The 8 Best Caterers in Washington, DC

Washington, DC, is a land of political fundraisers and corporate galas. But like any city, it’s also a land of birthday parties, graduations, weddings, baby showers, and other personal occasions. Peerspace makes it easy to plan events both large and small at a range of venues available to rent from local hosts. But what about choosing the perfect caterer for your event? Don’t worry: we’ve got that covered, too. From family affairs to professional awards ceremonies, here are eight caterers in Washington, DC, to choose from for your event, each with their own specialty.

1. Host a memorable event with RSVP Catering

If you’re looking for a full-service catering company with a track record of getting it right, RSVP Catering has over 100 full-time staff members and 25 years of experience. At their main facility in Fairfax, VA, you can visit their tasting rooms to sample dishes and choose your own linens, glassware, and table settings. They cater for weddings, corporate events, bar mitzvahs, and other special occasions, and also offer options for seasonal events and a holiday menu.

Choose RSVP Catering when you want a professional team of trained wait staff to keep your event running smoothly. A Green Restaurant Association Certified Caterer, they also have an off-site liquor license for serving specialty cocktails. Their vegan and gluten-free items are clearly marked on their menus, making it easy to accommodate any dietary restrictions.

2. Enjoy empanadas and ceviche with the Peruvian Brothers

For unique dishes that aren’t found on traditional catering menus, hire the Peruvian Brothers to deliver a menu with a distinctive South American twist. The Lanzone brothers started out with a single food truck, and have since expanded to serve food at the White House, Capitol Hill, and other well-known DC locations. Their recipes include Peruvian fare like Pan con Chicharrón, a sandwich made with sweet potato and salted pork loin. Expect other favorites such as ceviche, baked empanadas, and quinoa salad, all topped off with their signature Rocoto Hot Sauce.

3. Book a custom caterer through the Peerspace Concierge

If you aren’t sure which caterers in Washington, DC, will be right for your venue, coordinate your vendors through the Peerspace Concierge service to ensure everyone’s on the same page. From lining up a caterer to renting furniture and A/V gear, the Concierge service can help you choose the best vendors for your event space with one easy booking.

Whether you want to host a pop-up dinner at an urban rooftop garden or a stylish entertaining space in NoMa, book your venue through Peerspace to ensure that your caterer has access to a food prep area, on-site parking, load-in/out options, and any other amenities you need. While every Peerspace is different, you can filter the listings by event type, size, location, price, and more. Many locations have built-in A/V gear, sound systems, and Wi-Fi, and even games like billiards or shuffleboard, making it easy to set up your event and entertain your guests!

4. Eat organic dishes made by Eco Caters

Catering an event can have a large environmental impact, especially if you rely on disposable plates and utensils to serve your food. Reduce your environmental footprint with Eco Caters, which offers full-service catering in San Diego; Washington, DC; and Los Angeles. Not only do they provide compostable dishware for drop-off catering, they deliver their food in fuel-efficient vehicles and prioritize local and organic ingredients. They have an in-house herb garden and work with suppliers who use sustainable practices, from farming to fishing.

While Eco Caters may use less resources, they don’t skimp on variety. From an organic Thai menu to their taco bar and buffet, you’ll find an option for any taste and budget. They even offer a fully vegan plated menu, as well as options for gluten-free, nut-free, and sugar-free guests. It’s no wonder this is one of the top caterers in Washington, DC!

5. Enjoy regional favorites with Old Blue BBQ

For a classic BBQ menu featuring regional comfort foods served with Southern hospitality, look no further than Old Blue BBQ. Their speciality items include Texas brisket and pork loin brined in peach tea, as well as mac and cheese, potato salad, slaw, and cornbread. They also offer a variety of unique barbecue sauces, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.

One of the things that sets Old Blue apart is the “rustic chic” presentation of their dishes. Think wooden baskets and serving crates, chalkboard menus, and other creative touches. They offer full-service catering that’s great for weddings, holiday parties, company picnics, and more.

6. Serve fresh pizza made by DC Slices

Interested in fast-casual catering for a mid-sized event? Consider one of the most noteworthy caterers in Washington, DC: DC Slices, a food truck team specializing in thin-crust pizza, tater tots, mozzarella sticks, and other takeout treats. With four trucks available to cater your event in the DC area, it’s a great way to serve a lot of pizza to a hungry crowd. While it may not be formal enough to suit every occasion, for some brides and grooms, there’s nothing more romantic than sharing a slice of pizza after saying, “I do!”

7. Choose a seasonal menu from Farm to Feast

For another sustainable caterer in Washington, DC, check out Farm to Feast, which offers local, seasonal menus for any dietary preference. From their “Season’s Eatings” holiday specials to a customized grazing table, you’ll find options for corporate events, family gatherings, and more. They also offer cooking classes if you’re interested in a more interactive dining experience.

8. Get creative with Design Cuisine

Finally, don’t miss Design Cuisine, which specializes in making creative menus with elaborate presentations. Take a look at this gingerbread replica of Mount Vernon they made for an event there! Their motto is that you “eat with your eyes first,” so choose them for an event when you really want to leave an impression. From large outdoor weddings to intimate home dinners or engagement parties, they can bring their creative touch to events of any size.

Choosing the right caterer in Washington, DC, depends on the setting, theme, and formality of your event. From a casual backyard BBQ to a fancy farm-to-table dinner, these caterers offer a range of cuisines and service options to suit your preferences. And remember, if you’re looking for a venue to host your event, browse the listings on Peerspace to find the right one for you.

Find unique event venues in Washington, DC, on Peerspace