BUILD YOUR OWN DINNER BUFFET

Build Your Own Dinner Buffet Catering

When it comes to curating a memorable dining experience in New York City, flexibility and quality are paramount. At Gotham Catering and Events, our Build Your Own Dinner Buffet service offers clients a thoughtful balance of customization and culinary excellence. With a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices, our buffet catering solution is designed for clients who want the elegance of a plated dinner with the versatility of choice.

Whether you’re organizing a formal corporate gathering, a private celebration, or a dynamic social event, a build-your-own buffet allows your guests to personalize their experience without compromising on flavor or presentation. This service is crafted for discerning hosts who value attention to detail and refined service from start to finish. Our team manages each step—from menu planning to seamless delivery and setup—with a commitment to reliability, timing, and aesthetic precision.

As more professionals seek elevated options for meetings and office gatherings, buffet-style catering continues to evolve. It offers a modern, efficient approach to large-scale dining without the limitations of fixed menu selections. Learn more about how we cater to businesses with our corporate catering offerings.

DINNER ENTRÉES

All items priced per person, 8 guest minimums per entrée
All entrée prices include  bread & butter
Salads, fruit, dessert and beverages may be added
Gluten free options available upon request.

CHICKEN ENTREES        $21.25 PER GUEST
•APRICOT GINGER CHICKEN BREAST:
Marinated with fresh ginger, apricot preserve, soy sauce, scallions and cilantro
•MOROCCAN ROASTED CHICKEN:
served sliced with mixed vegetable kebobs and hummus with pita chips
•PORCINI CRUSTED CHICKEN:
with wild mushroom marsala sauce
•CHICKEN SALINA:
with artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, portobello mushrooms, basil with lemon butter sauce
•CHICKEN SAVOYARD:
in creamy sauce of gruyére, white wine, dijon mustard and tarragon
•GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST:
with soy-mango asian barbeque sauce
•CACCIATORE:
with tomato, mushrooms, onion, and olives
•CHICKEN PICCATA:
with capers, lemon juice and white wine [served sliced with grilled portobello, roasted tomatoes and yukon potatoes] •CHICKEN MARSALA:
mushroom marsala sauce
•CHICKEN MILANESE:
Parmesan crusted chicken with baby spinach, tomatoes and balsamic sauce
•CHICKEN PARMIGIANA:
with fresh tomato basil sauce, mozzarella cheese and shaved parmesan
•ROASTED GARLIC LEMON HERB CHICKEN:
(Bone In) Fresh lemon zest, roasted garlic and herbs
•SESAME CHICKEN BREAST:
with ginger and scallion
•STUFFED CHICKEN:
with asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes and fontina cheese
•ORIENTAL STUFFED CHICKEN:
with peppers, spinach and mozzarella
•TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN:
Marinated in buttermilk, herbs and spices

BEEF, LAMB AND VEAL ENTREES
•MEATBALLS: $20.75 PER GUEST
Choose your favorite sauce (Madera Wine Sauce – Sweet Honey BBQ – Marinara – Teriyaki)
•MEATLOAF: $20.75 PER GUEST
Plain-or stuffed with eggs, beef sausage or spinach – with rich mushroom gravy
•SESAME BEEF AND ASPARAGUS STIR-FRY $20.75 PER GUEST
•CARVED FILET MIGNON:  $32.25 PER GUEST
with fresh watercress and rosemary roasted potatoes
•FILET MIGNON: $32.25 PER GUEST
Topped with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onion and a red raspberry reduction
•MOJO GRILLED RIB EYE: $32.25 PER GUEST
with chimichurri
•ROASTED RIB EYE: $32.25 PER GUEST
with pineapple salsa
•BEEF TENDERLOIN: $32.25 PER GUEST
with artichoke hearts, wild mushrooms and béarnaise sauce
•VEAL PARMESAN: $32.25 PER GUEST
Topped with marinara, fresh mozzarella and parmesan cheese

VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN ENTREES $18.75 PER GUEST
•SEITAN:
“Faux chicken” marsala w/ mushrooms
•EGGPLANT & SPINACH SORRENTINO:
with mezza rigatoni, tomato and basil
•MOROCCAN TAJIN:
Chickpeas, eggplant, zucchini, olives, pan-seared tofu strips, spiced quinoa
•KUNG-PAO TOFU:
with broccoli, carrots, zucchini, asparagus, sugar-snap pears and cauliflower sautéed in kung-pao sauce
•STUFFED PORTOBELLO: with spinach, roasted peppers and quinoa
•ROASTED VEGETABLES LASAGNA:
Layers of vegetables and cheese in a delightful red sauce
•VEGETABLENAPOLEON:
Stacks of portobello, mushrooms, peppers, zucchini, eggplant, onions, tomatoes, mozzarella and rosemary
•EGGPLANT ROLLATINI:
Stuffed with ricotta cheese topped with marinara and fresh parmesan

