The country’s capital is known for a lot of things. Politics and history are at the top of that list. But as the Washington Post points out, D.C.’s food scene is better than ever. The city is multicultural and cosmopolitan. Accordingly, you’ll find catering in Washington, D.C. is just as diverse. From quality sushi to farm-to-table fare, D.C. caterers are offering more options for eaters than ever before. Here’s a look at the best of the best in the area.
1. Blue Zucchini Catering (Reston, VA)
Blue Zucchini offers an international array of dishes for catering in Washington, D.C. But those in the know zero in on the Greek offerings. The caterer serves up some of the flakiest baklava and juiciest shawarma of any spot in D.C. The Make Your Own Gyro Bar is a versatile lunch option, especially for those dairy-free eaters.
2. Tropical Smoothie Cafe Catering Services (Washington, D.C.)
Tropical Smoothie Cafe Catering Services began as a healthy café, serving up tasty blended drinks. Smoothies like the Island Green have five full servings of fruits and veggies. But these days, this Washington, D.C. caterer is a destination for all things nutritious. The wholesome Thai Chicken Salad is a particular favorite, and you can’t go wrong with the flavorful Chipotle Turkey Wrap.
3. Moxie’s Catering (Washington, D.C.)
If you’re looking for catering in Washington, D.C. that’ll please any crowd, Moxie’s Catering is a great choice. This is a place where you can find a super flavorful kale salad alongside freshly baked stuffed bagel bites. But definitely leave room for dessert. One of their most famous offerings is the cookie sandwich. They can be mixed and matched with various ice creams, fun toppings, and shards of chocolate.
4. Baja Fresh Mexican Grill (Germantown, MD)
Mexican food is one of the most craveable cuisines out there. But if you think it’s unhealthy, think again. The menu at Baja Fresh is case and point with their salads and farm-fresh meats. You’ll love the Taco Party Pack. It’s a build-your-own bar with chicken or steak tacos. Baja-style comes with salsa, onions, and cilantro. American-style comes with salsa, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. Add on sides of pinto beans, rice, and salad with chipotle ranch dressing, and you have a full meal.
5. Old Town Deli (Alexandria, VA)
Locals head to Old Town Deli for expertly crafted sandwiches that don’t skimp on the meat. The Italian Hoagie is made with salami, ham, and bologna. And the Old Town Club Sandwich comes stacked with turkey, ham, bacon, and cheese. If you’re more sandwich-averse, the D.C. caterer serves excellent hot entrees. The eggplant parmesan is a longtime favorite.
6. HoneyBaked Ham (Silver Spring, MD)
HoneyBaked Ham is another lunchtime favorite. They’ve been making classic sandwiches since 1957 with their signature honey-baked meats. Of course, you can’t resist the namesake dish. The ham is smoked for 24 hours and then sliced to order. Order the Ham Classic croissant sandwich and it comes with swiss and hickory honey mustard. Catering in Washington, D.C. doesn’t get much better than this.
7. Key Ingredients Catering (Gaithersburg, MD)
Key Ingredients is there for you no matter what kind of event you’re having catered. For meetings or big groups, the Pasta Festival is very popular. It comes with different pastas, from penne arrabiata to gnocchi, in a pesto cream sauce. Other options include the Crab Sliders with tartare sauce, or Key’s Meatballs, which can be made with chicken, beef, or lamb. For dessert, try catering a selection of miniature handmade French pastries.
8. Modern Market (Washington, D.C.)
The motto at Modern Market is “healthy, fast, fresh.” But this Washington, D.C. caterer is also a great value. Popular options are the hearty Eggplant & Goat Cheese Sandwich and the Thai Coconut Salad. For breakfast, the Chipotle Egg Sandwich is always a favorite. Everything on the menu is made with local, whole ingredients, so you can’t go wrong no matter what you choose.
9. Diplomatic Catering (Gaithersburg, MD)
Veteran chef, Roy Hamilton, opened Diplomatic Catering to serve high-end entrees that balance indulgence with health. You won’t be able to resist their salmon glazed with honey or the Avocado & Blueberry Salad. And when you’re in the D.C. area, you know you have to try crabs. So don’t forget to add Crab Meat-Stuffed Mushrooms to your catering menu.
10. Kaz Sushi Bistro (Washington, D.C.)
Fresh fish and authentic Japanese are the tenets of Kaz Sushi Bistro. The boxed lunches are a welcome respite from the usual sandwich and chips. Entrees like vegetable tempura or chicken teriyaki are accompanied by rice and salad. This Washington D.C. caterer is also especially friendly to vegetarians, with sushi rolls that come with shiitake mushroom or asparagus and red bell pepper.
Find something you’re craving in D.C.?