Modern Pastry Shop Introduce
Welcome to the sweet side of Massachusetts! If you're a local resident or just visiting our vibrant state, you've likely heard whispers of the legendary Italian bakeries that dot our landscape. Today, we're taking a closer look at a beloved gem right here in Medford: Modern Pastry Shop. Known for bringing the authentic tastes of Italy to your neighborhood, this establishment offers a delightful escape into a world of traditional pastries, cookies, and specialty goods, all crafted with a dedication to quality that's truly noteworthy.
Modern Pastry Shop stands as a testament to timeless baking traditions, offering a slice of culinary heritage that’s deeply appreciated by its patrons. Whether you're craving a classic cannoli, a delicate sfogliatella, or a rich tiramisu, this bakery has cultivated a reputation for delivering consistent excellence. It’s more than just a place to buy sweets; it’s a community staple where the aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air, inviting you to indulge in a truly authentic Italian experience right here in Massachusetts. For many, it's the preferred alternative to navigating the bustling streets of Boston's North End, providing the same high-quality treats with far greater convenience.
Beyond the delectable pastries, Modern Pastry Shop also offers a carefully curated selection of Italian market goods, making it a convenient stop for those looking to add a touch of authentic Italian flavor to their home cooking. From imported pasta to specialized sauces, and even unique spices like genuine Italian oregano, the shop provides a small but impactful range of products that speak to its commitment to Italian culinary traditions. This dual offering of fresh baked goods and select market items solidifies its role as a valuable resource for the local community, catering to both immediate sweet cravings and broader pantry needs.
One of the distinct advantages of the Modern Pastry Shop in Medford is its strategic location and excellent accessibility for residents across Massachusetts. Situated at 20 Salem St, Medford, MA 02155, USA, this spot offers a more convenient and less congested alternative to its bustling North End counterpart. For those living in the surrounding communities of Medford, Arlington, Somerville, and even parts of Cambridge, reaching this bakery is typically straightforward, avoiding the heavier traffic and parking challenges often associated with downtown Boston.
When it comes to parking, visitors to Modern Pastry Shop will find street meter parking readily available. Many customers report that finding a spot nearby is usually manageable, especially compared to the often-scarce parking in more densely packed urban areas. This ease of access significantly enhances the overall customer experience, allowing for a quick and pleasant visit without the added stress of a lengthy parking search. The thoughtful location makes it a practical choice for a quick pick-up of fresh pastries on the way home or for a planned stop to gather treats for a special occasion. Its position on Salem Street, a well-known thoroughfare in Medford, also means it’s easily identifiable and reachable via various local routes. The general area is also well-served by public transportation routes, though many local patrons choose to drive given the convenience of street parking. The overall accessibility underscores why it’s become a preferred destination for many Massachusetts residents seeking authentic Italian baked goods without the typical urban hassle.
Modern Pastry Shop distinguishes itself with a diverse array of offerings that go beyond just conventional baked goods. Their focus remains on delivering an authentic Italian bakery experience.
Here are some of the key services and products you can expect to find:
- Extensive Selection of Pastries: From classic cannoli with their crisp shells and creamy fillings to delicate sfogliatelle, vibrant red velvet cupcakes, and nostalgic hostess cupcakes, the variety is impressive. A customer favorite, the "lobster tail" pastry, is often highlighted for its unique texture and exquisite taste.
- Italian Cookies: A wide assortment of traditional Italian cookies, perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of coffee. These often include almond paste cookies, pizzelles, and other regional specialties.
- Specialty Cakes: While not explicitly detailed, Italian bakeries typically offer custom cakes for various celebrations, often featuring traditional Italian flavors and designs.
- Espresso and Coffee: For those who enjoy their pastries with a hot beverage, the shop is equipped with a nice espresso machine, allowing customers to get their caffeine fix while waiting for their orders. This adds to the authentic Italian café experience.
- Italian Market Goods: A small but carefully selected range of Italian groceries. This includes high-quality pasta, various sauces, and unique imported items like authentic Italian oregano, which is highly sought after by local cooks.