PORK ENTREES $24.25 PER GUEST
•ST. LOUIS STYLE SPARE RIBS:
Black jack barbecue sauce
•CUBAN STYLE LOIN OF PORK:
Sautéed onions and a cumin garlic sauce
•BRANDY AND BROWN SUGAR SMOKED SPIRAL HAM:
served with dijon and pommerey mustard
•SWEET ITALIAN SAUSAGE: and peppers

SEAFOOD  $24.25 PER GUEST
•LEMON PEPPER GRILLED SALMON WITH ROSEMARY
•MIRIN AND SOY GLAZE SALMON:
with miso and roasted sesame seeds
•PAN-SEARED SALMON:
with caramelized and braised shallots on a bed of fennel and spinach
•MOROCCAN GRILLED SALMON:
in a honey, orange and cilantro glaze
•TERIYAKI GLAZED SALMON: with black and white sesame seeds
•BLACKENED SALMON:
in a tangy creole tomato and champagne sauce
•BAKED GULF SHRIMP:
Stuffed with lump crabmeat
•SHRIMP SCAMPI:
with a garlic and white wine sauce served with orzo pasta
•SESAME CRUSTED SEARED TUNA STEAK:
Served over bok choy

MARKET PRICE
•PAN ROASTED SNAPPER:
Served with baby eggplant, wild mushrooms and miso broth Market Price
•CRISP RED SNAPPER:
with roasted tomato confit on a bed of spinach Market Price
•CRAB AND LOBSTER:
Sweet lobster & crab cakes topped with chipotle sauce Market Price

ENTRÉE ACCOMPANIMENTS

Choose any as your accompaniments for the lunch and dinner entrées

POTATOES AND STARCH $8.25 PER GUEST
•Roasted fingerling potatoes with parmesan and herbs
•Roasted red potatoes with sage and rosemary
•Roasted yukon gold potatoes with fresh herbs and butter
•Sweet potato chunks w/ honey orange zest and tarragon

RICE $8.25 PER GUEST
•Yellow fried rice with vegetables
•Spinach and mushrooms rice pilaf
•Lemon grass infused jasmine rice •basmati rice with spinach
•Wild mushroom risotto
•Wild rice pilaf with roasted cubed vegetables
•Healthy steamed white or brown rice

VEGETABLES $8.25 PER GUEST
•Sautéed string beans with shallots and shiitake mushrooms
•Roasted vegetable ratatouille
•Sautéed string beans almandine with almonds and roasted peppers
•Steamed garden vegetables with fresh herbs
•Sautéed broccoli with garlic, and olive oil
•Roasted brussels sprouts with balsamic reduction
•Grilled assorted vegetables with balsamic reduction
•Sautéed spinach with roasted garlic and lemon
•Roasted honey glazed carrots with shallots and ginger
•Sautéed baby bock choy with teriyaki glaze and sesame seeds
•Grilled asparagus and roasted red bell pepper, portobello mushrooms and grilled onions

A New Standard of Buffet Catering

Our approach to buffet service moves beyond the ordinary. We don’t just deliver food—we curate a full culinary experience built around your event’s tone and theme. Each buffet station is intentionally designed, visually polished, and adapted to your venue space. From chafing dishes to platters, we ensure a presentation that feels cohesive and upscale. Gotham Catering and Events handles logistics with efficiency, discretion, and grace, so hosts can focus on their guests.

In settings where personalization matters, our Build Your Own Buffet empowers hosts to combine textures, temperatures, and tastes. Guests might explore plant-based entrees alongside classic proteins, or select seasonal vegetables paired with artisan grains and specialty sauces. This style of dining not only reflects NYC’s multicultural flavor but also responds to a wide range of dietary needs.

Our corporate catering in NYC often integrates buffet setups for both formal and informal events, adapting to the size, scope, and setting of each unique gathering. We’ve served everything from investor luncheons in Midtown to art gallery receptions in SoHo, always keeping the guest experience at the forefront.

Elegant Execution, Thoughtful Options

Flexibility doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. Our buffet-style events are rooted in refined service, coordinated logistics, and intentional food design. Rather than working from set templates, we provide guidance through a culinary planning process tailored to your preferences. Every ingredient is selected not only for its taste but for its sourcing story—supporting local farms and producers throughout the Tri-State area.

We welcome clients to explore ideas through collaborative menu planning and curated tastings. Our team is adept at translating your vision into a buffet that complements the atmosphere of your event, whether that’s formal, festive, or something in between. From portioning and flow to seasonal pairings, we engineer the experience with precision.

Clients often begin their experience by reviewing our corporate catering menu, which offers a foundation for customization. Whether you’re looking for comfort-driven options or elegant lighter fare, our menu planning process ensures everything aligns with your goals.

Sustainably Sourced, Locally Inspired

New York City events deserve more than generic catering. With a philosophy rooted in regional sourcing and sustainability, our buffet menus are built to reflect the rhythms of the season. We work closely with regional farms and suppliers, bringing clients the freshest possible ingredients—whether it’s early spring asparagus, heirloom tomatoes in late summer, or warm winter root vegetables.

