Bova’s Bakery

I actually intended to go to Monica’s next door, but it was too crowded. I grabbed an Italian sub here for a picnic. It was $ 8.95 for a footlong and she cut all the meat right there at the counter! It was delicious. I plan t return to try their pastries too!

Better than Mike’s. Bought a few of the same pastries from Bovas and Mikes while showing a friend of mine around, and she like the Bovas ones better (single blind test). Did the same test with her mom and got the same results.
In conclusion: Bova’s is scientifically better than Mike’s (and cheaper I think)

Their pastries are nice, their opening hours very convenient, and you can pay with credit card (unlike most other pastry shops in the area). It’s very expensive, although I’m not sure how the prices compare to competitors.

I don’t agree that this compares at all to Mike’s. Bova’s LOOKS fantastic, and the busy interior and incredible selection of pastries etc. is worth seeing (not eating) if you’re a tourist. But having lived nearby, I soon learned how overrated the food actually is. It’s junk food. The bread is terrible compared to Bricco’s panetteria or Parziale’s, and the calzones and subs are just industrial, processed meats from the US on chewy white bread. Monica’s next door is MUCH better for Italian subs or hot food, and more organized and courteous.
As for the pastries, they look amazing, and always taste bland. It seems like they buy commercial whipped creams and fillings instead of making it themselves. That’s probably why they can have such an amazing selection (and it is impressive). I think Bova’s survives because of tourists, and because of their amazing corner location. But it’s nothing compared to Boston’s other great pastry shops/​bakeries (Flour, Mike’s, and even the Thinking Cup’s Tremont location).
The staff is not very nice, and they make no effort to organize the line (s), so there is a lot of queue cutting and disorder even when there are only a few people inside.
One exception though: the Florentine’s (little chocolate/​almond/​butter Italian cookies) at Bova’s are AMAZING. I don’t know why, but they totally redeem the place for me.

Tucked away off Hanover street. Pastries are good– come by sand watch them make cannoli!

This was the bakery that was recommended to us by some locals; they said to go here and stay away from the «touristy» bakery. After visiting both, we don’t agree with their advice. We bought some cookies here, and they were all a bit disappointing (not bad, just not as good as I had hoped they would be). Maybe the pastries were really good, but I can’t comment on those because we didn’t try any.

I thought the cannolis were decent but my friend who’s been to Mike’s says the ricotta isn’t as rich. However there is no comparison in the line on a Saturday night, we were in and out in 5 – 10 minutes. Seemed like they had a lot of other yummy pasty options too. The people behind the counter were very busy but friendly.

We came here as part of a walking tour (our tourguide knows the owners here), and we got cookies from here (tourguide said they’re the best cookies you’ll ever have). They were alright. They’re basically cookies with jam in the middle; I guess for that type of cookie, it was pretty good — perhaps I’m just not a fan of these types of cookies. The tourguide also said their calzones are really good; I really wanted to try one but I was too full at the time. They have a big variety of calzones on display! Next time I come back to Boston, I’ll go try the calzone.

My spinach calzone at Bova’s was underwhelming to say the least. Was there anything wrong with it? Absolutely not. However, I was waiting for my first experience in Boston’s acclaimed North End to be mind blowing and it just wasn’t. If and when I make it to the North End, this won’t be on my list.

I ALWAYS skip Mike’s and come to Bovas.
Cheaper $ and way less of a headache!
I love their fruit tart, black n white, and lobster tail. but everything is delicious!

Decided to try a different spot than the usual Mike’s or Modern Pastry. We tried a few different items… the vanilla brick was delicious and is similar to a Hostess cupcake. They had multiple types of cannolis, but we opted for the chocolate covered with the traditional ricotta. The black and white cookie is usually a favorite of mine, but not at Bova’s. The frosting was pretty spot on, but the cookie part was stale. Overall, I like that this place is open ²⁴⁄₇ and has a large selection of pastries. I would return!

