Bricco Panetteria

Literal definition of hole in the wall and a MUST for anyone stopping in the North End. You need to get their sfogliatella. A delicate, flaky, crunchy pastry with a creamy, mildly sweet, lightly citrus and cinnamon filling.

Sfogliatella is done by a lot of bakeries in the North End but my favorite is from here! Going down an alleyway to find this place only makes it more of a fun find, but the pastries and breads really are great here. The mini Sfogliatella had great layering, a great custard filling, and all for $3! Definitely try to come at least once to this underrated secret spot!

Bricco Panetteria is a hidden gem nestled in Boston’s North End, renowned for its artisanal breads and pastries. Located at 11 Board Alley, just off Hanover Street, this bakery is tucked down a narrow alleyway and accessed via a staircase leading to a cozy, basement-level shop. Established by restaurateur Frank DePasquale, Bricco Panetteria was created to supply fresh bread to his local restaurants. The bakery offers a selection of handcrafted breads, including olive ciabatta, prosciutto and parmesan-stuffed ciabatta, miche (a rustic rye loaf), sunflower bread, and brioche. Their pastries, such as the sfogliatella—a flaky pastry filled with sweet ricotta and citrus—are also highly praised. Note that the bakery operates on a cash-only basis. Adjacent to Bricco Panetteria is Bricco Salumeria & Pasta Shop, another establishment by Frank DePasquale. This Italian deli specializes in homemade pastas, sauces, and a variety of imported goods, including olive oils, vinegars, and cheeses. Notably, Bricco Salumeria is acclaimed for its Italian sausages, which are made in-house using traditional spices and methods. The shop also offers made-to-order sandwiches, allowing customers to enjoy their freshly prepared meats and cheeses on the spot.    Both establishments are part of what locals refer to as “Bricco Alley,” offering an authentic Italian culinary experience away from the bustling main streets. We just picked up some freshly sliced prosciutto here, and it was incredible—melt-in-your-mouth tender, perfectly aged, and full of rich flavor. You can taste the quality and craftsmanship in every bite.

The staff was so friendly! He invited me to take all the pictures I desired! The bread and pastries were amazing!

A Masterclass in Artisan Bread. Bricco Panetteria – A North End Treasure for True Bread Aficionados n 2025, Boston’s North End remains an enchanting enclave, pulsating with the soul of its Italian heritage and the weight of its colonial past, cementing its status as the city’s most cherished neighborhood. Nestled along the waterfront, this compact district, often dubbed Little Italy, weaves a rich tapestry of cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, and culinary artistry that captivates residents and visitors alike. Its history stretches back to the 1630s, when Puritan settlers laid its foundations, making it Boston’s oldest neighborhood. By the late 19th century, waves of Italian immigrants, primarily from Naples and Sicily, transformed the North End into a vibrant hub of Mediterranean culture, a legacy that thrives today. Having grown up in the North End and later spent years refining my palate at Harvard, I can confidently say that Bricco Panetteria is, without question, one of Boston’s finest hidden gems. Tucked away in a narrow alley behind Bricco Ristorante, it remains largely undiscovered by the average tourist—a fact that only adds to its charm. The bread here is nothing short of exceptional. This is not mass-produced, generic fare but handcrafted, slow-fermented, deeply flavorful bread reminiscent of the finest bakeries in Italy. Each loaf carries the unmistakable aroma of quality ingredients, traditional technique, and patient craftsmanship. The ciabatta? Airy, crisp, and beautifully structured. The olive loaf? Perfectly balanced with a briny depth that complements the crust’s crunch. The prosciutto and parmesan bread? Utterly indulgent, with a richness that lingers. The baguettes—delicate yet robust—strike a remarkable balance of chewiness and crispness, rivaling those of Parisian boulangeries. A North End Staple, the Way It Should Be What sets Bricco Panetteria apart is its commitment to tradition. While so many bakeries prioritize efficiency and volume, this one remains dedicated to the art of baking. There are no shortcuts here, no compromises—just truly outstanding bread. Service and Atmosphere As for the experience? It’s quaint, authentic, and refreshingly unpretentious. There are no extravagant displays or excessive fanfare—just a small, warm space where the scent of freshly baked bread fills the air, and the staff treats you like a regular even if it’s your first visit. This is what a true neighborhood bakery should feel like. Final Verdict If you appreciate real bread—the kind with depth, structure, and soul—Bricco Panetteria is a must-visit. Whether you’re picking up a loaf for a dinner party, grabbing a baguette for a stroll through the North End, or simply indulging in a perfect piece of bread for its own sake, this is a place that deserves both your time and your admiration. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Unquestionably one of Boston’s best.

