Caterers Melbourne

Catering shapes a Melbourne party more than most bookings: it decides whether guests sit or mingle, how long they stay and whether the venue's kitchen matters at all. The caterers here cook out of kitchens in Clayton South, Richmond, Oakleigh, Northcote, Hampton, Hoppers Crossing and St Albans, then bring the food to homes, halls and venues.

For hot food, Neale's Spit Roast Catering starts from $23 per person with three or four carved meats, salads and desserts, set up buffet style. Big Flavours, from $27 per person, makes everything from scratch and cooks for 20 to more than 300 guests. Catering By Chefs, where executive chef Phil Azzi writes every menu, offers finger food and cocktail packages starting from $39 per person. Going Gourmet serves canapés, bowl food, shared feasts and plated meals, and Complete Catering Co pairs roaming canapés or seated courses with RSA-qualified bartenders.

For something to graze on, Happy Belly Grazing (from $450) is run by a dietitian, Grazing With Stella adds Greek touches such as spanakopita and tiropita, and Mamalyn Catering supplies warm Vietnamese trays and rice paper rolls.

Give caterers these details up front:

• Guest numbers, and whether people will be seated or standing
• Dietary needs such as vegan, gluten-free, Halal or low FODMAP
• What the venue's kitchen has, or whether there is one
• Whether you also want serving staff or a bar

Still looking for a room? See Birthday Party Venues, or browse every party service in Melbourne.