Incredible bakery a little hidden off the Main Street but what a gem! great danish!
James D Seo
Cash only in 21st century. What a shame.
jack keller
Literal definition of hole in the wall and a MUST for anyone stopping in the North End. You need to get their sfogliatella. A delicate, flaky, crunchy pastry with a creamy, mildly sweet, lightly citrus and cinnamon filling.
Wei Wang
Bricco Panetteria is a hidden gem nestled in Boston’s North End, renowned for its artisanal breads and pastries. Located at 11 Board Alley, just off Hanover Street, this bakery is tucked down a narrow alleyway and accessed via a staircase leading to a cozy, basement-level shop. Established by restaurateur Frank DePasquale, Bricco Panetteria was created to supply fresh bread to his local restaurants. The bakery offers a selection of handcrafted breads, including olive ciabatta, prosciutto and parmesan-stuffed ciabatta, miche (a rustic rye loaf), sunflower bread, and brioche. Their pastries, such as the sfogliatella—a flaky pastry filled with sweet ricotta and citrus—are also highly praised. Note that the bakery operates on a cash-only basis.
Adjacent to Bricco Panetteria is Bricco Salumeria & Pasta Shop, another establishment by Frank DePasquale. This Italian deli specializes in homemade pastas, sauces, and a variety of imported goods, including olive oils, vinegars, and cheeses. Notably, Bricco Salumeria is acclaimed for its Italian sausages, which are made in-house using traditional spices and methods. The shop also offers made-to-order sandwiches, allowing customers to enjoy their freshly prepared meats and cheeses on the spot.   
Both establishments are part of what locals refer to as “Bricco Alley,” offering an authentic Italian culinary experience away from the bustling main streets.
We just picked up some freshly sliced prosciutto here, and it was incredible—melt-in-your-mouth tender, perfectly aged, and full of rich flavor. You can taste the quality and craftsmanship in every bite.
Cameron
Sfogliatella is done by a lot of bakeries in the North End but my favorite is from here! Going down an alleyway to find this place only makes it more of a fun find, but the pastries and breads really are great here. The mini Sfogliatella had great layering, a great custard filling, and all for $3!
Definitely try to come at least once to this underrated secret spot!
C T
We just moved to the neighborhood and I’ve bought at least a dozen baguettes. 🥖
Yes, it really is that good. Bring cash and come hungry.
SD Johnson
If you are anywhere near this location do yourself a favor and get some incredible baked goodies!
david kess
A Masterclass in Artisan Bread. Bricco Panetteria – A North End Treasure for True Bread Aficionados
n 2025, Boston’s North End remains an enchanting enclave, pulsating with the soul of its Italian heritage and the weight of its colonial past, cementing its status as the city’s most cherished neighborhood. Nestled along the waterfront, this compact district, often dubbed Little Italy, weaves a rich tapestry of cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, and culinary artistry that captivates residents and visitors alike. Its history stretches back to the 1630s, when Puritan settlers laid its foundations, making it Boston’s oldest neighborhood. By the late 19th century, waves of Italian immigrants, primarily from Naples and Sicily, transformed the North End into a vibrant hub of Mediterranean culture, a legacy that thrives today.
Having grown up in the North End and later spent years refining my palate at Harvard, I can confidently say that Bricco Panetteria is, without question, one of Boston’s finest hidden gems. Tucked away in a narrow alley behind Bricco Ristorante, it remains largely undiscovered by the average tourist—a fact that only adds to its charm.
The bread here is nothing short of exceptional. This is not mass-produced, generic fare but handcrafted, slow-fermented, deeply flavorful bread reminiscent of the finest bakeries in Italy. Each loaf carries the unmistakable aroma of quality ingredients, traditional technique, and patient craftsmanship.
The ciabatta? Airy, crisp, and beautifully structured. The olive loaf? Perfectly balanced with a briny depth that complements the crust’s crunch. The prosciutto and parmesan bread? Utterly indulgent, with a richness that lingers. The baguettes—delicate yet robust—strike a remarkable balance of chewiness and crispness, rivaling those of Parisian boulangeries.
A North End Staple, the Way It Should Be What sets Bricco Panetteria apart is its commitment to tradition. While so many bakeries prioritize efficiency and volume, this one remains dedicated to the art of baking. There are no shortcuts here, no compromises—just truly outstanding bread.
Service and Atmosphere As for the experience? It’s quaint, authentic, and refreshingly unpretentious. There are no extravagant displays or excessive fanfare—just a small, warm space where the scent of freshly baked bread fills the air, and the staff treats you like a regular even if it’s your first visit. This is what a true neighborhood bakery should feel like.
Final Verdict If you appreciate real bread—the kind with depth, structure, and soul—Bricco Panetteria is a must-visit. Whether you’re picking up a loaf for a dinner party, grabbing a baguette for a stroll through the North End, or simply indulging in a perfect piece of bread for its own sake, this is a place that deserves both your time and your admiration.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Unquestionably one of Boston’s best.
LC
Great fresh bread!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Richard Sanchez
This place was highly recommended by a friend so we stopped by for some bread. It was amazing!
Amazing sfogiatella. Wow so impressed by the quality!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Sfogliatella
Josie Teixeira
Service is pure joy and sympathy! The place is super nice!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Josie Santos
Service is pure joy and sympathy! The place is super nice!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Mei
The bread is delicious! I always get the prosciutto and parmesan cheese baguettes. The fresh bread didn’t last long though, so eat it asap.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Fantasy R&R
LOL....Who is up-rating this place? Their family members? The baguette is hard as a rock, my grandma would turn these workers upside down and give them the wooden spoon.
