Mazzacottos

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For generations of Connecticut residents, the name "Mazzacottos" (more widely known and spelled as Mozzicato DePasquale Bakery & Pastry Shop) has been synonymous with the finest Italian pastries, cakes, and breads. Nestled in the heart of Hartford's vibrant Italian section, this iconic bakery has become a true culinary landmark, drawing patrons from across the state and beyond. If you're in Connecticut and seeking an authentic taste of Old World baking traditions, coupled with an extensive selection of delectable treats, Mozzicato DePasquale is an absolute must-visit.

What began as two separate, specialized businesses – Mozzicato Pastry Shop (founded in 1973 by Gino and Gisella Mozzicato, focusing on cakes, pastries, and Italian confections) and DePasquale Bakery (established in 1908, specializing in breads and rolls) – united in 1975 to form the esteemed institution we know today. The Mozzicato family's enduring commitment to quality, product authenticity, and customer service has solidified their reputation. They have consistently been voted "BEST BAKERY IN CONNECTICUT" by publications like Connecticut Magazine and The Hartford Advocate, a testament to their unwavering excellence. This introduction aims to highlight the rich history and esteemed reputation that make Mozzicato DePasquale Bakery & Pastry Shop a cherished destination for anyone in the Connecticut area looking for a truly exceptional Italian bakery experience.

Mozzicato DePasquale Bakery & Pastry Shop's flagship location, the one most often referred to as "Mazzacottos" by many locals, is prominently situated at 329 Franklin Ave, Hartford, CT 06114, USA. This address places it squarely within the historic and culturally rich Italian section of Hartford, making it a central and easily recognizable landmark for residents. Franklin Avenue is a well-trafficked thoroughfare, ensuring excellent visibility and straightforward navigation for both long-time patrons and those discovering the bakery for the first time. The bakery's presence in this iconic neighborhood adds to its authentic Italian charm and community feel.

Accessibility is a key advantage for this Hartford institution. While it's an urban location, Mozzicato DePasquale offers convenient access for customers across Connecticut. Ample parking is often available, which is a significant benefit in a city setting, allowing visitors to easily stop by for their favorite treats without undue stress about finding a spot. For those who utilize public transportation, various CT Transit bus routes serve the Franklin Avenue area, providing a practical option for reaching the bakery from different parts of Hartford and its surrounding towns. The bakery's long-standing presence and clear address make it simple to locate using GPS or online mapping services, ensuring a smooth journey for anyone eager to experience "the best Italian pastry around," as one customer enthusiastically put it. This combination of a central location and good accessibility solidifies its role as a vital culinary hub for the entire Connecticut region.

Services Offered:

• Italian Pastries: A vast selection of authentic Italian pastries, including famous Cannoli (with thin crispy shells and sweet ricotta filling), Sfogliatelle (flaky shells with mandarin-flavored ricotta), Pasticiotti (tender pastry cups with ricotta, vanilla, or chocolate cream), Napoleons, Tiramisu, Babá (rum-soaked sponge cakes), Cream Puffs, Eclairs, Fruit Tarts, and many more, available in full and miniature sizes.
• Cakes: Hand-crafted cakes made with authentic Old World recipes and premium ingredients. Options include traditional and contemporary designs for various occasions like weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries. Fillings feature fresh fruits (strawberries, peaches), ricotta cheese, vanilla cream, chocolate cream, and various mousse fillings (chocolate, lemon, raspberry). Specific cakes include Italian Fresh Fruit Cake, Italian Rum Cake, Cannoli Cake, Chocolate Mousse Cake, and New York Style Cream Cheese Cake.
• Cookies: A wide variety of traditional Italian cookies, including popular assortments available in cookie trays (3lb, 4lb, 5lb) and boxed by the pound. Examples include Almond Biscotti, Roccoco, Taralli, Pignoli, Rainbow Layer Cookies, Totò Cookies, French Macarons (assorted flavors), and Black & White Cookies. They also offer gluten-free Amaretti cookies.
• Breads & Rolls: Specializing in fresh breads and rolls, upholding the tradition of the original DePasquale Bakery.
• Cafe Service: An adjacent caffé offering authentic Italian atmosphere where customers can enjoy a latte, cappuccino, or espresso with their pastries.
• Seasonal & Holiday Specialties: Features special items tailored for seasons and holidays to add elegance to any table.
• Corporate Gifts: Traditional Italian cookie trays and platters are available for corporate gifting needs.
• Online Ordering: Offers the convenience of ordering cookies online for shipping.

Features / Highlights:

• Authentic Italian Recipes: Uses recipes handed down through generations, ensuring an authentic Old World flavor in all their products.
• Commitment to Quality & Freshness: Employs the finest ingredients and bakes fresh daily, resulting in consistently delicious and high-quality pastries, cakes, and breads.
• "Best Bakery in Connecticut": Repeatedly voted as the best bakery by prestigious local publications, highlighting its leading position in the state's culinary scene.
• Extensive Selection: Offers an incredibly diverse range of baked goods, from classic Italian pastries and custom cakes to various cookies and fresh breads, catering to every preference and occasion.
• Family Business & Legacy: Built on the experience and expertise of the Mozzicato family, who combined two historic businesses, creating a beloved Hartford institution known for product authenticity and customer service.
• Wedding Cake Expertise: Highly recommended for wedding cakes, known for stunning designs, delicious flavors (like almond), and decades of experience in creating unforgettable cakes.
• Consistent Customer Satisfaction: Despite one minor complaint about fruit in a pastry, the overwhelming majority of reviews praise the taste, presentation, and overall experience, with many customers expressing lifelong loyalty.
• Inviting Atmosphere: The presence of an adjacent caffé and the overall dedication to authentic Italian culture contribute to a welcoming environment.

Contact Information:

Address: 329 Franklin Ave, Hartford, CT 06114, USA

Phone: (860) 296-0426

Fax: (860) 296-8129

Store Hours: 7 AM - 8 PM Daily

Cafe Hours: Sunday-Thursday 9 AM - 10 PM, Friday & Saturday 9 AM - Midnight

For residents across Connecticut, Mozzicato DePasquale Bakery & Pastry Shop, affectionately known as Mazzacottos, is unequivocally suitable and highly recommended. Its deep roots in Hartford, stretching back generations, speak volumes about its enduring quality and appeal. When you visit Mozzicato's, you're not just buying a pastry; you're participating in a rich culinary tradition that has consistently delivered "the freshest pastry" and "the best Italian pastry around," as echoed by countless loyal customers.

The sheer variety and authentic quality of their Italian pastries, custom cakes, and fresh breads make it a perfect destination for any occasion, from daily indulgences to grand celebrations. Despite a minor customer service feedback point, the overwhelming sentiment highlights delicious products and a strong desire for continued patronage. For those in Connecticut who appreciate true artisanal baking, a taste of genuine Italian heritage, and supporting a local institution that has been a bedrock of quality for decades, Mozzicato DePasquale Bakery & Pastry Shop remains the quintessential choice. It is truly a cornerstone of the Connecticut culinary landscape, a place where delicious memories are made with every bite.

Mazzacottos

Hartford, CT 06103, USA