We were thrilled to discover Hartford Road Pizza during the 2012 Taste of Manchester event, and it has been part of our local restaurant repertoire ever since. And really, that's what the Taste of Manchester is all about -- having the opportunity to discover, or re-discover, all the local gems we are so fortunate to have right here in the City of Village Charm.
Hartford Road Pizza is one of those gems. It's a family-owned operation that serves up delicious Italian food made with family recipes gathered for over 40 years. Their pizzas are fabulous, with a crunchy, chewy crust and a variety of toppings both common and not-so-common. Take, for instance, their Spaghetti and Meatball pizza - spaghetti and sliced meatballs coated in spaghetti sauce and topped with parmesan and mozzarella cheese. On a pizza! So clever! Or this one, topped with the more traditional mushrooms and peppers. Looks like the perfect pie.
Pizza with mushrooms and peppers
Hartford Road Pizza also serves up plenty of appetizers perfect for sharing such as salads, wings, and something they call a "fried mozzarella block" that puts everyone else's puny cheese sticks to shame. Italian dinners (served with a tossed salad and fresh rolls) also grace the menu, and the portions are huge. Amy stopped in earlier this evening to try their stuffed shells (she had a craving, Chris doesn't like them, and frankly, they are a pain in the neck to make). They were delicious, and there was plenty left for lunch tomorrow. They also serve calzones, grinders, lunch specials, and there's a kids' menu for the little ones.
Fresh tossed salad
Fried Mozzarella Block
Stuffed Shells
The atmosphere is casual and cozy. The hostess greets customers as if they are old friends, which many of them seem to be. She let us in on their plan for this year's Taste of Manchester (and yes, they have participated in every one of them). They will be serving their famous pasta fagiole that they make fresh every day, and which they "sells gallons and gallons of." Amy got a small tasting and thinks they probably sell more than that. They will also have squares of their award-winning spinach, potato, sausage and cheese pizza for people to sample. We can't wait to try it!
Pasta Fagiole
Hosmer Soda
They are located at 250 Hartford Road, on the curve in the road across from the mills. Patio dining is open when the weather is suitable, and beer and wine are available, as is a variety of flavors of locally made Hosmer soda. They are closed on Monday, but open all other days for lunch and dinner. Free delivery is also available. They can be reached at 860.432.8800, and their menu is posted at their website.
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