Discover The Boston Area’s Best Bakeries: A Food Tour Guide

By Adam Branco

For as much spirited debate as there is for tourists and locals alike regarding Mike’s, Modern, and Bova’s in the North End, they’re not the only worthwhile bakeries in the area by a longshot. As a matter of fact, there are quite a few terrific bakeries all around the Boston area accessible by the MBTA or a short drive. Here’s a list of some of my favorites.

Exploring Unique Flavors at Yafa Bakery & Café

Yafa Bakery & Café: This Palestinian bakery is only a couple of years old and is on Somerville Ave between Union Square and Porter Square. It quickly became one of my go-to bakeries and one of the most impressive in the area. My favorite goods are the kunafeh pistachio, the classic and chocolate baklavas, the harissa, the stuffed dates, and their chai. It’s also a very laidback hangout spot.

French Delights at Colette Bakery

Colette Bakery: One of the great French bakeries in the area, I’ve been to the Medford location by Tufts University, but they also have a South End location on Columbus Ave and in Melrose by the Wyoming Hill Commuter Rail stop. Their croissants are acclaimed, and their team naming the croissant I bought "almond cho-Colette" makes it worth the visit.

Historical Treats at Lyndell’s Bakery

Lyndell’s: For how old and historical the North End bakeries are, they’re not even close to being the oldest in the area. Lyndell’s, located about a 5-minute walk from the Ball Square stop in Somerville, is the oldest scratch bakery in New England, having been around since 1887. My go-to is the espresso bar, but they have all kinds of pastries, cakes, and breads.

A Taste of France at Michette

Michette: Another fairly new bakery on Broadway in Somerville, this is another one of the great French bakeries in the area. I can’t even say I have a go-to; I get something new every time I walk in. Both their sweet and savory croissants are brilliant, I love their cookies, and their canelés are a lovely little treat. You can’t really go wrong here.

Artisan Pastries at La Saison Bakery

La Saison: This French bakery about a mile and a half northwest of Harvard Square is one of the great ones. They’re renowned for their sourdough bread, but I go for their pastries. They make a pistachio (you’ll see a pattern here) croissant with a saffron mascarpone frosting that is worth every bit of the trek there.

Middle Eastern Flavors at Sofra

Sofra: Part of the same group that owns the acclaimed restaurants Sarma and Oleana, Sofra – from the Turkish word meaning “picnic” -  is a brilliant Middle Eastern bakery, café, and retail store about a mile and a half west of Harvard Square by the Mount Auburn Cemetery. Of course, I loved the pistachio roll, but I enjoyed their spanakopita and chocolate tahini donut even more. Grab a bunch of pastries and saunter around the cemetery.

Vietnamese Sweet Treats at Maprang

Maprang: An adorable Vietnamese bakery in Union Square where I live, they’re quickly becoming a staple of mine. They have a wide variety of mini cakes to choose from, but my go-to’s are opera cake and the chocolate almond croissant.

Where to Find Brian Mercury’s Pastries

And last but not least: anywhere that has pastries made by '2022 Best Pastry Chef', Brian Mercury, whether it be Puritan & Co, Café Beatrice, or The Lexington. I can’t praise this guy enough, and neither can the critics.

Join Up & Adam's the North End Pastry Tour

But if you still want to explore the North End pastry scene and see what the hype is all about, come join my North End Pastry Tour! Check out upandamfoodtours.com, and email me at info@upandadamfoodtours.com or message me at (508) 271-7124 for more details.