"Bostonians are fiercely loyal to their favorite “authentic Italian” bakeries, but we are, bravely, willing to say that Modern Pastry sells the best cannoli on Hanover Street. Modern has fewer shell and filling options than other bakeries, but what they lack in variety they make up for in quality: the cannolo shell here is thicker and drier than others, and the creamy ricotta filling is only lightly sweetened, helping Modern’s pastries avoid the teeth-achingly rich flavor of lesser cannoli at other spots in town. We go for the chocolate dipped shell with traditional ricotta filling and a pistachio topping. The line outside this cash-only shop is intimidating but moves quickly." - lala thaddeus