Absolutely love their cannolis! One tip: make sure you're adding up your total as you order. It can get pretty fast-paced in there between ordering and checking out, and I completely understand that human error happens. That said, on my most recent visit, my total was almost $30 more than it should have been. When I questioned it, the woman at the counter smiled quickly and said, "Oh, I did the wrong math," and corrected it. I'd like to think it wasn't intentional..but to avoid just add as you go! Cash only! read more

Modern Pastry was absolutely worth the hype and the wait! We wanted to try a little bit of everything, so we ordered 3 of the 4 cannoli shell options (plain, chocolate-dipped, and chocolate-covered) and tried all 4 fillings (traditional ricotta, vanilla custard, chocolate custard, and whipped cream). Of course, we had to add chocolate chips to all of them! After trying the different combinations, my personal favorite was hands down the classic plain cannoli shell with traditional ricotta filling and chocolate chips. It was seriously THAT good! I could easily eat a dozen of these by myself. The filling wasn't overly sweet or too cheesy, and the crispy shell complemented it perfectly. Everything was so well-balanced, making it one of the best cannolis I've ever had. Sometimes you just can't beat the classic! We also tried the famous lobster tail pastry, which was filled with a delicious, rich, creamy custard. Another must-try that I would highly recommend! We waited about 30 minutes in line, but it moved relatively quickly, and I can confidently say it was worth every minute. With so many different combinations to choose from, there's something for everyone. If you're visiting Boston's North End, Modern Pastry is definitely worth a stop! I would absolutely come back, and next time I'm ordering even more of those classic cannolis! read more

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This is a pastry shop connected to a bar and eatery. Modern pastry is the famous competitor to Mikes pastry. Unlike Mikes, there is places to sit down and eat, and you don't have to wait in Line; if you can get a table, a waiter will come to take your order. The pastries are delicious ; we tried the limoncello, a few cannolis, the lobster tail, and cream lpuff. So good! Although the lobster tail is their special, I found it to be a little flavorless. The cannoli are better than mikes, they seem fresher and the shell is crunchier. You can get great cannolis anywhere in North End, so I would say that there is no real point to lining up in the rain as we did for Mikes or Modern pastry. This place is pretty popular and I found it to be very noisy and crowded. I wouldn't necessarily go here unless people are in town and want to have the north end experience. read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Overall: Modern Pasty Shop is well known for a reason. Every pastry we had was excellent and tasted like they were made with real ingredients. Just be ready for a small wait and make sure to bring cash! Food: 5 Cannoli: I'm not a fan of cannolis but I feel like I had to get one. It's build your own and we chose a chocolate shell with traditional ricotta and pistachios. It wasn't overly sweet and the cannoli had a nice crisp. It was very large. We tried an assortment of other items including a chocolate cake slice, hazelnut chocolate cookies, and date cookie. They were all good. I appreciated that none of them were super sweet and they tasted like their actual ingredients, not artificial. Service: 5 The woman that took our order was patient while we figured out what we wanted despite how busy it was. Once you order, you wait for them to gather your items, then you pay. read more

Last time I had a cannoli from one of Modern's competitors it made me sick. I was a little hesitant to buy one from them but these were absolutely perfect! Service was great although we were told that it's cash only. It was also really busy inside but they seemed to be making up the boxes themselves in the back? Either way, I'm coming back for more! It's a cute place with great vibes. read more

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Cash only! Got mini cannolis. Limited flavors and choices compared to other cannoli shops. They have four choices of fillings and then three different toppings you can choose from. Tried the vanilla custard with pistachios and the chocolate custard. The chocolate was very rich and sweet. The vanilla had a lighter flavor. The cannoli shell was the thick and crispy. Service was decent and they have a few tables for you to get table service as well. read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Delicious! That's the word that comes to mind when having cannolis here. You cannot go wrong with what you choose as they are filled to order. Be prepared to choose the type of shell, filling and topping that you want, yum! If you're curious, you can check out in advance what their offerings are on their website. If cannolis are not your thing, they have an extensive pastry display case that goes throughout the shop. It's a pastry lovers paradise, and it would be shocking not to find something that strikes your fancy. There's just so many delectable looking goodies here and I could stand around for hours just soaking it all in. Side note, you will see signs posted everywhere that they are a cash only establishment. Go with your bucks as you will surely buy lots! read more

