Restaurants That Cater in Atlanta: Where to Order for Your Next Event

Planning an event in Atlanta and want restaurant-quality food delivered and set up for your guests? You have a lot of options. From classic Southern spots to international flavors and office-friendly chains, many Atlanta restaurants offer full-service catering, drop-off catering, and large group orders.

This guide breaks down how restaurant catering works in Atlanta, what types of food you can get, price and logistics tips, and practical steps to choose the right caterer for your event.

How Restaurant Catering Works in Atlanta

In Atlanta, “restaurants that cater” usually fall into a few common patterns:

• Full-service catering – Staff can set up, serve, and break down buffet or plated meals. Often used for weddings, corporate events, or larger parties.
• Drop-off catering – Food is delivered ready to serve (trays, pans, platters). Some include disposable chafing racks and utensils.
• Large group takeout – You pick up bulk orders from the restaurant. Good for smaller budgets or casual gatherings.
• Boxed meals – Individually packaged meals for offices, conferences, and schools.

Most Atlanta restaurants that cater will:

• Require advance notice (often 24–72 hours, more for large groups).
• Have a minimum order amount for catering.
• Offer delivery within a certain radius (fees may vary by distance).
• Provide serving utensils, plates, and napkins if requested (sometimes for an extra charge).

Popular Types of Restaurant Catering in Atlanta

Atlanta’s food scene is diverse, and the catering options reflect that. Here are the main categories you’ll run into when searching for restaurants that cater in the city.

1. Southern & Soul Food Catering

Atlanta is known for Southern classics, which work well for family gatherings, reunions, and community events.

Common menu items include:

• Fried or baked chicken
• Mac and cheese, collard greens, green beans
• Cornbread, rolls, or biscuits
• Peach cobbler, banana pudding, or pound cake

These restaurants often offer:

• Buffet-style pans for self-service
• Options for larger church gatherings, neighborhood events, and holidays
• Add-ons like sweet tea and lemonade

Southern and soul food catering is especially popular in neighborhoods like Southwest Atlanta, Cascade, West End, and East Point, but delivery typically covers a much wider area.

2. Barbecue (BBQ) Catering

BBQ is a staple for Atlanta office lunches, tailgates, and backyard parties.

Typical BBQ catering includes:

• Pulled pork, smoked chicken, ribs, or brisket
• Baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, and cornbread
• Slider buns or sandwiches
• Bulk gallon tea or lemonade

BBQ caterers in Atlanta commonly:

• Offer per-person packages that include meat + sides + bread
• Provide on-site setup with warmers for larger events
• Travel to outdoor venues around the metro (parks, pavilions, private homes)

3. Soulful Brunch & Breakfast Catering

Atlanta does brunch well, and that translates into catering too, especially for morning meetings and weekend events.

You’ll often find:

• Breakfast trays (eggs, breakfast meats, grits, potatoes)
• Biscuit bars with spreads and toppings
• Pastry platters and fruit trays
• Coffee and juice service

Some Midtown, Buckhead, and Downtown restaurants offer corporate breakfast packages tailored to offices near Peachtree Center, Downtown government buildings, and major office towers.

4. Office & Corporate-Friendly Catering

Many national and regional restaurant chains in Atlanta emphasize corporate catering. You’ll see them frequently in office parks in Perimeter Center, Cumberland, Buckhead, Downtown, and Midtown.

Common formats:

• Sandwich and wrap platters
• Salad bars or individually boxed salads
• Pasta trays and build-your-own bowls
• Boxed lunches labeled with names or dietary tags

These are designed for:

• Lunch-and-learns
• Conferences and trainings
• All-day meetings (often with breakfast + lunch packages)

5. International & Global Cuisine

Atlanta has a rich mix of Caribbean, Mexican, Latin American, Indian, Mediterranean, Korean, Vietnamese, Ethiopian, and other international restaurants that offer catering.

Popular choices:

• Taco bars and fajita bars
• Mediterranean spreads (falafel, shawarma, hummus, pita)
• Curry and rice trays
• Noodle and stir-fry dishes
• Caribbean jerk chicken, rice and peas, plantains

These restaurants often serve:

• Neighborhoods with strong international communities like Buford Highway, Doraville, Chamblee, Clarkston, and parts of Decatur
• In-town areas such as Midtown, West Midtown, and Old Fourth Ward

They are good options when you need vegetarian, vegan, or halal-friendly choices.

