresso. I'm a big coffee everything kind of gal so this definitely exceeded all expectations. The chocolate ricotta was phenomenal and we tried the special raspberry marscapone, while it was delish it was too much for us. Can't go wrong at mikes honestly. (They broke on the way home but taste just as good) read more

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A must when in Boston! Had to stop by and try the famous lobster tail and of course, you can't forget the cannoli! The lobster tails are huge and the cannoli was so so good. There were multiple lines but they went by pretty quick. I'd go back for the cannoli. read more

Mike's Pastry - Lobster tail and cannoli - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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The iconic Mike's pastry was a must stop on our trip to Boston. The line did seem long down the block and it was a cold day, but I think we waited around 30 minutes which isn't the worst, but given the chaotic nature of the inside where no one knows what is going on it felt very overwhelming. If you are trying to get some pastries for your family, I really recommend just having one person go inside the store and ordering for everyone that is waiting outside. Once you get to the front after scrambling through people who you are are not sure if they are in a line or not, the service is quick and attentive and accurate. We grabbed our cannolis and ran out of there. We got a chocolate chip cannoli , Dubai chocolate flavor, and pumpkin pie flavor. The Dubi chocolate one was completely dipped in chocolate, and I thought that that was too much I would've preferred to enjoy the actual shell of the cannoli, but I really enjoyed the pistachio flavor. My favorite one overall was the classic chocolate chip cannoli that was just a classic cannoli with mini chocolate chips pushed in on the outside. If I were going to go back, I would simply get a handful of more original style cannolis. Those were my favorite. read more

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It is a bakery with every Italian American dessert you can think of! It is cash only and only to go. There is no seating available and your to go orders come in a box. My mission was to try the cannoli and since it was fall they had a pumpkin flavored one and it was delish! They only sell it in their regular size and there is a minimum to order their minis. A good stop to get that sugar craving gone! read more

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1) LONG LINES, BUT MOVES QUICKLY 2) JUST THE CANNOLI, don't get other things 3) BRING CASH LOGISTICS: the line out the door is intimidating, but luckily it moves quick. It's utter chaos inside. There's one line outside but once you get inside, there's 5 or 6 separate lines. If you pick the far right, you can see some of the things in the case along the side. WHAT TO GET: cannoli, hands down! $10 each. The ricotta filling is light and not too sweet, the shell is fresh and crunchy. We got the pistachio and the Florentine. Pistachio was *chefs kiss* I would get that again in a heart beat! Florentine was also delicious, but because the shell is covered in caramel, it's sticky and crunchy. Delicious, but totally extra and not necessary against the ricotta filling, and didn't need the mini chocolate chips. I'm probably not enjoying it correctly, so shoot me. Almost all other items we got were very disappointing. I was thinking - given the amount of customers they have daily, their pastries have got to be fresh and amazing. Could still have been fresh (didn't seem like the case for all items), but the taste lacked. Napoleon $7 - not sure if this is done in an Italian way, but the "custard" was more like frosting, it was that thick. The puff pastry was also soft and damp, not crispy and fresh. The top was also decorated like an opera cake, with vanilla and chocolate swirled frosting, too sweet. Chocolate Lobster Tail $7 - mmm the cone was hard, too firm really. The whipped cream (I think?) inside was so light and fresh though, my favorite part. Didn't need the chocolate exterior, in my opinion, but someone in my group wanted it. Good quality dark chocolate. Sfogliatelle $6 - this one was also too firm for me (stale?) and the filing was orange (a surprise)! Largely left untouched by our group of 5. Boston Cream Donut $5 - custard and chocolate frosting both too sweet for me as well. read more

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SHOUTOUT MY BOY MIKE. Before the night of April 13th on a crisp Boston night, I had never in my life had a cannoli. I had no idea just how much I would love cannolis. I ordered the Espresso Cannoli and the Pecan Cannoli. Imagine my disappointment when I realized it will be a while til i try these again! read more

Mike's Pastry - A man before tasting mikes - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Now this is a proper cannoli! As many claim here they are the best in town and live up to the hype. The shell had a terrific crispy crunch and the traditional filling was creamy and tasty. We also had a pistachio cannoli and made sure to try a few lobster tails. Both also very good. Been around since 1946 and is a fave of locals and visitors to the area. We thought Mike's was a bit better than Modern but you can't really go wrong with either one when visiting the North End. read more