Boston’s culinary scene is a treasure trove for dessert enthusiasts, and nothing captures the essence of a cozy autumn day quite like a warm, flaky apple strudel.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, discovering the best apple strudels in the city is a delicious adventure you won’t want to miss.
From traditional bakeries to modern patisseries, Boston offers a variety of spots where this classic pastry shines.
Each strudel boasts its own unique twist, from the perfect balance of tart apples and sweet spices to the delicate, buttery layers of pastry.
Ready to embark on a flavorful journey? Let’s explore the top 10 best apple strudels in Boston.
Top 10 Best Apple Strudels in Boston
Apple strudels, with their flaky pastry and sweet, spiced apple filling, are a beloved dessert, especially in the fall. In Boston, you can find a variety of bakeries and cafes offering excellent apple strudels.
Here’s a list of the top 10 places to enjoy the best apple strudels in the city:
1. Longwood Galleria
Longwood Galleria, located at 400 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, offers much more than its food court ambiance. This complex features a variety of eateries, including spots that serve delicious apple strudels.
With prices ranging from $10–20 per person, it’s an affordable option for all dessert enthusiasts. Reviews often praise the fresh, flaky pastry filled with sweet apple goodness, making it a top contender in Boston’s strudel scene.
Whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout, Longwood Galleria promises a delightful experience.
It’s not just about grabbing a bite; it’s about savoring a flavorful pastry that leaves a lasting impression. Visit their website longwoodgalleria.com or call (617) 566-5204 for more info.
2. Ramsay’s Kitchen
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s upscale spot, Ramsay’s Kitchen, offers a luxurious twist on classic British fare, including their standout apple strudel.
Located at 774 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199, within the Mandarin Oriental hotel, this high-end restaurant features global bites and British staples with an elegant ambiance.
At over $100 per person, Ramsay’s Kitchen promises an unforgettable dining experience with dishes reflecting Ramsay’s renowned culinary expertise, including the famed beef Wellington.
Their apple strudel is lauded for its light, flaky pastry and spiced apple filling, drawing rave reviews from patrons.
For those seeking a refined dessert experience in Boston, Ramsay’s Kitchen stands out as a premier choice. Reservations can be made to ensure a spot at this celebrated establishment.
3. Bova’s Bakery
Bova’s Bakery, a family-owned bakeshop established in 1932, is nestled at 134 Salem St in Boston’s North End.
This beloved bakery operates 24 hours a day, offering a delectable apple strudel that has garnered rave reviews. Priced between $1–10 per person, Bova’s provides an affordable yet delightful treat.
Customers appreciate the strudel’s perfectly balanced flavors, featuring tender, spiced apples enveloped in a flaky, golden pastry.
It’s available for takeout, delivery, or dine-in, making it accessible any time of day. The bakery’s long-standing reputation and commitment to quality ensure that each bite of apple strudel offers a taste of tradition and excellence.
4. Flour Bakery + Cafe
Flour Bakery + Cafe, located at 1595 Washington St, specializes in French treats, including a standout apple strudel.
With a cozy dine-in option or convenient takeout and delivery services, this spot boasts a 4.6-star rating from 1,102 reviews on Google.
The apple strudel, priced between $10–20 per person, features layers of delicate pastry packed with spiced apples, offering a sweet yet slightly tangy flavor profile.
Customers appreciate Flour Bakery’s commitment to quality, supported by numerous positive reviews praising the strudel’s perfect balance of texture and taste.
The bakery opens at 7 AM, welcoming early birds and dessert lovers in Boston. For more details, visit their website or call (617) 267-4300 for inquiries and orders.
5. Mike’s Pastry
Mike’s Pastry, an iconic bakery in Boston’s North End, has been delighting customers since 1946 with its famous pastries, including a standout apple strudel.
Located at 300 Hanover St, this popular spot offers a delicious rendition of the classic dessert, featuring a crispy, golden pastry filled with spiced apples.
With an average rating of 4.4 stars from 5,295 reviews, it’s a must-visit for strudel lovers. Priced affordably between $1–10 per person, Mike’s Pastry ensures you can enjoy a high-quality treat without very costly.
They offer takeout, delivery, and dine-in options, making it easy for anyone to savor their delectable apple strudel. For more information, visit mikespastry.com or call (617) 742-3050.
