Best Caterers in Auckland
Updated 12 February 2021
Catering doesn't need to be boring - soggy mini pies, mini samosas, mini spring rolls and dry rolls are not the standard offering from most Auckland catering companies. MoneyHub's list of trusted caterers includes both established food catering companies and food trucks that know how to deliver beyond expectations.
The list below covers caterers who offer everything from salad platters, spit roasts, Polynesian, European, middle eastern, delicate French canapés and more, these caterers have you and your event covered.
Know This First: Caterers can make or break your event
Our review covers:
The list below covers caterers who offer everything from salad platters, spit roasts, Polynesian, European, middle eastern, delicate French canapés and more, these caterers have you and your event covered.
Know This First: Caterers can make or break your event
- If you're unsure about the company you are dealing with at the quote stage, then it's best to trust your instinct.
- Different catering businesses will usually have different specialities or strengths, so being familiar with their past work is important.
- Our list below includes trusted Auckland companies with a proven track record who have served food to thousands of Auckland events.
Our review covers:
MoneyHub's Top Trusted Auckland Caterers
- Our research highlighted a leading caterer who deliver results for their clients.
- We suggest contacting Free Range Chef - our top caterer has proven reviews and has delivered outstanding results to Auckland residents just like you.
- Contacting a caterer by phone is the best way to kick things off - you can explain your plans and hear how you can get the results you want.
- Advertising Disclosure: The caterer appearing on this list have accepted MoneyHub's invitation for enhanced promotion, and pay for this service. We stand by their reputation and service, which we conclude as being excellent.
What do I need to consider when asking for a catering quote?
Arranging catering quotes is easier when you know what a catering company needs to know upfront. When inquiring, make sure you decide on:
You can let the caterer know later your final numbers the number of people with dietary requirement and any other special requests - these don't need to be confirmed upfront.
Catering quotes will almost always be 'food only', so you'll need to budget for 'optional' (but often essential) items such as:
- The number of people attending
- The budget you have for the entire event
- Whether you want a drinks package
- Whether you need bar staff or additional serving staff
You can let the caterer know later your final numbers the number of people with dietary requirement and any other special requests - these don't need to be confirmed upfront.
Catering quotes will almost always be 'food only', so you'll need to budget for 'optional' (but often essential) items such as:
- Crockery, cutlery, glasses, jugs etc
- Linen - napkins and tablecloths (if required)
- Refrigerated chillers (if needed)
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What does catering cost?
Catering prices are usually charged per person, and the cost varies based on your event type, requirements and additional services.
Generally:
Before you agree to a quote, make sure you go through the quote line-by-line. If you're unsure what the costs cover, ask. If you're happy upfront with the costs, you'll establish a good working relationship.
Generally:
- For weddings, you will pay between $50 and $150 per person
- For parties or events in your home, you will pay between $30 to $60 per person
- For buffets (i.e. corporate catering), you will pay between $40 and $70 per person
Before you agree to a quote, make sure you go through the quote line-by-line. If you're unsure what the costs cover, ask. If you're happy upfront with the costs, you'll establish a good working relationship.
How can I reduce catering costs?
Spiralling catering costs are quite common - there is an expectation that you will get a lot for your money, but the reality is catering is a costly service given everything that goes into it. We've listed proven ways to bring down the costs and yet still deliver a five-star catering experience.
- Exclude Seafood. Auckland has access to excellent seafood, but the cost of serving up oysters, prawns, scallops and anything with salmon can blow your budget. By keeping things seafood-free, a lot of guests will have a wider selection, and you'll save money.
- Hand-pass canapes rather than offering a buffet. Guests will eat less, with most caterers disclosing that the costs can be around 25% to 40% lower as a result.
- Two courses ARE reasonable, even if you're catering a wedding. It's likely you'll have already included pre-drinks and canapés, so serving a main and a dessert is perfectly reasonable. It also speeds up the meal service and gives more time to dance.
- Vegetarian canapés are increasingly popular, and cheaper. Plenty of excellent vegetable-based canapés create intrigue and give guests a wide choice, while late-night vegetarian quesadillas, pizzas, and grilled cheese are proven favourites.
- Limit the varieties of canapés. There is a temptation to offer 4-8 different types, but three is sufficient and much cheaper to serve.
- Buffets are rarely cheaper. There's a lot of prep work involved, and wastage. It also extends the time of a meal service, whereas a two or three-course setting is more often efficient and cheaper.
- Negotiate BYOB. Some venues and/or caterers will insist on using their alcohol supply, but this can add considerable cost. A simple bottle of Oyster Bay can retail for $18 in a supermarket but be charged at $40+ by caterers. If you're flexible, try to include BYOB - many alcohol shops offer a delivery service for catered events.
- Consider looking beyond traditional caterers. Try local food trucks, farmers market stands, or even your favourite cafe or restaurant.
- Reduce the number of guests. If your costs are spiralling, consider trimming the number of guests to help bring you in line with the budget.
- If children are attending, look for a discount. Find a caterer who offers free or half-priced meals for children up to age 16.
How do I pay caterers?
Most caterers accept a range of payment methods, including
Caterers usually have non-refundable deposits, pre-payment and final payment terms. As an example, this could be:
- Direct Credit (internet banking)
- Cheque
- Cash with invoice
- Credit Card via the catering company's website (a surcharge may apply)
- On-site Eftpos (on delivery etc)
Caterers usually have non-refundable deposits, pre-payment and final payment terms. As an example, this could be:
- A non-refundable $250 deposit on the date of acceptance of the quote
- 50% of total quote price 4 weeks from the event date
- Final Payment 7 days after the event date
MoneyHub's Top Trusted Auckland Caterers
- Our research highlighted a leading caterer who deliver results for their clients.
