For anyone venturing into Boston’s historic North End in search of authentic Italian pastries, the name Bova’s Bakery on Salem Street is synonymous with tradition and flavor. While Hanover Street may be famed for the cannoli crowds at Mike’s Pastry and Modern Pastry, a true exploration of Boston’s cannoli scene isn’t complete without a visit to Bova’s. This 24/7 institution offers a unique cannoli experience, deeply rooted in family history and a commitment to classic recipes, making it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.
A bustling street scene outside Mike’s Pastry in Boston’s North End, illustrating the area’s popularity for pastry lovers.
The North End is well-known as Boston’s Little Italy, and within this vibrant neighborhood, the quest for the perfect cannoli is a serious endeavor. While many flock to the well-trodden path of Hanover Street, just a short walk away on Salem Street, Bova’s Bakery presents a different, yet equally compelling, cannoli narrative. It’s not about declaring a winner in the cannoli wars, but rather appreciating the distinct character each bakery brings to this beloved Sicilian treat. Bova’s, with its old-school charm and unwavering dedication to family recipes, stands out as a cornerstone of the North End’s pastry heritage.
The classic storefront of Bova’s Bakery on Salem Street in Boston’s North End, inviting customers into a world of traditional Italian baking.
Stepping into Bova’s Bakery is like stepping back in time. Founded in 1926 by an Italian immigrant, this Salem Street bakery has remained a family affair for generations. Jojo Bova, the current baker, proudly recounts the lineage: “So, I’m Jojo. My dad is Joe. His father was Big Joe,” highlighting the family’s tradition of passing down both names and, more importantly, recipes. Jojo himself has been immersed in the bakery since childhood, contributing to the family business for over 30 years. His early memories of rolling dough on a milk crate are a testament to his lifelong dedication to Bova’s.
The bakery’s interior further emphasizes its timeless appeal. Forget modern, sleek designs; Bova’s embraces its history with original ovens that have been baking pastries for nearly a century. Handwritten paper signs and well-worn display cases showcase the unpretentious, authentic nature of the bakery. This is a place where the focus is squarely on the quality of the baked goods, not on fleeting trends. As head baker on the overnight shift, Jojo ensures that the display cases are always brimming with tempting treats for the bakery’s 24/7 operation, catering to every craving at any hour.
Jojo Bova, a third-generation baker at Bova’s Bakery, showcasing the family’s enduring legacy and commitment to traditional baking.
While Bova’s offers a wide array of Italian sweets, their Florentine cannoli is a standout specialty. Unlike the traditional fried shells, these cannoli feature delicate, lace-like Florentine cookie shells. Jojo describes the shell recipe as “basically almond brittle,” a simple yet elegant combination of sugar, honey, almonds, cream, and generous amounts of butter. Each shell is meticulously handcrafted; Jojo hand-cuts and flattens the dough before baking them to a perfect crisp. This labor-intensive process is a point of pride for Jojo, showcasing the dedication that goes into each Florentine cannoli at Bova’s Bakery.
A baker at Bova’s Bakery carefully preparing Florentine cannoli dough, highlighting the artisanal approach to this signature pastry.
The freshly baked Florentine shells are then shaped around wooden pegs while still pliable, creating the signature tube shape ready to be filled with creamy ricotta. While Bova’s crafts its unique Florentine shells in-house, they source traditional cannoli shells from a local wholesaler to meet demand and offer a variety of fillings. Beyond the classic sweet ricotta, Bova’s embraces a playful range of flavors, from traditional Bavarian cream and chocolate Bavarian cream to more contemporary options like creme brulee, Nutella, salted caramel, Oreo, cappuccino, peanut butter, and pistachio. This willingness to innovate while honoring tradition is part of Bova’s enduring appeal.
Customers eagerly ordering pastries at the counter of Bova’s Bakery, demonstrating the bakery’s popularity and welcoming atmosphere.
Customer testimonials further highlight the special charm of Bova’s Bakery. Stevey Davis, a Back Bay resident who has sampled cannoli from various North End bakeries, declares Bova’s as her favorite, particularly the creme brulee cannoli. Even after tasting cannoli in Italy, she still prefers Bova’s, a strong endorsement of the bakery’s quality and unique flavors. This local preference underscores Bova’s position as a beloved neighborhood gem, offering a cannoli experience that resonates even with discerning palates.
While Mike’s Pastry may be known for larger cannoli and homemade traditional shells, and Modern Pastry attracts its own loyal following, Bova’s Bakery on Salem Street distinguishes itself with its family-run atmosphere, 24/7 availability, and the unique Florentine cannoli. For those seeking an authentic taste of the North End, and a cannoli experience that blends tradition with a touch of innovation, Bova’s Bakery is an essential stop. Whether you’re a seasoned cannoli connoisseur or a first-time visitor to Boston, Bova’s invites you to savor a piece of North End history, one delicious pastry at a time.
