delicious food. flawless events.
from a team of friendly experts.

AT ESSENTIAL CATERING AND EVENTS...

We understand the ins and outs of delicious food and flawlessly run events. No matter your occasion, venue choice, menu style or dietary requirements, our friendly team of experts have the hands on experience and knowledge to build you the perfect food experience.

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‘food was outstanding and plenty of it’
Chez M
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‘everyone was raving about the delicious food’
Sarah Hardie
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‘we didn’t lift a finger’
Alan Manton
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‘best finger food catering in Melbourne’
Chloe Ynez

Melbourne catering for all events

nothing brings people together like good food

Share a meal, a drink, a laugh and let the good times roll. We’ve spent years refining our menu and building our event catering experience — let us take care of your every need.

menus to please your taste buds at a price to please your accountant

We know event catering inside and out, so contact us if you’re not sure what to choose.

Two Essential Catering workers at an event

about us

at essential catering and events

We understand the ins and outs of delicious food and flawlessly run events.

No matter your occasion, venue choice, menu style or dietary requirements, our friendly team of experts have the hands on experience and knowledge to build you the perfect food experience.

it’s easy to book your catering

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1. chat

We’ll ask plenty of questions about your event, so we can suggest options to suit your wishes and budget.

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2. create

Your menu options include finger food, buffet dining, share platters or sit-down dining packages.

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3. relax

Our dedicated events planning team will take care of everything on the day, so you can enjoy your special occasion.

Frequently asked questions

Do you do private & party catering?
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Yes, in addition to wedding catering, corporate catering, office catering and event catering, Essential Catering and Events absolutely loves to do private catering and party catering. We offer the very best exquisite gourmet cuisine catering options, for your own private dinner in the privacy of your own home for groups as little as 10. If it’s party catering, you are looking for we do everything for you! We are here to help plan your ideal menu and can, if required, provide full event planning to help produce an experience, you and your guests will long remember.

What related services do you provide?
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The Essential Caterer also provides Beverage packages to compliment the catering of your event. Need hire equipment? We work closely with many suppliers and can arrange what you need to complete your planning.

Are you still able to cater for an event if there are no kitchen facilities available?
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We have mobile kitchens which allow us to cater in many different spaces. We will go over the logistics of your event including bringing in equipment when we discuss he event details with you.

Can I customise my menu?
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We will work with you to design a menu and style that suits your event best. Call to discuss what you have in mind. This could be based on theming, service style or cuisine.

Do you cater for dietary needs?
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Yes we do. We will do our best to provide a similar item, but sometimes we may need to substitute the item depending on what the dietary need is. In the case of drop off catering we will package separately and label.

Do you offer menu tasting?
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Once you have received our quotation, we will offer you a complimentary private tastings for two.  Please call our sales team on 9761 4188 to schedule a time. Consultations and tastings are held at our office.

Let’s Chat

We love to talk food, and can help devise your perfect event menu.

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An Essential Catering employee serving drinks

our team of expert Melbourne caterers

Sean

our founder, is a highly experienced hospitality professional with decades of experience in Melbourne’s food scene. He has a passion for fresh, top quality food.

Katrina

events and sales manager, is our in-house event specialist, giving advice on the best menu options, drinks choices and catering packages to impress your guests.

Huw

our head chef, has nearly 30 years of experience in the UK, Israel and the USA. A career highlight was catering for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi 2016.

‘We care about what we do and we don’t cut corners on service and food quality.’
Sean Robertson
Founder, Essential Catering & Events

from corporate to rustic, from city to country, we work with leading Melbourne venues

wedding venues

We work with bespoke Melbourne venues, country retreats and Yarra Valley wineries to cater for all your wedding food needs.  

function venues

Catering at function venues is made easy with our team of friendly staff and our extensive menu options.

Melbourne venues

From Yarraville to the Yarra Valley, from the Mornington Peninsula to Malvern, and from the city to the suburbs, we work with Melbourne’s leading event venues.

Yarra Valley venues

The rustic Yarra Valley with beautiful wineries and scenic views is the ideal location for your wedding, celebration or corporate event.

don’t lift a finger — get catering delivered to you

Do you need a Melbourne caterer to provide finger food, morning or afternoon tea, or lunch options for your next company event or board meeting? Impress your guests with mouth-wateringly fresh, healthy and filling salad boxes, gourmet baguettes or freshly baked sweet treats.

we’ve learned a thing or two about catering events, Check out our resources for ideas.

A Guide to Cocktail Party Catering
A Guide to Cocktail Party Catering: We often speak to event planners that are wanting to have a more informal cocktail party / stand up, finger-food type format for their event but they are worried about ordering the right quantities of food to ensure their guests are satisfied.
How to create a wedding reception running schedule
How to create a wedding reception running schedule. This month, we provide our expert tips on how to create a wedding reception running schedule that will ensure you get to spend as much time possible celebrating with your nearest and dearest.
Guide to Ordering Drop Off Catering
Guide to Ordering Drop Off Catering: We often work with exceptionally busy people that have been asked to order corporate catering for a last-minute boardroom meeting or office party
Guide to Ordering Drop Off Catering
Guide to Ordering Drop Off Catering: We often work with exceptionally busy people that have been asked to order corporate catering for a last-minute boardroom meeting or office party
Christmas Catering
Christmas is getting close! All good event planners think well ahead and now is the perfect time to finalise your Christmas Catering for your end of year celebrations.
Guide to Beverage Catering & Alcohol Quantities
How much booze should I order for my event: Whether you are hosting an event at home, your office or favourite venue – knowing the right amount of beverage quantities to order for your thirsty guests can be confusing.
EOFY Catering Package
Essential Catering & Events has done the work for you and put together a fantastic 2 hour Food & Beverage Package for your team to celebrate the end financial year for the 21-22 period. We have all been through enough recently here in Victoria why not celebrate with your team!
A Guide to Cocktail Party Catering
A Guide to Cocktail Party Catering: We often speak to event planners that are wanting to have a more informal cocktail party / stand up, finger-food type format for their event but they are worried about ordering the right quantities of food to ensure their guests are satisfied.
How to create a wedding reception running schedule
How to create a wedding reception running schedule. This month, we provide our expert tips on how to create a wedding reception running schedule that will ensure you get to spend as much time possible celebrating with your nearest and dearest.
Guide to Ordering Drop Off Catering
Guide to Ordering Drop Off Catering: We often work with exceptionally busy people that have been asked to order corporate catering for a last-minute boardroom meeting or office party
Christmas Catering
Christmas is getting close! All good event planners think well ahead and now is the perfect time to finalise your Christmas Catering for your end of year celebrations.
Guide to Beverage Catering & Alcohol Quantities
How much booze should I order for my event: Whether you are hosting an event at home, your office or favourite venue – knowing the right amount of beverage quantities to order for your thirsty guests can be confusing.

what our customers say...

"Amazing food!"

Amazing food! The waiters are so accommodating and were very nice to all my guests. My guests said they were so happy with the quality of food and the waiters who served them. A stand out was Caroline on my wedding day. She was so lovely and attentive! Would definitely have any event catered by them in the future

Vidi Pudman
Melbourne
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"The staff were fantastic and everything went perfectly."

Organised a morning tea for a dozen people at work with very little notice. The service was delightful & the whole experience very simple and no fuss. The food was delicious - super fresh & tasty. A great variety of yummy sandwiches and lovely pies & cakes! Will definitely use Essential Catering again should the need arise! Thanks to all concerned. Very happy customer!

Sheryn Bellsham
Melbourne
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