- Takeaway Services: All items are prepared for convenient takeaway, making it easy to enjoy these treats at home or bring them to gatherings.
These services collectively position Modern Pastry Shop as a comprehensive destination for both everyday indulgence and special occasions, providing a taste of Italy right in Medford.
Modern Pastry Shop in Medford boasts several unique features and highlights that make it a standout destination for residents across Massachusetts. These elements contribute to its strong local reputation and dedicated customer base.
Here are some of the key features and highlights:
- Authentic North End Quality, Local Convenience: One of the most frequently praised aspects is that the Medford location offers the same high-quality pastries and Italian goods found at the famous North End establishment, but with significantly less hassle. This means Massachusetts locals can enjoy world-class Italian treats without the need to travel into downtown Boston, deal with heavy traffic, or struggle with parking. It’s an ideal solution for those seeking genuine Italian flavors closer to home.
- Extensive Variety of Sweets: Customers consistently rave about the sheer variety of pastries and cookies available. From traditional favorites like cannoli and sfogliatelle to unique offerings like the highly recommended "lobster tail" pastry, there's always something to tempt every palate. The selection ensures that whether you're a long-time connoisseur or a first-time visitor, you'll find something delightful.
- Friendly and Accommodating Staff: Patrons frequently highlight the helpful and super nice demeanor of the staff. This friendly service enhances the overall shopping experience, making customers feel welcome and valued. Good customer service often plays a crucial role in building loyalty, and Modern Pastry Shop clearly excels in this area.
- Selection of Italian Market Goods: Beyond baked goods, the availability of a small but curated selection of Italian market items, such as imported pasta, sauces, and specialty spices like authentic Italian oregano, is a significant draw. This allows customers to pick up essential Italian ingredients alongside their sweet treats, making it a more comprehensive shopping destination for those passionate about Italian cuisine.
- Cash-Only Policy (with nearby ATM awareness): While initially an inconvenience for some, the "cash only" policy has become a defining feature of the business. While it requires preparedness, customers who are aware often mention that there's typically an ATM available nearby, allowing them to adapt easily. For many loyal customers, the quality of the products far outweighs this minor logistical consideration.
- Fresh Espresso Available: The presence of a high-quality espresso machine allows customers to enjoy a freshly brewed espresso while waiting, adding to the authentic Italian bakery atmosphere and enhancing the overall experience.
These features collectively contribute to Modern Pastry Shop's strong appeal and its status as a beloved institution in the Massachusetts community.
To experience the authentic Italian delights of Modern Pastry Shop, here is their contact information:
Address: 20 Salem St, Medford, MA 02155, USA
Phone: (781) 396-3618
It is always advisable to call ahead for any specific inquiries, especially regarding large orders or current stock availability. Remember, this is a cash-only establishment, so plan accordingly before your visit to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
In conclusion, Modern Pastry Shop in Medford, MA, stands out as an indispensable local treasure for residents across Massachusetts. It offers a unique blend of authentic Italian culinary tradition and unparalleled convenience, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking high-quality pastries, cookies, and specialty Italian goods without the common hassles associated with urban travel. Its strategic location at 20 Salem St, Medford, means locals can easily access North End quality right in their neighborhood, complete with manageable street meter parking.
The consistent praise from customers regarding the extensive variety of delicious sweets, particularly the much-loved lobster tails and various cookies, underscores its commitment to flavor and craftsmanship. Furthermore, the availability of carefully selected Italian market items like imported oregano and pasta provides an added layer of value, making it a comprehensive stop for Italian culinary enthusiasts. Despite its cash-only policy, which is openly communicated and easily navigated with nearby ATM access, the friendly staff and exceptional product quality ensure a delightful and efficient shopping experience.
For anyone in Massachusetts looking for a taste of genuine Italy, whether for a quick espresso and pastry or to gather treats for a family gathering, Modern Pastry Shop offers a reliable, delicious, and community-focused option. It’s more than just a bakery; it’s a local institution that consistently delivers on its promise of authentic taste and welcoming service, making it truly suitable and highly recommended for all locals.