What a find! Down this non-descript passageway on Hanover St. All kinds of breads are baked here. Rumor has it that they supply a lot of Italian and upscale restaurants in the Boston area. They also have a full service shop Italian store next door along with a beautiful lounge/restaurant adjoining.

Bricco Panetteria is located at the end of an alley by Bricco Panetteria and it's definitely a hidden gem. The decor is humble, simple and tiny-spaced, so people need to line up by the stairs but the staff served everything quickly. We were recommended to get a loaf with prosciutto & cheese and focaccia by a loyal customer. It was absolutely delicious with moist & delicate texture and the price was so reasonable with the size.

I had very high hopes for this place. The atmosphere is charming and romantic. The food the we received wasn't as flavorful as we would like compared to other Italian restaurants around the area. The price wasn't worth the flavor. For pasta I would definitely prefer trattoria next door. Perhaps this place is better for the steaks that they have. The desert were better than the food. The teramisu comes deconstructed so they assemble it in front. I could have gone with the show. Since they assemble the lady fingers do not have the time to absorb the cream/espresso so they end up being crunchy. I hear their espresso martinis are good but have not tried it. Would come back for that but not the food.

Best baked goods in the North End are found in the literal hole in the wall here at Bricco. Forget the long lines at Modern Pastry and follow your nose down a tiny alley way and into a basement where fresh baked croissants, danishes, and breads await. The Nutella croissant was a hit and you can't go wrong with the chewy baguette. The best part? 2 pastries and a loaf cost us a total of $9. You can't beat that! Cash only so make sure you hit up the atm. There are also 2 small tables for outdoor seating as well.

Best bread I ever tasted I think about this place whenever I think of truly great bread

Did not realize that this "hidden" bakery and deli/sandwich shop would have some of my favorite eats during my recent Boston trip. The sign for the bakery is a little bit nondescript, but if you follow it down the alley, you will find not only the bakery, but another store selling pasta, cured meats, homemade mozzarella and ricotta, and sandwiches. We got a loaf of prosciutto and parmesan bread from the bakery as well as one of their sfogliatelles. At the deli next door, I bought a porchetta sandwich. We ate the sfogliatelle on this nice dining terrace outside the deli, and it was just as good, if not better, than Modern's (though it is a little smaller). It is the perfect amount of sweet, and the shattery pastry makes you feel like you're eating a croissant on steroids. Would wholeheartedly recommend. We did not get to the porchetta sandwich and bread until 6 hours or so later, when we returned to Southern California. They both held up decently, to my surprise. The sandwich was substantial enough to share between two people, though I think the bread-to-meat ratio could be tweaked a little (too much bread). The porchetta was nice and smoky with a tiny bit of fat, and the roasted peppers in the sandwich were a nice touch. I had never had prosciutto bread, and as a prosciutto lover, it was a dream. The bread is like a denser ciabatta with a bunch of prosciutto chunks and is infused with the umami tang of parmesan. It's even better toasted, too.

Great service, cute, and hidden bakery and deli. We were disappointed that the bread we were told was sourdough was not even remotely sour. We had no butter for the dry, plain Italian loaf, and consequently, we were let down. If I am ever in Boston again, I think I would give this place another shot. I think there was a miscommunication because of a language barrier. Lesson learned BYOB--bring your own butter folks--and choose the loaf that most looks like the sourdough you're craving.

Little hole in the wall sandwich shop. $12 sandwiches, a variety of options. Sandwiches are huge! Can easily split or eat just half. I got the chicken Parmesan and thought it was plain. Too much bread and not enough flavor. My husband liked the Italian. Wouldn't recommend or go back.

