Planning perspective
What to consider before reaching out
A strong first conversation is about fit, not just availability. Share your date, approximate guest count, location, and the feeling you want the day to have. Ask what is included, what typically changes the final quote, and what decisions need to be made earliest.
For a catering partner, confirm how communication works, who will be present on the day, and how the team handles changes. Pricing was not included in the supplied research, so request a current, itemized proposal directly from the business.
Why this business stood out
The verified notes
- Good option for welcome-party or rehearsal-dinner catering
- Wide selection of imported Italian meats, cheeses and wines
- Popular local reputation beyond just wedding work
In their clients’ words
What people say on Google
Joseph Carro
7 months ago
I can’t believe it took me this long to finally walk into Al Ducci’s Italian Pantry. I’ve lived and worked in Manchester for a couple of years now, and it was always “on my radar.” I kept meaning to stop in… and just never did. Now that I’ve gone (three times in one week), I’m honestly kicking myself for missing out on all this homemade deliciousness. The funny part is how it happened. I work locally at a coffee shop, and one morning a kind woman named Robin was chatting with me while getting her coffee. I was randomly complaining about soups at other spots in the area — specifically how hard it is to find a really good Pasta Fagioli — not realizing she worked in the kitchen at Al Ducci’s....
Shari Raymond
a year ago
First time here and we had the 3 meat Italian ( salami, sopressata, and capicola), fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers and fresh basil on a ciabatta roll and the panini with fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, fresh tomato on a ciabatta roll. The variety of products on the shelves is wonderful. I found Giuseppe Giusta balsamic that I could only find in NYC or mail order and the variety of fresh pasta and meals to go is great. Outdoor and indoor dining available
S Bee
6 years ago
Nice selection of wines, cheeses and homemade dinner and lunches. European chocolates, fresh daily breads. A nice adjoining sit in place too. Their sandwiches are especially good. The two owner ladies are very nice, caring and always on hand. You won’t be disappointed...
Abby Nadeau
a month ago
The staff was incredibly kind. Such a hidden gem. Easily the best Italian in New England.
Nate Reit
3 months ago
We got a catering order from Al Ducci’s for a big family party at the start of our wedding weekend and everything was delicious! Highly recommend!!
Reviews from Google. Read all of them on Google.
Good to know
When they are open
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Getting here
How far is this from home?
Pick the city you and most of your guests will be driving from and we will estimate the trip.
An estimate for planning, not live traffic. Leafy weekends in October always take longer.
For your guests
Lovely places to stay nearby
The Equinox, Manchester
Grand resort with the room count a big guest list needs.
Kimpton Taconic, Manchester
Porch-front rooms in the middle of the village.
The Grafton Inn
A storybook village inn for a smaller group.
Three stops worth the detour
Somewhere pretty for photographs, and somewhere warm for a good cup of coffee.
Hildene gardens, Manchester
Formal gardens and mountain views behind the Lincoln estate.
Hogback Mountain overlook, Marlboro
The hundred-mile view on Route 9.
Mocha Joe's Cafe, Brattleboro
Downtown roaster beloved by everyone local.
Loved this story? Pass it along.
Perfect for sharing with your person or your planner.
Editorial note: this profile is based only on the vendor research supplied to New England Celebrations. It is not a paid endorsement, interview, or first-person testimonial. Pricing and availability are on request.