The Best Caterers in Dunedin

Updated 7 May 2023

Summary:

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 Dunedin 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

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 Dunedin companies with a proven track record who have served food to thousands of Dunedin events.

Our review covers:

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:

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)

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:

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. Dunedin 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

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

Top Classic Dunedin Caterers

Our list below, which is no particular order, covers Dunedin. We have selected these based on their history of longstanding service within Dunedin, 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.

YourProChef.nz

Areas served: Dunedin
Base: North East Valley, Dunedin
Hours: Mon 12 pm – 4 pm, Tue 10 am – 4 pm, Wed to Thur 10 am – 6 pm, Fri 10 am – 3 pm
Google Review rating: 4.9/5
Facebook Page:  YourProChef.nz
Website:  YourProChef.nz
Email address: karl@yourprochef.nz
Phone: 03 473 1680

Customer Feedback:

Enjoyable food for kids and adults
Great meals and excellent service
Friendly and accommodating staff

Pros:

Makes the event hassle-free and effortless

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

YourProChef.nz is a boutique Dunedin gourmet food business specialising in professionally prepared, fresh and frozen meals made by their chef
Provides catering services for private functions, events and gatherings.

bbcatering

Areas served: Dunedin
Base: Kenmure, Dunedin
Hours: Mon to Fri 10 am – 2 pm
Google Review rating: 4.7/5
Facebook Page: Bbcatering
Website: Bbcatering
Email address: info@bbcatering.co.nz
Phone: 03 453 1000

Customer Feedback:

Responds promptly to queries
Tasty and enjoyable menu
Outstanding meat selection

Pros:

Transparent with pricing

Cons:

Caters enquiries and service during weekdays only

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Bbcatering is a Dunedin based company that provides food catering for conferences, work dinners, awards ceremonies, events and more
Their business started in 2010 and has been dedicated to creating enjoyable and fabulous meals ever since

Brunch 'N Lunch

Areas served: North Dunedin
Base: North Dunedin, Dunedin
Hours: Mon to Fri 6:30 am – 3:30 pm
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Facebook Page: None
Website: Brunch 'N Lunch
Email address: Not specified
Phone: 03 477 0899

Customer Feedback:

Food is freshly and deliciously made
Provides great catering option
Provides recommendations suitable to the customer’s needs

Pros:

Offers food bar and everyday catering

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Brunch 'N Lunch is a Dunedin based catering and drink supplier with a wide range of menu options for gatherings and other event functions
Offers general catering and corporate catering, too

Precinct Catering

Areas served: Dunedin
Base: Vogel Street, Dunedin
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 3 pm, Sat to Sun 9 am to 3 pm
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Facebook Page: Precinct Catering
Website: Precinct Catering
Email address: info@theinspiredpantry.co.nz
Phone: 03 479 0930

Customer Feedback:

Tasty and deliciously made food
Professional and knowledgeable staff
Carefully listens to client requests

Pros:

Operate seven days a week

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

The Inspired Pantry is a Dunedin café and catering service provider specialising in freshly made and creative food
Has a dedicated team of chefs and hospitality specialists to serve quality tasting food for all occasions
Offers delivered catering, serviced events catering and gatherings

Ward St Depot

Areas served: Dunedin
Base: Dunedin Central
Hours: Mon to Fri 7 am – 3:30 pm
Google Review rating: 4.6/5
Facebook Page: Ward St Depot
Website: Ward St Depot
Email address: None
Phone: 03 477 7408

Customer Feedback:

Great food choices
Friendly and helpful staff
Excellent customer service

Pros:

Transparent with pricing

Cons:

Closed during weekends
They get fully booked easily

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Ward St. Depot catering is a Dunedin based catering business and restaurant.
They provide versatile menu selections for events such as morning/afternoon tea sessions, business meetings, corporate functions, cocktail parties, birthday parties, graduations, wakes, funerals and other special occasions.

⚠️ Disclaimer: MoneyHub.co.nz has no financial or otherwise relationship with any businesses listed on this page. The pricing information provided is for informational and guidance purposes only and may not accurately represent the actual quotes or final bills for individual services. No provider has paid to appear on our website, and this list should not be considered comprehensive. Please research and obtain quotes directly from a range of businesses to ensure accurate pricing and suitability for your needs.