Find a catering service in San Jose, CA

Find catering services in San Jose, CA

Find catering services in San Jose, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best catering services in your area.
Zip code

Budget per person

Find catering services in San Jose, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best catering services in your area.
Zip code

Budget per person

Top 10 catering services in San Jose, CA

Clients agree: these San Jose catering services are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Adelita's Restaurant, Taqueria & Bar

Adelita's Restaurant, Taqueria & Bar

New on Fash
Serves San Jose, CA
We do fast food, set down, full bar, great tasting homemade taste food. Cooking for our community.
Taste For The Senses

Taste For The Senses

New on Fash
19+ years in business
Serves San Jose, CA
We are Taste for the Senses Catering. We have been catering for over 20 years and Feature authentic Mexican , International fusion and California cuisine . Our company provides full service catering with presentation, color and flavor . We woukd be happy to design a menu based on your culinary preference, event theme and budget We look forward to serving you and your guests with “A Taste for your Senses”! Sincerely Martha Geraty and my Chef dream Team Owner Taste for the Senses Catering Company 916 996 2879
The Gurkha Kitchen

The Gurkha Kitchen

New on Fash
5+ years in business
Serves San Jose, CA
Indian ,indo Chinese and Nepali foos healty and fresh
C'era Una Volta Catering

C'era Una Volta Catering

New on Fash
20+ years in business
Serves San Jose, CA
Serving the Bay Area since 2004, C'era Una Volta Catering is your Italian specialist caterer. Recognized by Italian organizations L'Associazione Cuochi Fiorentini and Accademia Italiana della Cucina. Catering for your business or personal event needs. Contact us today.
Big City Chefs Nationwide Personal Chefs

Big City Chefs Nationwide Personal Chefs

New on Fash
24+ years in business
Serves San Jose, CA
We are a small group of talented and highly experienced professional restaurant chefs, some of us available exclusively through Big City Chefs, dedicated to the creative art of fine dining and supporting local farmers. We've been in business since 2000.
RIBS N THINGS BBQ SOUL FOOD

RIBS N THINGS BBQ SOUL FOOD

New on Fash
41+ years in business
Serves San Jose, CA
RIBS-N-THIBGS BBQ & SOUL FOOD has been in business for over 40 years. We're a family owned and operated company that's been serving Oakland California and surrounding cities. Additionally serving the Oakland A's Coliseum and Golden State Warriors Arena.

Your Wedding and Event Catering questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Fash.

How much is catering?

Catering costs $10 to $35 per person for basic party food or a drop-off service. On average, caterers charge $500 to $7,500 total for 50 guests, $1,000 to $15,000 for 100 guests, and $1,500 to $23,000 for 150 guests. Alcohol or bartending options often cost extra.

Formal catering or wedding catering costs $30 to $200 per person for plated meals, a buffet, or food stations. A food truck rental costs $10 to $40 per person, depending on the type of event and whether you hire the truck on a weekend or holiday. Popular food truck menu options include tacos, pizza, BBQ, and ice cream.

What is catering?

Catering means supplying food and drink at a party, wedding, or other gathering. Some catering companies provide waitstaff, while others offer self-serve buffet stations or simply drop off prepared food to an event. Different catering companies provide different types of foods and cuisines, including:

  • Italian
  • Mexican
  • Barbeque
  • Japanese
  • Pizza
  • Sandwiches
  • Ice cream
  • Breakfast or brunch

How far in advance do I need to order catering?

Most caterers recommend ordering at least a few weeks to 6 months in advance, depending on the type of event and number of guests. However, catering a small party may not require as much advance time as a wedding, holiday party, or large corporate event.

Large chain restaurants often provide limited, drop-off catering services and require less notice than professional catering companies. Some chain restaurants and grocery stores offer catering services with only one day's notice.

What do caterers provide?

Caterers supply all the food for your event, either cooking it on-site or preparing it in their own kitchen beforehand. Many catering services include serving dishes, plates, glasses, and silverware in their price. Some caterers also offer tables, chairs, linens, or custom place settings for an added fee.

How long do caterers stay at an event?

Caterers typically serve food for 1 to 4 hours, depending on the time of year and number of guests. Setup usually takes 1 to 2 hours. Ask your caterer whether they will include any of the setup or cleanup time in their estimate.

Do you tip caterers?

Some caterers include a gratuity charge of 15% to 20% on your bill that is split between the servers. Before adding a cash tip, ask your caterer or review the contract to make sure a gratuity charge is not already included. If you decide to give cash tips directly, pay each person between $15 to $50.

How do I choose a catering company?

Search our list of caterers, then:

  • Get three or more free estimates to compare.
  • Read their reviews and menus on Fash and Google.
  • Choose a licensed, insured, and experienced company.
  • Try menu tasting before your event if possible.
  • Make sure they're a good fit for your budget and schedule.
  • Get a written estimate or contract.
  • Avoid making a large payment before your event begins.

After reading reviews and asking questions, hire the best company in your area.

What questions should I ask caterers?

When looking for local catering companies, consider asking the following questions:

  • How long have you been catering?
  • Are you licensed and insured?
  • How far in advance do I need to book?
  • What is your cancellation policy?
  • Do you allow menu changes?
  • Will you bring prepared food, or will you prepare it onsite?
  • How long will you be able to serve food?
  • How long do you need to set up?
  • Do you charge extra for travel fees?
  • Will you give me a written estimate and contract?

Reviews for San Jose catering services

Recent success stories from people in the San Jose area.
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