By partnering with local producers, we reduce transportation emissions and support a more resilient food system. This attention to sustainability doesn’t end with ingredients—it extends to our packaging, serviceware, and food waste policies. It’s one of the many reasons clients return to us for thoughtfully produced events with both quality and environmental responsibility in mind.

Browse our seasonally inspired menus to see how our offerings shift with the calendar and explore dishes that highlight the best of what each season has to offer.

Creative Add-Ons for a Complete Experience

Buffets offer an opportunity to enhance the guest experience through curated add-ons that complement the main offerings. Many of our clients choose to include individual lunch boxes for guests with dietary restrictions or for events requiring fast-paced service. For those needs, our lunch boxes catering menu provides practical, high-quality selections delivered with the same attention to presentation and freshness.

Others opt for more theatrical components like our signature Heroes by the Foot, a dramatic and visually impressive addition that works well for larger groups or casual end-of-event dining. This item, found on our Heroes by the Foot page, brings a sense of grandeur and playful abundance to the buffet format.

Event-Specific Themes and Presentation

Every event carries its own energy, and our catering adjusts to complement that identity. Whether you’re planning a gallery opening in Chelsea or a corporate mixer in Midtown, the buffet’s presentation is tailored to suit the occasion. Many clients begin their event design with our themed dinner menus, which offer creative starting points rooted in global flavors and seasonal inspiration.

By working closely with our culinary team, you can adapt a thematic base—such as Mediterranean, rustic Italian, or seasonal harvest—into a fully customized buffet station. We’re particularly mindful of creating options that appeal across dietary needs without compromising presentation or flavor.

Fresh Salads, Elegant Sides, and Pairing Guidance

Complementing the main dishes are a series of elevated sides and salads, each selected for balance, texture, and visual appeal. Our team curates pairings that support seasonal themes, such as roasted root vegetables with nutty grains in autumn or chilled cucumber salads with grilled proteins in summer.

For more casual events, especially lunch gatherings or breakout sessions, our sandwiches and side salads options allow for simplified buffet service without compromising on freshness or variety.

Logistics and Execution That Work Seamlessly

Buffet catering, when done right, is as much about logistics as it is about the menu. Gotham Catering and Events offers a cohesive, end-to-end solution that includes delivery, setup, service equipment, and optional staffing. Whether your event is staffed or drop-off only, we ensure every element arrives on time, professionally packed, and arranged with precision.

To better understand how we operate, including lead times, delivery windows, and cancellation terms, we invite clients to review our catering policies. These standards are in place to ensure transparency and reliability at every stage.

Finish Strong with Dessert and Global Flavors

No buffet is complete without a strong closing note. From classic pastries to modern plated desserts, Gotham Catering provides options designed to impress visually and satisfy a range of preferences. Whether you’re planning an intimate private dinner or a gala for hundreds, our desserts catering menu offers selections that deliver elegance and approachability.

Many hosts are also exploring international flavors to add dimension and distinction to their events. One example is our Mexican Fajita Bar, which provides vibrant color and spice to the buffet format while remaining accessible and crowd-pleasing. It’s ideal for casual celebrations, summer rooftops, or themed corporate events.

Creative Buffets for All Meal Times

While dinner buffets are the most requested format, Gotham also supports flexible buffet offerings throughout the day. We design lunch services that can carry the same sense of refinement as a formal evening event. Our catering soups are a favorite for winter luncheons, while our sandwiches and lunch packages offer fast, balanced options for corporate schedules.

For more substantial mid-day functions, our hot Italian pasta selections provide rich, comforting dishes perfect for high-volume settings. When warming equipment isn’t an option, we offer room temperature menus that retain their flavor and presentation quality long after delivery.

Clients who enjoy curating themed elements will find our themed lunch menus valuable for quick, curated event planning.

Buffet-Style Service With Daytime Flexibility

For daytime events, buffets provide flexibility without sacrificing style. From team meetings to on-site activations, our lunch buffet options deliver culinary depth with efficient service. These buffets are crafted to energize attendees and reinforce your brand’s commitment to quality.

Event hosts who prefer a more casual, handheld format can lean into our sandwich catering, featuring a variety of artisan breads, local greens, and house-made spreads.

Light and Nourishing Build-Your-Own Options

For wellness-focused gatherings, a buffet can feature build-your-own salad or grain bowl stations, offering nutrient-rich, energizing meals in an elegant layout. Our create your own salad option invites guests to craft meals aligned with their tastes and dietary goals. Hearty grains also play a prominent role in our catering approach. With options like farro, quinoa, and wild rice, the grain bowl menu rounds out buffet stations with satisfying, well-balanced fare. We believe in collaboration and transparency. Before finalizing any event, we encourage clients to schedule a session from our lunch tasting offerings. This process allows you to refine flavors, assess presentation, and ensure the menu fully supports your vision.

When staffing isn’t needed but quality is non-negotiable, our drop-off buffets provide a polished, efficient alternative. From offices to private venues, these services are executed with the same level of care. Our drop-off platters are designed to arrive fresh, well-organized, and table-ready, allowing hosts to focus on the flow of the event without sacrificing presentation.