About Us
Turning every moment into an experience beyond imagination.
Turning every moment into an experience beyond imagination.
Born from a passion for creating exceptional cuisine, meaningful connections, and unforgettable moments, Essential Catering & Events has been serving Melbourne and the Yarra Valley since 2008.
Founded by Sean Robertson, a Yarra Valley local with a lifelong love for cooking and hospitality, Essential Catering & Events began with a vision: to bring people together over extraordinary meals and exceptional service. From the start, Sean’s deep connection to the region’s venues and love of great produce shaped the business, as did his firm commitment to sustainability.
Essential’s workplace culture Sean has built is as rich and lasting as the memories we create for our clients. Many of our earliest team members are still part of the Essential family, growing alongside the business. This sense of connection, both within the team and with clients, is at the heart of what makes us special.
In 2024, Sean was joined by co-owner Julian Azzopardi, a long-time friend and industry expert. Together, they bring decades of combined experience to the table, ensuring every event we cater is planned to perfection and executed with care.
At Essential Catering & Events, we believe every meal tells a story, and we’re here to help yours come to life. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate gathering, or private celebration, we’re more than just a catering service: we’re creators of experiences that linger long after the last bite.
Let’s make your next event unforgettable, together.
Every dish is created with care, using the freshest ingredients and flavours that promise to impress and delight.
From your dedicated event manager to our warm, professional team on site, we’re here to ensure every detail is seamless and every moment unforgettable.
With delicious food and thoughtful service, your guests will leave with full hearts, full plates, and plenty of great memories.
Your dedicated event manager will oversee every detail, from the perfect timing of food circulation to ensuring drinks flow smoothly, so your event runs seamlessly from start to finish.
We’re committed to doing our part for the planet. By reducing single-use plastics, recycling, and sourcing fresh produce from our own kitchen garden in Bayswater North, we make every event more sustainable.
With decades of combined expertise catering Melbourne’s most memorable weddings and events, our team brings unmatched skill and care to every celebration.
We’re proud to cater events all across Melbourne, from iconic venues and conference spaces to private parties and stunning wedding locations. This city is full of incredible event spaces, and we’ve had the pleasure of working in many of the very best.
We perfect your menu to suit your event, delivering fresh, vibrant dishes served with care by our attentive team.
From pre-event menu planning to seamless service, we provide everything you need, including crockery, glassware, and cutlery.
We’re with you every step of the way. Our events team arrives early, stays late, and takes care of every detail to ensure a flawless food service.
With a diverse range of menus and flexible dining options, we create customised experiences that are as unique as your event.
‘Being involved in events is like being the conductor of a choir. It’s all of your little decisions and tweaks here and there that have a tangible effect on the event. A few years ago we catered and ran an event for a beautiful couple’s 60th wedding anniversary; it was on the side of a steep hill in the Dandenongs. There were ice carvings, bus transports, tea light candles throughout the gardens, face painters, magicians, street food carts, finger food and drinks — they went all out. At the end of the event, I received a standing ovation from all of the guests still present, and it was extremely humbling. These are the beautiful occurrences in life and business that are amazing!’