My friend and I stumbled upon here after having an amazing dinner at La Famiglia Giorgio’s. This bakery is open ²⁴⁄₇ and they have a wide variety of Italian pastries. It definitely made me feel like I was in Italy.
I was really in the mood for cannolis and they have different flavors! I settled for a cappuccino cannoli and a crème brûlée cannoli. The cappuccino one was more on the sweet side, but the crème brûlée one was LIFE CHANGING. I kid you not, it was basically a regular cannoli but little caramel pieces in it for the crème brûlée feel. MUST HAVE. They were $ 4 each!

This is the cutest little shop with the cutest little pastries. Despite its fairly compact space, it is just brimming with a variety of selections (cookies, whoopie pies, cakes… you name it!). They even have a ‘savory’ section with rice balls and pizza. Tonight I tried a chocolate-​dipped canoli and it was so good! p. s. it is open 24÷7… such a plus.
I will definitely revisit Bova when I am in the area, just to try some new sweets. :)

There’s a reason this place has been here forever. I’ve been here in 1998, 2011, and 2016. It’s like time never touches it. The food tastes exactly as I remember it, hearty and comforting. My favorite things to get here are the calzones and arancini. Good lunch time eats for when you’re on the go.
UPDATE:
Hi Ralph! My favorite is actually the chicken and broccoli one. I used the marinara left over from my arancini and it made it taste even better!

Bova’s is open ²⁴⁄₇ to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings any time! In search of the best cannoli, I tried Mike’s Pastry, Modern Pastry, and Bova’s cannolis. Bova’s cannolis came in at a close 2^nd for cost, texture, and taste. They were pre-​filled and the shell had a slightly bitter aftertaste.
I also tried their cream puffs, which were amazing! The fresh whipped cream was so light and had just the right amount of sweetness.
For being a friendly mom and pop shop, its hours, the selection, and the cream puffs, it’s 4 stars from me!

Stay away from the Lobster Tails. I’m giving them 3 stars because the two gentlemen working tonight (2÷3÷16) were super personable and friendly. Love the location, cute little area slightly off the beaten path. I actually stumbled on it while just out walking around.
However I got a small lobster tail and it was so chewy I basically just ate the cream filling and trashed the shell, so not worth the money I spent. I actually had to spit the first bite out because I was choking trying to chew it. I have another item that I bought and will most likely eat tomorrow, so hopefully that will be better.

A ²⁴⁄₇ bakery full of sweets and savory goodies??? Yes to that! I always get the steak and cheese croissant, ugh melts in my mouth but so expensive for that one little thing.
The sweet choices are overwhelming, so much to choose from. Every time I come, I pick different ones to try.
They also have fresh bread!
The workers are friendly but it’s really hard for me to understand them because of their heavy accent):

Bova is so underrated. Not only is it open 24 hours. Which is incredible for a city that wraps up on the early side. But they have the best Italian bread, calzones, pizza, and desserts. It’s tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Hanover Street so people forget about it. It is worth the stop. And if you like anise flavor get their little frosted cookies. They are so delicious and will keep you on a sugar high for days.
Tip: Their calzones are awesome to grab and bring to a party or heat up as an appetizer. Everyone assumes I made them but I usually tell the truth. :)

Best bakery in town! Great service and quality products. I recommend this bakery over Mike’s pastry and Modern Pastry because the better selection, quality, and the hours are more flexible.

While planning my 1^st visit to Boston, I was told I MUST visit Mike’s Bakery … My husband and I did and after waiting forever, we got our cannoli… my husband was not impressed and couldn’t believe people wait for these as long as they do… My daughter who is now living in Boston, was told by a friend that Bova Bakery is much better than Mikes… so, the 2^nd time we went to Boston to visit her, we had to try Bova’s Bakery … incredible!!! I have NO CLUE as to why everyone raves about Mike’s… Bova Bakery is fantastic… not just pastry, but their food also… so, for those of you who have heard about Mike’s, forget it… go to Bova… you will not be disappointed… I only wish they would open a bakery out here in California.

