Photo of the Modern Pastry Shop by Shinya Suzuki (CC BY 2.0)
Let’s face it, even the healthiest of people need a break. We can stick to our strict diet and workout regiment week to week, but sometimes, it’s okay to treat ourselves. The only question is, what to get? Well, in a city as varied as Boston when it comes to food, you have a ton of options. While many people may opt for some seafood, a better option might just be pastries. There are some fantastic places in Boston for baked goods, and here are 8 we think are the best.
1. Modern Pastry Shop
This family-owned bakery is truly a staple in the North End of Boston. The shop is full of delicious treats, just waiting for you. Their crown jewel is their cannoli (like a lot of Italian pastry shops,) and theirs are filled to order, to ensure maximum freshness. If you’d like a beverage with your baked goods, have no fear, as the Modern Pastry Shop has a coffee bar full of mouth-watering options. This place even has an on-line catalog so you can send these sweet treats to those who can’t come to Boston to give them a try.
2. Sofra
While this shop is known primarily as a bakery, it is so much more than that. Sofra is a modern Mediterranean café and bakery that offers up some truly unique and awesome dishes. Whether you are after breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert, this place has just what you need. The spices in the baked goods truly make them unlike any other in the city and this is one place you definitely have to check out. In addition to the wonderful food, the décor of the café is great and is the perfect complement to the food.
3. Tatte Bakery and Café
While a few bakeries in this article will transport you to Italy, this one takes you straight to France. Tatte makes some of the most visually appealing treats out there that are sometimes too beautiful to eat. However, once you do eat them, you will be treated to an exceptional flavor that is made possible by the specially sourced raw ingredients used. If you come early in the day and aren’t quite ready for sweets yet, don’t worry. This place offers up delicious breakfast options too, which are just as fresh as the baked goods.
4. Flour Bakery + Café
This is among the most popular and highly-touted bakeries in the city, and once you sink your teeth into some of their food, you will immediately know why. This charming little café and bakery serve up some of the best cakes and pastries in all of Boston. You’ll find this place spread out over several locations included Back Bay, South End, Cambridgeport, and so on. While they also offer up more than just baked goods (including coffee and sandwiches), locals will tell you not to skip on the sugary treats. This place is so popular that they have opened up locations across the city, so you will never be too far away from your favorite pastries.
5. Petsi Pie
If pies are your thing, this is definitely the place to go. No matter what kind of pie you are craving, the people over at Petsi Pie will be able to help you out. This place is home to some of the most delectable pies in Boston and is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Their pies are always hand shaped and are freshly baked every single day. However, in addition to their pies, they also serve cupcakes, cookies, and scones.
6. Mike’s Pastry
You are unlikely to find Mike’s Pastry without a line out the door and down the street, and this is for good reason. Mike’s is home to some of best Italian pastries out there but is known primarily for their cannoli. In fact, they make a variety of different types of cannoli at this location including chocolate chip, peanut butter, ricotta cheese, and much more. However, if cannoli’s aren’t your thing, there are a number of other things to try at Mike’s including their cookies, cinnamon twists, and lobster tails.
7. Bova’s Bakery
If you are after tasty Italian treats, with less of a line, look no further than Bova’s Bakery. This little bakery is located in the middle of the historic North End of Boston but once you step inside, you will be immediately taken to what feels like an Italian café. This is essentially a one stop shop for outstanding baked goods, including their famous and fresh cannoli. While they are known by many for their pastries, this place also serves up other treats such as sandwiches, pizza, and more.
8. Maria’s Pastry Shop
This little shop has been family run and operated for over 30 years and is a shop known for their amazing Italian pastries. Not only do they offer up delicious treats, they have also won awards for their baked goods such as “Boston’s Best Cannoli.” In addition to the regular and common treats, such as cannoli, clam shell, lobster tail, cookies, and bread, they also have a variety of seasonal specialties. If you’re not in the Boston area, don’t distress. They ship all over the United States.
