MELBOURNE CATERING THAT TAKES

Center Stage

MELBOURNE CATERING THAT TAKES

Center Stage

MELBOURNE CATERING THAT TAKES

Center Stage

MELBOURNE CATERING THAT TAKES

Center Stage

MELBOURNE CATERING THAT TAKES

Center Stage

For over 16 years, our mouth-watering menus and exceptional attention to detail have set the stage for unforgettable occasions in Melbourne. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, we transform events with culinary creativity and passion, to truly deliver…

Experiences Beyond

Imagination

The

Unforgettable

Awaits

CORPORATE EVENTS

Exceptional events that feel anything but corporate. Whatever the occasion, be it a boardroom lunch or an after-hours soirée, our expert team can create the perfect menu for you.

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Weddings

Bring your love story to life with exquisite flavours, tailored service and a hint of magic to make your special day extraordinary.

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PRIVATE EVENTS

Make your next event unforgettable for all the right reasons with personalised catering that creates a memorable, intimate experience for every guest.

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Our Menus

Buffet

Indulge in a vibrant buffet of global flavours, fresh artisan salads and a decadent dessert spread that delights every sense.

Drop Off Catering

Fresh corporate catering conveniently delivered to your door on disposable recyclable platters, for a no-fuss clean up.

Conference

Our conference packages are all about fresh, delicious food, with options for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea – backed by exceptional service.

Boardroom Lunch

Unique, specialised boardroom catering with your choice of shared platters or individually plated dishes to perfectly suit your lunch – be it formal, casual or anything in between.

Vegan & Vegetarian Finger Food Menu

Explore our thoughtfully crafted menu options featuring a diverse selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes, perfect for any occasion.

Carvery

Choose from our menu selection of succulent roast meats and fresh artisan salads, finished with a decadent dessert buffet.

Beverages

Make every toast a special one with our carefully curated beverage packages.

Grazing

Choose stunning grazing boards expertly arranged by our food stylists, featuring rustic timber boards and boxes, fragrant rosemary pots and charming buffetware.

Street Food

Guests mingle while we serve authentic street food inspired by iconic international dishes from around the globe.

Breakfast

Choose from a range of fresh, vibrant breakfast options, perfect for corporate events, social occasions and everything in between.

Plated Dining

Our plated menu offers a more formal dining experience, with your choice of two unique dishes served alternately to your guests.

Shared Platter

Platters are served to each table, creating an inviting shared experience where guests can relax, catch up and dine together.

Finger Food

Versatile finger food options perfect for any occasion, from formal events to casual get-togethers.

our team of

expert Melbourne caterers

“We instil passion in every detail, never compromising on service or the quality of our food. Every bite matters.”

Sean Robertson
Founder, Essential Catering & Events

Sean

Our founder Sean is a highly experienced hospitality professional with decades of experience in Melbourne’s culinary scene. He’s passionate about using fresh, quality produce to create culinary experiences beyond imagination.

Katrina

Events and Sales Manager Katrina is our in-house event specialist, giving advice on the best menu options, drinks choices and catering packages to impress your guests.

Huw

Our Executive Chef Huw has nearly 30 years of experience across the UK, Israel and the USA. A career highlight was catering for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2016.

Our Favourite Venues

We cater weddings and events at some of the most iconic and sought-after venues in the Melbourne area.

View All Venues

Hawthorn Arts Centre

A centrally located venue in Hawthorn with leafy surrounds, perfect for traditional and contemporary weddings.

Glasshaus Inside

Industrial chic meets botanical beauty in this 1920’s warehouse, a hidden oasis with a lush jungle atmosphere.

Montsalvat

A historic wedding venue with European gardens, heritage buildings, and mesmerising charm in the Yarra Valley.

Noisy Ritual

The vibrant new sister venue to the much-loved Brunswick East institution, perfect for memorable events.

Forest Edge

Rustic charm, natural beauty, and industrial chic combine for an unforgettable destination venue experience.

Alowyn Gardens

A hidden gem in the Yarra Valley, featuring six stunning garden areas across its enchanting 4-hectare property.

Bulong Estate

From chic events to elegant occasions, this winery adapts effortlessly to create your perfect celebration.

Paynes Rise

Yarra Valley venue, just an hour from Melbourne, hosting unique events with rustic charm and lush scenery.

Wandin Park Estate

A historic estate in the Yarra Valley, ideal for special occasions, offering versatile event spaces.

Yering Farm

Set in lush vineyards and orchards, this estate offers fine wines and a stunning Yarra Valley experience.

Auburn Bowls Club

Bright, central venue in Auburn with easy public transport access, perfect for casual or formal events.

Fitzroy Town Hall

A stunning venue for elegant events, from cocktail parties to balls, adding timeless sophistication.

No Vacancy

A modern blank canvas venue in Melbourne’s QV Complex, ideal for bespoke private and corporate events.

The food and staff were amazing and they offered SO many options to suit our needs

SAM S, CUSTOMER SERVICE DIRECTOR

JUST PERFECT. The dishes were flavoUrful, the team went above and beyond to make our event special

DANIELLE J, CUSTOMER SERVICE DIRECTOR

don’t lift a finger

get catering delivered to you

Our drop-off catering service brings beautifully presented dishes and exceptional flavours directly to you. With seamless delivery, we make it easy for you to host memorable gatherings and ensure every detail is perfect. Because with Essential Catering & Events, the extraordinary becomes the everyday.

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Let's Chat

Ready to make your next event unforgettable? Get in touch with us today – we can’t wait to bring your culinary vision to life.

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essential

CATERING + EVENTS

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Drop Off Catering

Acknowledgement of country

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.
‍

We welcome and celebrate everyone

We work with a diverse array of people regardless of background, gender identity, sexual orientation, beliefs or ethnicities. We strive to make everyone feel welcomed, heard and recognised for the unique perspective they bring to the world.

Center Stage

Center Stage

Center Stage

Center Stage

Center Stage

Imagination

Unforgettable

CORPORATE EVENTS

Weddings

PRIVATE EVENTS

Our Menus

Buffet

Drop Off Catering

Conference

Boardroom Lunch

Vegan & Vegetarian Finger Food Menu

Carvery

Beverages

Grazing

Street Food

Breakfast

Plated Dining

Shared Platter

Finger Food

expert Melbourne caterers

Sean

Katrina

Huw

Our Favourite Venues

Hawthorn Arts Centre

Glasshaus Inside

Montsalvat

Noisy Ritual

Forest Edge

Alowyn Gardens

Bulong Estate

Paynes Rise

Wandin Park Estate

Yering Farm

Auburn Bowls Club

Fitzroy Town Hall

No Vacancy

The food and staff were amazing and they offered SO many options to suit our needs

JUST PERFECT. The dishes were flavoUrful, the team went above and beyond to make our event special

get catering delivered to you

Let's Chat

The food and staff were amazing and they offered SO many options to suit our needs

JUST PERFECT. The dishes were flavoUrful, the team went above and beyond to make our event special