Let me start off by saying how can anyone give this place anything less then 5 stars, I have been coming too BOVAS for the last two years and have never been let down, the staff is amazing & for their delicious goodies you’d have to be crazy too not love them ! BOVAS is a cute little bakery that is defiantly a hidden gem, cause let’s be honest all the tourists never stray away from Hanover but one thing for sure I always let my tables know «your gotta try BOVAS in the north end «whenever they leave seeing as I work across the way in Haymarket ! So long story short I love BOVAS and think that it’s by far Boston best pastries shop

Easily my favorite North End spot. Probably my favorite place to visit in Boston. Found the little bakery while wondering my freshman year in 98 and have been in a very mutual relationship since. I give Bova’s money, they always give me something that is above average whether it is baked, fried or chilled.
In all seriousness, I come from a 1^st generation Italian grandparent food upbringing. My grandma made the best fried smelts, pizza and cookies you ever had. BOVA’s is the only place that ever made pizza as well as Florence. The rectangle sheet pizza is by far the greatest food you can imagine. The secret it the center pieces with no crust.
My wife loves the pastry and buys a bag each trip. My son loves the cookies and chocolate dipped fruits.
Everyone «knows» Mike’s Pastry, but people that eat Bova’s love their bakery.
There is always a line, unless it is a real off hour. The counter works fast, they are polite and helpful. Please be patient and polite in return.
Prices are just a few bucks but honestly plan on buying more than you expect because the choices are so abundant.
Finding Bova’s Bakery is probably the most challenging, its sort of snuggled in the back corner of the North End, the neighborhood is friendly, just ask someone to point you in the right direction… or follow the smell of fresh baked bread.

Oh Bova where do I begin! Growing up in a 100% Italian American family you tend to be extra picky with bakeries. I’m fairly certain I’ve made my way through just about every treat Bova has to offer and every single thing is amazing. I never like anyone’s pizzalles except my grandmothers but Bova is my exception– they are SO good. The Italian macaroons are my absolute favorite cookies however; chewy, almondy heaven. And finally my favorite thing: the sfogliatelle– I try one of these bad boys at every bakery I visit and no one compares to Bova. My only warning– don’t even go within a block if you don’t want to indulge because the smell is impossible to resist!

Excellent Italian cookies, cinnamon sticks. I prefer the cannoli to be freshly filled, but these are still good. The pizza and calzone are very good. I would give this bakery the edge over the bakeries in Hanover Street. Open ²⁴⁄₇ also helps.

I’ve only ever gotten bread here but, their bread is damn good. Whenever I’m in the North End I stop by. They have tons of fresh baked goods which are really reasonably priced. Also, the fact that they are open ²⁴⁄₇ is fantastic because I have popped in here many a drunken night for bread or rolls (I’m a big bread fan). The other great thing is that this place it outside of the hustle and bustle of Hanover street so it is not full of tourists all the time like other North End bakeries are. Highly recommend.

Forget MIKES this is a must if you want really yummy sweets…
love coming here… perfect location… its a treasure… you will not leave empty handed …

After listening to my friends rave about Bova’s and reading the wonderful reviews, I decided to stop by this evening. Unfortunately, it was an incredibly disappointing experience.
Upon entering the store, before I even saw any of the items on display, one of the shopkeepers greeted me with «Do you know what you want?» When I replied that I would like some time to look around, he huffed and then ignored me for the rest of the visit. At the point, there were no other customers, and even towards the end of my visit it stayed fairly empty. The other shopkeeper began with a neutral «Just let us know when you’ve decided,» but then became progressively more impatient, asking every minute or so «Do you know what you want NOW?»
After the third time, I ended up just ordering cookies (Linzer and rainbow) and some Boston cream pie, but she seemed frustrated that I would order both cookies and cake.
As for the desserts themselves, they were unremarkable compared to those offered elsewhere. The cake portion of the cream pie was dry, and the cookies were incredibly sweet. Next time, I’ll most likely try a different bakery.