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Just had to make time in my Boston trip to visit THE MODERN PASTRY Lobster Tail Pastry. It was HUGE, like enough for an entire family. I swear it weighted a pound. The pastry was super fresh and the Creme was not too sweet. They also only take cash, so be aware if you want to try one of these amazing pastries. I noticed that modern pastry shop allows for custom cannolis which was unique compared to the other bakeries in the area read more

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very good. Cash only shop - my husband got a cupcake & I tried a strawberry tart and a m&m dessert. Everything tasted great! $12.00 for three treats was reasonable too. read more

So we went with friends around various cannoli places. mikes. bovas. Loved them. And you know what was our favorite? Modern. The shell is better. A little more cookie like. And filling a little creamier. And the other pastries like cupcakes were great too. But don't forget the cannolis. The line moves quickly. And they even have mini ones too when you just want something after a great meal in the north end. read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

We got an assortment of sweets to try, but I had the tiramisu slice. It was heavenly and not too sweet at all. It does have a strong coffee taste, but it was balanced well with the cream. I did like this bakery a lot since the pastries tasted fresher. Note: this place is also cash only read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Chocolate chip Cannoli, Tiramisu Slice, Boston Cream Cupcake, Espresso Truffle - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

A neighbor bought an assortment of cookies for us on their trip to Boston. The assortment of Italian cookies they gave us were excellent cookies. I've have cookies from other Italian bakeries but the cookies were usually dry or the cookies all tasted similar. The cookies from Modern Pastry cookies were moist, each cookie tasted unique and had the right amount of sweetness. We will probably ask the neighbors to buy us a box of assorted cookies on their next trip to the Boston area. If you are in the area I recommend dropping in and trying a variety of the baked goods. read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Assorted Italian Cookies - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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CASH ONLY. There was a sign on the door and at the register that we completely missed so make sure you bring cash! There's no ATM either. We did build your own cannolis and they were AMAZING. The vibe was so cool as well. They were playing drake and it felt like the perfect late night spot to get a pastry. read more

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When in the North End, Modern Pastry is the dessert shop one must go. We came here specifically to get the cookies by the pound, and especially the rainbow cookies. This place has thee best rainbow cookies (trust me, I know!) What I love about this pastry shop is you can order and take away in a box, or you can sit down and order food. You can't sit in the other dessert places it's just a counter. read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Rainbow Cookies - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I have verified the hands-down are the best cannolis I've had in the USA. Closest thing to the ones they sell in Italy. I recommend the one with ricotta with the plain and chocolate chip. This place has a lot of good desserts, but the build your own cannoli is the way to go! Must try. read more

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Fresh yummy beautiful pastries & desserts! - Fast moving lines - Fresh made cannolis (also have gluten free) - individual macaroons approx $1.30ish. So pretty so yummy! - they have merch (hat, tshirts, hoodies, mugs) - CASH only! Parking is rough on Hanover! Hope for a spot or try side roads read more

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Modern Pastry is my gold standard. Twenty-five years ago, the Sicilian side of my Boston family taught me one of the city's most important unwritten rules: tourists debate. Locals know. And the locals go to Modern Pastry. I've never questioned that advice. After being away from Boston for eight years, one of my first stops was bringing everyone in my group here. As always, the cannoli was the first thing I ordered. Some traditions aren't meant to be broken. But this trip came with a new assignment. My brotha Paulie from the Saint Joseph Society didn't recommend the Zeppole... He *commanded* it. Apparently, Modern only makes them during Easter, but on his personal special request, had them made this year for last weekend's Feast of Saint Joseph. Miss the season, and you wait another year. So the rule isn't to buy one or two. It's to buy as many as you can carry. I can't believe I'd gone my entire life without ever trying one. Imagine impossibly light fried dough surrounding silky pastry cream, finished with a simple cherry hidden in the middle like a secret treasure. Nothing flashy. Nothing overcomplicated. Every bite works because nothing is trying too hard. That's really the story of Modern Pastry. They don't chase trends. They don't reinvent classics. They simply make traditional pastries exceptionally well, year after year, generation after generation. Twenty-five years after my family first pointed me through these doors, they're still right. And now I have one more tradition to look forward to every Feast of Saint Joseph. read more