Modern Pastry Shop Food & drink
Pastries
- Tiramisu Slice US$6.50
Italian sponge cake soaked with espresso, coffee brandy, and filled with mascarpone cheese cream. Topped with whipped cream and cocoa powder.
- Strawberry Cheesecake Slice US$7.00
New York style cheesecake with a graham cracker crust and strawberry glaze.
- Limoncello Slice US$6.50
Light vanilla sponge cake soaked in rum, limoncello liqueur with 2 layers lemon mousse with a white ganache on top.
- Creme Brulee US$7.00
Traditional egg yolk and cream custard flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Brulee crust and topped with fresh fruit.
- Carrot Cake Slice US$6.50
Traditional American spiced carrot cake. Filled and frosted with sweet cream cheese frosting and walnuts on the outside. Does not contain raisins.
- Ricotta Pie Slice US$6.50
Sweet ricotta cheese baked in a pasta frolla crust.
- Chocolate Ganache Slice US$6.50
Light chocolate sponge cake, soaked in rum, filled with chocolate mousse, and covered in chocolate ganache.
- Parigina Slice US$6.50
Pan di spagna soaked in rum and strega liqueur. Topped with vanilla pastry cream, sandwiched between flakey millefoglie, and topped with powdered sugar.
- Mocha Mousse Roll US$6.50
Light chocolate sponge cake soaked with espresso and coffee brandy. Filled with our mocha mousse and covered in chocolate ganache.
- Strawberry Shortcake Slice US$6.50
A layer of Italian sponge cake soaked in rum, layer of white cake with sweetened strawberries and whipped cream. Topped with whipped cream and raspberry swirl.
- Chocolate Covered Cheesecake US$6.00
New York style cheesecake with a graham cracker crust covered in chocolate ganache.
- Chocolate Mousse Slice US$6.50
Chocolate cake with chocolate mousse filling. Sitting on top of a flakey millefoglie pastry topped with whipped cream, chocolate chips, and chocolate drizzle.
- Key Lime Tart Pastry US$7.00
Buttery tart shell with a zesty key lime custard topped with whipped cream and lime.
- Amaretto Slice US$7.00
- Rum Savoy Slice US$6.50
Italian sponge cake (pan di spagna) soaked with rum and strega liqueur. Filled with a combination of chocolate and vanilla pastry cream, topped with whipped cream and almonds.
- Cream Puff US$6.50
Oversized profiterole filled with ricotta, whipped cream, and chocolate mousse topped with a drizzle of chocolate syrup and chocolate chips.
- Fruit Tart Pastry US$9.25
Buttery tart with vanilla pastry cream and fresh fruit on top.
- Bomba Slice US$6.50
- Sfogliatella US$6.50
A flakey baked pastry filled with a orange-cinnamon-ricotta flavored semolina.
- Triple Chocolate Cake Slice US$6.50
3 layers of chocolate cake filled and frosted with chocolate buttercream (fudge like), topped with a chocolate ganache drizzle.
- Eclair US$6.50
Choux pastry (profiterole dough) filled with a vanilla pastry cream and topped with chocolate buttercream.
- Napoleon Slice US$6.50
3 layers of millefoglie flakey pastry, filled with vanilla pastry cream, topped with vanilla buttercream, and striped with chocolate-hazelnut cream.
- Lemon Square US$4.75
Lemon curd baked in flakey, buttery pastry.
Cookies
- French Macaroons US$46.00
1 lb of our homemade french macaroons.
- Butter Cookies US$17.25
1 lbs of our homemade butter cookies either vanilla, pistachio, or citrus. If you would like a specific cookie, please specify upon checkout.
- Chocolate Dipped Pizzelle US$30.00
2 anise flavored pizzelle cookie half dipped in dark chocolate. Sold by the pound.
