Modern Pastry

Modern Pastry is a small, traditional Italian pastry shop on Hanover Street, on the same street as the larger Mike's Pastry. It has a homely feel, with a homemade-style display and Italian spoken behind the counter.

The cannoli are filled to order, so the shell stays crisp, and that is the main reason to come. Other specialities include torrone, a chocolate-covered nougat flavoured with espresso, and sfogliatella, a flaky shell pastry with a custard filling. The carrot cake is also recommended. Hot coffee is available if you want something to drink with your pastry.

Staff are brisk and the queue can move quickly, so it helps to know what you want before you reach the counter. The shop is small, so it can feel crowded at busy times. As a general tip, earlier in the day is usually the calmest time to visit, and it is worth checking current opening hours before you go.

Modern Pastry suits anyone who wants a traditional pastry experience, and it is an easy dessert stop for families and couples after dinner in the neighbourhood. Prices are modest. A popular approach is to buy one cannoli here and one at Mike's Pastry and compare them, which makes for a pleasant, low-cost evening on Hanover Street.

If you are new to Italian pastries, a cannoli and a piece of torrone make a good first order, giving you one creamy and one nutty, chewy treat. Sfogliatella is best eaten fresh, so have it on the spot rather than saving it for later. Bring a little patience at peak times and a clear idea of your order, and the visit will be quick and easy. For a bigger selection, buy a small mixed box to share back at your hotel.

The North End is compact, and Modern Pastry is a short walk from the neighbourhood's restaurants as well as from the Freedom Trail sites, including the Paul Revere House and Old North Church. Caffè Vittoria, the historic Italian café, is on the same street if you would rather sit down with an espresso. If you are taking pastries back to a hotel, ask for a box, and eat cannoli the same day for the best texture.