Expertise.com
2024

Last updated:

Best Catering Companies in Chicago

Our Recommended Top 15

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 Chicago Catering Companies on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

624

Reviewed

380

Curated

15

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
Chicago, IL 60657

Why choose this provider?

La Gondola offers Italian catering to corporate events, private events, and parties. The company’s catering menu includes appetizers, entrees, traditional pasta, specialty pasta, salads, and desserts. La Gondola also offers a full carry-out and delivery menu. The company has a VIP club that offers members special deals and updates.

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 (747)
Facebook
4.5 / 5 (107)

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
Chicago, IL 60607

Why choose this provider?

Occasions Chicago Catering caters all sizes of events from intimate family dinners to black-tie galas. The company offers plated dinners, buffets, and bar service. The caterer can customize beverage packages to fit the event. The company partners with venues, florists, DJs, photographers, and event planners around the Chicago area to provide a complete event experience. Menu items include salads, hors d’oeuvres, main courses, desserts, and buffets. Vegetarian options are also available. Customers can choose to have "action stations” at their events for on-site food preparation.

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.
4.9
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (41)
Google
3.5 / 5 (4)

Website
Morton Grove, IL 60053

Why choose this provider?

Catered By Design has been catering and event planning in the Chicago area since 1980. The company offers brunch, dinner, buffet, reception, cocktail party, BBQ, and dessert menus. In addition to food, the company handles decorations, custom themes, lighting design, and floral design. The company can provide custom linens, floral arrangements, ice sculptures, and music for weddings and special events. Customers can order buffets, BBQ meals, food stations, or boxed lunches for corporate events.

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 (85)

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
Chicago, IL 60608

Why choose this provider?

Catering Out the Box has over a decade of catering experience in the Chicago area. The company’s menus include Southwestern, Italian, Asian, and Indian flavors. Some of the specialty menu items are quiche, pizzas, empanadas, and stuffed mushrooms. The caterer offers complete breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus, as well as full serving staff, equipment, and linen rentals. Catering Out The Box is a University of Chicago Preferred Caterer.

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
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (21)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (14)
Google
4.8 / 5 (12)

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
Chicago, IL 60661

Why choose this provider?

TRI-STAR catering is a Chicago catering company with a small event venue called The Railcar Club which accommodates up to 115 guests. The caterer believes in the value of presentation and has invested tens of thousands of dollars on an inventory of professional supplies including silver trays, baskets, glassware, and serving pieces. TRI-STAR guarantees on-time delivery and professional staff. Customers can order online from a variety of menus and receive a 10% discount on orders over $100.

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 (14)

Website
Chicago, IL 60612

Why choose this provider?

Entertaining Company offers catering and event planning in the Chicago area. The company caters weddings, corporate events, galas, boat events, and private parties. The experienced staff can cater and plan ethnic Indian events, including Diwali and Sangeet. Entertaining Company offers custom seasonal menus with hors d’oeuvres, entrees, desserts, and cocktails. The company delivers breakfasts, boxed lunches, buffets, and finger food to corporate events.

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 (54)
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (10)

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
Chicago, IL 60613

Why choose this provider?

Real Kitchen offers environmentally friendly catering services to the Chicago area. The company has seasonal and custom menus for weddings and other events. Menu items include appetizers, salads, main courses, desserts, and beverages. The company offers consultations and custom event planning with no minimum charges. Customers can order food for pick-up or delivery to homes and events.

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
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (160)
Google
4.7 / 5 (71)

Website
Chicago, IL 60614

Why choose this provider?

Cook Au Vin offers full service catering for private and corporate events in the Chicago area. The company will cater weddings, birthday parties, Mitzvahs, block parties, and other events. The company’s menus include breakfast pastries, sandwiches, salads, finger foods, skewers, and crepes. Vegetarian options are also available. Cook Au Vin also offers cooking classes and lessons.

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 (202)
Google
4.4 / 5 (27)
Facebook
5.0 / 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.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
Chicago, IL 60616

Why choose this provider?

Connie’s Pizza is a Chicago caterer specializing in pizza. The company provides full service catering for weddings, private parties, school events, and corporate events. Options include box lunches, party packages, and individual pizzas. A breakfast catering menu is available for school test prep parties. Connie’s Pizza has several event spaces for parties of up to 250 guests. The company also offers full serving staff and rents linens, table settings, and bar equipment.

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 (688)
Facebook
4.3 / 5 (8)

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
Chicago, IL 60611

Why choose this provider?

Flaco’s Tacos offers catering for events in the Chicago area. The company’s Mexican menu includes tacos, burritos, tamales, and fajitas. Side dishes, salads, salsa, and beverages are also available. The caterer offers party platters, party pack deals, and alcoholic beverages. Flaco’s Tacos also offers pick-up and delivery service from the restaurant.

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 (485)
Facebook
4.3 / 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
Chicago, IL 60641

Why choose this provider?

La Villa offers full-service catering for private and corporate events. The company’s menu includes hot and cold appetizers, hors d’oeuvres, entrees, salads, sides, and sandwiches. Boxed lunches, entrée trays, and desserts are also available. Other menu options include traditional catering packages for parties of at least 15 guests. La Villa also has a banquet hall for weddings, showers, and family events. The company can provide breakfast buffets and gluten-free 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.
4.2
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (625)
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (239)

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
Lincolnwood, IL 60712

Why choose this provider?

Food For Thought offers gourmet catering and event planning. The company partners with over 100 venues across the Chicago area. Food For Thought caters gala openings, weddings, Mitzvahs, birthdays, corporate events, and cocktail parties. The caterer can custom design menus for any event. The company is certified by the Gay Wedding Institute and is a certified South Asian Event vendor.

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 (196)
Google
4.6 / 5 (84)

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
Chicago, IL 60612

Why choose this provider?

Kasia’s has been catering to the Chicago area for over three decades. The company caters corporate events, family events, weddings, and government-sponsored events. The skilled chefs specialize in European and Eastern European cuisine. Menu items include appetizers, pierogi, entrees, salads, soups, and desserts. Customers can place orders online. The company’s deli offers cold cuts, cheeses, entrees, side dishes, and 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.
4.3
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (159)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (68)

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
Chicago, IL 60618

Why choose this provider?

Staropolska Restaurant is a restaurant that caters in Chicago. The company serves American and Polish food, including hot and cold appetizers, salads, soups, pierogies, and meats. The caterer can include desserts and beverages with meals. The company’s menu items are also available for pick-up or delivery. The dine-in restaurant offers extended hours for private parties.

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
Google
4.7 / 5 (868)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (523)
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (232)

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.
2.5
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
––
Detail
––

Website
3101 West Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60612

Why choose this provider?

Cocoa Chili Restaurant and Catering is a Chicago caterer serving Afro-Caribbean-Soul cuisines. The Black-owned and women-owned restaurant offers dishes such as Jamaican jerk chicken, Senegalese poulet yassa, Caribbean salmon with fresh mango, Trini wraps, and curry chicken. Its soups include cocoa chili and creole gumbo. Diners are also treated to sides of fried plantain, herbed basmati rice, Puerto Rican rice, Caribbean salad, and Belizean potato salad. Cocoa Chili Restaurant and Catering hosts its Table Talk Series as a space for patrons to network and learn.

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.
3.6
Facebook
4.0 / 5 (8)
Google
3.0 / 5 (5)

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.