While San Diegans love a good fish taco or plate of surf and turf, these beachy favorites aren’t the only reason California’s birthplace is ranked one of America’s best foodie cities. With thousands of eateries serving everything from fried chicken sandwiches in Little Italy to East African oxtail in North Park, the dining options in San Diego are plenty. 

Whether you’re treating your staff to lunch or planning a catered surprise retirement party, there are lots of San Diego restaurants to choose from. Here are some of the city’s top caterers offering versatile, delicious menu items to satisfy everyone in the office.

1. Tahini 

With humble beginnings as a food cart on the side of a gas station, Tahini has evolved into one of the most popular Middle Eastern eateries in Pacific Beach. Serving up street food favorites like falafel and chicken shawarma, Tahini has all the right ingredients for an authentic Middle East celebration. 

If you’re serving a large party, Tahini offers a wide array of catering packages suitable for both vegetarians and meat lovers. The chicken and steak shawarma packages come with basmati rice, Mediterranean salad, hummus, pita, and an abundance of sauces. For the vegetarians in your group, the falafel (chickpea fritters) tray includes all of the above minus the meat. 

Notable: Cucumber-yogurt dip tray and house-made pita chips

2. El Pollo Grill

If a hearty meal is on the menu for an upcoming meeting or staff appreciation lunch, check out El Pollo Grill. With several locations throughout San Diego County, the Grill has been serving happy customers since 1987. 

In true San Diego style, shrimp and fish tacos are one of El Pollo Grill’s most-ordered items. Taco bars are ideal for large groups, and each bar includes beans, rice, tortillas, chips, guacamole, tartar sauce, and lemons, along with dessert and assorted beverages. 

Notable: Grilled salmon with white rice, salad, and dinner rolls

3. The Crack Shack

Known for fresh, local fare and out-of-this-world chicken sandwiches, the Crack Shack is a great option if you’re looking to serve something quick and convenient. 

The Basic Chick Sandwich boxed lunch is the Shack’s most-ordered item, and each box includes a chicken sandwich, a choice of side and sauce, and ketchup. Chicken sandwich options include fried Jidori and grilled Jidori, and you can choose from a wide range of savory sauces like spicy Baja hot sauce and sriracha Thousand Island.

Notable: Spicy Firebird sandwich 

4. Koon Thai Kitchen

If your staff is in the mood for Thai food, you can’t go wrong with Koon Thai Kitchen. In business since 2010, this lively San Diego gem has a reputation for exceptional service, traditional flavors, and over-the-top curry. As one satisfied Yelper says, “Every curry is worth trying.” 

The Kitchen streamlines the catering process with A, B, and C sets. All sets include a choice of appetizer, meat, and veggies. Along with the standard staples, set A comes with three entrees, set B comes with four entrees, and set C includes five entrees. 

Notable: Crab fried rice

5. Flavors of East Africa

Flavors of East Africa definitely knows a thing or two about flavor, and its versatile menu doesn’t disappoint. Sambusas are one of the restaurant’s most popular items, and these fried pastries are packed to the brim with flavorful fillings such as spicy beef, lentils, and shrimp. The Game Day sambusa package serves up to 10 guests, and each tray includes 30 assorted sambusas. 

Notable: Coconut, cream cheese and pineapple sambusas

6. 101 Bagels and Subs

Looking to treat the office to an easy grab-n-go breakfast or lunch? 101 Bagels and Subs is a local favorite with bagels for every occasion. Yelpers love the service and the food, especially the turkey, bacon, and avocado bagel sandwich.

101’s menu includes bagel sandwiches with egg, cheese, and your choice of meat, along with lunch-style bagel sandwiches filled with honey ham, tuna salad, roast beef, and more. The restaurant also serves vegetarian sandwiches and boxed coffee for up to 10. 

Notable: Honey ham bagel sandwich with mustard, mayo, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and sprouts

7. SugarBears Sweet Provisions

Cupcakes, cookies, signature “bearownies,” and all things sweet make up SugarBears Sweet Provisions. With the adorable slogan, “Tastes like a bear hug,” SugarBears has everything you need to perk up an afternoon meeting or thank your staff with a bit of sugar.

Sweet-tooth-friendly options include classic cupcakes in flavors like cheesecake and salted caramel, mini assorted cupcakes by the dozen, “bearhug” cake pops, and classic chocolate chip cookies. The bake shop also offers vegan and gluten-free options, and  the “porridge” cookie dough push pop is a definite must-try. 

Notable: 7-layer “Magic Bars” with chocolate chips, butterscotch, coconut, and pecans

8. Prince Street Pizza

If you’re planning an office pizza party, Prince Street Pizza checks all the boxes. With vegan, gluten-free, and meat-lover options, Prince Street has something for everyone. Choose from fun, unique flavors like spicy vodka and “The Boozey Broome” with prosciutto and mozzarella, and balance out the meal with a Caesar or fresh chopped salad. For dessert, the Italian rainbow cake is sure to leave a lasting impression. 

Notable: The Green Machine Pizza with homemade pesto sauce

Order catering from the best restaurants in San Diego with ezCater

From buffet-style service for large office parties to handheld bagels for Friday thank-you breakfasts, the best San Diego caterers are happy to assist with your upcoming event. Ready to place your order? Let ezCater streamline the process with online menus, fillable order forms, and a database of over 100,000 restaurants.