Mike's Pastry

The Hanover Street counter is one half of the North End rivalry Time Out Boston builds its cannoli guide around, Mike's against Modern. Shells are made in house, and the case runs from traditional ricotta through limoncello, peanut butter, hazelnut, espresso, strawberry and mint chocolate. The white box with bright blue lettering and two tone string is the signature that regulars and visitors both recognize. Order the traditional ricotta first, then add one of the flavored fillings. This is the North End shop; the company also runs counters in Somerville, Harvard Square and North Station.

Picks from The Boston Globe and Boston Magazine