Sfogliatella, baguette, and panella were great. We got there when they opened but a bunch of stuff was not ready yet. Prices were incredibly reasonable.

We picked up the most delicious lobster tail pastry (also known as Sfogliatella) in this cozy little basement bakery. It's tucked away down a little alley and if it weren't for Yelp, I never would've found it. You can smell the fresh bread down the street before you locate the actual bakery. They offer of variety of baguettes and fresh breads and during our visit, one pastry that was definitely speaking to us. The dough was perfectly flaky and I couldn't get over the orange flavoring and candied orange bits... I'm still thinking about it. The soft ricotta with the flaky pastry was perfection. Unfortunately, we don't have any bakeries in Indianapolis that make this treat. I guess I'll be dreaming about my next visit to Boston to reunite with this pastry. Highly recommend! Also, treat yourself and enjoy the bread on the little patio courtyard outside the bakery that looks into the kitchen where they make fresh pasta. Especially fun with kiddos!

Wow. GREAT authentic bakery! As good as we have found over the years. We got some bread and pastries and everything was amazing! It can be a little hard to find, so pay attention to the signs.

Cute but small little hidden bakery! The bakers are polite and efficient in getting peoples orders And I tried the sfogliatella! It was a great $3 snack (cash needed!!) The crust layers were super crunchy in a slightly hard but satisfying way, and the inside had a nice soft and thick not too sweet filling The dusting of powdered sugar added a great extra hint of sweetness! Would come back to try the beautiful breads

I got both a sandwich ($12.95 I believe) and a pastry ($5 I believe). Pianini sandwich was flavorful and fresh and the pastry was soooooo crispy. The lemon filling was quite mild though. I typically like my lemon to have more of a zesty punch. Quick and easy service.

Overhyped sandwiches. Bread and meat are very fresh, but I got the Italian sub and although there were 3-4 different kids of meats, there were literally about 8 pieces of thinly sliced meat on a 12" sub. Think they'll make up for it with customer service??! Haha. Think again. Don't mess with the old lady. She is not there to please you. We had great Italian food and lobster in Boston. This was def the meal we would've replaced with something else.

The sfogliatelle here was delicious! My first time trying this Italian pastry, it's commonly paired with coffee in the morning. The flaky pastry has a ricotta and orange filling that makes it for a not too sweet dessert.

A well known deli in the Italian area of North Boston, with a very hard entrance to find, serving classic Italian cured meats and cheeses. We got to sample their prosciutto and provolone cheese, and both were very good. The provolone cheese had a lot of body, and some bite...did not taste like any other provolone we've had before. Would be great as a serving cheese in a charcuterie tray. The prosciutto was good, obviously cured with a lot of care. It doesn't take many people to fill up the place and make it hard to move around.

One of the best breads I've ever had in the US. A very small, hidden bakery in The North End. Bring cash. Come early before they sell out.

A MUST when you find yourself in the North End in Boston. My friend who lives in the area showed us this place as he goes here frequently. I was a bit skeptical going to this place- it's tucked deep in a narrow alley and you definitely wouldn't think the best bread in Boston would be located here! But it totally is!! You then go down a couple flights of stairs and find yourself in the CUTEST bakery. There are tons of different kinds of bread everywhere. It was beautiful! The workers are so friendly and nice too. They make bread for local restaurants all around Boston. They are very humble! There were all different types of bread so I wasn't sure what to pick. I knew I wanted some type of Italian bread but they have all different kinds it was so cool. After some debate, we went with their prosciutto and parmesan bread and it was fantastic!! Definitely make your way here! My friend even said if you go early in the morning you may get yourself some freshly baked warm bread- def on my list next time I travel to this area! Check them out!

The best sandwich I've had in such a long time! The bread and toppings were so fresh. Highly recommend!!! The staff was helpful and nice as well. Loved the little patio they have open to eat your sandwich at. Cute little hidden gem!

