Event catering in Brisbane
Tell us the date, the suburb, how many are coming and the style of food. We look for caterers who cover your area and pass on their quotes. It's free, and you deal with the one platform.
What event catering costs in Brisbane
For 80 guests, published Brisbane prices run from about $1,100 for canapes to over $10,000 for a three course sit-down dinner. The style decides the bill more than anything else.
| Style | Per head | 80 guests |
|---|---|---|
| Grazing table | $15 - $35 | $1,200 - $2,800 |
| Canapes, 3 pieces | $13.50 | $1,080 |
| Canapes, 5 pieces | $22.50 | $1,800 |
| Canapes, 7 pieces | $31.50 | $2,520 |
| BBQ or spit roast | $21.95 | $1,756 |
| Food truck | $18 - $34 | $1,440 - $2,720 |
| Buffet | $35.90 - $46.90 + GST | $3,159 - $4,127 |
| Sit-down, two course | $99 + GST | $8,712 |
| Sit-down, three course | $119 + GST | $10,472 |
Canape and chef rates from Tognini's, buffet from Golden Roast, spit roast from BBQ Spit Roast Catering, sit-down from Cater2You, food truck from Where The Truck. All Brisbane or South East Queensland, published on their own sites, checked 21 September 2026.
For 50 guests, published starting prices run from about $825 for food truck rolls to $4,400 for a banquet, before staff and travel.
The per-head price is not the whole price
- Staff. Delivered food like a grazing table needs no extra staff. A served meal does. Tognini's charges $65 an hour for a chef, with a three hour minimum and one chef per 60 guests.
- Hire. Sunny Rays hires main plates at $3.30 each and cutlery sets at $5.50 each.
- Dietary requirements. Hypercater lists a flat $2 a head. Others fold it in. Ask before you assume.
- Lead time. For 80 people in peak season, caterers want months rather than weeks.
What to sort before you book
Ask your venue whether outside caterers are allowed and which certificates it needs from them, such as public liability insurance and a food licence. A food truck needs level access and room to park and serve. In a park or other public space, check with the council before booking one.
How booking through PearlMarilyn works
Tell us the date, the suburb, the guest count and the style of food. We look for caterers who cover your area. Every caterer's public liability insurance and food licence is checked before they can quote. The request is free, and you deal with the one platform.
Common questions
How much does catering cost per head in Brisbane?
Published Brisbane prices run from about $13.50 a head for three canapes to $119 plus GST for a three course sit-down dinner. Grazing tables, BBQs and food trucks sit around $15 to $35 a head.
How much is catering for 80 people in Brisbane?
About $1,100 for light canapes to $10,500 for a three course sit-down, depending on the style, before staff and hire.
How much is catering for 50 people in Brisbane?
From about $825 for food truck rolls to $4,400 for a banquet, before staff and travel.
Do I need wait staff?
Not for delivered food like a grazing table or platters. A served meal does need staff, usually billed by the hour with a minimum.