Best Dessert in Boston – List of Over 35 Places for Sweet Desserts Near You
On the hunt for the best dessert in Boston? The city’s known for having romantic restaurants and quirky cafes but if you ever crave a late night dessert, Boston’s got you covered.
Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular cafes, bakeries, and pastry shops as well as our surprising finds around town!
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.
Also, check out our post on Kid Friendly Restaurants in Boston, Instagrammable Places in Boston, Dining Out In Boston & Best Sports Bars In Boston!
Deal Alert – Boston Food & History North End Freedom Trail Walking Tour
Combine two attractions Boston has to offer—delicious food and rich history—on this tour that starts in the popular North End and continues along the Freedom Trail. Snack your way through this historic Italian neighborhood, trying fresh bread at a hidden bakery and enjoying an Italian Salumeria. Once fortified, walk the Freedom Trail to discover the rich history of the American Revolution and experience the modern city Boston is now.
Get more information and check out the Boston Food & History North End Freedom Trail Walking Tour TODAY!!!
Best Dessert in Boston – Downtown Boston
Kane Donuts
A classic donut stop, Kane’s Donuts is home to the award-winning crème brûlée donut and perhaps the best dessert in Boston. While this is a crowd-favorite, you can try any of the 40+ flavors the shop has perfected over the years.
Where: 90 Oliver St, Boston, MA 02110
Operating Hours: Daily 7:00 am – 2:30 pm
Best Dessert in Boston – North End
Mike’s Pastry
Best Dessert in Boston | Image Credit: Mike’s Pastry Inc
While Mike’s is a tourist hotspot, its cannolis are definitely worth the visit. Choose from the signature flavors or try out other dessert Boston has to offer like the Lobster Tails.
Where: 300 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 8:00 am – 10:30 pm | Friday – Saturday 8:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Modern Pastry Shop
Some of the best desserts in Boston when you’re typing in “dessert places near me” are found in this very shop. If you’re on the hunt for made-to-order cannolis, you’ll choose your type of shell, filling, and then toppings.
Where: 257 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 7:00 am – 10:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 7:00 am – 12:00 am
Thinking Cup
Best Dessert in Boston | Image Credit: Thinking Cup
Grab some dessert right after having breakfast at Thinking Cup. Pair your Boston desserts with their exclusive Stumptown Coffee!
Where: 236 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Dolce
Wondering what sweet desserts near me are easy to find? Check out this gelateria the next time you’re in the area but make sure you bring cash!
Where: 272 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113
Operating Hours: Daily 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
Caffe Vittoria
Caffe Vittoria has the best cappuccino and tiramisu pairing in the city which is why locals and tourists drop by often for their daily coffee fix and consider this cafe one of the best Dessert places in Boston.
Where: 290-296 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113
Operating Hours: Daily 8:00 am – 12:00 am
Bova’s Bakery
Get traditional Italian cannolis and other pastries right here at Bova’s, a dessert bar Boston is known for. This bakery has been making homemade pastries and bread for years and offers some of the best Italian treats in the city.
Where: 134 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113
Operating Hours: Daily 24/7
Union Square Donuts
Check out Union Square Donuts’ Maple Bacon and vegan options when you’re making your way through Boston Public Market or looking for sweet desserts near me.
Where: 100 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02108
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm | Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Deal Alert – Boston’s North End Pizza & History Walking Food Tour
Enjoy some of the best pizza in Boston on this walking food tour. Stroll through the city’s oldest neighborhoods, including, appropriately, Little Italy on the North End. Walk along the Freedom Trail that leads to 16 historically significant sites, like Paul Revere House, Old North Church, and the USS ‘Constitution,’ to name a few. Visit some of Boston’s best pizzerias and enjoy a slice at each. It’s a fun and flavorful way to get to know Boston.
Get more information and check out Boston’s North End Pizza & History Walking Food Tour TODAY!!!
Best Dessert in Boston – Back Bay
L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates
L.A. Burdick arguably has the best hot chocolate around town and is known for its European-inspired artisanal chocolate.
Where: 220 Clarendon St, Boston, MA 02116
Operating Hours: Monday – Wednesday 8:00 am – 8:00 pm | Thursday – Sunday 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tatte Bakery & Cafe
Best Dessert in Boston | Image Credit: Tatte Bakery
Tatte is a bright bakery where you can enjoy its breakfast menu and wide selection of pastries.
Where: 399 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday 7:00 am – 8:00 pm | Sunday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sweet Cheeks Q
With its BBQ-heavy menu, you’d never guess that Sweet Cheeks Q’s also known for having some of the best desserts Boston has. Check out their homemade Giant Nutter Butter Cookies, for example!
