Platters served to each table, ensuring your guests have a variety of menu options, encouraging interaction amongst your guests.
1⁄2 hour chef’s selection of 4 finger food items on arrival, served on rotation
Tapas platter – Choose 3 tapas to serve
Chickpea shawarma dip, with Turkish bread (vg)
Chilli garlic prawns (gf)
Jalapeno corn fritters with coriander yoghurt (v)
Pork and chorizo meatballs, smokey paprika sugo (gf)
Potato croquettes with pea & Yarra Valley Persian feta (v)
Crispy ravioli, romesco sauce (v)
Herbed stuffed balsamic mushrooms (vg) (gf)
Grilled salmon and lemon skewer (gf)
Beef empanada
Choose two options below
Slow braised beef short rib, chimichurri sauce (gf)
Five spice crust pork belly, sticky soy deglaze, coriander, crispy shallot (gf)
Salmon fillets, thyme, roquette, fennel, citrus dressing (gf)
Chermoula lamb shoulder, pomegranate & sumac spiced salad (gf)
Moroccan spiced chicken tagine, couscous, mint yoghurt
Pasta capunti with forest mushrooms, pecorino, roquette & truffle oil drizzle (v)
Kingfish, pico de gallo (salsa), paprika mayo (gf)
Accompaniment: bread rolls served with butter
Choose two sides options
Rosemary roasted chat potatoes (vg) (gf)
Salad greens, balsamic vinaigrette, cucumber, Spanish onion, tomato & torn herbs (vg) (gf)
Heirloom carrots with orange blossom, dill & mustard butter (vg) (gf)
Cos leaves, radish, mint, with citrus dressing (vg) (gf)
Broccolini, seasonal greens, chickpea sesame dressing (vg)
Roquette, parmesan & pine nut salad (v) (gf)
Roasted cauliflower, spinach, caramelised onion & almond salad with tahini dressing (v) (gf)
Tatsoi, freekeh, Yarra Valley Persian fetta, caramelised onion, parsley vinaigrette (v) (gf)
Choose two dessert options
Dark chocolate mousse, candied orange (gf)
Petite pavlova, balsamic strawberries (gf)
Salted caramel chocolate tart, hazelnut (gf available)
Lemon tart, freeze dried berry (gf available)
Rose and pistachio panna cotta, earl grey syrup (gf)
Passionfruit brulee, ginger crumb
(gf) gluten free (v) vegetarian (vg) vegan
Pricing Options
2022
2023
Finger Food | Main
per person (2 hour service period)
$63.00
$66.00
Entrée | Main
per person (2 hour service period)
$73.00
$76.00
Main | Dessert
per person (2.5 hour service period)
$73.00
$76.00
Entrée | Main | Dessert
per person (3 hour service period)
$83.50
$87.00
Finger Food Upgrade
per person (4 finger foods)
$14.50
$15.50
Inclusions | Qualified chef, crockery, cutlery, place setting set up and premium disposable napkin
Pricing based on minimum numbers of 40 people. Additional fees & surcharges may apply, but vary depending upon locations & circumstances.
All prices are inclusive of GST
We love to talk food, and can help devise your perfect event menu.
"Amazing food!"
The waiters are so accommodating and were very nice to all my guests. My guests said they were so happy with the quality of food and the waiters who served them. A stand out was Caroline on my wedding day. She was so lovely and attentive! Would definitely have any event catered by them in the future
"The staff were fantastic and everything went perfectly."
Organised a morning tea for a dozen people at work with very little notice. The service was delightful & the whole experience very simple and no fuss. The food was delicious - super fresh & tasty. A great variety of yummy sandwiches and lovely pies & cakes! Will definitely use Essential Catering again should the need arise! Thanks to all concerned. Very happy customer!
We are Melbourne caterers with the experience, service and amazing food to make your event unforgettable. Working from rustic weddings to corporate conferences, from boardrooms to backyards, our dedicated team is ready to help you.
Green Table Accredited
2019 Maroondah Business Excellence Awards Finalist
Acknowledgement of country. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.
We welcome and celebrate everyone. We work with a diverse array of people regardless of background, gender identity, sexual orientation, beliefs or ethnicities. We strive to make everyone feel welcomed, heard and recognised for the unique perspective they bring to the world.