Only an idiot tourist would think this is authentic bread. Absolutely embarrassing.
Incredible bakery a little hidden off the Main Street but what a gem! great danish!
Cash only in 21st century. What a shame.
Literal definition of hole in the wall and a MUST for anyone stopping in the North End. You need to get their sfogliatella. A delicate, flaky, crunchy pastry with a creamy, mildly sweet, lightly citrus and cinnamon filling.
Bricco Panetteria is a hidden gem nestled in Boston’s North End, renowned for its artisanal breads and pastries. Located at 11 Board Alley, just off Hanover Street, this bakery is tucked down a narrow alleyway and accessed via a staircase leading to a cozy, basement-level shop. Established by restaurateur Frank DePasquale, Bricco Panetteria was created to supply fresh bread to his local restaurants. The bakery offers a selection of handcrafted breads, including olive ciabatta, prosciutto and parmesan-stuffed ciabatta, miche (a rustic rye loaf), sunflower bread, and brioche. Their pastries, such as the sfogliatella—a flaky pastry filled with sweet ricotta and citrus—are also highly praised. Note that the bakery operates on a cash-only basis.
Adjacent to Bricco Panetteria is Bricco Salumeria & Pasta Shop, another establishment by Frank DePasquale. This Italian deli specializes in homemade pastas, sauces, and a variety of imported goods, including olive oils, vinegars, and cheeses. Notably, Bricco Salumeria is acclaimed for its Italian sausages, which are made in-house using traditional spices and methods. The shop also offers made-to-order sandwiches, allowing customers to enjoy their freshly prepared meats and cheeses on the spot.   
Both establishments are part of what locals refer to as “Bricco Alley,” offering an authentic Italian culinary experience away from the bustling main streets.
We just picked up some freshly sliced prosciutto here, and it was incredible—melt-in-your-mouth tender, perfectly aged, and full of rich flavor. You can taste the quality and craftsmanship in every bite.
Sfogliatella is done by a lot of bakeries in the North End but my favorite is from here! Going down an alleyway to find this place only makes it more of a fun find, but the pastries and breads really are great here. The mini Sfogliatella had great layering, a great custard filling, and all for $3!
Definitely try to come at least once to this underrated secret spot!
We just moved to the neighborhood and I’ve bought at least a dozen baguettes. 🥖
Yes, it really is that good. Bring cash and come hungry.
If you are anywhere near this location do yourself a favor and get some incredible baked goodies!
A Masterclass in Artisan Bread. Bricco Panetteria – A North End Treasure for True Bread Aficionados
n 2025, Boston’s North End remains an enchanting enclave, pulsating with the soul of its Italian heritage and the weight of its colonial past, cementing its status as the city’s most cherished neighborhood. Nestled along the waterfront, this compact district, often dubbed Little Italy, weaves a rich tapestry of cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, and culinary artistry that captivates residents and visitors alike. Its history stretches back to the 1630s, when Puritan settlers laid its foundations, making it Boston’s oldest neighborhood. By the late 19th century, waves of Italian immigrants, primarily from Naples and Sicily, transformed the North End into a vibrant hub of Mediterranean culture, a legacy that thrives today.
Having grown up in the North End and later spent years refining my palate at Harvard, I can confidently say that Bricco Panetteria is, without question, one of Boston’s finest hidden gems. Tucked away in a narrow alley behind Bricco Ristorante, it remains largely undiscovered by the average tourist—a fact that only adds to its charm.
The bread here is nothing short of exceptional. This is not mass-produced, generic fare but handcrafted, slow-fermented, deeply flavorful bread reminiscent of the finest bakeries in Italy. Each loaf carries the unmistakable aroma of quality ingredients, traditional technique, and patient craftsmanship.
The ciabatta? Airy, crisp, and beautifully structured. The olive loaf? Perfectly balanced with a briny depth that complements the crust’s crunch. The prosciutto and parmesan bread? Utterly indulgent, with a richness that lingers. The baguettes—delicate yet robust—strike a remarkable balance of chewiness and crispness, rivaling those of Parisian boulangeries.
A North End Staple, the Way It Should Be
What sets Bricco Panetteria apart is its commitment to tradition. While so many bakeries prioritize efficiency and volume, this one remains dedicated to the art of baking. There are no shortcuts here, no compromises—just truly outstanding bread.
Service and Atmosphere
As for the experience? It’s quaint, authentic, and refreshingly unpretentious. There are no extravagant displays or excessive fanfare—just a small, warm space where the scent of freshly baked bread fills the air, and the staff treats you like a regular even if it’s your first visit. This is what a true neighborhood bakery should feel like.
Final Verdict
If you appreciate real bread—the kind with depth, structure, and soul—Bricco Panetteria is a must-visit. Whether you’re picking up a loaf for a dinner party, grabbing a baguette for a stroll through the North End, or simply indulging in a perfect piece of bread for its own sake, this is a place that deserves both your time and your admiration.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Unquestionably one of Boston’s best.
Great fresh bread!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place was highly recommended by a friend so we stopped by for some bread. It was amazing!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Amazing sfogiatella. Wow so impressed by the quality!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Sfogliatella
Service is pure joy and sympathy! The place is super nice!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Service is pure joy and sympathy! The place is super nice!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
The bread is delicious! I always get the prosciutto and parmesan cheese baguettes. The fresh bread didn’t last long though, so eat it asap.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
LOL....Who is up-rating this place? Their family members? The baguette is hard as a rock, my grandma would turn these workers upside down and give them the wooden spoon.
Only an idiot tourist would think this is authentic bread. Absolutely embarrassing.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Loading...