Dinner Party Prep: Sydney’s Finest Food Caterers
For anyone well-versed in the world of dinner party entertaining, the key to a successful spread is all in the planning. From picking up the finest ingredients to choosing an accompanying wine list, hosting a dinner party requires a certain amount of culinary prowess. But let's face it, not everyone is blessed with skills in the kitchen department. So for those who'd prefer to pop the cork on the bubbly than slave away over a hot stove, why not call in the caterers to do all the hard work for you?
Whether you’re planning a casual, cocktail-style gathering or formal sit-down affair, there’s a personal chef to cater to all your needs (and your guest's dietary requirements). So to ensure your next soirée is a roaring success, bring in the cavalry to prepare a delicious, beautifully presented banquet your guests will never forget.
Dinner With Liam, DWL
With over 20 years’ experience as a chef, Liam Crawley is a stalwart on the Sydney dining scene. With his dedicated team of chefs and wait staff, DWL will send a private chef to your house along with your own personal waitress, who will ensure everything runs smoothly throughout the evening.
For a truly decadent experience, opt for the four-course menu that changes with the seasons. Feast on sumptuous dishes of yellow fin tuna tartare with heirloom tomato dressing, pickled radish and baby herbs; blistered tomatoes with burrata on sourdough; and roasted eye fillet served with shallots and red wine jus – winter comfort food with a fine dining touch.
If you have the option, put in a request for the coconut, white chocolate and Malibu semifreddo popsicle. It comes with a mango compote, coconut malt and edible flowers, and it literally looks like garden on a plate. Irresistible. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s a lavish cheese plate to finish.
Average price $180 pp
The Salted Pig Salumeria
When it comes to cold cuts, The Salted Pig really know their stuff. Famed for their cuts of cured meat and indulgent cheese-laden creations, their range of grazing options will please even the most discerning palate. Not only do they curate stunning grazing boards and tables, but for corporate lunches or picnics you can order their on-the-go boxes with gourmet baguettes and tasty deli treats.
Platters start from $399
Dining Abode
How would you like a two-hatted chef to be your private chef for the night? Thanks to Dining Abode, you can treat yourself and your guest to a fine dining meal courtesy of chef Thomas Johns (ex-Pello restaurant). There’s a range of catering packages available, such as share platters, tasting menus, degustations and themed food stations. The team can take care of space hire, crockery and linens, and also has event stylists on hand to take your event to the next level.
Prices available on request
The Caterer
Boutique catering with a market-to-table ethos, The Caterer creates beautiful dishes that taste as good as they look. The team can cater for all your event needs – from corporate functions and private dinners to parties and weddings – and when it comes to menus, they are happy to work with you to create exactly what you want. From canapés and buffets, to salad spreads and decadent banquets, The Caterer more than has you covered.
Minimum order $1000
Paella Amor
To send your tastebuds overseas on a trip to Spain, book Paella Amor. The team will show up with a pan, handmade stock, and a bunch of fresh ingredients, and whip up an authentic paella right in front of your guests, be it 12 or 150 people. The chefs also offer a tapas menu of delightful nibbles, including jamon iberico (Spanish ham), prawn skewers, and slow-cooked pork belly with stewed cinnamon apples.
Prices range from $600-$2400
Blonde Butler
Blonde Butler
Well-versed in producing beautiful events and memorable dining experiences, you can call on the Blonde Butler to deliver an Insta-worthy feast fit for a Queen. Their platters are legendary with cheese, charcuterie, fruit, seafood, antipasto and dessert options, all available to order. With a team of event managers, stylists, chefs, butlers and bartenders on hand, the Blonde Butler has everything you need to make your dinner party a complete success.
Cocktail - $40-$60pp
Plated - $70-$85pp
Buffets - $60-$70pp
Stations - $30-$40pp
The Italian Job
The Italian Job is basically a woodfired pizza oven on wheels. They’ll roll up to your event to serve up classic Neapolitan pizzas straight from the oven, and topped with fresh produce and ingredients imported from Italy. You can add salads, slow-cooked meats and canapés to the order – just tell your guests to save some room for dessert, because the Nutella, Oreo and apple crumble pizzas are to die for.
Prices available upon request
The Platter Project
There are grazing platters, and then there’s The Platter Project. Run by the ultimate foodie, Libby Gardener, the platters are bright, colourful and completely Instagrammable. There are small, medium and large platters on offer, which can be piled high with decadent French cheeses, fruit, nuts, antipasti, dips, cold cuts, sushi or finger sandwiches. Gardener can also create sweet treat platters with macarons, lollies, M&Ms and doughnuts.
Platters from $200
Gelato Messina Cart
Hire a Messina gelato cart, or the mint-green van if your guest list runs in the hundreds. Pricing starts at $2200, which includes enough of Messina’s famously creamy gelato for 150-200 people, plus a server for up to three hours. After you’ve locked down your vehicle and hand-picked from the huge selection of flavours, your job is done, so you can sit back and watch your guests’ faces light up when they arrive.
Prices from $2300
Grandmas
To serve up home-style cooking without touching the oven, call Grandmas. Based out of their Alexandria kitchen, the chefs make crowd-pleasers you know are going to go down a storm. Order a slew of share plates, such as lamb kofta, bruchetta and crispy zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta, or go for the chef’s station for something more interactive. Be sure to grab a box of cookies from the bakery on the way out!
Prices available upon request
Salt Meats Cheese
For all things Italian, Salt Meats Cheese is a foodie's paradise – and the catering menu is just as dreamy. Along with pizza, gourmet salads and sandwiches on crusty bread, the chefs can whip up baked lasagne, slow-cooked meat or a whole porchetta, and round off the meal with a tiramisu tray, or a selection of ricotta-filled cannoli for dessert.
Grazing tables from $1500