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Expect to wait in line unless you get lucky. You can't go wrong with much here as it is one of the most authentic Italian spots in the Boston area. The Sfogliatella, Rum Baba, and the lobster tails are all top notch. Don't expect super attentive service if you want to dine in but that is more due to the fact that this place is BUSY! read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Baba with rum/cream/cherry - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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I forgot how good the cannolis are in the North End. The filling is just to die for. So good. I don't think there is a better cannoli anywhere in Boston or anywhere else for that matter. Don't go here if you want to be gushed over. They had a "could care less" if we were there attitude but who cares the cannolis are exceptional. read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Build your own Cannoli - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

The line was outside the door around the block, but the line went quick. We ordered cannolis, cupcakes and amaretti cookies. Everything tasted so good! The amaretti cookies were amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed the cannoli. Highly recommend! Don't forget, it's cash only! read more

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During my trip to Boston I tried Modern, Mike's and Bova's and the cannoli from Modern was my favorite. Reasons it was my favorite: you can order a single mini cannoli, the mini chocolate chips had a good chocolate flavor, filling was fluffy and light, because it was mini the ratio of filling to shell was perfect. It's cash only though so don't forget! read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Lovely experience at Modern Pastry! Like other north end sweet shops, they are cash only. The staff really took the time to let us decide our order and delicately wrapped it and offered extra powdered sugar. You get to create your own, choose the flavor shell, type and flavor filling, and topping so it was hard to choose from the many options! Favorite was the classic ricotta with chocolate chips added. The chocolate custard filling was unique and similar to chocolate pudding. Great service! read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I'm sitting here back in CA, dreaming of the Boston cream cupcake I had there last weekend. The chocolate top, not too sweet cream filling, and moist cake made for complete perfection. I loved it so much that I went back again before my flight and brought another with me. Went from BOS to TX to CA, and guess what? It still hit. I tried the pignoli cookies and ricotta cannolis as well. You can't go wrong here, but I will dreaming of that cupcake. Also, in every state I crossed, people recognized the name throughout the airport. An if you know, you know guarantee. So even if there is a long line, get in it and wait. Don't forget it's cash only. Bring at least $60. You'll want everything haha Also, the gentleman who helps with the line out front was so kind. He made my trip to Boston even more memorable. Can't wait to come back. read more

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SOOOO, if you know you know. This rivalry between this place and Mike's is like the Gino's vs Pat's Philly sandwich war. BUT IMHO, this debate is more philosophical: Mikes is more modern offering a bunch of crazy flavors like peanut butter and key lime, where here at Modern, they (ironically) stick with the classics, chocolate and vanilla, pistachios or cc chips. My husband is not a connoisseur, so he wobbled and ordered the chocolate cream with pistachios. I went with the classic marscapone version with CC chips. YUM. I imagine Mike's is also fantastic, and if I had a hollow leg and a less fat a$$ I might have suffered the line there. Note here that if you want to eat in, you do NOT go through the line, we got reprimanded, but they did let us sit and enjoy only bc table service was about to end. read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Such a classic! The cannolis are amazing. Delicate, crunchy and creamy all at once. Good thing I don't live close by or I'd have them all the time. Usually a line but the nice team is efficient at getting everyone thru quickly. The vibe is fun and you just know it's a classic. Super clean. read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Cannoli - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Modern Pastry's made-to-order cannoli had a crisp, thicker shell and a satisfying amount of filling. We tried chocolate chip, chocolate-filled, and traditional. My favorite was the chocolate-dipped ricotta cannoli. I especially liked the shell-to-filling ratio here. read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Cash only! Pastries were okay! Not terrible but not life changing. Had the Neapolitan and I wish it was lighter and flakier and used a different top than an icing. Had a chocolate covered canoli with vanilla custard and pistachios and it was good but the waffle was thick and hard Overall pastries are super dense. read more

Cash only! Great cannoli. Weird experience. Got one cannoli for I think $6. Gave them a $20. Got $10 back. Had to keep it pushing since they were busy read more

When in Boston's north end, make sure to stop by Modern Bakery. Amazing selection and super friendly service! Make sure you have cash- it's a cash only business. They have amazing cannolis and other delicious treats. Every time I visit Boston, I stop and try something new. This time was Tiramisu. The coffee flavor was delightful and not over powering, the cream was amazing, smooth and delicious- very yummy all around! read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Tiramisu Slice - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Tried Mike's in the past so I had to check out Modern. There's a line but it moves quickly. Tried a chocolate chip and pistachio cannoli. Both were good but my fav was the pistachio. Check out this iconic sweet spot if you're visiting. read more

