Highest-rated dessert shops in the Boston area by diners

Written by:
February 19, 2025
Timolina // Shutterstock

Highest-rated dessert shops in the Boston area by diners

There's no denying that Americans have a sweet tooth鈥攏early 41% say they , according to a November 2024 YouGov survey.

One of the most popular desserts to dig into is ice cream. An from May 2024 found that just about all Americans (97%) love or like ice cream. The frozen confection has held a special place in the U.S. since the turn of the 19th century with the invention of insulated ice houses. By the mid-1800s, and sold to the masses. Soon, old-fashioned soda fountains started selling sundaes, milkshakes, and ice cream sodas, becoming a gathering place for young people. Today, more than 150 years later, those dessert options not only remain perennial top choices but also evoke a sense of nostalgia and community.

Over the years, Americans' dessert tastes have led to some other tasty trends, from of the early 2000s thanks to bakeries like Magnolia, Sprinkles, and Crumbs, to the self-serve that followed in the early 2010s via Pinkberry, 16 Handles, and Red Mango. Most recently, the 2020s have seen cookies sweep the nation, with chains like Insomnia and Crumbl stoking childhood memories, , and growing exponentially.

Today's desserts also go far beyond ice cream, cupcakes, and cookies. Many modern dessert shops are redefining the experience by fusing timeless recipes with multicultural flavors, offering creative twists such as matcha-infused cupcakes, horchata ice cream, and Basque cheesecakes that celebrate both tradition and innovation.

To keep up with the ever-evolving dessert trends, compiled a list of the highest-rated dessert shops in the Boston area based on diners' reviews on as of February 2025. Restaurants tagged as "desserts" on Yelp within a 10-kilometer radius of Boston were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may primarily serve other food items.

Whether indulging in a time-honored pie or exploring a fusion delight, the world of desserts remains as vibrant and diverse as the communities that enjoy them. Keep reading to see if your favorite spot made the list or to find your next sweet treat!

#30. Bistro du Midi

- Rating: 4.0/5 (797 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 272 Boylston St. Boston, Massachusetts
- Categories: French, Bars, Desserts
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#29. Oakleaf Cakes

- Rating: 4.0/5 (288 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 12 Westland Ave. Boston, Massachusetts
- Categories: Bakeries, Coffee & Tea, Desserts
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#28. Amorino Gelato

- Rating: 4.0/5 (596 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 249 Newbury St. Boston, Massachusetts
- Categories: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Desserts, Macarons
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#27. Sugar Bakery

- Rating: 4.0/5 (243 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1884 Centre St. West Roxbury, Massachusetts
- Categories: Bakeries, Cupcakes, Desserts
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#26. La Summa

- Rating: 4.1/5 (457 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 30 Fleet St. Boston, Massachusetts
- Categories: Italian, Desserts, Salad
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#25. Honeycomb Creamery

- Rating: 4.1/5 (442 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1702 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Categories: Desserts, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Custom Cakes
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#24. Tous Les Jours

- Rating: 4.1/5 (193 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 152 Harvard Ave. Allston, Massachusetts
- Categories: Bakeries, Coffee & Tea, Desserts
-

#23. Taiyaki NYC - Boston

- Rating: 4.1/5 (728 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 119 Seaport Blvd. Ste B Boston, Massachusetts
- Categories: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Desserts, Japanese
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#22. Saloniki Greek

- Rating: 4.1/5 (325 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 181 Massachusetts Ave. Ste 2 Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Categories: Greek, Desserts
-

#21. Prezza

- Rating: 4.1/5 (456 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 24 Fleet St. Boston, Massachusetts
- Categories: Italian, Desserts, Salad
-

#20. Sweet Spot Bakery

- Rating: 4.2/5 (111 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 163D West Emerson St. Melrose, Massachusetts
- Categories: Bakeries, Desserts
-

#19. Moon Flower House

- Rating: 4.4/5 (209 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 110 Brighton Ave. Boston, Massachusetts
- Categories: Burgers, Bubble Tea, Desserts
-

#18. Butternut Bakehouse

- Rating: 4.5/5 (113 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 787 Massachusetts Ave. Arlington, Massachusetts
- Categories: Coffee & Tea, Bakeries, Desserts
-

#17. Via Cannuccia

- Rating: 4.7/5 (113 reviews)
- Address: 1739 Dorchester Ave. Boston, Massachusetts
- Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, Italian, Desserts
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#16. C Fruit Life

- Rating: 4.1/5 (264 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 171 Brighton Ave. Boston, Massachusetts
- Categories: Desserts, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Pizza
-

#15. Mike's Pastry

- Rating: 4.2/5 (9275 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 300 Hanover St. Boston, Massachusetts
- Categories: Bakeries, Desserts, Gelato
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#14. Bar Volpe

- Rating: 4.2/5 (128 reviews)
- Address: 170 West Broadway Boston, Massachusetts
- Categories: Italian, Desserts, Bars
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#13. Kyo Matcha

- Rating: 4.2/5 (116 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1010 Beacon St. Brookline, Massachusetts
- Categories: Desserts, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Bakeries
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#12. Modern Pastry Shop

- Rating: 4.2/5 (2791 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 257 Hanover St. Boston, Massachusetts
- Categories: Bakeries, Desserts, Breakfast & Brunch
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#11. Alma Gaucha

- Rating: 4.2/5 (176 reviews)
- Price level: $$$$
- Address: 401 D St. Boston Boston, Massachusetts
- Categories: Steakhouses, Desserts, Brazilian
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#10. L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates

- Rating: 4.2/5 (628 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 220 Clarendon St. Boston, Massachusetts
- Categories: Desserts, Chocolatiers & Shops, Coffee & Tea
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#9. L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates

- Rating: 4.3/5 (1214 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 52 Brattle St. Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Categories: Chocolatiers & Shops, Desserts, Tea Rooms
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#8. La Luce Pastry Shop

- Rating: 4.3/5 (112 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 591 High St. Dedham, Massachusetts
- Categories: Bakeries, Desserts
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#7. Sweet Waffles + Boba

- Rating: 4.3/5 (261 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 18 Hudson St. Boston, Massachusetts
- Categories: Bubble Tea, Coffee & Tea, Desserts
-

#6. Flour Bakery + Cafe

- Rating: 4.4/5 (284 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 30 Dalton St. Boston, Massachusetts
- Categories: Bakeries, Desserts, Sandwiches
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#5. Levain Bakery - Back Bay, Boston

- Rating: 4.4/5 (322 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 180 Newbury St. Boston, Massachusetts
- Categories: Bakeries, Desserts
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#4. SALT Patisserie

- Rating: 4.4/5 (111 reviews)
- Address: 792 Beacon St. Newton, Massachusetts
- Categories: Patisserie/Cake Shop, Coffee & Tea, Desserts
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#3. Cafe Weekend

- Rating: 4.4/5 (276 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 120 Harvard Ave. Allston, Massachusetts
- Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, New American, Desserts
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#2. Dessert Works

- Rating: 4.4/5 (192 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 302 Providence Hwy Westwood, Massachusetts
- Categories: Desserts, Bakeries, Custom Cakes
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#1. Cookie Time Bakery

- Rating: 4.5/5 (150 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1375 Massachusetts Ave. Arlington, Massachusetts
- Categories: Bakeries, Desserts
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This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 241 metros.

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