Expertise.com
2024

Last updated:

Best Catering Companies in Raleigh

Our Recommended Top 16

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

99

Reviewed

65

Curated

16

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
Raleigh, NC 27609

Why choose this provider?

Rocky Top Catering is a Raleigh, North Carolina-based caterer that carries out all-inclusive catering services for events of all sizes. The company has over 10 years of experience in serving eclectic, reimagined cuisines for wedding receptions, corporate events, and social functions, among others. Rocky Top Catering is Southern Bride and Groom’s Preferred Wedding Vendor for 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.
4.4
Google
4.6 / 5 (95)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (20)
Facebook
2.0 / 5 (1)

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
8450 Honeycutt Road, Suite B100, Raleigh, NC 27615
  • Bar Service
  • Plated Meal

Why choose this provider?

Farina Neighborhood Italian is a local restaurant serving groups and individuals in and around the Raleigh metro. It offers classic Italian and fusion dishes, including bolognese, homemade ricotta gnocchi, and pesto primavera. The restaurant’s catering menu includes a variety of antipasti, salads, pasta, desserts, and side dishes. It also offers a broad selection of wines and spirits from around the world. Farina Neighborhood Italian’s Lafayette Village location is open for private meetings and large gatherings.

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
Google
4.4 / 5 (377)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (135)

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
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Website
6621 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615

Why choose this provider?

Southern Pasta Company is a Southern-infused-Italian home-delivery food company serving the Raleigh area. It offers home-delivered handmade pasta, fresh produce from local farms, top-quality cheeses and meats, and chef-prepared entrees, with every dish packaged in ready-to-heat aluminum pans. Meals are also available for takeout at its North Raleigh location. Catering services are also available upon request. The restaurant has a sanitation rating of 99.5 with the North Carolina Health Department.

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 (9)

Website
Cary, NC 27511

Why choose this provider?

Catering by Design is an expert catering services provider that has been serving guests in the Cary, North Carolina area for over 16 years. The company specializes in Southern and Italian cuisines and offers catering services for weddings, corporate events, holidays, and social gatherings. The company was granted with the 2012 Service Excellence Pinnacle Award by the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce.

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 (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
Wake Forest, NC 27587

Why choose this provider?

Cannon Catering is a family owned catering company in Raleigh, North Carolina that is locally known for its exquisite banquet menu and hors d’oeuvres. The business has over 15 years of experience in full-service event catering and also offers complete dining room presentation and floral design services. The company's full-time staff is highly experienced and certified by Serve Safe.

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
Yelp
4.5 / 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
Raleigh, NC 27614

Why choose this provider?

Bella Italia Pizzeria and Ristorante is an authentic Italian bistro that specializes in chicken and veal dishes as well as handmade pizzas. The Raleigh, North Carolina-based restaurant opened in 2001 and has since served freshly made Italian savories, such as Chicken Bella Italia, Veal Saltimbocca, handcrafted cannoli, and pizzas. The chefs also provide expert catering for special occasions. Patrons commend the staff for their commitment to serving delectable food with exceptional 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.
3.5
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (97)

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
Raleigh, NC 27607

Why choose this provider?

Chef Mario’s, Inc. is a personal chef and catering company that provides corporate catering and meal delivery services to customers in the Raleigh, North Carolina area. Owner Mario Huante has more than 18 years of experience in full-service catering and also offers cooking classes and custom menus for clients with dietary restrictions. The company was named as one of the Top 100 North Carolina Small Businesses by Business Leader Media in 2009, 2010, and 2011.

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 (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.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
Durham, NC 27705

Why choose this provider?

Nosh Eclectic Foodstuffs is a local eatery in Durham, North Carolina that is known for its sundry selection of handmade, comfort cuisine. Its owners Wendy Woods and Piper Lunsford has over 30 years of combined experience in restaurant management and professional catering services. They were proudly one of Indy Week’s Best of 2011 Finalists for the category Kid-friendly Restaurants.