Where: 1381 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02215
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 11:30 am – 10:00 pm | Sunday 11:30 am – 9:00 pm
Jonquils Cafe and Bakery
This cafe and bakery is known for its gorgeous desserts that come out of 3-D printed molds! Expect bold, geometric shapes for all your favorite sweet treats!
Where: 125 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116
Operating Hours: Daily 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Levain Bakery
Best Dessert in Boston | Image Credit: Levain Bakery
Choose your cookie! Every cookie lover knows the name and Levain doesn’t disappoint. The bakery’s giant cookies are gooey, indulgent, and crispy on the outside. You can’t go wrong with their classic chocolate chip walnut cookie.
Where: 180 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116
Operating Hours: Daily 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
J.P. Licks
Get your local ice cream fix at one of the many J.P. Licks branches in the city. You can also go for a gelato if you’re looking for a late night dessert Boston has to offer!
Where: 173 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm | Friday – Sunday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Atlantic Fish Company
While you can get your fill of fresh surf and turf, Atlantic Fish Company offers an extensive dessert menu. One should definitely try out the Baked Alaska Flambée which is a combination of peppermint ice cream and vanilla chiffon in this dessert restaurant Boston is proud to have!
Where: 761 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 11:30 am – 10:00 pm | Friday 11:30 am – 11:00 pm | Saturday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm | Sunday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Courtyard Tea Room
Best Dessert in Boston | Image Credit: The Courtyard Tea Room & Map Room Tea Lounge at Boston Public Library
The Courtyard Tea Room makes tea time a memorable experience with its ambiance and beautiful views. There’s no rush when it comes to choosing the perfect tea, desserts, and sandwiches.
However, we recommend booking a reservation in advance after looking through your list of the best dessert restaurants near me!
Where: 700 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday CLOSED | Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Amorino Gelato
Despite being a French chain, Amorino is an authentic gelato shop that serves vegan and gluten-free options. This gelateria uses organic ingredients and takes its time crafting each petal of your flower-shaped ice cream.
Where: 249 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm | Friday 12:00 pm – 11:30 pm | Saturday 11:00 am – 11:30 pm | Sunday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Sweet Waffles + Boba
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these Belgian waffles on a stick and pair your order with some boba! These waffle pops are soft, freshly made, and customizable!
Make sure to get to Sweet Waffles + Boba early! The lines can get long on the weekends.
Where: 18 Hudson St, Boston, MA 02111
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday CLOSED | Friday 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Saturday – Sunday 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Best Dessert in Boston – South End
Blackbird Donuts
Best Dessert in Boston | Image Credit: Blackbird Doughnuts
This bakery may be known for its donut selection, but there are definitely other pastries to try out that cater to both sweet and savory cravings.
Where: 492 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 4:00 pm | Saturday – Sunday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Flour Bakery & Café
Get breakfast, lunch, or dessert at Flour! After finishing off your sandwich, try out the bakery and café’s sticky buns!
Where: 1595 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 7:00 pm | Saturday – Sunday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Blunch
Blunch is known for its sandwiches and chocolate chip cookies. Try to head over before lunchtime before all the cookies are gone.
Where: 59 E Springfield St, Boston, MA 02118
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 3:00 pm | Saturday – Sunday CLOSED
FoMu
Best Dessert in Boston | Image Credit: FoMu – Earth Inspired Dessert
For anyone with a sweet tooth that’s on the hunt for plant-based options, FoMu is the place for you. Vegetarians or vegans can take their pick of plant-based ice cream made from scratch that changes with the seasons.
If you aren’t a big fan of coconut, this might not be the “best places for dessert near me” because FoMu uses coconut milk as their ice cream base.
Where: 655 Tremont St, Boston MA 02118
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Friday – Sunday 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Toro
You can’t go to Toro without ordering their churros that come with a chocolate dipping sauce.
Where: 1704 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Aquitaine
Bring lunch or dinner to a close with Aquitaine’s gooey chocolate chip bread pudding.
Where: 569 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02118
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 11:30 am – 3:00 pm | Sunday – Thursday 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Saturday – Sunday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Taiyaki NYC
Taiyaki NYC
This classic Japanese dessert, known for its spongy, fish-shaped cone, is now available at Seaport. While the traditional dessert has a custard or red bean filling, Taiyaki NYC gives you the freedom to choose your favorite soft-serve flavor as well.