- Chocolate Dipped Biscotti US$28.75
Our almond biscotti half dipped in our rich dark chocolate. Sold by the pound.
- Pistachio Macaroons US$28.75
Our best selling cookie! Traditional italian pistachio paste macaron with pistachios and coated in powdered sugar. Sold by the pound.
- Florentines US$30.00
1 Lb.
- Small Pizzelle Bag US$5.25
Anise flavored. About 12 piece per bag.
- Almond Macaroons US$28.75
An Italian favorite! Traditional Italian almond paste macaroon cookie (amaretti). Soft, chewy, and sweet. Sold by the pound.
- Almond Biscotti US$28.75
Traditional Italian dry cookie flavored with vanilla, orange, cinnamon, and toasted almonds. Sold by the pound.
- Black And White Cookie US$5.25
A frosted circular drop cake, covered on one half with vanilla frosting and on the other half by dark chocolate frosting.
- Whoopie Pie US$5.25
2 small, chocolate, disk-shaped cakes with a sweet, creamy frosting sandwiched between them.
- Anise Biscotti US$17.25
Traditional Italian dry cookie flavored with anise. Sold by the pound.
- Pignoli Macaroons US$28.75
Our italian almond macaroons with toasted pine nuts (pignoli). Sold by the pound.
- XL Cookie US$3.50
You choice of chocolate chip or gingerbread man.
- Large Pizzelle Bag US$8.25
Anise flavored. About 25 pieces in a bag.
Confectionery
- Chocolate Cashew Clusters Lb US$30.00
1 lb.
- Chocolate Nut Turtles US$4.75
Your choice of dark or milk chocolate with either pecans or cashews.
- Marzipan Fruits US$37.00
1 lb assortment of our handmade marzipan shaped into fruits.
- Truffle US$4.75
Handmade chocolate truffles with a varietal of flavors.
- Torrone US$30.00
Italian whipped nougat with honey-meringue and almonds. Sold by the pound.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups US$23.00
1 lb.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries US$30.00
Sold by the pound.
Cakes, Pie, & Cheesecake (Whole)
- Strawberry Shortcake (6-8 People) US$25.00
Three layers of our light and airy Italian sponge cake. Flavored with rum liquor. 2 layers of fresh strawberries and fresh whipped cream. Covered with whipped cream and decorated with buttercream flowers. Please no substitution The photo you see is a representation of the cake, and could look different.
- Double Chocolate Mousse Cake (6-8 People) US$30.00
2 layers of moist rich chocolate cake with a generous layer of chocolate mousse. The cake is domed and encompassed with even more delicious chocolate mousse and milk chocolate curls. Please no substitution The photo you see is a representation of the cake, and could look different.
- Strawberry Cheesecake (12-15 People) US$40.00
New York style cheesecake with a strawberry glaze and graham cracker crust. Please no substitution.
- Cassata Cake (6-8 People) US$25.00
Three layers of our light and airy Italian sponge cake soaked with rum and strega liquors. 2 layers of creamy sweetened ricotta filling, sprinkled with dark chocolate morsels. Completely encompassed with fresh whipped cream and decorated with buttercream flowers. Please no substitution The photo you see is a representation of the cake, and could look different.
- Rum Cake (6-8 People) US$25.00
Three layers of our light and airy Italian sponge cake soaked with rum and strega liquors. 1 layer of creamy vanilla custard and one layer of rich velvety chocolate custard. Covered with fresh whipped cream and expertly decorated with buttercream flowers. Please no substitution The photo you see is a representation of the cake, and could look different.
- Small Ricotta Pie (8 People) US$26.00
Fresh, rich, sweetened ricotta cream is baked in our heavenly pasta frolla pastry dough. Hint of orange, lemon and vanilla essence makes this traditional pie an irresistible Italian tradition. Please no substitution.
- Tiramisu Cake US$30.00
Please no substitution. 3 layers of our light and airy Italian sponge cake soaked with freshly brewed sweetened espresso, flavored with coffee brandy. 2 layers of sweetened mascarpone custard cream, topped with whipped cream and dusted with fine European cocoa powder to complete this succulent confection. The photo you see is a representation of the cake, and could look different.
