The 8 Best Caterers in Philadelphia

Wondering who made our list of the best caterers in Philadelphia? We get it! From the famous cheesesteaks of South Philly to the fancy coffeeshops of Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia has an abundance of global cuisine on offer, as well as some regional favorites.

No matter what kind of food you have in mind for your event, we’ve come up with this list of eight great caterers in Philadelphia to get you started. If you need a venue, too, then browse the listings on Peerspace to find unique spaces available to rent from local hosts. That way, you can combine a memorable space with a creative caterer to throw the perfect wedding, party, dinner, or corporate event. Now, let’s get back to the topic at hand: Philly’s most phenomenal caterers!

1. Pair food and decor with Catering By Design

In general, your catering options range from the formal to the casual. If you’re thinking of leaning toward the formal side, choose Catering By Design for a stylishly decorated gourmet feast. They offer a mix of catering and design services that pair inventive menus with beautiful decor for a one-of-a-kind wedding day or corporate celebration. They can turn an empty event space — such as this blank-slate auditorium in Ogontz — into a stunning backdrop for your festivities.

You can choose one of their slow-food-inspired menus, complemented by beautiful decor from their in-house floral and design division. While Catering By Design are known for their upscale, conceptual displays, they also offer to-go options for less formal events.

2. Enjoy eco-friendly offerings from 12th Street Catering

The biz 12th Street Catering is known for being one of the top “green” caterers in Philadelphia. They use local, seasonal ingredients in their recipes, and biodegradable dishware for all of their corporate deliveries. They also have their own rooftop herb garden and an in-house pastry chef. Pick one of 12th Catering’s suggested menus for a wedding, non-profit or corporate gala, BBQ picnic, and more. 

From drop-off catering for corporate conferences, to an intimate family dinner at your home or Peerspace venue, they can deliver anywhere in Greater Philadelphia and the Main Line.

These 11 great party rental options in Philly can help inspire your next event. Check them out!

3. Go all-vegan with Miss Rachel’s Pantry

While many caterers in Philadelphia can accommodate dietary preferences, it’s rare to find one who cooks all vegan, all the time. That’s why Miss Rachel’s Pantry is the perfect choice for any vegan or vegetarian events, with “crab” cakes and tasty deserts that will satisfy vegan and non-vegan guests alike. Not only that, but they’re a certified Kosher caterer, too!

They offer plated meals, buffets, family-style dinners, and more. Their shower menu is designed for in-home celebrations, and they also have a BYOB dining room for small groups. They deliver office lunch platters (with compostable cutlery) and donate leftovers to Food Not Bombs.

4. Dine on seasonal menus from Birchtree Catering

Birchtree Catering describes itself as “locally minded, seasonally inspired,” making it the perfect caterer in Philadelphia for a farm-to-table feast. Founded by a two-woman team who started out in their kitchen, Birchtree Catering is a true local success story. They have experience catering romantic weddings on rural farms, and a recurring supper club at local bars and wineries.

They offer full-service catering for corporate and social events, as well as a cocktail menu for holiday parties. Their dishes include homemade breads and pastas; plus, their dips, dressings, sauces, and pickles are all made in-house for a fresh menu that’s full of flavor.

5. Set up a chef’s station with Tasty Table Catering

Tasty Table offers a range of catering options, from holiday feasts to summer picnics. Choose from preset menus for a casual lunch, or design your own customized menu for a wedding or corporate dinner.

Philly Mag recommends their live chef stations, which serve made-to-order dishes like lobster sliders and sushi, not to mention donuts and funnel cake for dessert.

6. Enjoy cafe-style dishes from Cosmic Catering

Cosmic Catering is based out of a cafe on Boathouse Row, and serves classic cafe fare, such as breakfast burritos and deli sandwiches. They also offer drop-off and pick-up catering with preset menus, so you’ll know exactly how much you can expect to spend on a cocktail party or dinner.

Cosmic Catering uses seasonal, organic ingredients, and can create a customized menu for weddings and other events. Enjoy the food at one of their riverside event spaces or at a private Peerspace venue with a little help from the Concierge service.

Need some new ways to inspire your corporate team? Then you need to check out our awesome team outing ideas in Philadelphia!

7. Serve modern food truck fare with Jerry’s Kitchen

Sometimes, you want to impress your guests with seasonal, gourmet dishes. Other times, you want to reward them with old favorites. Jerry’s Kitchen is a regional caterer that can bring their food truck to your social or corporate event anywhere in the Tri-State area. They serve “classic American food” with a “creative twist”. This makes them great for company picnics, fundraisers, family reunions, birthday parties, graduations, bar and bat mitzvahs, and other outdoor events.

Their menus include sandwiches, sliders, protein bowls, and quesadillas, including both “food truck favorites” and “healthier options” — and, of course, Philadelphia’s famous cheesesteak.

8. Enjoy new twists on old favorites with Philadelphia Catering Co.

Philadelphia Catering Co. has been a Philadelphia catering staple since 1994. Interestingly, the business evolved from a popular local pizzeria after the owners realized how difficult it was to get great corporate catering in the city. And their mission to change that (and the entire Philadelphia catering landscape) has been a tremendous success!

When you book Philadelphia Catering Co. for your event, you can choose from snacks, hot lunches, buffet, barbecues, meatless meals, and more. Their creative takes on the classic Philly cheesesteak and their crave-worthy rice bowls win them repeat business across the city.

Bonus: Book a caterer through the Peerspace Concierge

philly penthouse with skyline views
Source: Peerspace

Not sure whether to book your caterer or your venue first? Why not book them both in one go by choosing a memorable Peerspace location and a caterer to match? While some venues have a preferred vendor list, others will let you choose your own. The Peerspace Concierge can help you line up the right one for your event space, along with any other services you need.

Want to host a backyard wedding with formal dining tables and a photo booth? Try this historic farmhouse near the airport with a white picket fence, in-ground pool, gazebo, and more. Looking for a chic private home with a huge roof deck for city views? Then this Point Breeze penthouse (pictured above) should do the trick. Or, do you need a culinary kitchen and event space for a private pop-up dinner? We’ve got that, too! From birthdays to baby showers, you’ll find customizable event spaces for any occasion.

Caterers in Philadelphia: conclusion

Beautiful Art Gallery - Blocks from the Liberty Bell philadelphia rental
Source: Peerspace

From classic Philadelphia street food to seasonal produce from nearby farms, these eight caterers in Philadelphia have something to offer for any kind of event.

Remember, if you still need to find a venue, you can browse the listings on Peerspace to find a memorable event space near you. Once you have a location in mind, the Concierge service will be able to line up any catering, furniture rentals, A/V gear, and event staff you need to bring your event to life. Peerspace makes it easy to plan every aspect of your personal and professional events in one place.

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