Where: 119 Seaport Blvd Suite B, Boston, MA 02210
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Saturday – Sunday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Deal Alert – Boston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
Sample some of the most delicious bites that Boston’s North End has to offer—and enjoy a personalized, first-hand introduction to the area’s charms and Italian heritage—on this small-group walking tour. Choose between several convenient start times, and be sure to bring your appetite: you’ll follow your guide to a number of local businesses, where you’ll try everything from clam chowder and lobster rolls to pasta and cannoli. At the end, you’ll enjoy a delicious Secret Dish, that will be revealed only on the day of the tour.
Get more information and check out Boston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours TODAY!!!
Best Dessert in Boston – Cambridge
Toscanini’s Ice Cream
Toscanini’s makes some of the most interesting flavors around town and we recommend B3 for anyone looking for brownie chunks!
Where: 159 First St, Cambridge, MA 02139
Operating Hours: Monday CLOSED | Tuesday – Sunday 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Cafe Beatrice
Want the best “dessert restaurants near me?” Sit down in this modern cafe and take a bite out of an award-winning pastry chef’s creations.
Where: 100 N First St, Cambridge, MA 02141
Operating Hours: Monday 7:00 am – 5:00 pm | Tuesday – Friday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm | Saturday 8:00 am – 9:00 pm | Sunday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sofra Bakery & Cafe
Best Dessert in Boston | Image Credit: Sofra Bakery & Cafe
Sofra is a Middle Eastern cafe and bakery that puts its own twist on classics like cinnamon rolls and donuts. While there are plenty of popular dishes on the menu, the Earthquake Cookies are highly recommended!
Due to its popularity, items tend to sell out quickly so make sure to stop by earlier in the day if you can!
Where: 1 Belmont St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm | Saturday – Sunday 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Honeycomb Creamery
There’s no better place to get homemade ice cream than Honeycomb!
Where: 1702 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Zinneken’s Waffles
Looking for authentic Belgian sugar waffles? Find the classic liege waffle right here and top it off with some homemade whipped cream or Belgian chocolate. This is definitely the place for a Harvard Square dessert!
Where: 1154 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm | Saturday 10:00 am – 11:00 pm | Sunday 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Oleana
Best Dessert in Boston | Image Credit: Oleana Restaurant
The Baked Alaska is the must-try at Oleana with its coconut ice cream and passion fruit caramel wrapped up in a delicious meringue. This is a late night dessert Boston loves too!
Where: 134 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm
BerryLine
This cute frozen yogurt shop specializes in tart and creamy yogurt that’s been around for years!
Where: 3 Arrow St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 1:00 pm – 11:00 pm | Saturday – Sunday 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Gâté Commes des Filles
Searching for “dessert places near me?” This small chocolate shop produces small-batch desserts for every type of chocolate lover. Cave into your bon bon cravings or take a sip of decadent hot chocolate from Bow Market!
Make sure to drop by when you’re around, it’s easy to miss Gâté Commes des Filles.
Where: 1 Bow Mkt Wy #8, Somerville, MA 02143
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Saturday 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Sunday CLOSED
Petsi Pies
Petsi Pies
Get the best handmade pies in the area and try out Petsi Pies’ Mississippi Mud Pie when you visit!
Where: 285 Beacon St, Somerville, MA 02143
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 | Saturday – Sunday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sarma Restaurants
Indulge in Sarma’s Mediterranean take on crowd favorites like their Ricotta donuts or loukamades. Authentic Boston dessert you’d love.
Where: 249 Pearl St, Somerville, MA 02145
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 5:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Best Dessert in Boston – Newton
Cabot’s Ice Cream
This old-fashioned ice cream parlor has its very own exclusive ice cream menu where you can choose anything from ice cream sundaes to a classic banana boat. This is some of the best dessert Boston has!
Where: 743 Washington St, Newton, MA 02460
Operating Hours: Monday CLOSED | Tuesday – Thursday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm | Friday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm | Saturday 9:00 am – 10:00 pm | Sunday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Best Dessert in Boston – Allston
Pon de Joy
Best Dessert in Boston | Image Credit: Pon de Joy
If you were searching for the best dessert in Boston, find Pon de Joy inside the Super 88 Market and choose from their colorful and tasty collection of mochi donuts! That’s right, get both the classic donut and Japanese mochi dessert in one bite and in flavors like matcha, white sesame, and lemon poppyseed.
Where: 1 Brighton Ave, Allston, MA 02134
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm | Sunday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Scoop n Scooter
Looking for the “best dessert places near me?” Build your own ice cream and get creative with the different flavors and toppings that you can choose from!
Where: 75 Linden St, Allston, MA 02134
Operating Hours: Monday CLOSED | Tuesday – Thursday 3:00 pm – 12:00 am | Friday 3:00 pm – 1:00 am | Saturday 12:00 pm – 1:00 am | Sunday 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Are there any Desserts in Boston that we might’ve missed? Share them with us!
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