When it comes to restaurants, New Yorkers definitely aren’t lacking in variety. With fajitas, bagels, falafel, and empanadas all readily available at just a click of a button, you probably need assistance sorting through so many choices. That’s where we come in. Here’s a list of the city’s best caterers, depending, of course, on your particular needs and situation. Whether your team is craving tacos or you’re scrambling to place a last-minute order, we’ve got you covered.
Best in New York City
1. La Joie Catering (470 7th Ave., New York)
No matter if it’s the Walnut-Crusted Salmon or Roast Beef Sandwich, La Joie Catering has been known for impeccable food made with the freshest ingredients for more than 40 years.
2. Cafe Basil (16 E 52nd St., New York)
With offerings like breakfast spreads, sandwiches, salads, and even hot entrees, there’s a little something for everyone at Cafe Basil— and all of it is excellent.
3. Empanada Mama (765 9th Ave., New York)
While this spot is rightly famous for their flavorful empanadas, Empanada Mama also surprises with a Typical Colombian Breakfast spread complete with eggs, beans, rice, and arepas.
Best for Large Meetings
1. Empanada Mama (765 9th Ave., New York)
If you need to feed a swarm, start with a few trays of empanadas and then move onto a juicy Latin-style bone-in pork butt that readily serves 30.
2. Paris Baguette (88-16 Northern Blvd., Queens)
Quickly and easily please a crowd with heaping platters of sandwiches stuffed with Caesar Chicken, Grilled Caprese, or a sweet-and-savory combination of Turkey and Butternut Squash. Of course, Paris Baguette’s delectable sandwiches are all served on their specialty breads.
3. Texas Rotisserie & Grill (1315 1st Ave., New York)
At your next big event, dig into a Texas-sized feast of several pounds of meat (choices include rotisserie chicken, salmon, and brisket), as well as cornbread, sides, and desserts.
Best for Small Meetings
1. Delectica (564 3rd Ave., New York)
For breakfast and lunch with a Mediterranean flair, you can’t go wrong with this 20-year-old Murray Hill institution. The Avocado Toast triangles are absolute favorites.
2. Pita Grill (443 3rd Ave., New York)
Vegetarians, carnivores, and health-conscious eaters will all love a platter of pita sandwiches filled with Chicken Shawarma, Salmon, Falafel, Hawaiian Chicken and more.
3. Global Kitchen (1290 Ave. of the Americas, New York)
You can depend on this Midtown mainstay for both casual sandwich lunches and international favorites like Lobster Ravioli, sushi, and Cuban-Style Loin of Pork.
Best for High Stakes Meetings
1. Antalia Mediterranean Turkish Restaurant (17 W 45th St., New York)
The Hummus and Baba Ghanoush are creamy, the salad is crisp, and the top-notch kebabs always arrive warm and on-time when you order from this superb Midtown Turkish restaurant.
2. Bklyn Larder (228 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn)
Find homemade cookies, seasonal quiches, and cheese and charcuterie platters heaving with crostini, dried fruit, and roasted nuts at this beloved Park Slope gourmet shop.
3. Leo’s Bagels (3 Hanover Sq., New York)
Try the rave-worthy Farm Fresh Egg Sandwiches served on owner Adam Pomerantz’s hand-rolled bagels that are always made the old-fashioned way.
Best for Last Minute Orders
1. Empanada Mama (95 Allen St., New York)
You can rely on this South American favorite to come through with platters of empanadas in a massive variety of flavors when you need to place an order in a hurry.
2. Bene Bistro (208 Ave. A, New York)
While this East Village cafe is rightly known for morning fare like their Breakfast Taco Bar or delicious pastries, the lunchtime salad bar with endless choices for greens and toppings also gets applause.
3. Natural Valley Market (182 Ralph Ave., Brooklyn)
Don’t panic. When you’re in a pinch, place an order for salad, sandwich, panini, burger, or burrito trays from this Bed-Stuy caterer.
