Metro Catering brings nearly three decades of culinary artistry and gracious, personalized hospitality to your private, corporate, and special events across San Diego.
Why Metro Catering
Nearly three decades of culinary excellence in San Diego — experience that shows in every dish, every service, every event we touch.
We partner with San Diego's trusted local farms and specialty purveyors to source the finest seasonal ingredients for every menu we create.
No templates. No shortcuts. Every menu is designed from scratch specifically for your event, your guests, and your vision.
Natural meats, free-range poultry, and responsibly harvested seafood — because our commitment to quality extends to how food is raised and sourced.
Transparent pricing means no surprises — every client receives the same exceptional quality at a price they can count on.
Everything we serve is prepared from scratch using honest techniques and the freshest ingredients — never shortcuts, always quality.
What We Offer
From boardroom lunches to company-wide meetings, we deliver polished, chef-crafted meals that keep your team energized and leave a lasting impression on clients.
Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations — we bring the culinary magic to your milestone moments so you can be fully present with the people who matter most.
Sophisticated passed hors d'oeuvres and elegant grazing displays that set the tone for an unforgettable gathering from the very first bite.
Seasonal menus thoughtfully crafted to celebrate the time of year, with festive presentations and flavors that make every holiday event feel truly special.
Refined, multi-course dining experiences curated for high-stakes gatherings where impeccable food and service reflect the excellence of your brand.
Dependable, high-quality catering that keeps attendees fueled and focused throughout your conference, symposium, or professional program.
We're proud to serve the organizations that serve our community — bringing the same passion, quality, and care to every cause-driven occasion.
Faculty dinners, campus celebrations, and student events catered with fresh, wholesome food that reflects the values and prestige of your institution.
Don't see your occasion? We cater to any event — let's design something extraordinary together.
Start PlanningOur Commitment
Six principles that have guided us since 1993 — and the reasons our clients return event after event.
We partner with San Diego's finest local farms and specialty purveyors to bring the freshest seasonal produce to every menu — because great food starts with great ingredients.
No two events are alike, and neither are our menus. Each one is designed from scratch around your occasion, your guests, and your vision.
Founded in 1993, Metro Catering has spent close to 30 years setting the culinary standard in San Diego — experience that shows up in every detail.
We insist on natural meats, free-range poultry, and responsibly harvested seafood — because ethical sourcing and exceptional flavor go hand in hand.
Our consistent pricing ensures every client receives the same outstanding quality without surprises — exceptional food should never come with hidden costs.
From intimate executive dinners to large-scale galas, our seasoned team manages every detail so you experience your event as a guest, not a coordinator.
How It Works
We start by listening — understanding your vision, guest count, dietary needs, and the nature of your event so every detail is captured from the very beginning.
Drawing on the season's finest local ingredients and your preferences, we craft a personalized menu that reflects your taste and elevates your occasion.
Our team handles all sourcing and scratch-made preparation, working exclusively with trusted local purveyors to ensure peak freshness and quality on the day.
Our experienced service professionals arrive ready to deliver the gracious, polished hospitality your guests deserve — so you can enjoy every moment as a host.
After your event, we follow up to ensure everything exceeded your expectations — because lasting relationships are at the heart of everything we do.
Common Questions
We cater a wide range of events including corporate meetings, private celebrations, cocktail receptions, holiday parties, executive dinners, scientific conferences, philanthropic galas, and educational institution functions.
Yes — every menu is designed specifically for your event. We take into account your guest preferences, dietary requirements, the season, and the character of your occasion to create a truly personalized culinary experience.
We work with trusted local San Diego farms and specialty purveyors, prioritizing fresh seasonal produce and sustainably sourced natural meats, free-range poultry, and responsibly harvested seafood.
Metro Catering was founded in 1993 by Dean Raiken and Cheryl Phillips Raiken, giving us nearly three decades of experience delivering culinary excellence to clients across San Diego.
Absolutely. During your initial consultation, we discuss any dietary needs, allergies, or preferences in detail — then design your menu to ensure every single guest is thoughtfully cared for.
Yes. We have extensive experience with large corporate conferences, philanthropic galas, and institutional events — delivering the same quality and personal attention regardless of scale.
Yes. We believe in fair, consistent pricing so every client knows exactly what they're receiving. Our goal is to deliver the highest standard of food and hospitality at a price that reflects genuine value.
Let's Create Something Extraordinary
Don't be fooled into making wrong decisions before you meet with the catering professionals at Metro Catering. Our mission is to help our community of clients lead a delicious life.
Planning a special occasion? Ask us about our current seasonal menu.