How much does catering cost per person in Ottawa?
Ottawa catering costs typically range from $14–$22 per person for drop-off breakfast, $22–$42 per person for corporate lunches, $70–$115 per person for cocktail-style receptions, and $75–$210 per person for plated wedding dinners. Final price depends on menu complexity, service level, guest count, and venue logistics. All-inclusive wedding catering with bar typically lands between $300 and $400 per guest in the Ottawa market.
How far in advance should I book a caterer in Ottawa?
For weddings, book 8–12 months in advance — peak season (June–September) often books out 12–18 months ahead. For corporate events of 100+ guests, 6–8 weeks is recommended. Smaller drop-off corporate catering can often be confirmed within 48–72 hours of the event date subject to availability.
Do you cater outside the city of Ottawa?
Yes. We serve the full National Capital Region, including Gatineau, Chelsea, Wakefield, Kanata, Orléans, Barrhaven, and surrounding towns like Almonte, Carleton Place, Kemptville, and Rockland. Travel charges only apply beyond a 30-minute radius of downtown Ottawa and are always disclosed in your quote up front.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies?
Yes — every menu we build accommodates vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, halal, kosher-style, FODMAP-friendly, and severe food allergies. We use separate prep stations and dedicated utensils for allergy-sensitive plates, label every buffet item by allergen, and have a chef on site for full-service events to monitor every plate that leaves the kitchen.
Do you provide bartenders and bar service?
Yes. We offer full bar packages with Smart Serve–certified bartenders, signature cocktail development, and full mocktail programs. We coordinate the AGCO Special Occasion Permit (Ontario) or RACJ permit (Quebec) where required, and can work with both host bars (you supply the alcohol) and full-service bars (we supply everything).
What’s included in a typical wedding catering quote?
A standard wedding quote includes the full menu, service staff (typically one server per 20–25 guests), all kitchen equipment, china and glassware coordination, cocktail hour service, plated or buffet dinner service, late-night station options, gratuity, taxes, and travel where applicable. We never use surprise add-ons — what’s in the quote is what you pay.
Can you cater outdoor weddings and events with no kitchen on site?
Yes — this is one of our specialties. We bring full mobile kitchens including propane cooking equipment, refrigeration, hot boxes, water supply, prep tables, and hand-wash stations to venues without indoor kitchen access. We regularly cater outdoor weddings at private estates, the Gatineau Hills, Ottawa Valley barns, and NCC parks.
Do you offer tastings before booking?
We offer complimentary tastings for booked wedding clients (post-deposit) and for corporate events over a certain budget threshold. For initial menu evaluations before booking, we offer paid mini-tastings that are credited toward your final invoice if you proceed.
What’s your cancellation and refund policy?
Deposits (typically 25–35%) are non-refundable beyond a 14-day cooling-off period but are fully transferable to a rescheduled event date within 12 months for any reason — including illness, family emergencies, and venue closures. Final payments are due 10–14 days before the event. Cancellations within 14 days of the event forfeit the full balance.
Do you cater at embassy and diplomatic events in Ottawa?
Yes — we have experience catering at over 22 embassies and high commissions in Ottawa, including national-day receptions, state-level dinners, and protocol-sensitive events. We provide protocol-aware bilingual service, handle security clearance documentation where required, and develop menus around specific cultural and religious dietary requirements.
Can you cater for kosher, halal, or other religious dietary needs?
We offer kosher-style and halal-prepared menus using certified suppliers, vegetarian and vegan menus appropriate for Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain dietary practices, and Lent-appropriate seafood menus. For strictly certified kosher (under rabbinical supervision) or fully certified halal events, we partner with specialty providers — ask us for referrals.
Do you provide servers, bartenders, and event staff?
Yes. All service staff are direct employees (not third-party contractors), trained in our service standards, and Smart Serve–certified for any role involving alcohol. Standard staffing for plated meals is one server per 20 guests; buffet service runs one server per 30 guests. Bilingual service is available at no additional cost.
What types of events do you cater?
Weddings of any size, corporate events (breakfast meetings to 600-delegate conferences), embassy and diplomatic receptions, social events (birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, retirements), funeral and celebration-of-life receptions, holiday parties, fundraising galas, product launches, in-home private chef dinners, and food truck service for outdoor festivals.
How do you handle leftover food from events?
Per Ottawa Public Health regulations, hot foods that have been on a buffet beyond safe holding times cannot be repurposed. For untouched food, we work with our clients on three options: pack-up for the host, donation to Ottawa Mission or Shepherds of Good Hope (we have an active program), or composting through our certified organic waste partner. We don’t throw food in the trash, ever.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes — we carry $5M general liability insurance, $2M product liability insurance, full WSIB coverage for all staff, an active Ottawa Public Health Food Premises Inspection Certificate, and AGCO compliance for any event involving alcohol. We provide insurance certificates to any venue that requires them, typically within one business day.