Best Mexican Catering
1. Villa Cemita (50 Ave. A, New York)
This East Village spot specializes in cuisine from the colonial city of Puebla, such as the Ultimate Milanesa Beef Sandwich and Chile Relleno de Camarones. It’s a go-to Mexican caterer for a reason.
2. Corazon De Mexico (10-09 50th Ave., Queens)
Chef María Iglesias supplies offices in both Long Island City and Manhattan with delicious tacos, fajitas, chilaquiles, and chimichangas.
3. Domo Taco (733 Franklin Ave., Brooklyn)
For something a little different, Domo Taco offers pan-Asian inspired tacos with fillings like Brisket Teriyaki, Shrimp Tempura, and General Tso’s Tofu.
Best Sandwich Catering
1. Cafe Basil (16 E 52nd St., New York)
With its jaw-dropping selection ranging from the Turkey Club to the warm Mexican Fajita Panini, even the pickiest of eaters will be content with an order from Cafe Basil.
2. Good to Go Gourmet (279 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains)
From Crab Cake Sliders to Grilled Eggplant Heros, this Westchester caterer has your back in the sandwich department.
3. Piccolo Cafe (238 Madison Ave., New York)
For an authentic Italian lunch, order a platter of assorted paninis like Roasted Vegetable, Eggplant, or Truffle Sauce, Ham & Arugula from Piccolo Cafe.
Best Italian Catering
1. Isadora’s Cafe (16 E 52nd St., New York)
With plenty of options like, Lasagna, Four-Cheese Rigatoni, Baked Ziti, and a variety of pizzas, this Midtown deli is a one-stop culinary dream.
2. Ornella Trattoria (29-17 23rd Ave., Astoria)
Look no further than Ornella Trattoria for family-style Italian cooking with a twist. Try the Apple-Gorgonzola Salad, Orecchiette with Broccoli, and Rigatoni Amatriciana.
3. Carmine’s (200 W 44th St., New York)
For nearly 30 years, this national chain has been cooking up traditional recipes for catering packages like Chicken Marsala, Pasta with White Clam Sauce, and Eggplant Parmigiana.
Best Mediterranean Catering
1. Pitas & Sticks (321 9th St., Brooklyn)
Start with Tzatziki and Grape Leaves then finish with Spanakopita and Stuffed Kebabs (beef or lamb) from this top-quality Greek restaurant in Park Slope.
2. Wrap & Roll Grill (1530 3rd Ave., New York)
Order lunch in an instant with this Upper East Side caterer’s piled high Assorted Wraps platter. Try the Greek Salad or the Verona made with grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, and fresh mozzarella.
3. The Hummus & Pita Co (585 Ave. of the Americas, New York)
The tasty and generous appetizer platters, filled with Israeli Cous Cous, Moroccan Beans, Turkish Salad, and more, exhibit influences from across the Mediterranean.
Best Breakfast Catering
1. La Joie Catering (470 7th Ave., New York)
Go traditional with the scrambled eggs and breakfast potatoes included in the All-American Breakfast Package. Or go for something lighter like the Organic Yogurt Bar with granola and seasonal berries.
2. Pick A Bagel (1101 Lexington Ave., New York)
Cover your bases at the next morning meeting with the all-inclusive Executive Breakfast. Hand-rolled bagels and assorted muffins come with cream cheese, tomatoes, whipped butter, fruit preserves, and a fruit bowl.
3. Caffe Bene (80-27 37th Ave., Queens)
Warm up on a cold morning with Caffe Bene’s Scrumptious Hot Breakfast Bar packed with scrambled eggs, as well as your choice of pancakes, waffles, or French toast, and smoked ham or bacon.
The Best of ezCater Awards recognize top performing ezCater catering partners in 25 cities across the US. Selection criteria include catering performance over the past 12 months, customer reviews and ratings, and adherence to ezCater editorial guidelines. All winners must have a location in the 25 designated metro areas.
Give your New York team a taste of something authentic at your next meeting.