2025 Office Lunch Catering Ideas Guide

Catering lunch isn’t just about feeding your team. It’s about creating a moment to boost morale, spark creativity, and break up the work day. The fact that it’s over a delicious meal is just the cherry on top. However, deciding what to order is another story. Juggling dietary restrictions, preferences, and a budget can be daunting. And how do you make sure everyone is happy with what you choose?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best office lunch catering ideas for every budget, occasion, and palate. Let us help you turn your next office lunch into a meal your team won’t forget.

Jump to:

• Best Cuisine Types for Catering
• Best Cuisine Types by Cost
• Best Dishes for Catering
• Catering by Event Type
• Tips

Best Cuisine Types for Catering

Variety is key to making everyone happy. These popular cuisines offer a good selection of entrees and sides to accommodate your team’s diverse preferences.

American Food

An American office is sure to love these familiar classics.

Entrees: Burgers, hot dogs, fried chicken, wings, and BBQ ribs.
Sides: Coleslaw, mac and cheese, french fries, cornbread, and potato salad.
Desserts: Apple pie, cheesecake, and peach cobbler.

Italian Food

Italian food offers a mix of hearty and light fare ideal for catering.

Entrees: Pizza, pasta, risotto, lasagna, and ravioli.
Sides: Caesar salad, garlic bread, bruschetta, and antipasto.
Desserts: Tiramisu and gelato.

Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Food

These cuisines are great for vegetarians and health-conscious teams.

Entrees: Falafel, kabobs, pita wraps, and Greek salads.
Sides: Hummus platters, dolmas, and tabbouleh.
Desserts: Baklava and knafeh.

Thai Food

Thai food is highly versatile, with dishes that range from sweet to savory.

Entrees: Pad thai, tom yum, panang curry, and pad see ew.
Sides: Green papaya salad, spring rolls, and laab gai.
Desserts: Mango sticky rice and coconut ice cream.

Mexican Food

Easily customizable dishes to suit a variety of dietary preferences.

Entrees: Tacos, burrito bowls, enchiladas, and quesadillas.
Sides: Chips, salsa, and guacamole.
Desserts: Flan, churros, and tres leches cake.

Plant-Based Food

Healthy dishes for a team with many vegetarians and vegans.

Entrees: Grain bowls with quinoa or rice, plant-based burgers, and jackfruit tacos.
Sides: Roasted vegetables, vegan pasta salad, and fruit platters.
Desserts: Dairy and gluten-free pies, cookies, and cakes.

Take the stress out of planning your next lunch by setting up recurring catering to enjoy fresh, prepared meals with your team.

Best Cuisine Types by Cost

Staying within a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or your team’s happiness. We’ve broken down some recommended cuisine for every price point:

Budget-Friendly Options

• Pizza: Easy to customize and accommodates dietary restrictions.
• Sandwich Platters: Perfect for grab-and-go meetings or conferences.
• Taco Bars: Fun, build-your-own meals with a variety of toppings.
• Pasta: Hearty and filling, with hot or cold options.

Mid-Range Options

• BBQ: Pulled pork, smoked chicken, coleslaw, and cornbread.
• Mediterranean Platters: Fresh and satisfying without being heavy.
• Bowls: Customizable rice, noodles, or quinoa bowls for busy teams.

High-End Options

• Sushi Platters: Rolls, sashimi, and nigiri for special occasions.
• Charcuterie Boards: Elegant selection of meats, cheeses, fruits, and veggies.
• Steak or Seafood: Surf and turf menus with seasonal sides.

By aligning your catering choices with your budget, you can ensure that every office lunch is delicious and cost-effective. Create a corporate account so checkout is easier than ever.

Best Dishes for Catering

Some dishes travel better than others. Here are some crowd-pleasing options for your next lunch meeting or conference:

Appetizers

• Mini Sliders: Beef, chicken, or veggie options.
• Spring Rolls: Fresh or fried bites full of flavor.
• Deviled Eggs: An easy, classic crowd-pleaser.
• Bruschetta: Hand-held bites with various toppings.

Entrees

• Grilled Chicken or Salmon: Versatile proteins with fresh sides.
• Pulled Pork or BBQ Ribs: Perfect for casual, hearty meals.
• Sushi Platters: Light, shareable, and fun.
• Pizza: Variety of toppings to suit all tastes.
• Pasta: Hot or cold options for any occasion.

Sides

• Salads: Fresh greens and local produce.
• Roasted Veggies: Seasonal, healthy additions.
• Chips and Guacamole: Ideal with Mexican or casual meals.
• French Fries: A familiar, comforting side.

Desserts

• Cookies: A variety to satisfy every craving.
• Brownies: Bite-sized, easy treats.
• Mini Cheesecakes: Perfect for special occasions.
• Fruit Platters: A healthy, refreshing option.

Beverages

• Sodas and Sparkling Water: A range of refreshing choices.
• Iced Tea: Versatile and easy to pair with meals.
• Coffee and Tea: Essential for any office gathering.

If your team just can’t agree on a meal, try Custom Café to allow your team to order their own meals from their inbox.

Catering by Event Type

Often deciding what to eat depends on the type of meeting or event that you’re hosting. Below are some common workplace events and the best catering ideas for each:

Ad-Hoc Meetings

Last-minute meetings call for a quick and easy meal.

Recommended Menu:

• Sandwich platters or wraps
• Fresh fruit, chips, and cookies
• Coffee, tea, and water

Meals on Demand allows you to quickly order directly to your meeting, no hassle or further commitment required.

All-Hands Meetings

When the entire company is gathering, you’ll need variety to accommodate everyone.

Recommended Menu:

• Buffet-style meal with protein
• Customizable salad bar
• Cookies and a fruit platter

Client Meetings

Cater more high-end fare to create a good impression.

Recommended Menu:

• Sushi platters or charcuterie boards
• Bruschetta and mini quiches
• Mini cheesecakes and ice cream

Team Celebrations

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, launch, or milestone, this menu should be special.

Recommended Menu:

• Taco bar, BBQ spread, or pizza party
• Cupcakes or cake decorated for the occasion
• A mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

Workshops or Training Days

Long events like workshops or trainings call for food that will keep you energized.

Recommended Menu:

• Boxed lunches with sandwiches, salads, and fruit
• Snack station with granola bars, candy, and nuts
• Coffee, tea, soda, and water stations

Holiday Parties

Office holiday parties are an opportunity to go all out with seasonal themes and comfort foods.

Recommended Menu:

• Roast turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing
• Mini sliders, charcuterie, and fresh vegetable sides
• Pie, cookies, and other festive desserts

Tips for Choosing the Best Catering Options

• Know your team’s preferences in advance. Create a spreadsheet with dietary restrictions, allergies, and preferences to reference when ordering.
• Set a budget before selecting the menu to ensure you stay on track.
• Offer a variety to satisfy different tastes and dietary needs.

Now that you’re prepared with plenty of delicious office lunch catering ideas, you can plan your team’s next meal. Explore our list of catering options available in your city to get started. From local favorites to budget-friendly options, there’s something to fit every taste bud on your team.