Expertise.com
Get Listed

Best Catering Companies in Boston

2023

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls
Catering Companies FAQs 〉

Last updated:

Website
Stoneham, MA 02180

Why choose this provider?

Capers Catering has been offering catering services throughout Stoneham for over 20 years. The group is known for its customized farm-to-table menus, personalized service, and cutting edge creations and aims to be a zero-waste company. A list of local farms Capers sources from can be found online, and services are available for weddings, private parties, bar mitzvahs, and corporate events. Clients also have access to Flip Flops Clambakes and Barbecues for more casual summer 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.
4.8
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (22)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (15)
Google
4.6 / 5 (14)

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
Boston, MA 02118

Why choose this provider?

Victoria’s Diner handles catering for Boston residents and was first opened in 1949. Services include full dinner menus and customized options for any event at a location of the client's choice or full event services using Victoria's as the location for a celebration, fundraiser, meeting, or other private party. Victoria’s was named Boston’s Best Diner in 2012 by Boston Magazine.

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 (450)
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.
2.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
––
Detail
––

Website
Boston, MA 02110

Why choose this provider?

Café de Boston handles catering for the Boston community. The restaurant and one-stop caterer offers various menus and à la carte options as well as gluten-free items, and customers can order online or by phone. Corporate clients can request a free tasting at their office as well, and corporate accounts and invoicing are available. Café de Boston is a Certified Green Restaurant by Dinegreen.com and made the Boston A-List for Best Healthy Lunch.

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 (168)

Website
Malden, MA 02148

Why choose this provider?

Dom's Sausage Company has been serving the Malden area with catering services for over 70 years. The full-service deli, wholesale meat distributor, and butcher offers catering services via Dom's Backyard BBQ and provides an extensive array of other menu items as well for small and large functions. Customers can view a full catering menu online, and Dom's was featured and interviewed on RadioBDC.

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 (173)

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
Brookline, MA 02446

Why choose this provider?

Rami's Food Services, Inc. has been a Brookline catering service for 25 years. The restaurant is known for its authentic Israeli/Middle Eastern foods made from fresh ingredients daily including falafel, shawarma, bourekas, hummus, and other Sephardic Israeli kosher cuisine. Customers can look through a menu as well as a kid's menu online and order via the website or call the restaurant directly.

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
Google
4.2 / 5 (457)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (427)

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
Boston, MA 02116

Why choose this provider?

Piattini Wine Cafe has been catering for the Boston community since 2001. The Italian restaurant sources ingredients daily to ensure quality and freshness and features small-plate tasting menus for a variety of options and flavors. Catering services for small gatherings to larger events include wine dinners, a Piattini dinner, cocktail party, or off-site catering at any location. Customers are asked to call, email, or stop by the restaurant to discuss their 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.
4.0
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (858)
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (54)

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
70 Ledgewood Place, Rockland, MA 02370

Why choose this provider?

The Catered Affair is a catering business in Rockland that also serves clients in the Boston metro area. It focuses on delivering high-quality food, service, and venues to its clients. Since 1979, the catering business has been handling corporate events, as well as private events, such as weddings, birthday parties, and graduation celebrations. The Catered Affair also offers its services in galas and micro weddings, assisting clients from the planning stage to the day of the 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.
4.6
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (6)
Google
4.8 / 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
Somerville, MA 02143

Why choose this provider?

Forklift Catering is a Somerville catering company. The group uses local products and follows sustainable practices with catering options including multi-course tasting menus and wedding dinners, and vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options as well as allergies can be accommodated. Forklift won Boston Magazine's Best of Boston 2015 for Best Wedding Caterer, was a member of Style Me Pretty's Little Black Book 2016, and is a Certified Sustainable Business Leader as well as member of Chefs Collaborative.

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 (28)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (15)
Google
4.6 / 5 (9)

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
Cambridge, MA 02140

Why choose this provider?

Season to Taste Catering provides catering services in Cambridge. The group works with local farmers, fishermen, and foragers to source food for its menus at corporate events, private celebrations, weddings, pop-ups, and holiday parties. Season to Taste is a preferred vendor at several venues and can refer clients to these sites as well as to other event vendors. A Seasonal Drop-Off Catering Menu is also 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.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (51)

Website
Boston, MA 02118

Why choose this provider?

Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen handles catering in the Boston area.The spot has a reputation for southern comfort food, signature cocktails, and jazz as well as other entertainment and events, and customers can find information pertaining to renting Darryl's for full event services on the company's website. To make catering and private event inquiries, clients need to submit an online form, and Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen was an OpenTable Diner's Choice Winner in 2016.

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
Google
4.3 / 5 (1068)
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (703)

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
Arlington, MA 02476

Why choose this provider?

Something Savory Catering handles catering in Arlington. Customers can look through the sample menus online but can also request a customized menu created specifically for their budget and needs for an intimate dinner to an event for 2,000. Event planning services are also available. The owner received The Third Annual Howard Mitchum Memorial Medal for Innovation in Seafood Cookery from the Boston Phoenix in 1998.

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 (15)

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
Boston, MA 02118

Why choose this provider?

Above and Beyond Catering has been a Boston catering group since 1996. Customers can look through various corporate menus online including Boxed Lunches, Company Barbecue, International Food and Wine Tasting, and Hawaiian Luau as well as wedding menus such as Cuban French Themed, Indian Inspired, and Summer Wedding Buffet. Above and Beyond also offers other dinner, and event catering, full bar service,and a list of other event providers from photographers to planners.

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 (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
Boston, MA 02110

Why choose this provider?

Sip Cafe is a Boston catering company. The cafe is known for its coffee brewed from beans found all over the world and also provides a range of catering options including sandwiches, salads, pastries, and beverages. Orders can be placed by phone, fax, or email and orders for more than 20 people need to be submitted 48 hours prior to delivery. Customers can also rent Sip Cafe for events with full catering optionssuch as a brunch buffet or formal dinner.

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 (170)
Google
4.6 / 5 (125)

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
Framingham, MA 01701

Why choose this provider?

Tastings Caterers has been catering in the Boston area for over 30 years. The husband-wife team offer full, off-premise event planing services including venue referrals, on-site kitchens, bar services, cocktail food, dessert tables, and full menus per the style and vision of each individual client for their event or wedding. Tastings won a WeddingWire Couples' Choice Award in 2015.

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 (35)

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
Boston, MA 02113

Why choose this provider?

Pauli’s is a Boston catering company. The restaurant is known for fresh ingredients, affordable prices, and friendly service, and clients can order an array of sandwhich trays, bag lunches, appetizers, salads, main dishes, sides, and desserts off of the catering menu. A breakfast menu is also available as well as some gluten-free items, and Pauli's tries to accommodate any specific allergies as well as dietary restrictions if notified.

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 (1144)
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (78)

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
Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944

Why choose this provider?

Relish Catering and Events is a catering group serving Manchester-by-the-Sea. The team is known for its artistic displays, innovative cuisine, and bringing a client's vision to the table and offers customized menus for social and corporate events and weddings. Relish also has a Gourmet To-Go menu for smaller business lunches and 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.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (10)

Website
Boston, MA 02108

Why choose this provider?

Piperi Mediterranean Grill offers catering to Boston residents and businesses. Customers can order Mediterranean-inspired items from the online menu or call for an order from the corporate catering menus. Ingredients are sourced whenever possible from local, sustainable suppliers and growers, and the owner participates annually in the “Worlds of Healthy Flavors” conference, which aims to bring healthier menu items to US eateries. The owner has also appeared on the Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay.

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 (472)
Google
4.4 / 5 (176)
Facebook
4.6 / 5 (32)

Website
Boston, MA 02215

Why choose this provider?

El Pelón Taqueria has been a Boston catering company for over 15 years. The team cooks up authentic Mexican foods daily from fresh ingredients including the El Guapo burrito, which was featured on the Cooking Channel's Taco Trip. Customers can make special requests as well as ask for gluten-free and dairy-free options, and catering orders need to be submitted 48 hours prior to any event. El Pelón is also an Accredited Business with the BBB.

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 (1118)
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (131)

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
Burlington, MA 01803

Why choose this provider?

Fireside Catering brings decades of experience to catering clients in Burlington.The group is known for its local, seasonal, and sustainable cuisine via farms in the area as well as its own Gibbet Hill Farm. Customers appreciate the attention to detail and service delivered at each event, and Fireside can cater for small intimate dinners, casual affairs, and large banquets. Customers can also request help coordinating with other vendors for weddings.

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 (13)

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
Back to top

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.