Expertise.com
2024

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Best Catering Companies in Hartford

Our Recommended Top 14

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Hartford Catering Companies on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

40

Reviewed

29

Curated

14

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
West Hartford, CT 06110

Why choose this provider?

Café Louise has been providing elegant, contemporary, and eclectic gourmet catering services for over 20 years, either off-site or at its banquet facility the Indian Hill Country Club in Newington. The Hartford area based caterer specializes in delivering wonderful food, artistic presentations, and outstanding service for a wide range of private and business clients. Café Louise's talented chefs ensure a memorable event with delicious food to meet individual tastes and needs.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (34)
Google
4.6 / 5 (10)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (5)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Hartford, CT 06103

Why choose this provider?

Black-Eyed Sally’s has been providing friendly catering services to clients in the Hartford area for over 20 years. The family owned and operated caterer features pick up, drop off, and full-service barbecue catering for events of any size. Helpful staff at Black-Eyed Sally’s stands ready to design a menu to meet individual event needs and budgets. Clients can rely on the courteous, efficient staff to serve backyard barbecues, office events, private parties, and weddings with the highest level of professionalism.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (488)

Website
West Hartford, CT 06117

Why choose this provider?

Pond House Café specializes in providing off-site catering services to ease the stress of party planning. The Hartford-area caterer has many years of experience in delivering eclectic, creative, delicious cuisine made of local, fresh, and organic ingredients. Clients can rely on the professionals at Pond House Café to provide customized menu service to meet individual event needs as well as set up and clean up.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
3.5
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (262)
Facebook
4.6 / 5 (3)

Website
Forestville, CT 06010

Why choose this provider?

Emily’s Catering Group provides top notch cuisine for everyday events and special celebrations of all sizes. The full-service Hartford-area catering and event planning business provides exceptional off-premise catering with professionalism and style. Emily’s Catering Group features gourmet chefs with expertise in creating menus using the freshest seasonal ingredients. Clients can rely on the business to offer extensive menu selections with a range of cuisine to suit diverse tastes and needs.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (26)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Wallingford, CT 06492

Why choose this provider?

Bourassa Catering & Events delivers beautifully prepared, inspired food, and flawless service to clients in the Hartford area. The world-class boutique caterer features imaginative, seasonally inspired dining menus, gracious service, and a range of party planning options for every occasion. The dedicated, professional staff takes care of every detail to ensure clients can relax and enjoy the party with guests. Bourassa Catering & Events specializes in producing lavish weddings, corporate events, stylish cocktail parties, and intimate dinners.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (23)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (8)
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (6)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Wethersfield, CT 06109

Why choose this provider?

D & D Market has been providing friendly and courteous catering services for more than 80 years. The world-class Hartford-area Italian deli offers an expansive menu of delicious appetizers, deli, salads, grinders, meat dishes, pasta, veggies, side dishes, and much more.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
3.5
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (29)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
Hartford, CT 06103

Why choose this provider?

Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ ensures a successful event by serving delicious food served with genuine hospitality. The Hartford-area caterer brings the fun and flavor of a backyard barbecue to any event. Helpful, courteous, and professional staff delivers the highest level personalized attention for events of all sizes. Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ features a flavorful menu of authentic wood smoked, Kansas City style barbecue, sauces, and side dishes.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (1299)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Vernon, CT 06066

Why choose this provider?

The Cupcake Brake offers a unique catered dessert options for clients in the Hartford area. The mobile dessert truck specializes in creating a variety of delectable cupcakes with a range of fillings and frostings from which to choose. The Cupcake Brake bakes client orders daily using the best quality local ingredients available.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (12)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (12)
Google
4.9 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
West Hartford, CT 06107

Why choose this provider?

Rizzuto’s Restaurant & Bar commits to providing outstanding service and producing well-executed corporate meetings and gatherings. The Hartford-area caterer can execute everything from private dining options to extravagantly catered affairs with an exceptional menu and beverage program. Rizzuto’s Restaurant & Bar offers convenient delivery or pickup service.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
2.0

Website
Hartford, CT 06114

Why choose this provider?

