They are experts at the cappuccino. Order one, and they'll have it on the table within a couple of minutes: hot, frothy, and decoratively doused with cocoa to create a veritable artistic masterpiece. You won't need sugar. As you drink this down, the cocoa runs down the inside of the cup in streaks. Can you resist the urge to forgo any sense of decorum, and lick the inner rim like a child? Heaven on earth for $3.15 per cup.

“Leave the gun. Take the cannoli.” This world The wonderful art of Italian pastry is practiced to perfection at Mike's, a requisite stop for anyone after dinner, or perhaps for dinner, in the North End. Mike's is world famous for their famous sweet creations and ships all over the country. What are you in the mood for? Whether you're hankering for cannolis, cookies, or cakes, this is the place to get 'em. Most pastries $1-4. Biscotti $6-10/lb.

Located smack dab in the heart of the North End on Hanover Street, Modern Pastry is a legendary staple of the notorious Italian District. Here you will find an eye-full of sugary sweetness from chocolate-covered almond biscotti to overflowing ricotta cannolis, gelato, and cappuccino. This family operated business is full of the diverse citizens of Boston on given day, which means, be prepared to wait in line. Modern fulfills specialty orders and ships nation-wide.

Step away from busy Hanover Street, and enjoy a quieter scene. The authentic cannolis are not pre-filled (thank goodness!) and these veritable Tubes of Love will make you want to fall down on the floor and die of happiness. You will not be disappointed. Maria herself seems like she is a bit of a stern mother who would have slapped you across the head with a spoon if you even tried to put a single grubby finger in the pasta sauce before dinner time. Don't look at me like that, you know what I'm talking about. Her hands are those of a woman who has worked all her life. While you're at it, pick up a few cookies to take home, they are worth bringing back for the rest of the family.

Lulu's Bake Shoppe is named after the nickname owner Sandy Russo had for her daughter. Russo decided to open Lulu's Bake Shoppe to return to her roots and bake the way she and her sisters learned from their mother. Lulu's has many delectable treats such as cakes, fruit tarts, cookies & Italian pastries. Their signature items though are their numerous varieties of cupcakes that have customers flocking to them. Some of the cupcakes they make include Boston cream, s'mores, carrot cake, red velvet, black forest, etc. Lulu's will even make wedding cakes with their cupcakes. If you are looking for an alternative to cannolis or gelato, a trip to Lulu's is a must.

Local restaurants purchase the homemade pasta from Monica's market for use in their kitchens. You can purchase all sorts of prepared foods here, from eggplant parmesan to pizza to meatballs. If you're entertaining or just don't want to cook for the night, you can't go wrong with the exellent dishes here. High quality.