6. Pizza & Casual Group Orders

For casual events, youth sports, or smaller budgets, pizza and fast-casual restaurants are widely available across the metro.

You’ll commonly see:

• Bulk pizza orders with salad and breadsticks
• Wings and appetizer trays
• Large pastas and family-style dishes

These are:

• Easy to schedule on shorter notice
• Widely delivered across in-town neighborhoods and suburbs

Where Restaurant Catering Is Commonly Used in Atlanta

In Atlanta, restaurant catering is popular for:

• Corporate events in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter, and near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
• University events around Georgia State University (Downtown), Georgia Tech (Midtown), Emory University (Druid Hills), and Morehouse/Spelman/Clark Atlanta (Westside).
• Weddings and parties in event venues along the BeltLine, in West Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Castleberry Hill.
• Community and faith-based events in Southwest Atlanta, South Fulton, DeKalb, and Clayton County.

Restaurants often deliver to:

• Office buildings and shared workspaces
• Event venues and lofts
• Parks with pavilions, such as Piedmont Park, Grant Park, and Chastain Park (you’ll need to coordinate timing and confirm park rules about food and vendors)

Typical Catering Logistics in Atlanta

Understanding logistics can help you avoid last-minute problems.

Delivery Areas and Traffic

Atlanta’s traffic can affect catering timing:

• Rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. on weekdays) can slow delivery.
• Many restaurants buffer delivery windows (for example, “delivery between 11:15 and 11:45 a.m.”).
• In dense areas like Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead, ask about:
  • Parking or loading zones
  • Security check-ins
  • Elevator access and floor numbers

For larger buildings and office towers, it’s common to:

• Provide the suite number
• Give specific instructions (loading dock, freight elevator, security desk)

Ordering Timelines

While policies vary, many Atlanta restaurants that cater:

• Prefer 24–48 hours’ notice for smaller orders (20–40 people)
• May require 3–7 days’ notice for large groups (75–200+ people)
• Around holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, major events), timelines can be longer

If you’re planning for large corporate events, graduations, or wedding-related gatherings, locking in a caterer earlier is usually safer.

Pricing and Fees

Common cost elements in Atlanta restaurant catering include:

• Per-person food cost – Often structured as packages (e.g., “entree + 2 sides”).
• Delivery fee – Can be a flat rate or distance-based.
• Service or setup fee – For staff to set up food, chafers, and buffet lines.
• Gratuity – Sometimes automatic for larger orders.
• Equipment deposit – If using non-disposable warming equipment or serving ware.

Prices vary significantly by restaurant type and area (for example, high-end Midtown or Buckhead restaurants vs. more casual neighborhood spots).

Simple Comparison: Types of Restaurant Catering in Atlanta

Dietary Needs and Preferences in Atlanta Catering

Atlanta events often include a mix of dietary preferences. When working with restaurants that cater, it’s helpful to:

• Ask about vegetarian and vegan options
  Many Mediterranean, Indian, and modern American spots can accommodate this.
• Confirm gluten-free meal options if needed.
• Ask whether the restaurant offers halal, kosher-style, or other specific dietary accommodations.
• Request clear labeling on trays or boxes (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, nut-free).

In Atlanta’s business districts, especially where large corporations and universities are located, restaurants are generally familiar with these needs and can customize menus.

How to Choose the Right Restaurant Caterer in Atlanta

To narrow down your options and avoid problems on the day of your event, focus on a few key factors.

1. Location vs. Event Site

Consider the distance between the restaurant and your venue:

• For hot food, it’s usually better to choose a restaurant closer to your event location to keep food quality consistent.
• For central events (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead), you can choose from many restaurants within a short driving radius.
• For events further out (e.g., in Sandy Springs, Marietta, Stone Mountain, College Park, or Decatur), look for restaurants that already serve that area with catering.