The freshest and most delicious softest bread I have ever had in my entire life! As soon as you open the door you can smell the fresh bread aromas and it makes you want to buy everything haha. They have breads and desserts. You have to make sure to buy two or maybe three of whatever you get because one will not make it back to your place :p Highly recommend to check them out!

We went to the bakery downstairs as part of a food tour and we really enjoyed watching the bakers work. I came back later and purchased some pastries for breakfast and they were amazing. Awesome place to visit when in the North End area of Boston!

Off the main drag, follow signs down a cramped alleyway and then down some stairs to get to this tiny bakery which boasts being the best in Boston. Seems like a secret hidden find, but I was highly disappointed with our purchases and the poor knowledge of the staff who assisted us. We purchased a prosciutto ciabaata bread which did not have a crusty exterior. There was so little prosciutto that it was appalling; the $12 price tag is highway robbery (to quote a fellow Yelper) for this assumed level of quality based on reviews. There also appeared to be cheddar cheese in the bread, so no idea where the Parmesan was. The baguette tasted almost exactly the same as the ciabaata--no difference in texture whatsoever and the only difference in taste was more saltiness with the ciabatta. However, while the baguette price was most reasonable at $3, I can get better tasting breads at the local supermarket bakeries. When we inquired about another bread on display ( as there were no signs), we were told it was ciabatta although it looked nothing at all like it. I just don't get the hype.

Best bread you're gonna get. A lot of the restaurants around here use them for their dinner bread. It's incredible. We always grab a few loaves and some olive oil in their small market next door. Olive bread if you're a pro, but your really can't go wrong with any. They only make pure fire. Fast service, authentic people using authentic ingredients. Wish we lived closer, but my waistline is glad we don't. Do yourself a favor and grab some loaves and get a sando next door in the pasta shop.

I LOVE BRICCO! Their bread is always fresh and warm when you pick it up. Crispy outside and soft chewy inside, my go to is a baguette but the ciabatta is great too. While it's tucked away and a small downstairs, it's warm and smells delicious. Super affordable (everything's around $5), just know it's cash only!

Baker Charged me $12 for a loaf of bread! Highway Robbery! Yes it has olives but $12??? Web site said $9. Still way to high a price for what you got. Up date your web site. Stop playing on old Italian Grand mothers. Not nice.

Great sandwiches and bread. Super cute down a little alley off Hanover. Sandwiches are huge.

Bricco Panetteria is located at the end of an alley by Bricco Panetteria and it's definitely a hidden gem. The decor is humble, simple and tiny-spaced, so people need to line up by the stairs but the staff served everything quickly. We were recommended to get a loaf with prosciutto & cheese and focaccia by a loyal customer. It was absolutely delicious with moist & delicate texture and the price was so reasonable with the size.

Best sfogliatella in Boston, and I've tried a lot! Beautifully flavored and full with ricotta and still crunchy on the outside. The square pizza wasn't my favorite, but breads looked good. Cash only!

I know all the reviews have been saying this place is a hidden gem, but there is no better way to describe it! Tucked away behind an alleyway, Bricco Panetteria does kid around with their bread. I believe this bakery caters bread to a few nice restaurants around the North End area so you know its legit. Beware this place is cash only! I tried the proscuitto & parmesan bread and wow it was good. Not only was the inside soft and chewy the outside was perfectly crisp. Definitely a must try when you come!! I've never had bread with meat or cheese baked inside of it but it's quite a genius idea! The lemon sfogliatella was amazing as well. I've never had sfogliatella before but it was soo crispy with just the right amount of filling and the hint of lemon flavor. Next time I visit Boston, I will surely be back to try their other flavors of bread and pastries! They all look so appetizing.

Pro-tip: Grab some bread here and then pop next door (up the stairs) for some cold cuts and enjoy a great sandwich Ambience: 4* Prices: 4* Taste: 5* Quality: 5* Down a hidden alley, walk to the end, defend some stairs and you are in bread heaven. Once you enter the smell of yeast and hot and fresh bread hit you in the face. It really makes you want to buy everything. Well worth a stop.

