Royal Pastry Shop

For residents across Massachusetts, especially those in the bustling Greater Boston area, finding authentic, high-quality baked goods and convenient meal options is always a priority. In Cambridge, a true local institution, Royal Pastry Shop, has been serving its community since 1941. This family-owned business masterfully blends traditional Italian pastry craftsmanship with beloved American classics, and notably, also offers delicious Sicilian-style pizza, making it a versatile spot for both sweet treats and a savory meal to go.

Royal Pastry Shop stands as a testament to enduring quality and value. It’s a place where you can find decadent rum cakes, delicate cannolis, and an impressive array of cookies, often at prices more accessible than some of its more famous counterparts in the North End. What truly sets it apart for Massachusetts locals is its ability to offer that cherished "North End quality" without the hustle and bustle of downtown. For those seeking fresh, flavorful pastries for any occasion, or a satisfying square of pizza, Royal Pastry Shop provides a convenient and delightful takeaway experience right in the heart of Cambridge.

Royal Pastry Shop is ideally situated at 738 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02141, USA. This prominent location places it within East Cambridge, a vibrant and accessible neighborhood known for its diverse community and array of local businesses. Cambridge Street is a major thoroughfare, making the shop exceptionally easy to reach from various parts of Cambridge, as well as from neighboring Somerville and even downtown Boston, thanks to excellent public transportation links.

The accessibility of 738 Cambridge Street is a significant benefit for customers. It's a well-trafficked road, meaning the shop is highly visible and easy to spot. While street parking can sometimes be a challenge in urban areas like Cambridge, there are often meters or nearby side streets that offer parking options. For those relying on public transport, the shop is typically within walking distance of bus stops, providing convenient access. Its location in a bustling commercial area ensures that it's a practical stop for locals picking up treats after work, grabbing a quick lunch, or preparing for a family gathering. This prime spot in a dynamic part of Massachusetts enhances its role as a go-to for quality takeaway.

Royal Pastry Shop offers a diverse and extensive menu that spans both traditional Italian and American baked goods, alongside savory meal options, primarily for takeaway.

• Italian & American Pastries: A vast selection of freshly baked pastries, including famous Rum Cakes (noted for being "SOAKED in rum"), cannolis (filled to order), eclairs, cream puffs, Neapolitans, and more. They offer Italian and American classics, ensuring a wide appeal.

• Cakes for All Occasions: They specialize in custom and ready-made cakes, including popular flavors like Chocolate Strawberry, Cannoli Cake, Strawberry Whipped Cream Layer Cake, Chocolate Mousse Cake, Boston Cream Cake, Carrot Cake, and Black Forest Cake. They are praised for being fresh and not overly sweet.

• Cookies by the Pound: A wide variety of Italian and American cookies (over 35 types), including biscotti, macaroons, Pizzelle, chocolate chip, and decorated sugar cookies. Customers can buy them by the pound, often at very competitive prices. "Hermits bread," a pre-packed molasses/ginger/cinnamon cookie, is a highly recommended unique item.

• Pies and Tarts: Offerings include classics like Key Lime Pie (praised for its balanced sweetness), apple pie, blueberry pie, lemon meringue, and seasonal varieties like pumpkin and pecan pie.

• Sicilian-Style Pizza: A surprising but highly praised addition, their square-cut Sicilian pizza features "super fluffy dough and plenty of topping," often described as "amazing." This makes them a viable option for a savory meal takeaway.

• Mini Pastries & Dessert Trays: They offer miniature versions of their popular pastries, perfect for events or sampling, and can arrange beautifully presented assorted cookie trays and gift boxes.

• Coffee & Beverages: Standard coffee and possibly other beverages are available to complement the pastries and meals.

Royal Pastry Shop distinguishes itself in the bustling Massachusetts food scene with several key features and highlights.

• Long-Standing Family Legacy: Baking since 1941, Royal Pastry Shop is a third-generation, family-owned business that has maintained its tradition for quality while adapting to customer demand. This long history speaks to their commitment and consistency.

• North End Quality, Cambridge Convenience: Many reviews highlight that their pastries are "just as good as places like Mike's Pastry or Modern Pastry in the North End," but without the crowds and travel, making it a "hidden gem" for Cambridge locals.

• Exceptional Value: Customers frequently praise the "great prices," noting that their cookies are "much cheaper" than other popular pastry shops in Boston, offering high quality at an affordable price point.

• Diverse Offerings Beyond Pastries: The inclusion of highly-rated Sicilian-style pizza adds a unique dimension, making it a convenient stop not just for dessert, but also for a savory meal takeaway.

• Signature Items: Their rum cake, known for being truly "soaked in rum," and the balanced sweetness of their Key Lime Pie are consistently highlighted as must-try items. The pre-packed Hermits bread is also a unique and beloved product.

• Freshness and Authenticity: Reviewers note the freshness of their cakes and the authentic taste of their Italian recipes, some of which are over a hundred years old. Cannoli shells are filled to order, ensuring maximum freshness.

• Friendly Service: Customers generally find the workers "super friendly and helpful," contributing to a positive shopping experience.

Royal Pastry Shop
Address: 738 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02141, USA
Phone: (617) 547-2053
Mobile Phone: +1 617-547-2053
Website: https://royalpastryshop.net/
Operating Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
(Note: Holiday hours may vary, e.g., 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Easter and Thanksgiving; closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day.)

For Massachusetts locals, particularly those in Cambridge and the surrounding urban areas, Royal Pastry Shop is an outstanding choice for both exceptional baked goods and a convenient meal takeaway. Its decades-long presence in East Cambridge speaks volumes about its quality and standing in the community. What truly makes it suitable for locals is its ability to deliver the rich, authentic flavors of Italian pastries, often compared favorably to those in Boston's famous North End, but at more affordable prices and with significantly less hassle.

The added bonus of their "amazing" square-cut Sicilian pizza means you can satisfy both your sweet and savory cravings in one convenient stop, making it perfect for a quick lunch, an easy dinner solution, or picking up treats for a family gathering. The consistent freshness, wide variety, and friendly service reinforce its position as a go-to local favorite. For a taste of tradition, value, and convenience all rolled into one, Royal Pastry Shop remains a cherished gem in the Massachusetts culinary landscape.

Royal Pastry Shop

738 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02141, USA