Modern Pastry

Modern Pastry is a traditional Italian bakery at 257 Hanover Street in Boston's North End, in Massachusetts, United States. It is the long-standing neighbour and rival of Mike's Pastry, and many visitors and locals hold strong opinions about which shop makes the better cannoli. The bakery's signature approach is filling its cannoli to order, so the shell stays crisp rather than softening in the case. Ricotta is the classic filling, and the shop also offers variations with chocolate chips and other flavours. Florentines, a thin, caramelised almond-and-fruit cookie often dipped in chocolate, are another specialty, alongside Italian cookies, biscotti, marzipan, tarts, cakes and seasonal sweets. Service is at the counter, with no table service and no reservations. The interior is smaller and calmer than at the busiest Hanover Street shops, with a traditional bakery atmosphere of glass cases and staff boxing items by hand. Seating is limited, so most customers take pastries away. Prices are low and suited to a casual snack or dessert stop, with individual pastries typically costing a few dollars. Lines form on weekends and evenings, though they are often shorter than at the shop's more famous competitor. Modern Pastry sits within walking distance of the Paul Revere House, Old North Church and the Freedom Trail, so it is a convenient stop on a walking tour of the North End. Visitors often buy a cannoli here and another nearby to compare. Coffee and espresso drinks are available.