A North End institution since 1930, best known for cannoli filled to order so the shell stays crisp. Cash only, often a line, but the ricotta filling and thicker shell win a lot of the endless Modern-vs-Mike's debate. Grab a box to go.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon-Thu 7am-10pm Fri-Sat 7am-12am Sun 7am-10pm |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Haymarket (Orange/Green Line), ~7 min walk; North Station ~9 min |
| Time needed | 20-30 min |
| Best time to go | Weekday afternoon to skip the weekend cannoli line |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.8/10- Value8.0
- iconic7.5
- Freshness9.2
- excellence7.5
- Crowd level6.5
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility7.0
Frequently asked questions
- Is Modern Pastry cash only?
- Yes, Modern Pastry is cash only. There's an ATM available, but bring cash to keep the line moving. This is standard for the old-school North End bakeries.
- Does Modern Pastry ship or do boxes to travel?
- They do classic string-tied bakery boxes perfect for carrying, and their cookies and torrone travel well. Cannoli are best eaten promptly, so plan those for the same day.
- Is there a line at Modern Pastry?
- Often, especially weekend afternoons and evenings. Because cannoli are filled to order it can move slowly, but it's usually worth the short wait. Weekday afternoons are calmest.
- How do I get to Modern Pastry on the T?
- Take the Orange or Green Line to Haymarket, then walk about seven minutes into the North End along Hanover St. North Station is a similar distance.
- How long do the cannoli stay fresh?
- Because they're filled to order, they're best eaten the same day, ideally within a few hours before the shell softens. If you're traveling, ask them to keep the filling separate or eat them soon.
- What should I order besides cannoli?
- The cannoli is the headliner, but the lobster tails (sfogliatelle-style), ricotta pie, torrone, and Italian cookies are all worth it. For a box to bring home, mix cookies and a cannoli or two.
- Can I sit down at Modern Pastry?
- There's a small cafe area upstairs where you can sit with an espresso and dessert, but many people order at the counter and take a box to go. Seating is limited.
- Is Modern Pastry better than Mike's Pastry?
- It's the great North End debate. Modern fills cannoli to order so the shell stays crisp, and its shell is thicker and less sweet, which many locals prefer. Mike's is bigger and flashier; try both and decide.
Nearby in Ask Boston
- Neptune OysterRestaurant0.08 km · 1 min walk
- Caffe VittoriaCafé0.11 km · 1 min walk
- North EndNeighborhood0.15 km · 2 min walk
- Rose Kennedy GreenwayAttraction0.18 km · 2 min walk
- Paul Revere Mall (The Prado)Park0.29 km · 4 min walk
Where to stay near Modern Pastry
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