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 (249)
Facebook
5.0 / 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
Louisburg, NC 27549

Why choose this provider?

Cook Shack Catering is a Louisburg, North Carolina-based caterer that focuses on serving gourmet, made-to-order food for any occasion. The catering company was established in 2004 and has since provided sweet and savory dishes in weddings, anniversaries, cocktail parties, and corporate dinners, among other events. The company proudly boasts a five-star rating on WeddingWire.

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 (93)
Google
5.0 / 5 (56)

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.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Raleigh, NC 27601

Why choose this provider?

Clyde Cooper’s BBQ has proudly been serving North Carolina-style barbecue in the Raleigh, North Carolina area since 1938. The restaurant and catering service possesses a staff knowledgable and friendly staff that handles services ranging from in-house specialty servings to event catering and pick-up buffets. They were voted as one of the 20 Best Barbecue Restaurants in America by LocalEats.

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
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (175)

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
Raleigh, NC 27614

Why choose this provider?

Nantucket Grill & Bar in Raleigh, North Carolina mainly doles out New England style cuisine. The restaurant serves a variety of popular gourmet dishes, including crab cakes, lobster rolls, barbecue pork ribs, filet mignon, Atlantic grilled salmon, and fried seafood platters, among other favorites. The restaurant is proud of their shining ratings on TripAdvisor and Facebook.

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
Google
4.3 / 5 (1220)
Facebook
4.3 / 5 (985)
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (28)

Website
Raleigh, NC 27614

Why choose this provider?

Milton’s Pizza and Pasta is a locally owned restaurant and caterer that serves comfort Italian dishes to the people of Raleigh, North Carolina and the surrounding areas. The company offers a wide variety of services, including party catering, banquet facilities, food delivery, and in-house dining, depending on the unique needs of their customers. The company is highly recommended on Yelp.

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
4.5 / 5 (1453)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (186)
Facebook
5.0 / 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
Raleigh, NC 27605

Why choose this provider?

Village Deli is a gourmet restaurant that has been serving foodies in the Raleigh, North Carolina area for over 20 years. Its chefs are committed to using all-natural, organic, locally-sourced ingredients to serve the finest and freshest food staples. The restaurant also offers catering for any office and social gatherings. Village Deli is Metro Magazine’s 2005–2014 Best Deli from Raleigh to the East Coast

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 (128)

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
Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Why choose this provider?

Al’s Burger Shack is a locally owned diner that provides fresh, made-to-order food in the Chapel Hill, North Carolina area. The cooks use all-natural, hormone- and antibiotic-free ingredients to produce flavorful yet sustainable Southern food and beverages. The Shack also serves its specialty burgers in wedding receptions, corporate events, and private parties. The restaurant has been featured on Indy Week, The Straight Beef, Chapel Hill Magazine, and Garden & Gun.

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.
4.4
Yelp
4.4 / 5 (686)
Facebook
4.2 / 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
Raleigh, NC 27601

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 1991, Layton's Catering is a family-owned and family-operated catering company that also has a restaurant in downtown Raleigh. It has a well-equipped kitchen and handles food preparation, serving, and cleanup. The company is available for indoor and outdoor events, including weddings, reunions, corporate luncheons, and backyard barbecues. Its menu offers a range of items, from hors d'oeuvres to desserts. Layton's Catering also provides custom menus and can work with most 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.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 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
Apex, NC 27502

Why choose this provider?

Donovan’s Dish is a catering company in Apex, North Carolina that provides delectable food selection for various social events. Its professional team handles services ranging from event catering to gourmet food delivery and is known for their Southern, family-inspired savories. The company was proudly named Catering Professional of the Year by The Triangle Chapter of the National Association of Catering & Events for 2013, 2014, and 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.
4.9
Facebook
4.9 / 5 (68)
Yelp
5.0 / 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

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.