Mixed experience, the Olive loaf was fine so was the basic French baguette. I was very excited to try the prosciutto ciabaata bread, it was a complete disappointment. It tasted as if it were smoked something, not prosciutto. The entire flavor was horrible for $12. I should have gone with the basic baguette and been happier. Staff wasn't friendly in the bakery or across the way in the deli area. There is a restroom and a back room to take a seat for a break.

We got fresh olive bread, which was great - crispy exterior, and fluffy interior with an appropriate spread of olives. We also got the sfogliatella, and while it says lemon ricotta, the same candied orange is very much present, which I don't enjoy. The pastry itself is super crisp and fun to eat, so if you like sfogliatella, you've like this.

Hidden gem! Amazing bread and pasta and unusually reasonable prices! Had a Nutella croissant and loved it.

We love this cute hidden bread shop in the north end. They have a lot of different options to chose from and are selective with their flour. I could eat the bread all day haha. They also use the bread from here in DePasquale ventures restaurants and for the sandwiches next door at the market- so good!

Thank you Yelp for helping me find this bakery just steps away from Modern Pastry. You have to go down the steps to get to the bakery. We were greeted by the most wonderful scent of bread. It pays to get there early. We picked up a loaf with prosciutto and cheese and it was absolutely delicious. The outside was hard and crunchy and the inside was fluffy and flavorful. It was $10 for a loaf but it was well worth it. I will be back to Bricco's for sure. Plus there's a little picnic table you can sit and have some bread and other yummies.

Just was walking around Boston and came across this place! Was looking for some bread and this place was a little hidden. Immediately when we walked in it smelled so good of warm fresh bread. It was a sign that this place made good bread. I was originally looking for a bagel which they don't sell but decided to get a croissant because it smelled so good in there. Would love to go back and get a loaf of bread sometime! The croissant was delicious!

Ahh the smell. My favourite bakery. This is the same place that serves bread to a lot of local north end italian restaurants. Their bread is always fresh and the people are super fresh. Get there earlier in the morning to get your hands on the freshest of those loafs. Great to buy in bulk and always served with a smile.

Whoa, what a hidden gem! Finding this store down the alleyway feels like such an adventure. We got the lemon ricotta sfogliatellas, which were so small and cute. And, most importantly, tasted so good! The exterior was flaky and the interior was so soft. The lemon flavor was very present. There's like two little benches right outside the store in the alleyway where you can sit and enjoy your pastries if you're not in a rush! Just remember that this place is CASH ONLY!

Can't speak to the food, but the espresso martinis are soooo good here. Also their regular martinis are really yummy instead of using olive juice, I think they use banana pepper juice. Try getting the regular Martini filthy... It's a really nice flavor/twist on a traditional martini. I also really love the bar itself. It's a small space so don't expect a lot of space in between you and others but if you don't mind, the lighting is a mood and the bartenders are hilarious. Def my go to spot for espresso martinis. A little on the expensive side though, so keep that in mind.

If I could give no stars I would. Came here after hearing it's the best bread in Boston. Don't waste your money or time. Worst part is they lied. We asked about the prosciutto bread and they said "oh yes, it has prosciutto and parmigiana cheese." It had HAM AND CHEDDAR!?!? They probably serve egg noodles and ketchup and call that spaghetti marinara at their restaurant and serve Oscar Meyer bologna at their salumeria calling it Mortadella!

Talking points: Location / Selection / Customer Service Cash only. Despite having gone to North End countless of times, I actually only found out about Bricco Panetteria (the Panetteria is separate from the 'Bricco' ground level restaurant) through Yelp because their location is tucked away and almost a certain 'miss' if you weren't looking for them. Bricco Panetteria is a very small basement level shop where you can pick up some authentic Italian baked goods fresh out of the oven. To get there, you make a turn next to Bricco restaurant into a narrow alleyway (look for the signage) just steps from the beginning of Hanover Street, and then go down a few stairs. Their baked goods selection will usually include whole Italian bread and loves, and a few selection of Italian pastries and flatbread pizza. Their loaves/breads are huge btw, and will serve multiple meals or guests. On my first visit, I got there around 2pm in the afternoon and the selection was very limited by then so you'll need to get there early for the best selection. The next time I visited at 10am on a weekday and was also greeted by a nearly empty pastry case. Luckily they had fresh bread baking in the oven and I was able to come around in an hour for a better selection of fresh bread. Their first batch of bread is available around 5am and those sell out so quickly as they supply bread to many of the restaurants in North End. The bakers here seem to share multiple responsibilities in both baking and serving customers at the counter. The lady who greeted me at the counter was so friendly to take the time to explain the bread selection to me, including the texture and best uses. With her recommendation, I went with a Sourdough bread for its soft interior, and picked up a slice of pizza as well. Even though it took me three visits to finally pick up some bread, I'd definitely come back when I need more bread in the future.

