6 Best Catering Services in Ottawa [2024 ]

Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, wedding reception, or even a much-deserved corporate luncheon, some occasions simply call for great meals.

What better way to get both awesome food and service than with the best catering services in Ottawa? That’s why this listicle aims to be a guide to the top caterers in the area.

In the next section, we’ll also be discussing how much typical catering fare will cost.

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How Much Does Catering Cost in Ottawa?

The answer to this question greatly depends on the caterer you’ll end up choosing. Different caterers offer their products and services in various ways.

Some have set menus for luncheons, brunches, and tea. Others encourage clients to select from their bestselling food items and mix and match them as set meals.

Some factors you’ll need to consider include the occasion, how many people will be served, if there are special dietary restrictions, if servers are needed, your chosen venue, and others.

We selected some of the fare being offered by several of the catering services in Ottawa we’re reviewing today. The table below reflects some of their bestsellers and corresponding prices.

CATERED FOOD	ESTIMATED COST
Charcuterie/cheese platter	$65 up
Set dinner (main course with a choice of soup or salad, vegetable sides, dessert, tea or coffee, rolls, etc.)	$20 – $35 per person
Hot and cold buffets (50-person minimum)	$29 – $38 per person
Grilled flank steak with potatoes platter (serves 10 – 15 people)	$140 up

Please note that the estimated costs above may not include applicable taxes yet. Some catering companies could also ask for a separate charge for server requests and assistance.

The Best Catering Services in Ottawa

Are you ready to choose among the most mouth-watering food served up by professional caterers? Then let’s take a closer look at the best catering services in Ottawa for your next event!

1. Greek To Go

Our experience with Greek To Go catering services left us with a taste of excellence and convenience. From start to finish, their commitment to quality was palpable.

From the moment we placed our order, Greek To Go showcased their efficiency.

Their user-friendly website made the ordering process a breeze. Within minutes, we had customized our menu, and their responsive customer service confirmed our order promptly.

When it comes to reputation, Greek To Go stands tall. Countless glowing reviews and recommendations from satisfied customers preceded our experience, and they didn’t disappoint.

Their stellar track record is well-deserved.

Convenience is a cornerstone of their service. Punctuality, reliability, and attention to detail are their hallmarks.

Our event was stress-free thanks to their seamless delivery and setup. Every dish was presented impeccably, elevating the ambiance of our gathering.

Greek To Go offers exceptional value for money.

The quality and quantity of the food exceeded our expectations, all while staying within our budget. They prove quality need not be sacrificed for affordability.

The star of the show, however, was undoubtedly the food itself. Greek To Go’s culinary prowess was evident in every bite.

Their dishes were a tantalizing fusion of traditional Greek flavors and modern culinary finesse. It was a gastronomic journey that left our guests raving.

Unfortunately, they don’t offer promos yet. We advise checking their website for other affordable deals.

Pros

Quality cuisine
Timely delivery
Positive reputation
Competitive pricing

Cons

No promos yet

Customer Reviews

“Greek To Go exceeded our expectations! The food was a hit at our event, and their service made everything so easy.”

“Impressed by their professionalism and delicious Greek dishes. Will definitely choose them again for our next gathering.”

2. Epicuria

SERVICES	Food shop, corporate and social catering, online ordering
ADDRESS	357 Saint Laurent Boulevard, Ottawa, ON K1K 2Z7
CONTACT NUMBER	[email protected] (613) 745-7356
WEBSITE	https://epicuria.ca
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Tuesday 10 AM – 6 PM Wednesday to Friday 10 AM – 6.30 PM Saturdays 9.30 AM – 5 PM Sundays 11 AM – 4 PM

Epicuria has been proudly serving delicious artisanal food in the Ottawa region for over three decades now. Aside from its catering services, the company also has a food shop carrying frozen meals and weekly prepared menus.

It’s a small company that is big on creative meals and how it serves them up. Aside from social events, Epicuria can also whip up corporate catered meals and barbecues because it believes that a well-fed team is a productive one.

Customers can also order food online for convenience and safety. This option is extra appealing for those who might be too busy to make time to cook healthy, great-tasting meals on a daily basis.

What’s great about Epicuria is how its chefs and kitchen staff go out of their way to accommodate even the strictest dietary considerations. Their meals are truly for everyone: vegans, vegetarians, seniors, and those who need allergen and gluten-free options.

Pros

Accommodates special dietary needs
Uses sustainable food packaging
Free quotes
Open 7 days a week

Cons

Limited daily delivery slots
Can’t deliver outside Ottawa
No BBB accreditation

Customer Reviews

See how past clients liked Epicuria’s food and services:

“We ordered multiple dishes for a family event. The food and presentation were delicious and amazing! Every dish came with a sauce in little mason jars. Also, the food came on lovely wooden serving trays.” – Carol Pihlainen

“Epicuria catered my retirement party at home on the weekend. All of our guests enjoyed the food and were very impressed by the presentation on the platters. I would do it all over again!” – Louise Frere

3. Tulips and Maple, Inc.

SERVICES	Catering, wedding planning, home entertaining, corporate events
ADDRESS	1701 Woodroffe Road Ottawa, ON, Canada K2G 0C4
CONTACT NUMBER	613.723.7103 [email protected]
WEBSITE	https://www.tulipsandmaple.ca
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Friday 9 AM – 5 PM Closed on Saturdays and Sundays

Tulips & Maple, Inc. goes beyond catering for momentous occasions. The company can also plan and organize for clients (and calls it “catertaining”) which is a convenient way to ensure a seamlessly planned event.

