How much does catering cost per person in Ottawa?
It depends heavily on service style. Based on published 2026 Ottawa- and Ontario-market pricing, drop-off and boxed lunches run roughly $15–$35 per person, buffets $25–$60, plated dinners $50–$120+, and full wedding catering $60–$150+. Remember that a per-head figure is not the final bill: Ontario adds 13% HST, and service or staffing charges may apply. Your actual price is the written, itemized quote we provide after understanding your event.
Why is my final catering bill higher than the per-person price?
Ontario contracts add 13% HST on food, beverage, and usually the service charge itself, and many events carry a service or staffing fee on top. Published Ottawa wedding guidance shows a quoted per-person number can rise substantially once these are applied. We prevent surprises by itemizing food, staffing, rentals, delivery, and HST in the written quote from the start.
Do I need a permit to serve alcohol at my Ottawa event?
Usually, yes. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario requires a Special Occasion Permit any time liquor is sold or served outside a licensed establishment or a private residence — so rented halls, tents, parks, and community venues typically need one. A private residence serving invited guests generally does not. AGCO guidance lists private-event fees around $50 per day (no-sale) and $150 per day (sale); confirm current fees before applying. We help you identify and navigate the right permit path early.
Is your food prepared in an inspected commercial kitchen?
Yes. Food catered for the public in Ontario must be prepared in an inspected food premises under Regulation 493/17 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act — not a home kitchen. Our food is prepared in a commercial kitchen that meets these standards, with certified food-handler supervision, and finished on site as needed.
How far in advance should I book catering in Ottawa?
As early as you can, especially for weddings. Ottawa's warm-season event calendar is compressed, and peak Saturdays book far in advance. Corporate and smaller events need less lead time, but earlier booking gives you the best choice of dates and menus. Choosing a Friday, Sunday, or off-peak season can also reduce costs.
What areas around Ottawa do you cater?
We cater across the City of Ottawa and the National Capital Region — downtown, Centretown, the Glebe, Westboro, Hintonburg, Rockcliffe Park, and Sandy Hill; suburban Kanata, Stittsville, Nepean, Barrhaven, Riverside South, and Orléans; rural Manotick, Richmond, Carp, Greely, Osgoode, and Metcalfe; and the Gatineau side including Aylmer and Hull. Ask us about your specific venue.
Can you accommodate vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free guests?
Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, halal-prepared, gluten-sensitive, and allergy-aware options are a normal part of planning for Ottawa's diverse guest lists. We confirm every accommodation in writing on your final menu and plan preparation to avoid cross-contact where allergies are involved.
What is the difference between buffet and plated catering — and which costs more?
Plated service costs more per person because it needs more staff — roughly one server per twenty guests — and precise kitchen timing. Buffets need fewer servers but more food volume, and can be a more budget-efficient way to feed a crowd well. We help you choose based on your event's formality, budget, and flow.
Do you offer drop-off catering, or only full service?
Both. Drop-off catering — we deliver, set up, and leave with no service staff — is priced well below full service and is ideal for office lunches, meetings, and casual gatherings. Full service adds staffing, on-site replenishment, and cleanup for weddings and formal events. Your quote reflects whichever model fits.
How does the guaranteed headcount work?
Caterers cook and staff to a guaranteed number confirmed a set number of days before the event. Industry practice is to bill the guaranteed minimum regardless of no-shows, with late additions accommodated where possible. We give you a clear guarantee timeline and help you set a realistic number so you are not paying for empty seats.
Can you cater an outdoor or tented event in the Ottawa summer?
Yes, with proper planning. Ottawa summers are hot and humid, so outdoor and tented events require deliberate hot- and cold-holding under Ontario Regulation 493/17. We plan thermal transport, on-site chafing and cold-holding, and service timing so food stays safe and fresh — backyard receptions in Manotick or Greely included.
Do you provide tables, linens, and tableware?
We coordinate rentals — linens, tableware, glassware, chafing equipment, and tenting — as part of your event plan, itemized in your quote at cost. For drop-off orders, food arrives in appropriate serving and packaging; full-service events include the setup your service style requires.
Is there a difference in cost between an Ottawa and a Gatineau event?
Yes — the tax and permitting regimes differ across the river. Ottawa-side events carry Ontario's 13% HST and AGCO permitting; Gatineau-side events fall under Quebec's combined tax rate and provincial rules. We quote using the correct jurisdiction's numbers so your budget and permitting match the actual event location.
How do I get a quote?
Call (613) 324-9141 or submit the contact form with your date, venue, guest count, and event type. We respond promptly — typically within one business day — with initial menu directions and indicative pricing, then arrange an assessment and written quote. There is no cost and no obligation to get started.
