We all love eating out but there’s also something wonderful about having friends over, not worrying about BYO corkage or having to find a car park. To combine the best of both worlds, get restaurant-worthy catering for your next dinner party. Services such as Providoor and Fix Dining are halfway there in that the food comes to you, but you still have to prep it. So for those really lazy day group feeds, order in from these restaurants. Just add plates.
You don’t have to be lucky enough to have a Teta to cook for you. Henrietta offers three Lebanese chicken feasts, featuring chooks and all the sides including garlicky toum and pickles, plus a burger pack. A la carte options are available, including mezze, salads and mains. Pick up only, 24 hours notice required. Shop 1/500 Crown St, Surry Hills; henriettachicken.com.au.
The parking nearby is as much of a punish as the venue is beautiful. Luckily, The Grounds comes to you with grazing tables, party packs and categories that span breakfast to lunch and cakes to pastries, plus drinks. Pick up or delivery in a small radius. 7a/2 Huntley St, Alexandria; thegroundscatering.com.au.
Mike McInerney is known for his produce-driven menu that’s far from boring and the catering options are no exception. The salads change seasonally, but could include wood roasted pumpkin, pomegranate molasses and coconut yoghurt or beetroot, black lentils, balsamic onions and goat’s cheese. kitchenbymike.com.au/catering-menu.
Yes, you can order pizza but why would you when the flaming cheese wheel is available? Your creamy pasta alfredo is spun in a giant parmesan cheese wheel before being set aflame. The dinner party is officially lit. 25 Victoria Rd, Drummoyne; saltmeatscheese.com.
Chef Sam Young offers luxe at-home catering that includes lobster pasta and wagyu steaks. It was a roaring success during Covid and he’s still at it when the restaurant is closed on Sundays and at lunchtimes.79 Edinburgh Rd, Castlecrag; bigsamyoung.com.au/bsy-experience.
Miss Chu may be no more, but let’s give a warm welcome to its new incarnation, Lady Chu. Get all your Vietamese favourites, from steamed dumplings to fresh rice paper rolls and hot dishes such as seared Atlantic salmon in XO sauce with rice and greens. Pick up or delivery within 5km radius of Potts Point. catering. 3 Roslyn St, Potts Point; ladychu.com.au.
If you’ve ever lined up for brunch at Kepos Street Kitchen, you’ll be thrilled to hear Michael Rantissi and his team will bring it to you courtesy of Kepos Catering. There are a range of options on offer, from grazing tables to share plates, canapes to table banquets and even signature cocktails. 96 Kepos St, Redfern; keposcatering.com.au.