2. Event Size and Style

Match the restaurant’s capabilities to your event:

• Smaller gatherings (10–25 people)
  Many neighborhood restaurants can handle this as a large takeout or simple delivery.
• Medium events (25–75 people)
  Look for restaurants with formal catering menus and delivery staff.
• Large events (100+ guests)
  It’s usually best to work with restaurants or catering departments that regularly handle large groups and venues.

Be clear about whether your event is:

• Sit-down with formal place settings
• Casual buffet
• Mixed format (cocktail-style plus some seating)

3. Menu Fit

Atlanta’s restaurant catering scene is broad, but you’ll want to make sure:

• The menu matches your audience’s preferences (traditional Southern vs. lighter, more modern fare).
• You have enough variety for dietary needs.
• Spiciness and seasoning levels are appropriate for your group (especially with BBQ, Caribbean, or certain international cuisines).

Ask if the restaurant:

• Can adjust spice levels
• Provides kid-friendly options if needed
• Offers vegetable-focused mains for non-meat eaters

4. Budget Transparency

When you request quotes from Atlanta restaurants:

• Ask for per-person pricing and what is included.
• Request a full breakdown: food, delivery, service fees, gratuity, taxes, and equipment.
• If you’re working with a fixed budget, ask how they can build a package around your target price.

Many restaurants are accustomed to working with corporate event budgets and can suggest cost-effective combinations.

5. Timing and Setup Details

To avoid day-of confusion:

• Confirm delivery or arrival window (not just start time).
• Specify setup details:
  • Where the food should go
  • Whether they should bring table coverings
  • Whether they need access to power outlets for warmers
• Clarify cleanup responsibilities – especially if servers or attendants are included.

Practical Steps to Book Restaurant Catering in Atlanta

Here’s a simple process you can follow:

1. Define the basics

   • Date and time
   • Location (including floor/suite)
   • Number of guests
   • General style (casual, business, formal)

2. Narrow down cuisine type
   Decide whether you want Southern, BBQ, international, brunch, or standard corporate-style meals.

3. Contact 2–3 restaurants that cater in your area
   When you call or submit a request, share:

   • Guest count
   • Dietary needs
   • Budget range
   • Delivery window and building details

4. Compare sample menus and quotes
   Pay attention to:

   • Portion sizes
   • What is included (drinks, dessert, paper goods)
   • Total cost after fees

5. Reserve with a written confirmation
   Ask for:

   • An itemized invoice
   • Clear cancellation or change policy
   • Final headcount due date

6. Confirm 1–2 days before the event
   Double-check:

   • Time and address
   • Contact phone numbers (both yours and the driver’s or manager’s)
   • Any security or building access instructions

Working with Event Venues and Shared Spaces

If you’re hosting your event at an Atlanta venue (such as a meeting space, loft, community center, or hotel):

• Ask if they have a preferred or required catering list.
• Check whether there are:
  • Catering or kitchen facilities available
  • Restrictions on outside food, alcohol, or open flames (for chafing dishes)
• Coordinate with the venue on:
  • Exact delivery entrance and loading area
  • Time window when your restaurant caterer can come in and set up

Venues in busy areas like Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead often have specific vendor policies that your restaurant will need to follow.

Tips for Smooth Restaurant Catering in Atlanta

A few final, Atlanta-specific tips can help your event run more smoothly:

• Plan around traffic:
  If your event is in or near Downtown, Midtown, or major office corridors, schedule deliveries before or after peak commute times when possible.
• Consider parking and access:
  Let the restaurant know about parking garages, validation, or loading dock instructions.
• Think about weather for outdoor events:
  For events in parks or outdoor venues, consider:
  • Covered areas in case of rain
  • How far servers or guests must walk from parking to the food area
• Account for Atlanta’s heat and humidity:
  In warmer months, ensure:
  • Cold items can be kept chilled
  • Hot food won’t sit out too long without proper equipment

By focusing on cuisine type, location, budget, and logistics, you can find Atlanta restaurants that cater in a way that fits your event—whether it’s a small family gathering in Decatur, a large corporate meeting in Buckhead, or a wedding reception in West Midtown. With clear communication and a bit of advance planning, restaurant catering in Atlanta can provide reliable, local flavor for almost any occasion.