12 Creative Lunch Catering Ideas For Your Next Meeting or Event

Are you in charge of planning the lunch catering ideas for a big meeting or event? Then you’ve come to the right place! The right fuel (“brain food,” if you will) can make the difference between a gathering where everyone is a little bit hangry and one where participants are communicating effectively and the ideas are flowing freely.

Since you’re responsible for ensuring that this crucial (yet often overlooked) element of an upcoming event goes smoothly, here are 12 creative lunch catering ideas to get you started.

1. Italian classics

It’s really hard to go wrong with Italian food! Your options are practically endless: hearty classics like pizza, paninis, lasagna, chicken or eggplant parmesan, spaghetti and meatballs, pasta with pesto, and more.

Plus, let’s not forget the desserts – whether you’re a fan of cannolis, tiramisu, or panettone, there’s something for practically every palate when it comes to Italian food.

2. Charcuterie board

Charcuterie boards have been increasingly popular in recent years, with millions of people drooling over pictures and videos of them on Instagram and TikTok. And can you blame them?! What’s not to adore about a huge spread of meats, cheeses, pickles, fruit, crackers, sliced bread, jam, and so on. You can include just about whatever you want here.

If you’re not sure where to start, check out these 36 unique charcuterie board ideas from Foxes Love Lemons for inspiration.

For a more finger food-style catering idea like this, you might want to have your event/meeting in a more casual and laid-back environment. We think this hip, open space in a coworking facility in downtown Norfolk, Virginia may be perfect!

3. Fancy grilled cheese

Grilled cheese is a pretty straightforward choice that most people love, especially if they grew up eating it. But it can also be taken in a fancy direction with the right combination of high-quality cheese, fresh bread, and add-ons like cured meats, veggies, or even a fried egg.

(For some examples, take a look at this list of 18 fancy grilled cheese recipes from Bon Appétit!)

Even better, grilled cheese is easy to make vegetarian, gluten-free, and even vegan/dairy-free (if you use plant-based cheese), so your guests with dietary restrictions can enjoy.

What meal comes before lunch? That’s right! Make your morning meeting or event even better by using our breakfast catering ideas!

4. Bánh mì

Bánh mì is a style of Vietnamese sandwich baguette filled with delicious ingredients like pate, mayonnaise, grilled pork or chicken, pickles, green onion, cilantro, and more!

Sandwiches are definitely easy lunch catering ideas, but these aren’t just any old sandwiches. The combination of fillings and seasonings makes them extremely tasty and satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs cuisine.

5. BBQ

Consider ordering barbecue for your catered lunch, especially if it’s summer. It’ll go perfectly with sides of potato salad, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, corn on the cob, and plenty of lemonade.

We also think barbecue tastes most delicious when served outdoors. Consider holding your meeting/event at an outdoor location like this beautiful garden meeting space in Austin, Texas, which has more than 40 glowing reviews from those who’ve hosted their own gatherings here!

6. Burritos and burrito bowls

Burritos and/or burrito bowls are a delicious, healthy, filling option. They’re also easy to customize for the dietary needs of vegetarians, vegans, and people with specific food allergies or sensitivities. This makes them an awesome choice for a large gathering with lots of people with different food needs.

Plus, the ingredients themselves are relatively affordable, so this is a budget-friendly choice as well.

7. Salad bar

Speaking of customizable choices, there are few lunch catering ideas that are more adaptable than a salad bar. Let your meeting/event attendees serve themselves and put together the salad of their dreams. Just provide them with a wide assortment of dressings and mix-in ingredients so they can get creative.

Some creative and healthy salad topping ideas include hard-boiled eggs, quinoa, asparagus, fresh or dried fruit, beans, pumpkin seeds, artichoke hearts, or grilled veggies. Yum!

8. Sushi

Sushi is a delicious choice and your guests are sure to be excited when they see that’s what you’re serving. Some people don’t love fish, so make sure you include some veggie sushi options with fillings like cucumber and avocado. Perhaps have your caterer be prepared to take requests for custom sushi rolls for an extra special touch.

9. Food truck

Food trucks serve up all kinds of delicious and gourmet food. Lunch catering ideas like this aren’t specific to a certain type of food but rather to its delivery system. Instead of hiring a traditional caterer, this creative idea involves hiring local food trucks to attend your event.

For this lunch catering idea, be sure to find a venue with plenty of outdoor space like this hip cider bar in Central East Austin.

We offer even more catering ideas for your next event here!

10. Lobster rolls

Especially if you’re located anywhere near New England, where the delicious lobster roll originated, this is an awesome choice for a lunch. It feels fancy (it contains lobster!) while still being relatively casual (it’s served on a roll and you eat it with your hands!).

11. Breakfast for lunch

Who doesn’t love breakfast foods? Take advantage of this near-universal adoration of foods like waffles and pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, pastries, yogurt, and fresh fruit for a catering choice that’s enjoyable, unexpected, customizable by your attendees, and relatively affordable.

To make things even more fun, consider having your breakfast-for-lunch event somewhere with great views. We especially love the rooftop of this modern townhome with views of the Dallas skyline.

12. Gourmet donuts

We had to include at least one dessert idea on this list – who doesn’t love dessert?! — so why not save the best for last? If possible, don’t just have any old donuts at your event. With their increasing popularity in recent years, your city probably has a gourmet donut shop of its own that could fulfill your dessert needs.

For instance, Doughnut Plant in New York City has unexpected flavors like creme brulee, peanut butter and jam, cacio e pepe, marcona almond, and lots more on their menu. Yum!

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