Bumping Biggie mashed up with Star Wars
So you know this review is stashed inside hard bars
In a galaxy far away from NJ nestled amongst the stars
Is a fine ass bakery in Boston for you to drive your car
You hesitating?
I’ll be in the back by the bread waiting
Sometimes I’m prone to purchase a calzone
But you can’t leave anything in the bag alone
Go ahead, browse while I write a Unilocal review on my phone
Wait, wait… this place has opposition?
Pfffft, I’ll give this place 5 Stars without commission
Service is quick and hella friendly
I’d give em the car keys outta my khakis just to commend thee
I’d have no prob walking back to Jersey
Walk in slow mo, no rush for the Garden State
Cloud 9 flow = Bovas cannoli on mah plate
24 hours a day these cats don’t play
4 hour drive, I can go back and forth 6 times a day
Even faster once the force awakens
Get the oven ready and get to bakin’!
#iamnotarapper

there stuff rice ballz is like WOW
like seriously it is amazingly good. I didn’t get to try their dessert dishes there because we actually was searching for real food and most place was close.
but this place opens up for 24hr!
not only was the food was delish… the service there was great.
So, if you’re ever there looking for some late night snacks… this is the spot to go

Bova’s is my favorite cannoli place in the North End (yes, over Modern & Mike’s), PLUS they are open 24÷7− who can ask for more? My coworker and I stopped by for snacks while we were hoping to maybe have a chance to eat at Neptune Oyster a few blocks away. There was no line around 8:30pm on a Thursday night, but there were people coming in and out all the time. They have a huge variety of different pastries and breads to choose from, and it was a little overwhelming at first. However, I decided to mostly focus on the cannolis, and we tried:
–Chocolate Dipped Cannoli, Regular Cannoli, Crème Brulee Cannoli (
): The chocolate dipped and regular cannolis were my favorites, and delicious. The cannoli shell is nice and crunchy, and the filling wasn’t too sweet. The crème brûlée was also good, but a little too sweet for me, so this is the only one I wouldn’t get again.
–Strawberry Shortcake (
): Also good, but I feel like I didn’t get a true representation with the small cup. I would get one of the slices next time.
I will definitely be back in the future to try other cannolis and Italian desserts from here! Parking is the most difficult part, since most of the parking in the North End is reserved for residents, and the nearest garage that we found was about a 10 minute walk.

Great cannoli! Why wait in a huge line at the «popular» bakery, when you can get an amazing cannoli for a great price here?!
They have about 10 flavors but I think the original is the way to go.

This place is great and should be a definite spot to hit up. First of all, everything in Boston closes early, so I didn’t even believe it when people said this place was open 24 hours. IT’S TRUE! Food offerings are great and the cannoli are definitely a must-​try: a bit softer than what’s at Mike’s and Modern, but I really appreciate the filling – lighter and more flavorful here. If you’re in the North End and have already tried the tourist favorites, hit this place up next.
Why not 5-​star? Well. It’s got a definite soup-​nazi vibe, but I say the (potential) abuse is worth it.

This is an old school, family run Italian bakery. It’s on the small side and can get cramped fast but they have so many varieties of pastries, cookies, cannoli, bread, calzone and sandwiches. There were plenty of folks to help out so this is not a time to be shy — ask questions!
I picked up some of their Italian cookies, which I found to be tender, buttery and fresh. The intent was to take them home with me but they never made it that far… in fact they never made it onto the airplane home. The temptation was just too great to sample one or two cookies, which then led to the entire container being consumed.

Service: 5/​5, Variety: 5/​5, Location: 5/​5, Food: ²⁄₅
Bova’s is overrated because the building across the street is the most beautiful thing in North End, Boston. When I looked up photos for Bova’s, 80% of the photos are about the green and brown building across the street.
Accept credit for $ 10 and up order. Opens 24h. It is a cute bakery. But it is not an excellent must-​go attraction for Boston. It is true that Bova’s has many kinds of Italian goodies, but unless you have an extremely sweet tooth, I don’t think it is healthy to come here every week. Everything is super creamy and sugary. Whatever I tried, the tastes are very similar. There is nothing special about the choice of ingredients or flavors.

Great 24 hour bakery in Boston’s North End. They’ve got it all, friendly service, good selection, tasty treats, Easter breads (around Easter of course)… They’ve got it all and wow it smells soooooo good!
You won’t be disappointed.