Carbone’s Ristorante has been providing a range of delicious catering options to meet a variety of needs and tastes for nearly 80 years. The Hartford-area family owned business specializes in off-premise catering excellent cuisine with old world hospitality and service. Dedicated staff ensures dishes are of the finest quality and made with the freshest ingredients for a memorable event.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (149)
Facebook
4.6 / 5 (88)

Website
Hartford, CT 06106

Why choose this provider?

J Restaurant specializes in providing top notch on- and off-site full-service catering to clients in the Hartford area. The company offers an array of services including food, beverages, and event planning. The owner and dedicated staff ensure a wonderful experience and allow clients to enjoy the event. Clients can rely on J Restaurant to offer custom menus to suit unique event needs, themes, and budgets.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Google
4.6 / 5 (436)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (135)
Facebook
4.5 / 5 (73)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Hartford, CT 06103

Why choose this provider?

Agave Grill specializes in providing exceptional offsite catering services that bring excitement, indulgence, and spice to any venue. The Hartford-area business delivers authentic, exotic, spicy modern Mexican food for any event. Agave Grill offers a range of fresh, bold, flavorful buffet selections, dessert platters, and refreshing beverage packages to meet any event need and budget.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2
Google
4.3 / 5 (797)
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (374)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (261)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Hartford, CT 06103

Why choose this provider?

Take Five Cookery has been delivering the highest quality service and delicious catered cuisine for more than 15 years. The Hartford-area caterer specializes in flavorful and eclectic selections including panini sandwiches, soups, freshly tossed salads, and much more. Take Five Cookery offers friendly, professional service and diverse catering choices for office luncheons.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.1
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (13)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Glastonbury, CT 06033

Why choose this provider?

Mercado Catering provides exceptional guest service for all types of events from corporate office parties to elegant backyard weddings. The full-service catering company and food truck specializes in serving upscale seasonal food with service that allows clients to sit back, relax, and enjoy the party. The Hartford-area company offers custom menu options and a range of services to meet individual event needs. Clients can rely on Mercado Catering to provide top notch food and beverage professionals with the highest level of professionalism.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (43)

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Introduction

    Catering is a convenient service that brings restaurant-quality food and beverages to a variety of social gatherings. It's beneficial to weddings, workplace celebrations, and other events because it invites guests to relax and enjoy a festive meal. While there are many dedicated catering businesses that transport food and equipment to their clients, many restaurants also offer catering as part of their dining services.

    For those interested in a career in catering, the flexibility to take your business anywhere is one factor that may make the industry attractive. Like traditional restaurants, caterers often specialize in one type of cuisine, and they can vary widely in price and capacity. Whether you're looking to hire catering services for your next event or you want to learn more about the profession, take a look at these frequently asked questions below.
  • Can a catering company serve alcohol?

    Just like brick-and-mortar restaurants, catering companies need a liquor license to serve alcohol to patrons. If a caterer is serving alcoholic beverages, guests under the age of 21 are allowed on the premises, but they may not buy or consume alcohol.

  • Are catering tastings free?

    If you're having a large event catered and expecting to spend a lot of money, having a tasting beforehand is often a good idea. Tastings are handled differently by catering companies; some may charge while others won't. In general, most caterers charge a fee, usually around the cost of a meal at a restaurant.

  • When catering for a party, how do you calculate how much food is needed?

    Caterers usually help their clients calculate food by offering a recommended portion size per guest. Taking this into consideration, all you need to do is multiply this portion by the number of expected guests to determine the total amount of food needed.

  • When should you reserve catering services before an event?

    The amount of time in advance needed to schedule catering services depends on the number of people and type of event. For weddings with 50 people or more, six to 12 months in advance is recommended. For smaller gatherings, a month or two should suffice.

  • Do you tip the caterer?

    Some catering services include tips in the bill, so you don't have to worry about handling this aspect on the day of your event. If the tip is not included, a minimum of 15% of the total bill is recommended, while tipping 20% is not uncommon.

  • What is included with catering services?

    In addition to the food you order, catering services can include delivery, linens, silverware or plasticware, plates and cups, a small heat source to keep hot dishes warm, and staff. When planning your event, it's always a good idea to confirm which of these items are included and necessary.

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