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.

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.

This is not a fancy place, and as the name suggests, is all about getting together with your buddies and cheering on your soccer team, and not so much the coffee and pastry. Futbol on the big TVs, sit back and relax with your coffee while catching the game. You might end up here when the other bakeries are closed, and the desserts aren't bad. Cash only.

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.

They have their cakes flown in from Italy every week, and have great sfogliatella. In the summer, they open the windows for a charming view of the street.