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Caterers · Long Beach, CA/Updated June 13, 2026

The 10 Best Caterers in Long Beach, CA

In a city known for its vibrant food scene, catering is essential for events, parties, and gatherings. Find the right fit for your culinary needs.

Editorially independent10 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceTGIS Catering Services
95Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 10 Long Beach-metro caterers businesses evaluated, top 10 ranked by Vetted Score.

Long Beach has a unique catering market fueled by its dense population and competitive food scene. With a variety of events and gatherings happening year-round, the demand for quality catering services remains high. However, the market is still developing, as most local providers have fewer than 50 reviews, indicating that trust is still forming among consumers.

We evaluated ten local caterers based on their customer ratings and review counts. The list reflects businesses that have consistently provided quality service, with the top-rated TGIS Catering Services earning a perfect score based on 76 reviews. Each entry here has been vetted for transparency, ensuring that you can make an informed decision.

10caterers evaluated in Long Beach
4.84average rating across the field
1.8Kcustomer reviews analyzed

Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.

How much does caterers cost in Long Beach? See the price breakdown →

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories
★ Editor's Choice
95Score

TGIS Catering Services

★★★★★5.0(76 reviews)

With a perfect 5-star rating from 76 reviews, TGIS Catering Services is a standout in Long Beach.

Read full review
Best for Unique Menus
93Score

Primal Alchemy Catering Offices

★★★★★5.0(31 reviews)

Primal Alchemy Catering Offices holds a 5-star rating from 31 reviews.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
90Score

Whole Foods Market

★★★★★4.5(1,616 reviews)

Whole Foods Market has a strong 4.5-star rating with 1,616 reviews, making it the most reviewed caterer in Long Beach.

Read full review

All 10, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
TGIS Catering Services
TGIS Catering Services
Editor's Choice
95Score
5.0★★★★★
76Weddings and corporate events
2
Primal Alchemy Catering Offices
Primal Alchemy Catering Offices
Best for Unique Menus
93Score
5.0★★★★★
31Creative events and parties
3
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market
Most Reviewed
90Score
4.5★★★★★
1,616Grocery-based catering and fresh options
4
85Score
5.0★★★★★
17Small events and parties
5
84Score
4.8★★★★★
25Casual gatherings and family events
6
83Score
4.9★★★★★
18Intimate gatherings and events
7
82Score
5.0★★★★★
13BBQ-themed events and gatherings
8
80Score
4.8★★★★★
17Comprehensive event planning
9
79Score
4.7★★★★★
14Dietary-specific events
10
78Score
4.7★★★★★
12Casual and themed events
Methodology

How we evaluated all 10 caterers.

To compile this list, we analyzed customer reviews, ratings, and overall service quality across ten caterers in Long Beach. Each business was assessed on a transparent 0 to 100 Vetted Score, reflecting their reputation and customer satisfaction.

No business paid for placement in this ranking. Our evaluations are updated monthly to reflect changes in service quality and customer feedback, ensuring you have the most current information available.

The Vetted Score: six weighted factors

Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%

Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order
1
★ Editor's Choice

TGIS Catering Services

★★★★★5.0(76 reviews)
95Score

With a perfect 5-star rating from 76 reviews, TGIS Catering Services is a standout in Long Beach. Customers rave about their attentive service and delicious food options, making them ideal for both intimate gatherings and large events. However, their popularity means booking in advance is often necessary. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is weddings and corporate events. It serves Long Beach, CA, with $20 to $50 per person pricing, and the honest trade-offs are advance booking often required and limited dietary options reported.

Pros

  • Exceptional food quality
  • Highly responsive service
  • Versatile menu options

Cons

  • Advance booking often required
  • Limited dietary options reported
Best forWeddings and corporate events
Service areaLong Beach, CA
Typical pricing$20 to $50 per person
2
Best for Unique Menus

Primal Alchemy Catering Offices

★★★★★5.0(31 reviews)
93Score

Primal Alchemy Catering Offices holds a 5-star rating from 31 reviews. Known for their creative and seasonal menus, they excel in providing unique culinary experiences that impress guests. While their offerings are generally well-received, some customers note that service can be a bit slow during peak times. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is creative events and parties. It serves Long Beach, CA, with $25 to $60 per person pricing, and the honest trade-offs are service can be slow and limited reviews for deeper insights.