It can cater for corporate events and private dinners or functions, too. Even the most off-beat themes can be accommodated, with the team ready and able to recommend other good service providers like cake-makers, decorators, and events DJs.

But its catertaining clientele mostly revolves around wedding planning and food preparation. Those who hired Tulip & Maple (as well as their guests) are generally satisfied and happy about how the food tastes, is presented and served up by the catering team.

The quality of its food and professional service is what really sets Tulips & Maple apart. As one satisfied customer described it: “Every cycle of food was timed perfectly and served at the right temperatures.”

Pros

Catering and events planning under one roof
Accommodates special dietary needs
Imaginative plating and food presentation

Cons

Doesn’t accept cash
Open for only five days a week
No BBB accreditation

Customer Reviews

Read the following client feedback for Tulips & Maple, Inc.:

“This company has a very clear understanding of what it means to produce high-quality food and service. I highly recommend Tulips and Maple for any event, especially weddings! I have had the privilege of enjoying their creations several times and have always been left smiling. Can’t wait for the next event!” – Dianna Hardy

“We are so happy to have Tulips and Maple cater our wedding this past July 2017. Their team is incredibly professional, definitely one of the best ones in the City of Ottawa. Cameron was especially helpful and went above and beyond what was expected. Their team on our wedding day was incredible. All of our guests were very impressed by the service, food and presentation.” – Janine Soriano

4. Culinary Conspiracy

SERVICES	Ready made meals, gourmet and beverage catering, corporate events planning
ADDRESS	3 -1460 Cyrville Road, Ottawa, ON K1B 3L9
CONTACT NUMBER	613-241-3126 [email protected]
WEBSITE	https://www.culinaryconspiracy.ca/
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Friday 8 AM – 6 PM Closed on Saturdays & Sundays

Culinary Conspiracy is a full-service catering company that also organizes major social events and private parties for customers. It’s partnered with notable venues in Ottawa so clients can enjoy one-stop-shop convenience for their special events.

It has a downloadable menu sample list with each food item or meal thoroughly described for ingredients, possible allergens, price per person, and other important details. There are different menus for graze platters, spring and summer offerings, weddings, and cocktail reception specials.

The cocktail reception menus stand out particularly for their imaginative warm or cold selection of hors d’oeuvres and action stations. These stations give guests options of either having a carving chef present (delis and meats) or as an interactive booth (for sushi, tacos, etc.).

Culinary Conspiracy also sells ready-made feels that are ready to heat by stovetop, microwave, or oven. Each meal is individually packed for convenience.

The downside? There’s a minimum order of ten ready-made meals to make it worth the company’s while to produce!

Pros

Offers ready-made meals for delivery
Partnered with special events venues
Reasonably priced menu selections
Dairy and nut-free options are available

Cons

The sample menu could use more images
Minimum order of 10 ready-made meals
Open for only five days a week
No BBB accreditation

Customer Reviews

The following clients have good things to say about Culinary Conspiracy:

“In August I and my wife had a wedding in our backyard, Moishe and his team took on the challenge of preparing a wedding with covid restrictions and did an amazing job. First Moishe was willing to update the menu numerous times and work with us to make our perfect menu, secondly, his team was able to get us anything we requested when it came to the rental equipment. During the event he and his team were exceptional, there wasn’t a moment we felt like we or our guests needed anything. Amazing service if we host any big events in the future we will for sure do it with you guys.” – Bojan Antic

“Recently attended a wedding that culinary conspiracy catered. The menu had options suitable for every type of guest. The appetizers were delicious, the mains were filling and served hot, and the desserts were decadent and varied. The staff were accommodating, responsive and efficient as well. Great service, food and all-around experience & would recommend.” – Kat VCB

5. Lolacher’s Catering

SERVICES	Catering and menu planning for business luncheons, official openings, conventions
ADDRESS	1620 Michael Street Ottawa ON K1B 3T7
CONTACT NUMBER	613.741.2800 [email protected]
WEBSITE	http://www.lolachers.ca
OPERATING HOURS	Sales and catering by appointment Office hours 8.30 AM – 5 PM

Lolacher’s Catering has been catering for special events in Ottawa since 1963. The company can accommodate every occasion from intimate gatherings to huge banquets with hundreds of guests.

There are several menus offered up on the website (which honestly could do with some updating, design-wise). Potential clients can choose from breakfast and brunch offerings, BBQ buffet, entrees and dinners, light and special luncheon buffets, special hot and cold buffets, buffet or reception, and even seasonal menus.

