The Tampa Bay region might be known for some of the country’s best beaches, but the area’s restaurant scene is one of its best-kept secrets. Here you can find century-old institutions mixed with trendy restaurants, cutting-edge chefs, and everything in between. So when it comes to catering, use this list of the best caterers in Tampa to efficiently place your next catering order.
Best in Tampa
1. Angelos Deli Catering (310 E Waters Ave., Tampa)
Customers consistently rave about the Vegetable Lasagna, Chicken Alfredo Pasta, and Spaghetti & Meatballs from this local favorite. But if it’s breakfast you’re ordering, try the popular Deluxe Package with your choice of pancakes or French toast, eggs, bacon, sausage, and home fries.
2. Green Market Cafe (2570 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater)
The Greek Rice Bowl (with your choice of protein and a drizzle of tzatziki) and Almond Chicken Salad (topped with pears, strawberries, and Gorgonzola), make this regional chain your go-to for healthy dishes that are acceptable for your vegetarian and gluten-free guests.
3. Newk’s Eatery (2613 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater)
Since 2004, this nationwide chain has been pleasing customers with creamy pimento cheese sandwiches and Newk’s Favorite Salad topped with chicken, Gorgonzola cheese, dried cranberries, grapes, artichokes, pecans, and croutons.
Best for Large Meetings
1. PDQ (2207 S Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa)
While this Tampa-based chain may be known for its platters of signature, scratch-made chicken tenders, their salads and rice bowls (try the Grilled Cali Bowl with black beans, chili lime corn, and avocado) are also designed to feed a crowd.
2. La Segunda Bakery (4015 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa)
When feeding a group, you can’t go wrong with a tray of mojo-marinated pork Cuban or Muffaletta Sandwiches from this local institution that has been in business for more than 100 years.
3. Corner Bakery Cafe (2326 W Brandon Blvd., Brandon)
With items like the Asian Wonton Salad, Pesto Cavatappi Pasta, and turkey avocado sandwiches served on artisan bread, you can’t go wrong with any order from this chain. The Lunch Box w/ Chips includes a sandwich, chips, fruit, and a cookie.
Best for Small Meetings
1. Famous Greek Salads & Sandwiches (2508 N McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater)
The chicken is grilled to perfection, and spanakopita and dolmades on the Greek Sampler Platter will always satisfy when you order from this Clearwater caterer.
2. Truly Mediterranean Grill (887 E Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon)
One bite of the hummus, baba ghanoush, or other starters on the Mezze Appetizer, and you’ll feel transported to the sunny Mediterranean coastline.
3. Peck’s Flame-Broiled Chicken (8203 US-301, Riverview)
You can bet there won’t be any leftovers when you order the tender chicken and sweet, finger-licking ribs on the 2 Piece Chicken & Ribs w/ 2 Sides platter from this hidden gem.
Best for High Stakes Meetings
1. Datz (2616 S MacDill Ave., Tampa)
Owners Roger and Suzanne Perry specialize in comfort food with a flair like the Thai One On Salad with peanut dressing and Shrimp & Grits drizzled in fragrant Indian Makhani sauce.
2. Chick-fil-A (519 Brandon Town Center Mall, Brandon)
You can rely on the tasty lunches from this beloved chain like the Chicken Sandwich Packaged Meal which includes chips and a cookie. Round it out with the Superfood Side Tray (kale salad with dried cherries).
3. The Corner Cafe & Deli (100 S Ashley Dr., Tampa)
With items like chicken Cordon Bleu and Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers, this family-operated cafe makes a point to deliver on time and with an impressive presentation.
Best for Last Minute Orders
1. Macaroni Grill (14904 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa)
With more than 30 years of experience, this Italian chain has your back with crowd-pleasers like Spicy Ricotta Meatballs, Fettuccine Alfredo, and Chicken Parmesan.
2. Byblos (2832 S MacDill Ave., Tampa)
Don’t panic— instead, place an order for some authentic Lebanese cuisine like spit-roasted Chicken Shawarma and spiced Kafta Kabob from this South Tampa restaurant.