- We suggest contacting Free Range Chef - our top caterer has proven reviews and has delivered outstanding results to Auckland residents just like you.
- Contacting a caterer by phone is the best way to kick things off - you can explain your plans and hear how you can get the results you want.
- Advertising Disclosure: The caterer appearing on this list have accepted MoneyHub's invitation for enhanced promotion, and pay for this service. We stand by their reputation and service, which we conclude as being excellent.
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Top 10 Classic Auckland Caterers
Our list below, which is no particular order, covers Central, East, West, North and South Auckland. We have selected these based on their history of longstanding service within Auckland, location and data extracted from internet reviews on Google Business, Facebook, TradeMe Services and others. Caterers listed provide food for events such as parties, weddings, events and corporate.
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Free Range ChefFree Range Chef offers a bespoke catering service for corporate functions, private gatherings, weddings and birthday parties. They use only high-quality organic ingredients to create both contemporary and classic style dishes.
What Aucklanders like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Google Rating: 5.0/5 Base: Mount Eden, Auckland Contact: 09 390 0120 Website: Free Range Chef Service Areas: Auckland wide |
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Best Pacific CateringBest Pacific Catering caters for small and large events within the Auckland area. They are experts in serving Polynesian cuisine with delicious food options for a variety of events and gatherings.
What Aucklanders like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Google Rating: 4.8/5 Base: Papatoetoe, Auckland Contact: 09 278 2112 Website: Best Pacific Catering Service Areas: Auckland wide |
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Cook and Butler CuisineCook & Butler has been operating since 2009 to provide all-event catering services withing Auckland. They have since built a reputation for excellence in food options, presentation and pricing.
What Aucklanders like:
Base: Titirangi, Auckland Contact: 09 827 5749 Website: Cook & Butler Service Areas: Auckland wide |
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Paella Pan Spanish CateringPaella Pan Spanish Catering provides European cuisine catering throughout Auckland and the North Island. They have been using traditional Spanish recipes since they started ten years ago.
What Aucklanders like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Google Rating: 4.6/5 Base: Ellerslie, Auckland Contact: 09 525 6519 Website: Paella Pan Spanish Catering Service Areas: Auckland and North Island |
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Sherry KitchenSherry Kitchen has been providing catering services to small and large scale events for over eight years. They are known for serving delightful menus with contemporary and creative presentation.
What Aucklanders like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Google Rating: 4.9/5 Base: Northcote Auckland Contact: 021 796 789 Website: Sherry Kitchen Service Areas: Auckland wide |
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The Big Smoke BBQ Co.The Big Smoke BBQ Co. provides gourmet BBQ catering for all types of functions in Auckland and Northland areas. They are well known for using high-quality meats hence, highly recommended by their clients.
What Aucklanders like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Google Rating: 4.9/5 Base: Tauranga, Bay of Plenty Contact: 021 0263 9046 Website: The Big Smoke BBQ Co. Service Areas: Auckland and Northland region |
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Ima CusineIma Cuisine offers an authentic Mediterranean menu for small and large events. They specialise in traditional Middle Eastern & North African dishes that are rich in culture and taste.
What Aucklanders like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Google Rating: 4.5/5 Base: Fort Street, Auckland Contact: 09 521 7220 Website: Ima Cusine Service Areas: Greater Auckland area |
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Catering Catering Ltd.Catering Catering Ltd. caters all suburb in Auckland to provide spit roast and BBQ menus for all types of occasions. They have plenty of flexible menu options to choose from to suit the client's catering requirements.
What Aucklanders like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Google Rating: 5.0/5 Base: Glenfield, Auckland Contact: 09 444 3936 Website: Catering Catering Ltd. Service Areas: Greater Auckland and surrounding suburbs |
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Southern Spit Roast & BBQ CateringSouthern Spit Roast & BBQ Catering is a family operated catering business based in Auckland. They offer Southern Spit Roast and BBQ Catering services for birthdays, corporate events, weddings and private parties.
What Aucklanders like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Google Rating: 4.7/5 Base: Takanini, Auckland Contact: 0800 277 487 Website: Southern Spit Roast & BBQ Catering Service Areas: Auckland, Whangarei, Bay Of Plenty, Tauranga, Hamilton and Waikato area |
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Together Bespoke Whole Food CateringTogether Bespoke Whole Food Catering is passionate about whole foods and nutrition, which they use to provide delightful menus for a variety of occasions within Auckland.
What Aucklanders like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Google Rating: 4.9/5 Base: North Shore, Auckland Contact: 021 102 6571 Website: Together Bespoke Whole Food Catering Service Areas: Auckland and North Shore |
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Top Auckland Food Truck Caterers
We've handpicked three exceptionally high rated food trucks serving events all over Auckland.
MoneyHub's Top Trusted Auckland Caterers
- Our research highlighted a leading caterer who deliver results for their clients.
- We suggest contacting Free Range Chef - our top caterer has proven reviews and has delivered outstanding results to Auckland residents just like you.
- Contacting a caterer by phone is the best way to kick things off - you can explain your plans and hear how you can get the results you want.
- Advertising Disclosure: The caterer appearing on this list have accepted MoneyHub's invitation for enhanced promotion, and pay for this service. We stand by their reputation and service, which we conclude as being excellent.