Pros

  • Innovative menu choices
  • Focus on local ingredients
  • Great for themed events

Cons

  • Service can be slow
  • Limited reviews for deeper insights
Best forCreative events and parties
Service areaLong Beach, CA
Typical pricing$25 to $60 per person
3
Most Reviewed

Whole Foods Market

★★★★★4.5(1,616 reviews)
90Score

Whole Foods Market has a strong 4.5-star rating with 1,616 reviews, making it the most reviewed caterer in Long Beach. Customers appreciate their fresh, high-quality ingredients and extensive selection for catering events. However, some find prices on the higher side compared to other local caterers. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is grocery-based catering and fresh options. It serves Long Beach, CA, with $15 to $45 per person pricing, and the honest trade-offs are higher pricing than competitors and limited customization options.

Pros

  • Wide variety of options
  • High-quality ingredients
  • Reliable service

Cons

  • Higher pricing than competitors
  • Limited customization options
Best forGrocery-based catering and fresh options
Service areaLong Beach, CA
Typical pricing$15 to $45 per person
4

Brieats Kitchen

★★★★★5.0(17 reviews)
85Score

Brieats Kitchen has a solid 5-star rating from 17 reviews. Clients love their personalized service and flavorful dishes that cater to various tastes. While their offerings are praised, the limited review base means it may be less established compared to others. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is small events and parties. It serves Long Beach, CA, with $20 to $40 per person pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews and less known in the community.

Pros

  • Personalized service
  • Flavorful dishes
  • Great for small gatherings

Cons

  • Limited reviews
  • Less known in the community
Best forSmall events and parties
Service areaLong Beach, CA
Typical pricing$20 to $40 per person
5

Catered By Raquel

★★★★★4.8(25 reviews)
84Score

Catered By Raquel holds an impressive 4.8-star rating from 25 reviews. Customers appreciate the friendly service and homemade feel of the dishes. Although the offerings are well-liked, the smaller number of reviews could indicate that they are still building their reputation. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is casual gatherings and family events. It serves Long Beach, CA, with $18 to $35 per person pricing, and the honest trade-offs are smaller review base and limited event experience noted.

Pros

  • Homemade taste
  • Friendly service
  • Good variety

Cons

  • Smaller review base
  • Limited event experience noted
Best forCasual gatherings and family events
Service areaLong Beach, CA
Typical pricing$18 to $35 per person
6

Thank Goodness It's Sofia Catering

★★★★★4.9(18 reviews)
83Score

Thank Goodness It's Sofia Catering has a strong 4.9-star rating from 18 reviews. Clients frequently mention the delightful flavors and attentive service. However, with a smaller number of reviews, their experience may not be as broad as larger competitors. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is intimate gatherings and events. It serves Long Beach, CA, with $22 to $45 per person pricing, and the honest trade-offs are fewer reviews and less variety in large orders.

Pros

  • Delightful flavors
  • Attentive staff
  • Great for intimate events

Cons

  • Fewer reviews
  • Less variety in large orders
Best forIntimate gatherings and events
Service areaLong Beach, CA
Typical pricing$22 to $45 per person
7

Fresh Ember BBQ

★★★★★5.0(13 reviews)
82Score

Fresh Ember BBQ has a perfect 5-star rating from 13 reviews. Customers love their smoky flavors and quality meats, making them a popular choice for BBQ lovers. However, the limited number of reviews means they're still establishing their local presence. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is bBQ-themed events and gatherings. It serves Long Beach, CA, with $20 to $50 per person pricing, and the honest trade-offs are small review base and less variety beyond BBQ.