6. Modern Pastry Shop
Modern Pastry Shop, located at 257 Hanover St in Boston’s North End, is a family-run Italian bakery known for its exquisite apple strudel.
Priced affordably at $1–10 per person, this hidden gem has earned an impressive 4.5-star rating from 2,057 reviews.
The strudel’s flaky, golden pastry envelops a perfectly spiced apple filling, offering a delightful experience with every bite.
Customers can choose to dine in, take out, or order for delivery through modernpastry.dine.online.
Open from 7 AM on weekdays, Modern Pastry Shop continues to be a beloved destination for locals and visitors seeking delicious, authentic pastries. For more details, visit modernpastry.com or call (617) 523-3783.
7. Flour Bakery + Cafe
Flour Bakery + Cafe, located at 131 Clarendon St, Boston, MA 02116, is a must-visit for apple strudel enthusiasts.
Known for its French treats, this bakery excels in crafting a delectable apple strudel. With a 4.6-star rating based on 1,889 reviews, it’s clear that customers love their pastries.
The apple strudel is priced between $10–20 per person and features layers of delicate, flaky pastry filled with perfectly spiced apples.
Patrons frequently highlight the balanced flavors and textures, praising the bakery’s commitment to quality.
Open from 7 AM, Flour Bakery + Cafe offers dine-in, takeout, or no-contact delivery, catering to a variety of preferences. More details can be found on their website, flourbakery.com.
8. Bakey
Bakey, located at 151 Tremont St in Boston, boasts a 4.8-star rating based on 798 reviews. Renowned for specialty breads and pastries, their apple strudel is a standout.
Priced between $10–20 per person, this strudel features a perfectly flaky pastry filled with spiced apple goodness.
Reviewers rave about the balance of flavors and the quality of ingredients. Bakey offers dine-in, takeout, and no-contact delivery options, making it convenient for all.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a relaxed meal, Bakey promises a delightful strudel experience. For more details, visit bakeybabka.com or call (617) 670-0114.
9. Flour Bakery + Cafe
Located at 12 Farnsworth St in Boston, Flour Bakery + Cafe is renowned for its delightful pastries. Their apple strudel, priced between $10–20 per person, is a standout.
The bakery boasts a 4.5-star rating from 1,723 reviews, reflecting its popularity and quality. Customers frequently praise the balanced flavors of flaky pastry, sweet apples, and subtle spices.
With options for dine-in, takeout, and no-contact delivery, Flour Bakery + Cafe ensures a convenient and enjoyable experience.
Open from 7 AM, it’s perfect for an early morning treat or a midday indulgence. For a taste of French-inspired excellence, Flour Bakery + Cafe is a must-visit destination.
10. Jonquils Cafe and Bakery
Jonquils Cafe and Bakery, located at 125 Newbury St, offers a delightful apple strudel for $10–20 per person.
This playful patisserie boasts a stylish space ideal for enjoying specialty coffees, teas, cakes, and snacks. With a 4.6-star rating from 1,888 reviews, it’s clear that Jonquils is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
They serve a flaky, golden pastry filled with perfectly spiced apples, delivering a balanced and indulgent experience.
The cafe provides options for dine-in, takeout, and no-contact delivery, making it convenient for all preferences. Visit Jonquil’s website or call (617) 982-6117 for more details and to savor this scrumptious treat in Boston.
Things to Consider for Apple Strudels in Boston
When searching for the best apple strudel in Boston, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the most out of this delicious pastry.
Here’s a breakdown of the things to keep in mind:
Pastry Quality
The hallmark of a great apple strudel lies in its pastry. The best strudels have thin, flaky, and buttery layers that are crispy on the outside while tender and soft on the inside.
Whether the bakery uses traditional strudel dough or puff pastry, the texture is key. Look for spots known for their commitment to crafting delicate, handmade pastries.
2. Filling Flavor
The apple filling should strike a balance between sweetness and tartness. High-quality apple strudels often feature fresh apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, known for their slight tartness, which complements the sweet spices (like cinnamon and nutmeg). Make sure to consider whether the filling is seasoned well, moist without being soggy, and generously portioned.
Texture Contrast
The best apple strudels have a contrast between the crispiness of the pastry and the tender, soft filling. A well-executed apple strudel combines a crunchy exterior with a juicy, spiced apple interior. When considering where to buy, look for reviews mentioning this ideal contrast.
