Best Caterers in Wellington
Updated 1 May 2020
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 Wellington 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 Wellington companies with a proven track record who have served food to thousands of Wellington 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:
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. Wellington 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
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Top 10 Classic Wellington Caterers
Our list below, which is no particular order, covers Wellington. We have selected these based on their history of longstanding service within Wellington, 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.
No catering company has paid to appear on this list, and MoneyHub.co.nz has no relationship with any catering company below.
No catering company has paid to appear on this list, and MoneyHub.co.nz has no relationship with any catering company below.
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Simply Food Catering Company WellingtonThe Simply Food Catering Company has been servicing the Wellington region since 1991. They take pride in their affordable yet professional catering service. Most of their catering contracts include commercial and corporate catering around the area.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Pipitea, Wellington Contact: 04 472 7333 Website: Simply Food Catering Company Wellington Service Areas: Wellington |
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NOSH Catering + EventsNOSH Catering + Events is a food catering and event management specialist well known for its high-quality food and service. Their company is based in Wellington and has its expertise for corporate events, office catering, weddings, and private catering.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Khandallah, Wellington Contact: 04 479 0529 Website: NOSH Catering + Events Service Areas: Wellington |
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Seasoned & DressedSeasoned & Dressed is a food catering company that was established in 2005. Since then, they have been providing service to conferences, corporate events, wedding parties and more. They are also well known for their friendly and personalised service as well as their flavourful food choices.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Victoria Street, Wellington Contact: 04 914 6523 Website: Seasoned & Dressed Service Areas: Wellington |
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Good Chemistry Catering LimitedGood Chemistry Catering Limited is a food catering service company based in the Wellington region. They create sumptuous food menu for mostly weddings and corporate events.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Kelburn, Wellington Contact: 0800 391 107 Website: Good Chemistry Catering Limited Service Areas: Wellington |
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Spoonful CateringSpoonful Catering is a family run catering company, providing delicious and interesting food to the greater Wellington region. They use only the best quality ingredients for all their menu. Hence Spoonful Catering was able to earn the trust of Wellingtonians when it comes to foodservice.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Kilbirnie, Wellington Contact: 0210 833 6965 Website: Spoonful Catering Service Areas: Wellington and Greater Wellington Region |
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Food Envy CateringFood Envy Catering was set-up in 2012 and has been operating to share their common love for food and hospitality. They are a Wellington-based catering company having extensive menu choices suitable for everyone’s taste and dietary requirements.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Mobile only Contact: 0210 237 6342 Website: Food Envy Catering Service Areas: Wellington region |
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The Catering StudioThe Catering Studio is a Wellington-based catering company serving all fresh and seasonal cuisine. With their high-quality service and great food, they have nothing but good reviews and recommendations.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Mobile only Contact: 04 801 6892 Website: The Catering Studio Service Areas: Wellington region |
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Sugar Sisters Boutique Bakery & CateringSugar Sisters Boutique Bakery & Catering provides corporate and event catering services to Lower Hutt and Wellington region. Their set of menus is inspired by fresh and seasonal ingredients from local food suppliers. They highly consider one’s preference for food, and they have their unique vegan suggestions to offer.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Grenada North, Wellington Contact: 022 081 0924 Website: Sugar Sisters Boutique Bakery & Catering Service Areas: Wellington and Lower Hutt |
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​PanManPanMan caters to both small and large corporate gatherings, weddings and private functions. What they offer is exceptional service and sumptuous food choices that everybody would love. They provide catering services to those within Wellington, The Hutt Valley and Porirua.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Wadestown, Wellington Contact: 027 520 1504 Website: PanMan Service Areas: Wellington, The Hutt Valley and Porirua |
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Blue Carrot CateringBlue Carrot Catering specialises in corporate catering, wedding catering and private catering but also provides service for any kind of event, large or small. They have been in the industry since 2000 and continue to serve the Wellington region with great food choices.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Petone, Lower Hutt Contact: 04 568 8838 Website: Blue Carrot Catering Service Areas: Wellington and Lower Hutt |
