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Caterers in Toronto & the GTA: prices and how to compare

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Caterers who work events in Toronto and the GTA. Every profile states its price range, the events it suits and what it needs from the venue: stage, ceiling height, power, rigging and set-up time. Listings owned by the founder of EventPlans.ca are marked and get no ranking preference.

Before you book

  • Ask for a certificate of insurance naming the venue; most venues require $2 million liability.
  • Send the performer the room, the timing and the audience, and forward their technical rider to the venue the day it arrives.
  • Put a substitution clause in the contract in case of illness.

Use the entertainment finder to match an act to your event, or get quotes from several at once.

Related vendors

Hiring guides

Choosing a caterer

Caterers in the GTA range from full-service companies that supply food, staff, rentals and bar service to drop-off kitchens and private chefs who cook on site for small groups. Start by deciding which of those you need. A banquet hall or hotel almost always uses its own kitchen, so outside catering is mainly a question for private homes, tented events, raw spaces, galleries and venues that permit external caterers. Check the venue's rules first; some keep an approved list, and some charge a fee for bringing in an outside kitchen.

Questions to ask

  • Does the quote include service staff, rentals, delivery and clean-up, or are they charged separately?
  • Is there a service charge, and is HST applied to the food, the staff and the service charge?
  • Can the caterer handle the dietary needs on your list, such as halal, kosher-style, vegan, gluten-free or severe allergies, and how do they prevent cross-contact?
  • What kitchen access, power and water do they need at the venue?
  • When is the tasting, and is it included in the price?
  • What is the final guest-count deadline, and can numbers go down after that date?

Food safety and alcohol

Food premises in Ontario are inspected by the local public health unit, and in Toronto that is Toronto Public Health. Ask a caterer where their food is prepared and how it is kept at safe temperatures in transit and on site, particularly for outdoor summer events. If the caterer also offers bar service, confirm that bartenders hold Smart Serve certification and, for events outside a licensed venue, whether a Special Occasion Permit is needed and who applies for it.

Service style and quantities

Plated dinners, family-style platters, buffets, food stations and passed canapés each need different staffing levels and room layouts, and the choice affects your timeline as much as your budget. The Academy lesson on catering styles compares them, and the food and drink calculator gives quantity estimates by guest count. For the wider category, see food and drink vendors.