I don't understand the good reviews. We came in here to buy bread for the first time on a whim. First I was shocked at the price. We bought an olive baguette and it cost $12. Never have I ever paid $12 for bread. It was dry and by morning it was hard as a rock. I make homemade organic bread and I know it costs nothing to make so to charge $12 that's just ridiculous.

If you want a quick sandwich, this is the place. It is kind of hidden the place but that's what make it different also, the sandwiches were really good

Bricco Panetteria... you'll probably pass it as it's a low key underground shop with no seating, but it delivers high quality and fresh subs that are delicious. The bread is really hard if you like that crunchy Italian bread, and the portions are generous! My order: Lady panini (mozzarella, tomato, basil, olive oil) add turkey Go walk across the street and sit outside- the view paired with a great sandwich? Priceless (kinda, it was $12)

Only had the sfogliatella, second one of the day, first at Modern Pastry, Bricco's was much better, fresher creamier. Much closer to the ones you get in Napoli. Just saying. Wicked good!!!

Baguettes and bread are freshly made. Danish pastries and muffins are the same ones I buy from Costco.

Bricco operates a few different businesses right here including a full service restaurant, a cheese and olive shop, even a small apartment building / suite rental. And then there's this bakery at the end of the alley. Down a flight of narrow stairs and you'll find a small retail area with a display of baked goodies. I picked up a French loaf (only $2!) and a small sweet bun stuffed with Nutella (only $1!) and managed to not buy any more than that. With dinner, the bread was amazing. Crunchy, crumbly, perfect for scooping up the pasta sauce I'd bought at the cheese shop upstairs. This was some great stuff and for sure, I know where I'll be getting my fresh bread in the North End!

Nice bread awful service. I got an arm length loaf of bread and I asked to have it cut. The staff refused saying 'we don't have a machine'. Come on I'm not asking for prosciutto-thin slices, any bread knife would do the job and they just didn't want to cut it for me.

Amazing.Delicious.10/10. Try the lemon ricotta pastries. Wonderful staff, couldn't say enough good things about this place.

When in Boston.... come here. You have to walk down a narrow hall that leads to a beautiful bakery. When you arrive you have to walk down stairs in order to get to the bakery. Wow, wow, wow. First and foremost the smell of fresh bread is out of this world. They make everything from scratch and they are well known for their bread. At the location they have displays of magazines they've been published in and etc. My sister and I were so hungry we ordered a huge loaf of bread, Nutella filled croissant, and a donut. The Italian gentleman up front couldn't stop laughing and I couldn't either. He made the whole experience feel very authentic to say the least. I was totally swoon by his accent and good looks hahaha. Overall, amazing bread and beautiful location. I'll be back for sure.

Awesome Spot Does it get any cooler? An amazing fresh bread shop down a very narrow alley in the north end of Boston. You walk down the alley and there you have it. Walk down the stairs and you'll smell and see some of the greatest bread you've ever seen. Simply, we bought whole baguette of olive and provolone cheese bread to rip at while we walk around the North End. The bread may have been the best I've had. That is the reason why I'm giving a 5 star review. When you have the best you have to give credit where credit is due. Delicious, quaint, and purely simple. Awesome spot. Thanks

Sorry i did not take any pictures but you cannot miss it!! The name "Bricco" is on a big sign right above the small hall where the entrance is. You will 1st encounter their small market on your right. On your left you continue your journey to the bakery. It's located in a basement. Plenty of pastries and bread. I purchased some of each to bring back home. 3 thumbs up!!