To an outsider, St. Louis inspires images of, above all, the Gateway Arch, but also barbecue and cracker-thin pizza. And while a history of massive Italian immigration has left an indelible mark on this Midwest City, a vibrant Bosnian restaurant scene is also on the rise. With a focus on top-quality and local ingredients, as well as excellent eats in general, St. Louis has a lot to brag about when it comes to restaurants, as does the catering scene. So here’s a list of the best St. Louis caterers to ease the hassle of placing your next catering order.
Best in St. Louis
1. Bellacino’s Pizza & Grinders (4260 Hampton Ave., St. Louis)
Since 1998, the owners of this local pizza and sandwich shop have been using their generations-old bread recipe to make their famous grinders. The Grinder Party Box includes inventive versions like the Taco and the Reuben.
2. J. Smugs GastroPit (4916 Shaw Ave., St. Louis)
While this restaurant is known for barbecue staples like Pulled Pork and Brisket, you shouldn’t overlook the Mac & Cheese and the crisp Hill Salad with Kalamata olives, artichokes, red onions, pepperoncini, and Parmesan.
3. Companion (9781 Clayton Rd., St. Louis)
Using their freshly baked bread like baguettes pulled from a stone oven, this caterer offers an array of unique sandwiches like the savory Fiesta Chicken (roasted chicken breast, habanero jack cheese) and the Green w/ Envy (tomatoes, mozzarella and spinach-walnut pesto).
Best for Large Meetings
1. Jersey Mike’s Subs (12113 Manchester Rd., Des Peres)
Subs by the box, filled with choices like Original Italian and Turkey & Provolone, will give you an authentic taste of the East Coast. An order of the brownies makes a sweet finish.
2. Which Wich (6662 Delmar Blvd., University City)
Quickly and easily feed a crowd with the Deluxe Easy Meal package that includes your choice of sandwiches, salad, deli pasta salad, chips, dessert, and drinks.
3. St. Louis Kolache (1300 N Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis)
This St. Louis bakery pulls their namesake traditional Czech pastries, available in flavors ranging from savory Chicken Bacon Ranch to sweet Cherry Cream Cheese, fresh from the oven every morning.
Best for Small Meetings
1. St. Louis Rotisserie & Catering (12414 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur)
For a smaller gathering, sample the juicy Rotisserie Chicken cooked over a wood fire and served with roasted garlic potatoes, garden salad, and fruit salad.
2. Granite City Food & Brewery (11411 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur)
With sandwich and wrap choices like Prime Rib, Roasted Turkey, Turkey Bacon, and Buffalo Chicken, the selection is more elevated than your everyday box lunches.
3. Crushed Red (1684 Clarkson Rd., Chesterfield)
Customers rave about the trays of folded flatbreads available with fillers like turkey with cheddar and ranch or Sriracha chicken with caramelized onions and Gorgonzola.
Best for High Stakes Meetings
1. Vcucina from “The Hill” (5130 Wilson Ave., St. Louis)
Chef Vcucina is always a hit with his unexpected Italian offerings like crispy Chicken Spiedini, Grilled Chicken w/ Puttanesca Sauce, and pasta with Pink Basil Cream Sauce.
2. Which Wich (1762 Clarkson Rd., Chesterfield)
Whether you’re ordering a crisp Cobb salad or a tray of signature “wiches” like spicy Buffalo Chicken and Italian Grinder, you can rely on this Dallas-based chain to deliver on time.
3. Salt + Smoke (6525 Delmar Blvd., University City)
At this barbecue joint, ribs, brisket, and pork are smoked over post oak for over 16 hours, and the result is incredibly succulent meat. Go for the 3-Meat Package so you can try them all.
Best for Last Minute Orders
1. Which Wich (11935 Manchester Rd., Des Peres)
When you’re tasked with placing an order at the last minute, order an entire tray of Traditional or Signature sandwiches with just one click.
2. Potbelly Sandwich Shop (11615 Olive Blvd., St. Louis)
If you’re pressed for time, just take a deep breath and order the Full Belly Package with Tuna Salad, Smoked Ham, and Italian sandwiches, as well as assorted chips and the famous Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies.
3. HoneyBaked Ham (15367 Manchester Rd., Ballwin)
Since 1957, this nationwide chain has been coming to the rescue with Sandwich Builder Buffets complete with ham & turkey breast, Swiss & cheddar cheeses, lettuce, tomatoes, and assorted bread.