Cupcakes
- Boston Cream Cupcake US$6.50
Boston cream cake but in cupcake size. One of our best selling cupcakes. Traditional vanilla cupcake with Chantilly filling, frosted with chocolate ganache, and white chocolate swirl.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake US$6.50
Chocolate cupcake with chocolate-peanut-butter frosting. -3".
- Red Velvet Cupcake US$6.50
Classic red velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting. -3".
- Vanilla Cupcake With Sprinkles US$4.25
Vanilla cupcake with vanilla buttercream frosting and sprinkles 2.25".
- Hostess Cupcake US$6.50
Nostalgic chocolate cupcake with buttercream filling, covered in chocolate ganache.
Cannoli & Lobster Tail
- Lobster Tail US$10.50
- Mini Cannoli US$3.75
Crunchy fried semi-sweet dough filled with a sweet cream . add toppings for an additional charge.
- Cannoli US$6.50
Crunchy fried semi-sweet dough filled with a sweet cream . add toppings for an additional charge.
Gluten Free and Dairy Free Desserts
- Gluten Free Cannoli With Ricotta US$10.00
It is our gluten-free shell with our traditional ricotta filling. Not dairy free.
- Gluten Free And Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie US$6.50
- Gluten-Free And Dairy-Free Whoopie Pies US$6.50
Modern Pastry Shop Details
Service options
- Delivery
- In-store pick-up
- On-site services
- Takeaway
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
- Coffee
Planning
- Quick visit
Payments
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Paid street parking
Modern Pastry Shop Photos










Modern Pastry Shop Location
Modern Pastry Shop
20 Salem St, Medford, MA 02155, USA
Modern Pastry Shop Reviews
cashcannoliitalianlobsterricottacupcakespierum caketiramisusfogliatelle
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1This location is much more convenient than the one in the north end. We love all the pastries and cookies from here! You can’t go wrong with whatever you choose, though I’d skip the pizza and arancini balls and stick with the sweets. They also have a small selection of Italian market goods like pasta and sauces and things like that. I like to pick up the oregano they bring in from Italy when they have it. They have a nice espresso machine in which you can get your fix while you’re waiting for your goodies to be packed up. Street meter parking is available and there’s usually a spot or two free close by.This place is CASH ONLY, so be prepared for that. I think there’s a store with an atm around the corner, but just be aware there is no machine on site. The people that work here are super nice. Overall, a great way to pick up moderns without the hassle of the north end 👍🏻
June 18 · Jennifer FMsomeone recommended this place to my daughter so we stopped by, boy was I amazed with the variety of pastries on hand. I had to have the lobster tail, one of my daughters had the red velvet cupcake and the other one the hostess cupcake.there is only one negative, they don't take cards, yes this is a CASH ONLY business I'm pretty sure there is reason behind it but for a lot of new customers its an inconvenience. if I ever have cash on me again I'll make sure to get me another lobster tail, price wise I bought 5 items and the total was +/- $34.00 you do the math. do I recommend this place? yes.
March 08 · william castanedaAmazing star quality desserts that are hard to find these days! I got the sfogliatelle and the amaretto cake. Both were delicious and classic! Some negative views on the cash only option but there’s an atm two businesses down. Worth it!!
June 02 · AliExcellent pastries!! My regular haunt. Cash only, but so so worth it. I've gotten a few birthday cakes here, always exactly what I'm wanting and beyond delicious. Gonna have to make a special trip every birthday when I move! Extremely hard to beat!!
July 10 · KatyThis is an Awesome Bakery! All of their treats are fresh and delicious. I would have spent a lot more money in there but it's cash only. I guess that's a good thing because I could have gained 10 lbs. I think I gained 5 lbs by just looking at all the wonderful sweets. 👍👍
October 28 · Michael Callahan
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