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Best Catering Companies in San Diego

2023

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Website
San Diego, CA 92121

Why choose this provider?

All Aspects Catering and Events is a San Diego caterer recently voted "Best of Catering" by Thumbtack. The caterer features an extensive list of over 80 full-service menus with a variety of popular side dishes. All Aspects' three executive chefs are devoted to their menus and take great pride in the dishes they prepare. The company also provides complete wedding packages, event coordination, and various party and event rental services including music, video, and floral services.

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.
4.8
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (74)
Google
4.8 / 5 (37)
Facebook
0.0 / 5 (4)

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
San Diego, CA 92106

Why choose this provider?

Supannee House of Thai is a San Diego restaurant and buffet style caterer available for private parties, corporate events, weddings, graduations, and more. The caterer offers a healthy and affordable menu of Thai food tailored to the tastes and budget of its customers. The caterer charges by the person or the tray, and can also provide servers, bartenders, dishware, and equipment for an additional cost. Gluten-free, organic, Paleo, and vegan options are available by request.

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
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (1170)

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
San Diego, CA 92120

Why choose this provider?

Bar None Barbecue has been providing catering services to the San Diego area since 1998. The caterer is available for corporate and social events, including company picnics, birthday parties, and business luncheons. Bar None coordinates rentals (such as tables and chairs), organizes activities, and even cooks on location over a live wood fire. The staff of Bar None Barbecue brings to the table over 50 years of combined experience. The caterer pride itself on a commitment to quality service, presentation, and exceptional barbecue.

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 (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
San Diego, CA 92120

Why choose this provider?

Bekker's Catering provides full service catering to San Diego County. The caterer is available for weddings, picnics, and other events, and offers a healthy, gourmet dining experience. Bekker's recently won the 2015 Spectrum Award for Excellence in Customer Service and has numerous five-star reviews on Yelp. The caterer has almost 50 years of industry experience and has a reputation in the San Diego area as a reliable catering and event planning 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.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (293)

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
San Diego, CA 92103

Why choose this provider?

Big Front Door is a San Diego deli, caterer, wine, and beer shop located in University Heights. As a caterer, Big Front Door offers gourmet deli sandwiches or full meals with sides, salads, and desserts. The caterer is available for small or large gatherings and can also provide craft beer and wine from an in-house shop.

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
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (669)

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
San Diego, CA 92121

Why choose this provider?

Rotisserie Affair Catering is a San Diego caterer that specializes in mobile, smoke-free, rotisserie cooking. The caterer prepares food fresh on site with only the best ingredients. Clients can choose from a variety of menus or customize their own. The caterer is available for many corporate and private events, including weddings, company picnics, and backyard barbecues, and can serve up to 850 people with a single rotisserie. Rotisserie Affair Catering is BBB accredited with an A+ rating.

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.
4.3
Yelp
4.3 / 5 (82)

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
1125 W Morena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110

Why choose this provider?

Waters Catering is a full-service catering company located in San Diego, California and was founded in 1989. Waters Catering provides catering for corporate events, weddings, galas, and holiday parties. Clients can choose between a variety of service styles including plated dinners, passed appetizers, and buffets. The bar and beverage service is fully licensed and insured. Waters Catering has a team of culinary experts and style consultants available to assist with event production.

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
4.7 / 5 (65)
Google
4.5 / 5 (50)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (17)

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
San Diego, CA 92109

Why choose this provider?

The French Gourmet has provided full-service catering to the San Diego area since 1979. The caterer is fully licensed and insured and available for wedding receptions, corporate events, parties, and holidays. The French Gourmet offers a versatile selection of dishes and can customize the menu to fit any event or budget. The caterer can provide china, glassware, place settings, equipment rentals, waiters, and bartenders. The French Gourmet works on a regular basis with a range of corporate clients and has earned a reputation for quality, professional 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.
4.5
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (98)

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
823 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101

Why choose this provider?

Doner Mediterranean Grill is a catering company that serves Mediterranean cuisines to residents in San Diego and the nearby cities. The restaurant is known for preparing made-to-order shawarmas that are topped with veggies and homemade dressings. It caters to different occasions and has a wide selection of dishes such as Fatoosh and Mediterranean salads, chicken cream chop, tabbouleh, hummus, and falafel. The menu can be ordered using different online delivery apps such as Grubhub, DoorDash, Uber Eats, and ezCater.

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 (788)
Google
4.3 / 5 (469)
Facebook
4.0 / 5 (42)

Website
San Diego, CA 92121

Why choose this provider?

The Wild Thyme Company is a San Diego caterer specializing in weddings and event planning. The catering company brings together years of experience and quality ingredients to produce delicious, handcrafted dishes. The company is committed to bringing to life the clients' vision for their special occasion. Wild Thyme offers custom menu design and can personalize any event with their unique, innovative style. They are also available for daily food service, staffing, rentals, and delivery.

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 (161)

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
San Diego, CA 91942

Why choose this provider?

Antica Trattoria in San Diego offers Italian cuisine catering for gatherings, banquets, weddings, and parties. Antica Trattoria features authentic, multi-regional Italian dishes, and offers a menu of traditional favorites with vegan and vegetarian options also available. The restaurant won the 2016 Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor and is committed to providing a fine catering experience with a range of options.

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
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (858)
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (92)

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
7776 Eads Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037

Why choose this provider?

The Abbey Catering and Event Design Company, which was founded in 1997 in La Jolla, California, serves the greater San Diego area by creating all-inclusive events. Event planners at the company work with clients to design full-service catering at any budget level, and they take care of all the details for each event. Services include the all-inclusive wedding package, as well as corporate catering for events of any size. Abbey Catering has won more than 50 awards, including the San Diego A-List and Wedding Wire's Couples' Choice Award for 2018.

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 (372)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (50)
Google
4.5 / 5 (27)

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
San Diego, CA 92113

Why choose this provider?

Four Seasons Food Catering provides catering for any occasion in the San Diego area. Four Seasons is a family owned business that specializes in custom menus cooked on site. The caterer is available for any event, from casual get-togethers to special occasions, and prides itself on high quality, homemade food, and affordable, flexible menus. The chef has over 17 years of experience in the kitchen and is heavily committed to fresh ingredients and customer satisfaction.

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 (55)
Google
4.8 / 5 (5)

Website
Los Angeles, CA 90034

Why choose this provider?

Eco Caters is a San Diego caterer committed to sustainable agriculture and handcrafted foods made entirely from scratch. The caterer uses locally-sourced organic food and works directly with suppliers to guarantee the freshest, highest quality product. Eco Caters can meet a variety of catering needs including corporate events and weddings. They can also provide full-service event and wedding coordinating services, as well as event staffing.

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.
4.8
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (71)
Google
4.3 / 5 (27)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (26)

Website
San Diego, CA 92131

Why choose this provider?

Personal Touch Dining in San Diego is a full-service caterer with almost 30 years of industry experience. The caterer provides event management for corporate events, fundraising galas, school dances, and weddings. Personal Touch Dining offers customizable menu options with different cuisines and service styles. The caterer is the 2016 winner of the Wedding Wire Couple's Choice Award.

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
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (98)

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
780 Hollister Street, San Diego, CA 92154

Why choose this provider?

Craft Meals is a catering company that serves over 50,000 locally sourced, hand-crafted, and chef-driven meals to customers in San Diego. It creates customized meals that take the dietary needs of each client. The company sources most of its fresh produce, meat, and seafood from local suppliers, including SoCal farmers. It caters to private events, weddings, and corporate gatherings like team buildings and luncheons. Head chef Phillip Esteban has traveled the world to sharpen his culinary art skills.

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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.