3. Jet’s Pizza (14624 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa)
Even under a time crunch, this chain makes all their own dough and fresh sauce to use in their deep-dish and thin-crust pizza pies. The popular All Meaty Pizza is packed with pepperoni, ham, bacon, Italian sausage, and hamburger.
Best Mexican Catering
1. Surf Shack Coastal Kitchen (12217 W Linebaugh Ave., Westchase)
Feast on the Gourmet Taco Bar with a tropical twist thanks to the addition of jerk chicken or surf ‘n turf (steak & grilled shrimp with chipotle pesto).
2. Chronic Tacos (10420 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa)
For a Southern California take on Mexican cuisine, try the World’s Greatest Taco Bar Deluxe (or nacho bar) from this nationwide chain. It’s packed with two meats and fixings like pico de gallo, salsa verde, and salsa roja. Try as a buffet or individually packaged per person.
3. Zim Zari (3230 Little Rd., Trinity)
This Trinity restaurant strives to reinvent the taco with premium fillings like filet mignon and volcano shrimp on the Beach Party Package. The cinnamon dusted Churros make a sweet finish.
Best Sandwich Catering
1. Green Market Cafe (2570 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater)
Choose from Cuban Sliders, Impossible Sliders (savory meatless burgers), and assorted wraps when you order from this Clearwater caterer.
2. Newk’s Eatery (2613 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater)
With sandwiches like grilled chicken, Newk’s Club with Swiss and aged cheddar, and The Farmer’s Market stuffed with roasted peppers, this favorite chain offers a lot of variety to make everyone happy.
3. Peck’s Flame-Broiled Chicken (10685 Big Bend Rd., Riverview)
You might be surprised to find this chicken-centric caterer also does excellent Vegan Veggie Pita Sandwiches and BBQ Ribs along with the beloved Chicken Caesar Pita Sandwich.
Best Italian Catering
1. Carrabba’s Italian Grill (1951 4th St. N, Saint Petersburg)
At this Tampa-based chain, start with an order of their one-of-a-kind Penne Carrabba with wood-grilled chicken, mushrooms, peas, and Alfredo sauce.
2. Pomodoro (27607 FL-56, Wesley Chapel)
Owner Rosario Lubrano hails from Naples, so you know the pizza, Baked Ziti, and Chicken Marsala are made with fresh ingredients and authentic recipes.
3. Macaroni Grill (2302 Tyrone Bldg. N, Saint Petersburg)
Boxed lunches from this chain will delight your whole team. The breaded chicken in the Chicken Parmesan Panini topped with mozzarella, imported pomodorina sauce and basil is a winner. This location is now closed. Visit a nearby location here.
Best Mediterranean Catering
1. Taza Mediterranean Grill (1076 E Brandon Blvd., Brandon)
The all-inclusive Flame-Broiled Mediterranean Standard Catering Package should do the trick. It comes complete with hummus, chicken shish kabob, falafel, grilled vegetables, pita bread, and more.
2. Little Greek Fresh Grill (2245 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater)
For a change of pace, try the Build-Your-Own-Pita Bar piled high with your choice of chicken, falafel, or gyro meat, vegetables, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki.
3. Falafel N Cafe (24139 US Hwy. 19 N, Clearwater, FL)
The Falafel appetizer and Chicken Shawarma Wrap, both made from scratch, get consistent raves from customers. Don’t forget to order the Baklava for dessert.
Best Breakfast Catering
1. Angelos Deli Catering (310 E Waters Ave., Tampa)
Wake up the group with something different, like a spread of Breakfast Empanadas filled with bacon, ham, sausage, eggs, peppers, onions, and cheese, when you order from this 20-year-old deli.
2. Green Market Cafe (4718 N Grady Ave., Tampa)
Keep the morning meal simple with an order of Breakfast Wraps filled with bacon, egg, and cheese, or mix it up with the Burrito Omelette Bowl or Greek Omelette Bowl.
3. Corporate Caterers (5741 E Fowler Ave., Temple Terrace)
Make your morning meeting better with the generous Corporate Egg Scrambler with your choice of scrambled eggs, bacon, assorted pastries, butter, cream cheese, preserves, fruit salad, and orange juice.
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.
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