Best Mexican Catering
1. Chevys Fresh Mex (9119 Olive Blvd., Olivette)
This nationwide restaurant specializes in Mexican food with a California twist like fajitas and the Southwest Cobb Salad with grilled chicken, bacon, avocado, shredded cheese, and roasted peppers.
2. Moe’s Southwest Grill (10429 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur)
Customer favorites include the Fajita and Taco Bars with all the fixings and your choice of fillings like ground beef, pulled pork, chicken, steak, and even tofu.
3. Fuzzy’s Taco Shop (8073 Watson Rd., St. Louis)
While the taco and fajita bars take center stage, you’d be remiss not to also order the Chips & Queso from this Texas-based chain. Cinnamon dusted Churros make a sweet finish.
Best Sandwich Catering
1. Companion (9781 Clayton Rd., St. Louis)
Whether you order a tray or individual “sack” lunches, the freshly-baked bread is the secret behind this bakery’s incredible sandwiches. Favorites include Chuck’s #39 with curried chicken salad on Parisian bread and the Lone Ranger with roast beef and cheddar on a rustic loaf.
2. Filomena’s Italian Kitchen (9900 Manchester Rd., Kirkwood)
Guests are guaranteed to clamor over Filomena’s Special Sandwich with roast beef, Genoa salami, ham, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and dressing available as part of Filomena’s Sandwich Party Tray.
3. HoneyBaked Ham (26 Lincoln Hwy., Fairview Heights)
One bite of this chain’s famous ham, stuffed into a croissant, will elicit nostalgic holiday memories. The Signature Sandwich Lunch Box also comes with chips and a cookie.
Best Italian Catering
1. Bellacino’s Pizza & Grinders (4260 Hampton Ave., St. Louis)
Besides the outstanding grinders, don’t overlook the homey Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, Cheese Ravioli, and pizza with freshly made dough and sauce from this popular local restaurant.
2. Candicci’s Restaurant (100 Holloway Rd., Ballwin)
Operating in the Ballwin area for more than 35 years, you can’t go wrong with one of the pasta packages with choices like Baked Mostaccioli w/ Meat Sauce, Cannelloni, and Pasta Pizzaiola. A tray of Mini Cannolis for dessert will make everyone smile.
3. Adamos Italian Restaurant (3264 Rider Trl. S, Earth City)
Start with the Toasted Ravioli appetizer and then choose an entrée (hearty options include Roast Beef and Baked Chicken), pasta (like tortellini or spaghetti), and salad from the Build-Your-Own menu.
Best Mediterranean Catering
1. Nadoz Cafe and Catering (12 The Blvd., Richmond Heights)
For a new take on Mediterranean cuisine, try the Turkey, Spinach, and Feta Meatballs with cranberry relish or grilled Mediterranean NY Strip Steak Kabobs.
2. Taste of Lebanon (331 N Euclid Ave., St. Louis)
Mix things up with a round of Saujok Sandwiches bursting with different fillings like house-made spicy Lebanese sausage (ground beef and lamb), hummus, garlic, and tahini sauce, all served in a pillowy pita bread.
3. Troy Mediterranean Cuisine (19 Stonegate Shopping Ctr., Valley Park)
In addition to the standard gyros and falafel, this Valley Park caterer stands out with Somsa pastries filled with meat, spinach & cheese, or squash and grilled Khachapuri filled with mashed potatoes and cheese.
Best Breakfast Catering
1. Sunny Street Cafe (2480 Taylor Rd., Wildwood)
Whether your team is looking for something light like the Berry Yogurt Bowl or heartier Breakfast Burrito Tray, this local café can deliver what you need to wake them up in the morning.
2. Deer Creek Coffee (9820 Clayton Rd., St. Louis)
This local business offers so much more than excellent coffee and delivers the breakfast platters piled with an assortment of egg sandwiches (Bacon and Turkey Sausage, to name a few), pastries, or bagels.
3. St. Louis Kolache (14786 Manchester Rd., Ballwin)
You won’t have to choose between sweet and savory for breakfast with a spread of these homemade Czech pastries in flavors like Smoked Salmon, St. Louis Pizza, Apple Pie, and even Gooey Butter Cake.
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.
Treat your team to some great St. Louis catering.