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Every visit to Boston, we always go to Moden Pastry! It's a must for us! What a treat today, we dined in with table service! Itbeen years and usually too crowded to wait for a table. Their pastries are amazing as take out, but to enjoy them there with a nice hot drink; best thing ever! I ordered a regular (ricotta) cannoli with chips and a hot tea. My husband ordered a chocolate ganache with coffee. He stated it was the best coffee he had ever had!! The ganache desert waa excellent. My cannoli was heaven! I have had a lot of cannoli but nothing beats Modern Pastry. Shells are great )made in Sicily). They fills them while you wait. So fresh! I have been coming here since I was a young child, they taste as good as they did back then! Cash only, that too hasn't changed! We had a great server. Staff is always nice and patient! read more

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Modern vs Mike's is the Boston version of Pat's vs Geno's except with cannolis. Both have long lines on weekends and peak times and both move through those lines quickly. Modern has a lot more overall pastry option than Mike's. Hell, they even serve alcohol and have a small number of tables to sit if you can actually get a spot. Modern doesn't have as many cannoli options as Mike's, however. I found that Modern's were a little sweeter and the filling texture was a little thinner. It was still really good though. So, it's all about personal preference, if you want your cannolis to be like Kim Kardashian go to Mike's but for more of a Kate Moss style stick with Modern. read more

Modern Pastry Shop - 1 dipped in pistachio and 1 in chocolate chip - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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We sat at one of the few tables inside and enjoyed the table service. (It's bustling so don't plan to stay long). The cupcakes and Napoleon were delicious and the crème brûlée was good. Remember to bring cash! read more

Part 2 of my review in the battle of the North end cannolis, while Modern didn't get the victory over the other M named bakery they still made a solid cannoli. Pros for modern is they're cost a little less and I was in and out of there in a few minutes. I even think mine was made on the spot since I got to pick what type of "crust" I wanted. They're a cash only establishment and also things considered I think both of these shops on the north end are worth trying so you can judge for yourself to see which one you like best. read more

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Modern has really good "build your own" cannolis. I had a vanilla custard with pistachios on top. Delicious! Modern also offers a good selection of cakes and cupcakes. Great service and cash-only. read more

My mission for Boston was to find THE cannoli...and we sure found it at modern. It was a very close tie to the local favorite at Bovas but this ended up taking first place. I love the fact that the cannolis are made to order leaving you with a crispy shell everybody. They even offer many cannolis for those like myself who don't have a large sweet tooth. The filling people might find on the Tad sweeter side in which I would recommend the pistachio or almond topping if not, go traditional with the chocolate chip. The location is adorable with a variety of pastry options, notably, the moon cookie! The service was great and attentive, and if you get the chance I would recommend sitting and enjoying a nice coffee or tea versus waiting in the line. In comparison to Boa's, it was very close for our party, but the fresh shell put it on top. I will state that Boba's cream filling was more of my style with the less of the sweet kick. Either way you can't go wrong either location, but the additional pastries offered at modern along with the sitdown option was also another touch. Don't be timid by the line it moves rapid and it's well worth it! read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Modern (top box) vs Bovas! - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

This is the best cannoli I've ever had in my entire life. I didn't get to try any other ones in Boston, but we chose to try this place over Mike's since it had some seating inside. The line was long, but it moved fast. I ordered a cannoli with a plain shell, traditional ricotta filling, and pistachios-- it was perfection. I think about this place every time I crave a cannoli. read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Super yummy, and you can tell fresh. The make your own cannoli is fun! The peanut butter cup was HUGE! They have signs everywhere but reminder: CASH only!!!! Also there's apparently a cool speak easy downstairs? We didn't go there but everyone says it's amazing. read more

Got lucky to get a little table by the window and enjoyed our cannolis and some espressos. Line very long but moved quickly. Don't forget CASH ONLY. So Modern vs Mikes. I loved both cannolis but they are different. Moderns is more traditional and Mikes is sweeter. So who comes out on top it's for you to decide. I would say it was nice to be able to sit in the shop and enjoy the snack and will also say this is a must stop when visiting Boston. Then decide on your own which is better. read more

Modern Pastry Shop - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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There are other options for cannolis in the North End but I'm glad we went with this bakery. I've had many cannolis in the past and I couldn't say before trying Modern Pastry that they were among my favorite desserts. These were amazing cannolis and now among my favorite desserts. They have a long line and it is a cash only business so come prepared. read more

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