From boardroom lunches to wedding banquets and intimate backyard soirées, catering has evolved far beyond the standard sandwich platter.
Across the country, a growing number of culinary creatives are reshaping the catering experience, blending bespoke menus with high-end presentation and hyper-local produce. Whether it’s a corporate meeting in North Sydney, a countryside wedding in Gippsland or a grazing table with flair in George Town, these venues know how to serve with style.
Here’s a look at five catering destinations that are raising the bar - each with their own delicious point of difference.
Square Catering – North Sydney, NSW
Square Catering, tucked into bustling Berry Street in North Sydney, brings a tailored touch to corporate catering. Family-owned and operated, this venue understands that no two teams - nor tastebuds - are alike. The result? A refreshingly flexible approach, with menus custom-built around client needs and budgets. The focus is on fresh, daily-made dishes and seasonal ingredients, served with professional polish that suits everything from internal meetings to larger client functions.
Expect to graze on spinach and feta filo pastries, chicken skewers and falafel with creamy hummus during mid-morning teas or casual gatherings. For more substantial events, Square’s offering leans global - think chicken cacciatore over steamed rice, or a zesty Thai green beef curry. Indian classics like lamb rogan josh and ever-popular butter chicken ensure a warming touch that satisfies and impresses in equal measure.
A stately Victorian-era mansion reimagined for modern-day celebrations, Duart Homestead on McLean Street is one of Gippsland’s most coveted event catering specialists. Known for its polished approach and attention to detail, this venue crafts bespoke experiences that reflect each client’s unique vision. Whether it’s a sun-drenched garden wedding, a milestone birthday or a corporate offsite, Duart’s team brings warmth, elegance and culinary finesse to the table - literally.
Food here is a celebration of both tradition and creativity, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and artful presentation. Expect menus that traverse cuisines and seasons, from refined canapés to indulgent multi-course dinners. Duart’s signature lies in seamlessly managing every aspect of an event, allowing hosts to savour the occasion while guests are treated to an unforgettable dining experience that feels both intimate and grand.
Zeitoun Bakery – Bella Vista, NSW
Nestled in Bella Vista’s Lexington Drive precinct, Zeitoun Bakery is a hidden gem for those seeking authentic Lebanese flavours in a catering context. The vibe inside is earthy and rustic, where raw concrete and timber meet Middle Eastern warmth. While the bakery is a daytime favourite for locals, it’s the catering options that steal the spotlight when it comes to events - blending spice, substance and centuries-old techniques.
The kaftah wrap, filled with spiced lamb and beef, tomato and lettuce, is a standout for lunch-style events, while party trays featuring manoush pizzas, spinach pockets and mixed mezza boxes offer bold, communal flavours that encourage grazing. For more formal occasions, consider the slow-cooked lamb with aromatic rice, crushed pine nuts and tangy yoghurt - a dish that brings authenticity and indulgence in one bite.
Kimmy’s Dream Café – George Town, Tas
There’s a certain charm to Kimmy’s Dream Café that can’t be replicated - bright pink caravan, friendly owner and all. Located on Macquarie Street in George Town, Kimmy has become something of a local legend, offering catering with soul and homemade warmth. Her signature pink mobile café serves more than just morning coffees - it’s a launchpad for lovingly made grazing boxes, cakes and savoury platters that suit everything from baby showers to office farewells.
The real showstoppers are Kimmy’s custom desserts - Biscoff cheesecake, chocolate mud cake and whimsical cupcakes that look as good as they taste. Grazing tables are also a fan favourite, with curated selections of cheeses, crackers, fruits and savouries designed to appeal to all palates. Gluten-free and dairy-free options ensure everyone’s included and each event feels like a celebration of comfort food done with heart.
Nali Kitchen – Brisbane CBD, Qld
Hidden down the laneway glamour of Gresham Lane, Nali Kitchen offers a fresh take on catering in the heart of Brisbane’s business district. With its open kitchen, crisp fit-out and an ethos rooted in quality meats and nutrition-driven meals, it’s a sophisticated yet approachable choice for events that demand more than the usual sandwich platter. Nali’s dedication to premium rotisserie meats and vibrant, seasonal salads makes it a hit for corporate catering with an edge.
The porchetta-inspired sandwich is an event hero in its own right - layered with slow-cooked beef brisket, charred onions and salsa verde. For something more Mediterranean, the saltbush lamb souvlaki served with grilled pita and Greek salad delivers big flavours in a handheld format. From Wagyu beef burgers with truffle mayo to protein-rich salad combos, this is carvery redefined for the clean-eating, high-flavour crowd.
Whether you're hosting a rooftop networking evening, planning a rustic wedding or simply want to upgrade your team’s working lunch, these venues offer more than just food - they bring experience, innovation and personality to every plate. Catering, it seems, is no longer just about convenience. It’s about making a statement, one bite at a time.
