Boston’s Cannoli Guide
Cannoli aren’t just dessert in Boston, they’re tradition. From legendary North End bakeries to modern spins in Somerville, Cambridge, and beyond, the city’s cannoli scene is unmatched. This guide highlights the must-try spots where crispy shells and creamy ricotta fillings shine.
At-a-Glance
- Neighborhoods: North End, Somerville, Cambridge, South End, Quincy
- MBTA stops: Haymarket, Davis, Harvard, Back Bay, Quincy Center
- Price tiers: $–$$ ($4–$7 per cannoli)
- Wait/Resy notes: Weekend lines in North End; shorter waits elsewhere
- Hours: Most open daily; Bova’s is 24/7
North End
Mike’s Pastry — North End
Mike’s is the heavyweight of Boston cannoli, and the shop’s blue-and-white boxes are practically souvenirs. Expect oversized pastries stuffed with everything from classic ricotta to pistachio, espresso, and amaretto. The shells stay crunchy even under heaps of filling, making them ideal for sharing, though few people actually do. Weekend lines wrap down Hanover Street, but the energy, history, and payoff make the wait worthwhile.
- Price: $–$$ (~$5–$7 per cannoli)
- MBTA/Parking: Haymarket (Orange/Green Line)
- Accessibility: Narrow, crowded interior
- Link: mikespastry.com
Modern Pastry — North End
Family-owned and often the locals’ pick, Modern Pastry is all about choice. Customers can select plain or chocolate-dipped shells, pick their filling, and decide on toppings like chocolate chips or powdered sugar. The cannoli are slightly smaller than Mike’s, but their crispness and smooth ricotta filling give them staying power. With additional cakes, cookies, and tarts on display, it’s a bakery that rewards repeat visits.
- Price: $ (~$4–$6 per cannoli)
- MBTA/Parking: Haymarket (Orange/Green Line)
- Accessibility: Step at entry
- Link: modernpastry.com
Bova’s Bakery — North End
Bova’s is the North End’s answer to every late-night craving, serving cannoli 24/7. The shells are fried golden and filled with traditional ricotta, less sweet than some competitors, which makes them appealing for purists. Crowds are smaller here, so you can avoid the Hanover Street rush while still enjoying top-tier cannoli. Beyond pastries, the bakery also offers bread, cookies, and hearty sandwiches, but cannoli remain a highlight.
- Price: $ (~$4–$6 per cannoli)
- MBTA/Parking: Haymarket (Orange/Green Line)
- Accessibility: Narrow entry, busy counter
- Link: bovabakeryboston.net
Somerville
Lyndell’s Bakery — Union Square
Founded in 1887, Lyndell’s is one of the oldest bakeries in the Boston area, and its cannoli remain a neighborhood classic. The shells are crisp, the ricotta lightly sweetened, and the vibe pure old-school charm. Though Lyndell’s is better known for sheet cakes and cookies, regulars will tell you their cannoli are underrated gems. The pace is slower than Hanover Street, and you’ll usually find friendly service and no wait.
- Price: $ (~$4–$5 per cannoli)
- MBTA/Parking: Union Square (Green Line)
- Accessibility: Step at entrance
- Link: lyndells.com
La Saison Bakery — Somerville
A relative newcomer, La Saison blends creativity with respect for tradition. Cannoli are filled to order, ensuring shells stay crisp, and often come accented with toppings like candied orange peel or a drizzle of chocolate. The ricotta filling is smooth and balanced, never overly sweet. For those looking for a modern spin that still honors the original, this is one of Somerville’s best bets.
- Price: $ (~$5–$6 per cannoli)
- MBTA/Parking: Davis (Red Line)
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
- Link: lasaison-bakery.com
Cambridge
Royal Pastry Shop — Harvard Square
Royal Pastry Shop feels frozen in time, in the best way possible. The bakery’s cannoli are straightforward: crisp shells, smooth ricotta, and no frills. It’s not flashy, but it’s the kind of dessert you keep going back for, with flavors that have been consistent for decades. Harvard students and longtime locals alike treat it as a dependable go-to.
- Price: $ (~$4–$5 per cannoli)
- MBTA/Parking: Harvard (Red Line)
- Accessibility: Narrow doorway
- Link: royalpastryshop.net
Flour Bakery + Café — Cambridge
Best known for its sticky buns and breakfast sandwiches, Flour also makes cannoli worth seeking out. The filling is creamier and slightly sweeter than old-school versions, making it more of a dessert-style treat. Freshly made shells keep their snap, and the café setting makes it easy to pair one with coffee or a sandwich. It’s an option that bridges the line between traditional and modern tastes.
- Price: $–$$ (~$5–$7 per cannoli)
- MBTA/Parking: Central (Red Line)
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
- Link: flourbakery.com
South End
Roma Bakery — South End
Roma Bakery channels Hanover Street without the lines, offering breads, cookies, and cannoli that hold their own against North End heavyweights. The shells are sturdy and travel-friendly, while the ricotta is lightly sweetened with subtle vanilla notes. It’s a great choice for picking up desserts before dinner parties, as everything here stays fresh well into the evening. Compared to the bustle of Hanover Street, Roma feels like a hidden neighborhood treasure.
- Price: $ (~$4–$6 per cannoli)
- MBTA/Parking: Back Bay (Orange Line)
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
- Link: romabakeryboston.com
Mida — South End
While known primarily as an Italian restaurant, Mida’s dessert menu includes standout cannoli. They’re filled to order, ensuring the shells remain crisp, and the ricotta is smooth, balanced, and lightly sweet. A drizzle of chocolate and delicate presentation elevate them from casual pastry to plated dessert. It’s a refined way to finish a meal of house-made pasta or braised meats.
- Price: $$ (~$7 per cannoli)
- MBTA/Parking: Back Bay (Orange Line)
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
- Link: midarestaurant.com
Quincy
Konditor Meister — Quincy
Konditor Meister is renowned for its elaborate cakes, but its cannoli are equally polished. The shells are perfectly crisp, the ricotta filling is rich but not overly sweet, and every pastry looks presentation-ready. This is the bakery people turn to for catering, weddings, and special occasions, where desserts need to taste as good as they look. Slightly pricier than most, but the attention to detail makes it well worth it.
- Price: $$ (~$6–$7 per cannoli)
- MBTA/Parking: Quincy Adams (Red Line)
- Accessibility: Large, wheelchair accessible bakery
- Link: konditormeister.com