Pros

  • Delicious BBQ options
  • Quality ingredients
  • Great for outdoor events

Cons

  • Small review base
  • Less variety beyond BBQ
Best forBBQ-themed events and gatherings
Service areaLong Beach, CA
Typical pricing$20 to $50 per person
8

Event Specialists

★★★★★4.8(17 reviews)
80Score

Event Specialists has a solid 4.8-star rating from 17 reviews. Clients appreciate their event planning expertise alongside catering services, making them a good choice for comprehensive event needs. However, their limited reviews suggest they may be less familiar to some locals. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is comprehensive event planning. It serves Long Beach, CA, with $25 to $55 per person pricing, and the honest trade-offs are small review base and less known in the area.

Pros

  • Event planning included
  • Good service
  • Versatile catering options

Cons

  • Small review base
  • Less known in the area
Best forComprehensive event planning
Service areaLong Beach, CA
Typical pricing$25 to $55 per person
9

Primal Alchemy Kitchen

★★★★★4.7(14 reviews)
79Score

Primal Alchemy Kitchen holds a 4.7-star rating from 14 reviews. Known for their creative dishes, they cater well to specific dietary needs. However, the smaller review count leaves some uncertainty about their reliability for larger events. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is dietary-specific events. It serves Long Beach, CA, with $22 to $48 per person pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews and less experience with large groups.

Pros

  • Dietary accommodations
  • Creative menu options
  • Good customer service

Cons

  • Limited reviews
  • Less experience with large groups
Best forDietary-specific events
Service areaLong Beach, CA
Typical pricing$22 to $48 per person
10

The Cave Catering Co.

★★★★★4.7(12 reviews)
78Score

The Cave Catering Co. has a 4.7-star rating from 12 reviews. Customers enjoy their unique offerings and friendly service. However, the low number of reviews raises questions about their consistency and experience in larger events. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is casual and themed events. It serves Long Beach, CA, with $18 to $40 per person pricing, and the honest trade-offs are very few reviews and limited experience noted.

Pros

  • Unique menu items
  • Friendly staff
  • Good for casual events

Cons

  • Very few reviews
  • Limited experience noted
Best forCasual and themed events
Service areaLong Beach, CA
Typical pricing$18 to $40 per person
Before you book

How to choose a caterer in Long Beach

Selecting the right caterer involves considering several key factors. In Long Beach, where competition is fierce, you want to make sure you choose a provider that can meet your specific needs.

Service Area

Check if the caterer serves your specific location in Long Beach, as some may have limited delivery zones.

Response Time

Evaluate how quickly the caterer responds to inquiries. This is crucial for planning events on short notice.

State Licensing

Ensure that the caterer is properly licensed and insured in California to avoid any issues during your event.

What it costs

What catering costs in Long Beach

Catering costs can vary widely based on the menu, service style, and event size. Here's a breakdown of typical pricing tiers in Long Beach.

Budget CateringExpect to pay around $15 to $30 per person for basic menu options.
Mid-Range CateringFor a more diverse menu and better service, prices generally range from $30 to $60 per person.
High-End CateringPremium catering options start at $60 and can go well above $100 per person, depending on the menu and service style.
Specialty CateringIf you require specialized cuisines or unique experiences, costs can vary significantly, often starting at $75 per person.

Frequently asked questions

How much does catering cost in Long Beach?

Catering prices in Long Beach typically range from $15 to $100 per person, depending on the menu and service style.

What types of events do these caterers serve?

Most caterers in Long Beach can accommodate a variety of events, including weddings, corporate gatherings, and private parties.

How often is this ranking updated?

We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.

Our verdict

For most Long Beach customers: <strong>TGIS Catering Services</strong>

If you seek a reliable catering service for a large event, TGIS Catering Services is your best bet. With a perfect 5-star rating from 76 reviews, they are proven to deliver outstanding service and quality. For smaller gatherings or unique menus, consider Primal Alchemy Catering Offices, which also holds a 5-star rating but with fewer reviews, making them a promising choice for those looking for something different. If you're after convenience and variety, Whole Foods Market is a solid option, especially for casual events, with a strong reputation backed by over 1,600 reviews.