When you need to satisfy your sweet tooth, skip the candy bar and check out one of these 10 local establishments that are making the best desserts in the city!
1. Jonquils Cafe, Copley
Jonquils is a must-visit spot for all things sweet. These are some of the most beautiful pastries you can find in Boston, made with 3-D printed molds and decorated to unbelievable perfection. Jonquils’ lead chef, Dinara Kasko, worked as a 3-D visualizer before switching to baking, and it certainly shows in these creatively designed desserts. With a beautiful interior dining area, this a great spot for a pick-me-up after a delicious Newbury Street brunch.
Find Jonquils Cafe at 125 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02115.
2. Sofra Bakery, Cambridge
This Middle Eastern bakery and cafemade the New York Times’ Best Restaurants list, and it’s clear to see why. With strawberry pistachio bostock and tahini milk chocolate brown butter donuts, these are world-class delicacies right here in Boston. Even bakery staples like cinnamon rolls are given a bit of a twist with date fillings and cream cheese drizzled on top. Be warned: Sofra sells out quickly almost every day of the week, so come early and order everything!
Find Sofra Bakery at 1 Belmont Street in Cambridge, MA.
3. Levain Bakery, Copley
Best known for their giant cookies, Levain Bakery opened their first New England location just last year. And it’s safe to say we’re obsessed: with a crispy outside and a soft inside, these cookies are 6 ounces of deliciousness. In addition to cookies, Levain Bakery’s menu also includes cinnamon butter brioche, loaf cakes such as banana chocolate chip loaf, breads, and coffee selections.
Find Levain Bakery at 180 Newbury Street
4. Pon de Joy, Allston
Ever had a mochi donut? They’re a combination of your classic American donut and mochi, a Japanese dessert made with a sticky, glutinous flour. Together, the combination is a delicacy that delivers a crunch on the outside and a sweet and chewy center. Pon De Joy—Boston’s native mochi donut shop—serves flavors like Oreo cookie, black sesame, Earl Grey, peanut butter toffee, matcha, and more.
Find Pon de Joy at 1 Brighton Ave. in Allston.
5. Modern Pastry, North End
Now we don’t mean to start a debate between the two great cannoli shops in North End… but let’s just say Modern Pastry is our personal favorite. We all know and love Modern for their cannoli, but they’ve got more than just Italian pastries at this North End mainstay. Did you know they’re got a speakeasy on their basement floor? Treat yourself to the Florentine cannoli (a twist on the original cannoli shell made from caramelized nuts) and thank us later.
Find Modern Pastry at 263 Hanover Street, Boston MA.
6. Taiyaki NYC, Seaport
Taiyaki NYC brings a classic Japanese dessert to Boston in the form of a fish! Taiyaki, a fish-shaped, spongey cone, traces back over centuries to Japan, where the dessert represents good luck and prosperity. While the ice cream receptacle itself is super unique, their ice cream flavors are fun and delicious too! Try the Matcha-Hojicha Swirl the next time you’re looking for a new flavor combination.
Find Taiyaki at 119 Seaport Boulevard
7. Gȃté Comme des Filles, Somerville
Aimez-vous le chocolat? If the answer to that is a resounding oui, then you should stop by Gȃté Comme des Filles in Somerville. One of our favorites for Valentine’s Day, this Parisian-style chocolate shop prides itself on their super-fresh and vibrant flavors, and founder and head chef Alexandra makes sure that people taste these delightful chocolates as soon as possible to get the best taste imaginable!
Find Gȃté Comme des Filles at 1 Bow Market Way #8, Somerville, MA 02143.
8. Courtyard Tea Room at the Boston Public Library, Copley
Nothing pairs better with sweets than a cup of tea. Host your own glamorous Boston Tea Party at theCourtyard Tea Room, tucked away inside the beautiful Boston Public Library. With stunning views and delicious food and drinks, it’s an unforgettable tea-time experience.
Find it inside the Boston Public Library at 700 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116.
9. FoMu, Multiple Locations
If you’re in the market for strictly plant-based desserts, FoMu’s creamy vegan treats are made with coconut milk and a blend of organic, natural sweeteners. Our favorite flavor is Golden Milk, a blend of cinnamon, turmeric and ginger that’s based on an Ayervedic drink used for centuries to calm the belly and ease inflammation-it’s practically good for you. Flavors do rotate seasonally, which means you’re always in for a fresh surprise!
Find FoMu at one of their multiple locations around Boston
10. Oakleaf Cakes Bake Shop, Copley
Oakleaf Cafe has all the cupcakes, muffins, and homemade Pop-Tarts that your heart could desire, but where they really shine is their specialty hot chocolates. All of Oakleaf’s hot chocolate mixes are made in house including a spicy Aztec Hot Chocolate with cinnamon, dark cocoa and cayenne pepper. Add a homemade marshmallow and you’re good to go!
Find Oakleaf Cakes Bake Shop at 12 Westland Ave, Boston, MA 02115