Locals know there’s so much more to Baltimore than crab cakes. Of course, shellfish lovers have long flocked to Charm City for the famous crustaceans, and local chefs still find every excuse to use Maryland’s famous lump crab meat whenever they can. Yet the Baltimore catering selection is unmatched— you’ll also find unexpected international fare like Afghan and Peruvian, along with more familiar cuisines like Italian and Chinese. And smaller, chef-owned establishments sit alongside the national chains. That’s why Travel + Leisure recently called Baltimore the coolest city on the East Coast, and it’s partly thanks to the city’s fantastic local restaurants and caterers. Check out some of the best catering in Baltimore:
Papa John’s (Woodlawn Dr., Baltimore)
Papa John’s does some of the best catering in Baltimore with nine locations across the area– it’s really the best way to feed a crowd on a budget. Everyone loves their cheese and pepperoni pizzas, but signature pieces like Tuscan Six Cheese or The Works (with pepperoni, Canadian bacon, Italian sausage, onions, green peppers, baby portabella mushrooms, black olives, and mozzarella) often go overlooked. And, naturally, all of them come with the chain’s renowned garlic sauce. Cheesesticks or Chicken Wings with Spicy Buffalo Sauce make for irresistible side dishes.
Blue Hill Tavern (S. Conkling St., Baltimore)
This trendy Brewers Hill restaurant makes it convenient to plan a lunch meeting that absolutely everyone can appreciate. Locals rave about their new American dishes with a twist, like the savory and delicious Mixed Green Salad with Salmon— it’s just one of several boxed lunch choices that just happens to be gluten-free. Or keep it simple with one of the Sandwiches & Wraps Platters that comes with sides like creamy macaroni and cheese, crunch chopped salad, sweet corn hash, and more. There are hot entrees, too. Share a whole Roasted Chicken with herb mustard sauce or even the fresh Grilled Red Snapper served with a bright pineapple salsa.
The Kabul Grill (Market Pl., Baltimore)
For a change of pace, why not sample some Afghan and Mediterranean specialties? This Baltimore caterer is guaranteed to get the conversation going. Start off with their crispy vegetable Samosas stuffed with a mouthwatering mixture of potatoes, peas, cumin, and spices. And then move on to the delectable aushak (scallion ravioli with yogurt sauce and ground beef) or chicken paratha (flatbread filled with chicken and onions). For a smaller get together try the Boxed Lunches that all contain a Tandoori Bread wrapped around a choice of Lamb Kofta, smoky Grilled Chicken, or Falafel. They’ve been perfecting their recipes for over 25 years, so this family-run Baltimore caterer is bound to please.
Au Bon Pain (South St., Baltimore)
Au Bon Pain is not only a popular chain for breakfast and lunch, but it also offers some of the best Baltimore catering. Customers love the variety of menu items– wake up with the Deluxe Continental Breakfast that comes with breakfast pastries, a fruit platter, butter, jam, cream cheese, coffee, and even orange juice. For a heartier morning meal, cater a tray of Farm-to-Table Breakfast Sandwiches served on bagels or ciabatta, and mix it up with some lighter choices like a Fresh Fruit Platter and Cranberry Crunch & Honey Yogurt Parfaits. They also assemble top-notch boxed lunches, sandwich trays, and salads. With so many options, your event is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone.
Sammy’s Trattoria (N. Charles St., Baltimore)
This sleek Italian restaurant in Mt. Vernon is renowned citywide for its old-fashioned, slow-cooked tomato sauces, and it also happens to offer some of the best catering in Baltimore. Customers love the classic Italian dishes like the Wild Mushroom Risotto, Kelly’s Penne alla Vodka, and Chicken Cacciatore. Mediterranean flavors fuse with Baltimore ingredients in their famous Chicken alla Toni & Tina with spinach, lump crab, and Parmesan cream sauce. If you’re trying to keep it simple, the Assorted Panini tray comes with tempting sandwiches like Chicken Olive Pesto, Sausage & Peppers, Chicken Parmesan, and Prosciutto.
Maiwand Grill (W. Baltimore St., Baltimore)
Spice up your next meeting with Middle Eastern and Afghan dishes that can easily feed a crowd, including vegetarians. Kick things off with garlicky hummus, savory meat samosas, or banjan (eggplant with yogurt, tomatoes, and spices). The grilled kabobs, available as lamb kofta, chicken, beef, or vegetables, always arrive sizzling hot and come with tandoori bread, rice, salad, and cilantro yogurt sauce as part of a boxed lunch.
No. 1 Taste (S. Broadway, Baltimore)
Look no further than this Chinese mainstay for generous portions and outstanding value. They create modern interpretations of crowd pleasing dishes like General Tso’s Chicken, Orange Chicken, and Beef with Broccoli. For the noodle lovers, add on some Chicken Lo Mein. Don’t forget the Spring Rolls and Fortune Cookies. Everything always arrives piping hot, making it a standout on the Baltimore catering scene.
Chicken Rico (55 Market Pl, Baltimore)
Bring a taste of Peru to your next event with catering from this Baltimore institution that specializes in slow-cooked chicken, cooked over charcoal using a 50-year-old family recipe. It’s quick and easy to feed a mob with their Catering Packages that include their signature chicken as well as a selection of their famous sauces like the spicy aji verde made with green chilis and herbs or the mellower yellow counterpart. With so many choices for sides like sweet fried plantains, fried rice, pasta salad, and blacks beans, it will be practically impossible to choose. No matter what you decide, save room for dessert, like an order of alfajores (Peruvian caramel cookies) or Tres Leches Cake.
La’bella Events & Cupsey Cakesy (Fairfax Rd., Baltimore)
For something special, you have to try La’bella Events & Cupsey Cakesy. They get raves for their high-quality comfort dishes like Meatloaf, Grilled Salmon, Crab Cakes, and Fried Chicken, but they also whip up one-of-a-kind items like Baked Tilapia with Shrimp Cream Sauce and Smoked Gouda & Ham Stuffed Chicken. This Baltimore caterer takes dessert to another level with freshly-baked cupcakes in unique flavors like Lemon Drop, Blue Velvet, and PB&J, along with cookies stuffed with sea salt caramel, Reese’s Cups, and even apple pie.
La Scala (Eastern Ave., Baltimore)
This Little Italy restaurant is the perfect Baltimore cater if you’re looking for something a little upscale. Chef and owner Nino Germano, a native of Sicily, has one goal: to provide the city with authentic home-style Italian dishes made with the highest quality ingredients. Whet the appetite with an order of bruschetta, sausage-stuffed mushrooms, or artichoke hearts with crab meat, capers, and lemon-butter sauce. Hot entrees like Penne Pomodoro, Shrimp with Spicy Marinara, or Chicken Parmigiana, are always impeccable. And since you’re going full Italian, you need to save room for the Tiramisu or a round of Cannoli.
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