Riverside's catering scene is competitive yet promising, with a variety of options for all types of events. Find the best fit for your needs.
MHMaya Hendricks · Home Services Editor Updated June 13, 2026 · Next review July 2026
Editorially independent10 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceBraun's Catering Company
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 10 Riverside-metro caterers businesses evaluated, top 10 ranked by Vetted Score.
Riverside's catering market is evolving, with a growing number of providers competing for your business. With 10 evaluated caterers, the options range from established favorites to promising newcomers, many of which have fewer than 50 reviews, indicating a developing trust among customers.
This ranking highlights the top caterers based on their Vetted Scores, which reflect customer ratings and review counts. Our evaluation process ensures that you receive an unbiased overview of the best available services in Riverside.
10caterers evaluated in Riverside
4.82average rating across the field
1.9Kcustomer reviews analyzed
Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.
To create this list, we analyzed 10 catering providers in Riverside, focusing on their customer ratings and the number of reviews they received. Our methodology emphasizes transparency, meaning no business pays for placement on this list.
We refresh our rankings monthly to ensure they reflect the most current data. This allows you to make informed decisions based on the latest customer feedback and service performance.
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.
With a perfect 5-star rating from 235 reviews, Braun's Catering Company is a local favorite. Customers rave about their delicious food and excellent service, making them ideal for weddings and corporate events. However, their popularity means you should book well in advance to secure your date. 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 weddings and corporate events. It serves Riverside and surrounding areas, with $20 to $50 per person pricing, and the honest trade-offs are booking can be competitive and limited availability during peak seasons.
As You Like It Events & Catering holds an impressive 4.9-star rating from 61 reviews. Customers appreciate their customizable menus and affordable pricing, making them a great option for various events. A downside is that their review count is still building, so some may find them less established. 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 customizable events on a budget. It serves Riverside and nearby communities, with $15 to $30 per person pricing, and the honest trade-offs are growing review base and limited experience compared to larger companies.
OTS Catering has a stellar 5-star rating from 43 reviews. Clients love their diverse menu and friendly staff, making them suitable for casual gatherings and formal events alike. However, their smaller review base means that while results are promising, they are less proven than some competitors. 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 casual gatherings and formal events. It serves Riverside and surrounding areas, with $10 to $25 per person pricing, and the honest trade-offs are smaller review base and limited brand recognition compared to top competitors.
Pros
Diverse menu options
Friendly and accommodating staff
Suitable for various events
Cons
Smaller review base
Limited brand recognition compared to top competitors
Neets Kitchen has a solid 5-star rating from 16 reviews. Customers appreciate the homemade feel of their dishes and the personal touch in service. However, the limited number of reviews suggests they are still building their reputation in the area. 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. It serves Riverside and nearby regions, with $12 to $28 per person pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews and less experience in large events.
Ashley Catering has a respectable 4.6-star rating from 50 reviews. Clients praise their friendly staff and tasty offerings, but some mention inconsistency in service during busy events. This makes them a solid choice for smaller gatherings but may not be ideal for larger functions. 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 small to medium-sized events. It serves Riverside and surrounding areas, with $15 to $35 per person pricing, and the honest trade-offs are inconsistent service during peak times and limited scalability for large events.
McGrath's Catering holds a strong 4.8-star rating from 20 reviews. Customers appreciate their flavorful dishes and prompt service, making them suitable for both casual and formal occasions. However, their limited review count suggests they are still gaining visibility in the local market. 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 formal occasions. It serves Riverside and surrounding areas, with $18 to $40 per person pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews and less known in the area.
James Madison Catering has a perfect 5-star rating from 12 reviews. Customers enjoy their unique offerings and personal service, but the small review base raises concerns about their experience and consistency 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 unique small events. It serves Riverside and nearby areas, with $20 to $45 per person pricing, and the honest trade-offs are very limited reviews and unproven for larger events.
Senshi Hibachi Catering enjoys a solid 4.7-star rating from 15 reviews. Reviewers love the interactive cooking experience and fresh ingredients, making it a fun choice for gatherings. However, their limited review count may indicate less experience in the catering field. 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 interactive gatherings. It serves Riverside and surrounding areas, with $25 to $60 per person pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews and less traditional catering options.
Taste Of The Town has a perfect 5-star rating from just 5 reviews. While customers praise the quality of food, the very small review base makes it difficult to gauge overall reliability and consistency 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 small gatherings. It serves Riverside and nearby areas, with $15 to $35 per person pricing, and the honest trade-offs are very small review base and unproven for larger events.
Gram's BBQ Restaurant & Catering has a respectable 4.2-star rating from a whopping 1,458 reviews. While their strong volume of feedback indicates reliability, some reviews mention inconsistent service during peak times, which can be a drawback for larger events. 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 bBQ lovers and casual events. It serves Riverside and surrounding areas, with $10 to $25 per person pricing, and the honest trade-offs are inconsistent service during busy times and less focus on catering-specific events.
Selecting a caterer in Riverside requires attention to several key factors, including service area, response time, and state licensing. Here are three essential considerations to guide your choice.
Service Area Coverage
Verify that your caterer serves your specific location in Riverside. Some may have restrictions on travel distance.
Response Time
Look for caterers who respond quickly to inquiries. A prompt response can indicate good customer service and reliability.
Licensing and Insurance
Ensure your chosen caterer has the necessary state licenses and insurance to operate legally and safely.
What it costs
What catering costs in Riverside
The cost of catering in Riverside varies based on the type of service, menu selection, and event size. Here’s a breakdown of typical pricing tiers.
Basic PackagesExpect to pay around $15 to $25 per person for simple catering options, including basic buffet setups.
Mid-Range OptionsFor more elaborate menus and service styles, prices range from $30 to $50 per person.
Premium CateringHigh-end catering services with gourmet menus can cost between $60 to $100 per person.
Custom EventsTailored catering for unique events may exceed $100 per person, depending on the specifics of your request.
Frequently asked questions
How much does catering cost in Riverside?
Catering prices in Riverside typically range from $20 to $100 per person, depending on the menu and service style.
What types of events can I hire a caterer for in Riverside?
Caterers in Riverside can handle a variety of events, including weddings, corporate functions, 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 Riverside events: <strong>Braun's Catering Company</strong>
If you are planning a large event and need reliable service, Braun's Catering Company is your best bet. With 235 reviews and a perfect 5-star rating, they excel in delivering quality and consistency. For smaller gatherings or more personalized service, As You Like It Events & Catering with its 4.9 rating is an excellent choice, especially for those looking to tailor their menu. Lastly, if you are on a budget but still want top-notch options, OTS Catering is a promising option with a 5-star rating from 43 reviews, though their review base is still thin.