Ottawa's event scene runs on caterers most people never hear about until they're planning a wedding, a Hill Times reception, or an office holiday party. This list was put together by searching business websites, Google Business Profiles, Yelp, Birdeye, and WeddingWire for companies actively serving the Ottawa area, and cross-checking what customers actually say about them.
1. My Catering Group
Area: Ottawa and the National Capital Region · Specialty: weddings and large-scale corporate events · Rating: 4.8 on Birdeye (86 reviews) · Since: 2012
My Catering Group has grown into one of the region's larger operations, with a client list that includes the House of Commons and several foreign embassies. Reviewers consistently mention the team handling full event logistics, not just food, and describe interactions as smooth from the first quote to the final cleanup. It suits couples and organizations planning bigger events who want one vendor to manage most of the moving parts.
2. Caterer Ottawa
Area: National Capital Region · Specialty: weddings, corporate events, and embassy receptions · Rating: 4.9 on Google, WeddingWire, and other platforms (382 combined reviews) · Since: operating 18+ years
This chef-driven operation carries $5 million in liability insurance, Smart Serve certified bar staff, and a WeddingWire Couples' Choice award, all details aimed at corporate and embassy clients who need vetted vendors. The volume of reviews across multiple platforms, not just one, is unusually consistent for a company this size. Good fit for formal, higher-stakes events where documentation and insurance matter as much as the food.
3. The Mixing Bowl
Area: Ottawa, with a Carp/Kanata base · Specialty: weddings, plated dinners, and institutional corporate catering · Rating: 5.0 on Poyst · Since: serving Ottawa for over 25 years
The Mixing Bowl has built long relationships with embassies, law firms, hospitals, and universities, which speaks to consistency over a long stretch of time rather than a single good season. Reviewers single out owner Chris and the team for responsiveness and attention to dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegan requests. Best suited to couples wanting elegant plated service or institutions with recurring catering needs.
4. Grenfell Catering
Area: Ottawa · Specialty: full-service event production and custom menus · Since: 2017
Grenfell handles more than food, offering event production support alongside the menu itself, which shows up in reviews praising both presentation and staff professionalism. One reviewer specifically credited a staff member by name for going beyond the basic scope of the booking. It's a good match for hosts who want a caterer that can also help pull the broader event together, not just plate dishes.
5. Traversy Custom Catering
Area: Kanata and the wider Ottawa area · Specialty: custom banquet menus for corporate galas and receptions
Based in Kanata, Traversy has built a reputation over two decades for personalized menus rather than a fixed package approach, with reviewers noting the chef adjusts to budget and client preferences directly. Feedback highlights portion sizes and presentation as consistent strengths. Worth considering for hosts who want a custom menu built around their event rather than choosing from a set list.
6. Baccanalle
Area: Ottawa · Specialty: Caribbean, Canadian, African, Soul Food, Asian, Indian and Latin American fusion catering · Rating: 4.8 on Birdeye (46 reviews)
Led by award-winning chef Resa Solomon-St. Lewis, Baccanalle stands out on this list for menu range, drawing on multiple culinary traditions rather than a single cuisine. Reviewers describe the food as well organized and well packaged for pickup, with vegan, gluten-free, and halal options built into the offering. A strong pick for hosts who want a menu that doesn't look like every other catering spread in the city.
7. Epicuria Food Shop and Catering
Area: Ottawa, based on St. Laurent Boulevard · Specialty: weddings and large events · Rating: 4.5 on Google and Poyst · Since: operating 30+ years
Epicuria's long run in Ottawa shows in its menu depth, and reviewers who worked directly with staff member Yasmine and the events crew describe the canapé and hors d'oeuvre selection as a highlight. That said, some reviewers reported slow responses to initial catering inquiries by email and phone, so booking early and following up by phone is worth doing. Best for hosts planning further ahead who want an established name with a long history.
8. Thyme & Again
Area: Ottawa, Wellington Street West · Specialty: creative catering with vegan and gluten-free menu options · Rating: 4.2 on Tripadvisor
Thyme & Again has been voted one of Ottawa's best caterers by local readers' polls and is known for baked goods and frozen take-home items alongside catering trays. Reviews are more mixed than others on this list, with praise for the food itself set against occasional complaints about portion sizing and pricing for the amount served. A solid option for smaller gatherings or grazing-style spreads where the bakery items shine, though it's worth confirming portion counts directly for larger events.
9. FoodWorks Catering
Area: Ottawa, Gloucester Street · Specialty: corporate and event catering through a social enterprise model
FoodWorks operates as a social enterprise, and testimonials on its own site along with a strong Facebook recommendation rate point to a small but loyal client base. One customer described the food as great and the service as wonderful enough to recommend it as one of the city's better caterers. A good option for organizations that want their catering budget tied to a local social enterprise rather than a purely commercial vendor.
10. Culinary Conspiracy
Area: Ottawa, Cyrville Road · Specialty: gourmet catering and beverage service · Rating: 4.4 combined on Google and Birdeye (25 reviews) · Since: celebrating 23 years in business
Culinary Conspiracy pairs its food service with a dedicated beverage program, which is less common among caterers on this list. Reviewers describe the team as professional and well organized, with events going off without major issues, while noting the food itself is solid rather than showy. A practical choice for hosts prioritizing reliable execution and drink service alongside the meal.
How We Built This List
This list was compiled from public web sources, including business websites, Google Business Profiles, Yelp, Birdeye, Tripadvisor, and WeddingWire, current as of August 2026. It is not a paid placement, and ottown has not tested, visited, or personally verified any of these businesses. Ratings and review counts are cited only where a source directly reported them. Businesses and details change, so confirm current pricing, availability, and menus directly before booking.
Sources: My Catering Group, Caterer Ottawa, The Mixing Bowl, Grenfell Catering, Traversy Custom Catering, Baccanalle, Epicuria, Thyme & Again, FoodWorks Catering, Culinary Conspiracy.