The food items are the comfortable, hearty kind that are considered safe rather than adventurous. This makes Lolacher’s Catering ideal for those who love homemade type meals rather than for people looking for off-beat or artisanal cuisine.

The great news is that meals can be customized to accommodate certain dietary restrictions and preferences. The final invoice may or may not be affected by these custom requests, depending on how many people need special diets and if the ingredients are hard to come by.

Pros

Offers good, old-fashioned comfort food
Accommodates special dietary needs
Reasonably-priced menu items

Cons

Might not be the best fit for those with adventurous palates
Website and images could be updated
Additional 15% service request charge

Customer Reviews

Read the following client feedback for Lolacher’s Catering:

“To the Owner and staff of Lolacher’s Catering:

On behalf of our family, I would like to compliment Lolacher’s on your service. All the food was outstanding – the sandwiches were still moist and fresh tasting 3 days later. Everyone made comments as to how good the food was. Thank you.” – H. Bent

We have now partnered with Lolachers catering for the past 11 years. They have consistently offered our guests quality menu items, flexibility, professionalism and most importantly to us, wonderful service. We thank you for your support and look forward to working with you for many years to come.” – Kevin Osborne

6. MMMChef

SERVICES	Catering, customized personal orders, private chef meal prep services and dinner parties, weekly meal services, grab and go shop
ADDRESS	1310 Woodward Ave Ottawa, ON K1Z 7V8
CONTACT NUMBER	613-724-1202 [email protected]
WEBSITE	https://bymmmchef.com
OPERATING HOURS	By appointment only

MMMChef focuses on holistic food for its catering, meal service, and custom order services. It takes pride in being able to provide real whole foods which are sourced ethically and locally (nothing beyond a hundred kilometres of the Ottawa region).

It was voted Ottawa Faces Magazine’s 2020 Favourite Meal Service. The same magazine voted Daniela, the force behind the company, as 2019’s Favourite Chef.

For those who prefer deliciously nourishing meals prepared and served up in their private homes, Daniela also does personal chef services and on-site intimate dinner catering. The team can also arrange private cooking classes, workshops, and demo events.

Aside from providing nourishing snacks, MMMChef Kitchen & Cafe will also serve dairy-free “milk”, cold-pressed juices, bone broths, fermented food, cappuccinos and espressos, and pantry staples.

The company plans to augment its catering and custom order services with a kitchen and cafe on Woodward Avenue soon.

Pros

Uses sustainable food packaging
Emphasizes inclusivity in its menus
Ottawa Faces Magazine’s 2020 Favourite Meal Service

Cons

Meal service is temporarily closed
No fixed operating hours
No BBB accreditation

Customer Reviews

See how past customers liked MMMChef’s food and services:

“We were treated to a beautiful meal by MMMChef last night, cooked onsite at my parents’ place and served by the pool. Our meal was delicious, lovely and such a treat for all 25 guests!” – Julie Symonds

“We had Daniella cook for our small 10 person baby sprinkle and she absolutely went above and beyond. Her food was amazing and she was a pleasure to have around. She even saved our cake for us when it fell over. Stepped in and took over, fixed it and re-decorated it so we could still enjoy it. All food intolerances and preferences were accommodated in the perfect way. Highly recommend using her!” – Mandy Elsaadi

FAQs About Catering Services in Ottawa

Am I allowed to take home catering leftovers?

Unfortunately, because of regulations imposed by the Ottawa Board of Health and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, no, you are not. Leftovers from catered events are required to be discarded properly afterward.

Which events are appropriate for a catered buffet?

As a rule of thumb, the less formal an event is, the more apt a buffet setup would be for it. If it’s a strictly jacket and tie event, a sit-down set dinner menu is preferable.

Of course, the number of guests and venue size also play a big role when selecting a particular catering service.

Is an independent caterer better than one that also does event planning?

Both types of catering services have their pros and cons. You can tick off all major items for your event if you go with a one-stop-shop kind of caterer, from food and beverages to decorations.

However, if you’re going for an offbeat or unique theme for your event, getting separate coordinators and caterers might work better for you so you can customize the event according to your preference.

What is a contract caterer and who can hire them?

In contrast to caterers who do only special events, contract caterers or concessionaires are tasked to regularly provide meals for an organization or company for a set period (typically renewable).

For instance, galleries, museums, and universities that have cafes as an added attraction could get the services of a contract caterer to provide food and drinks for their guests and students.

Now that you have an idea where to get the best catering services in Ottawa, we hope your next special occasion or event will have the kind of high-quality food and services you deserve.

If you think we left out a notable catering company, please send us a message so we can review them, too.

And if you’re fancying a craft beer, we got you covered. The best breweries in Ottawa are featured in this listicle and we think you’ll love all of them.

6 Best Catering Services in Ottawa

How Much Does Catering Cost in Ottawa?

The Best Catering Services in Ottawa

1. Greek To Go

2. Epicuria

3. Tulips and Maple, Inc.

4. Culinary Conspiracy

5. Lolacher’s Catering

6. MMMChef

FAQs About Catering Services in Ottawa

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