Portion Size
Apple strudels can range from bite-sized portions to large, shareable desserts. If you’re buying for a group or just for yourself, consider the portion sizes available.
Some bakeries, like Mike’s Pastry, offer a variety of sizes, while upscale spots like Ramsay’s Kitchen might provide a more refined serving portion.
Price
Prices for apple strudels in Boston can vary widely, from $1–10 at local bakeries to $100+ at high-end restaurants. If you’re on a budget, places like Bova’s Bakery or Mike’s Pastry provide affordable, delicious strudels.
For those looking for a gourmet experience, upscale restaurants may offer an elevated take on this classic dessert.
Freshness
Freshly baked apple strudels offer the best flavor and texture. Some bakeries make their pastries daily, while others may use frozen or pre-made dough.
For the freshest experience, visit bakeries early in the day or places that bake their pastries in small batches throughout the day.
Dietary Considerations
If you have dietary restrictions, such as a need for gluten-free or vegan options, be sure to check with the bakery beforehand.
Some modern patisseries in Boston may offer alternative versions of apple strudel, but traditional bakeries may not always accommodate these preferences.
8. Seasonal Variations
Apple strudel is especially popular in the fall when apples are in season. Some bakeries may offer limited-edition versions or seasonal takes on the classic apple strudel. Checking the bakery’s menu or seasonal offerings could introduce you to unique flavor combinations.
Serving Style
Apple strudel can be enjoyed in various ways. It may be served warm with powdered sugar, accompanied by whipped cream, or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Some establishments may serve it with a side of caramel sauce or custard. If you have a specific preference for how it’s served, it’s worth asking before you order.
Takeout and Delivery Options
If you’re craving apple strudel from the comfort of your home or hotel, many bakeries in Boston offer takeout and delivery options.
Bova’s Bakery, Flour Bakery + Cafe, and Bakey are known for their convenient delivery services. Consider the packaging and how well the pastry might hold up during transport when ordering to-go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is apple strudel made from?
Apple strudel is traditionally made from strudel dough, hand-stretched into thin sheets. Some recipes simplify this by using store-bought filo pastry, which closely mimics the original texture.
Where did apple strudel originate?
Apple strudel is a popular pastry from Austria, often associated with Viennese cuisine. It is also recognized as the official state pastry of Texas.
What’s the difference between apple strudel and apple streusel?
Apple strudel consists of thin pastry filled with apples. Apple streusel, in contrast, refers to a crumbly topping made from butter, sugar, and flour, typically used on cakes and pies.
What is a famous pastry in Boston?
Boston is famous for the Boston Cream Pie, a dessert that, despite its name, is actually a cake. It was invented at the Omni Parker House hotel and is the official state dessert of Massachusetts.
Is apple strudel better warm or cold?
Apple strudel can be enjoyed both warm and cold. Heating it up enhances the flavor and texture, making the pastry crispier and the filling slightly warmer, often served with powdered sugar and whipped cream or ice cream.
How much does apple strudel cost in Boston?
Prices for apple strudel in Boston vary by location, ranging from $1–10 at places like Bova’s Bakery and Mike’s Pastry to $10–20 at Longwood Galleria and Flour Bakery. Ramsay’s Kitchen offers a more upscale option at over $100 per person.
Can I get apple strudel delivered in Boston?
Yes, many bakeries and patisseries in Boston offer delivery services for apple strudel, including Bova’s Bakery, Flour Bakery, Mike’s Pastry, and Bakey. Check their official websites or delivery platforms for options.
Conclusion
To delve deeper into Boston’s diverse apple strudel offerings, consider visiting the official websites of each highlighted location.
Check their menus for seasonal variations or special promotions. For those preferring convenience, most establishments now offer delivery services.
Ensure you read customer reviews to get a sense of popular picks. Don’t hesitate to call and ask about specific ingredients if dietary concerns arise.
Explore social media pages for updates and mouth-watering visuals. Making an informed choice guarantees a delightful experience, whether savoring a traditional pastry from Bova’s Bakery or indulging in the gourmet creation by Ramsay’s Kitchen.
Mark your calendars for any local food festivals or apple-themed events where you can sample multiple options in one place.
Combining research with personal visits will lead you to the ultimate apple strudel experience in Boston.
Timothy Russell Dewart