Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Catered by Design

    4.9 (117 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Get pricing & availability

    Response time

    40 minutes

    Response rate

    100%

    Services - Catered by Design

    Catering

    Gluten-free catering

    Halal catering

    3 More Services

    Kosher catering

    Vegan catering

    Vegetarian catering

    Catered by Design Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Catered by Design

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Our wedding buffet menu
    Christine L.

    Catered by Design catered our 160-guest wedding at the Woman's Club of Evanston, and they were absolutely amazing! We started working originally with Nikee, and later with Jen after she took over Nikee's role for our wedding. Both were stupendous at their job. Nikee was so helpful in setting up the tasting and making suggestions. The tasting itself, in Morton Grove, was such a treat. We enjoyed every bit of it and it really helped us decide what we wanted have for the wedding. Nikee was awesome and took down any modifications we requested for the foods (different dressing, having certain salad toppings on the side, slightly modifying one of the desserts, having different a drink mixer and mint for mojitos, etc) Jen was so great to work with, bringing up things that I never would have thought about, and worked seamlessly (as far as I could tell) with the DJ and venue to make sure everything ran smoothly. Now to the FOOD. The food was so delicious, people were raving about the food during and after the wedding. We had passed appetizers and opted to do the buffet, and they had so much food to go around, and had enough for seconds for the guests that wanted it. I'll post a pic of our menu, we loved ALL of it! I've attached a pic that includes the items we chose for the buffet. For dessert we did the decadent trio for which we chose the key lime tartlet, Carmelita brownies, and cheesecake lollipops. A few notes though, although I guess I should have specified with them directly, there should have been extra favors leftover (we had 200 for 160 guests) and we were unsure what happened to the extras. Our cake baker had also provided us with a box of macarons with a note on top indicating it was for us, and it also may have been cleaned up/tossed by accident at the end of the night. Other than that we were EXTREMELY satisfied, especially our bellies!! I highly recommend Catered by Design for any event!

    Robin K.

    I work for the Niles Library and we used Catered by Design for our 60th anniversary last year. I have to say they did a wonderful job! Everyone absolutely loved the food we chose and Catered by Design did such a great job at making everything taste great and look beautiful. I wanted to use them for my upcoming wedding, but our venue provides the food. If I threw a large party and needed a caterer, I'd definitely use Catered by Design.

    Andrea R.

    I was a vendor at an event and happened to be sitting right next to Catered by Design. Lucky for me because I was able to munch on all their delicious food throughout the day, but not so lucky for them because they probably didn't appreciate me chowing on their food all day long...although they couldn't have been nicer about it and kept telling me to eat more (and I'm always game for eating more!). There was a spread of many different things and believe me....I tried it all! My favorites were the sushi (no surprise there being the sushi addict that I am) and pita covered with some delicious spread and artichoke. So good that I just kept snacking on it all day long! The presentation of everything was also beautiful, which I find to be most important when researching good caterers. And the staff couldn't have been friendlier- no raised eyebrows as I kept approaching the food buffet! Overall, very impressed and would definitely call this caterer for any upcoming event needs! Check them out for your needs as well!

    Photo by Michael Lee Photography https://mikeleephotos.com/
    Shamus T.

    Catered by Design came through for us. The proposal process was very professional, and all communication was timely and responsive. The tasting event was a treat in and of itself, where we were able to pick out our dishes, linens, as well as the dishes. On the big day, Laura made us feel very well taken care of. She was at my side on the day of the event to confirm the timing of everything, and made sure that everything went smoothly. All the servers, and the bartender were friendly, and helpful. The passed hors d'oeuvres were delicious! The drink bar was beautiful with all of the colored carafes, and San Pellegrino. The mushroom bisque, breads, and entrees all exceeded our highest hopes. The Catered by Design team absolutely made our day, working with our photographer, baker, and florist, harmoniously, part of a dream team. Our guests had a wonderful time, all praised the food and service. We wanted to pamper and impress our guests, and Catered by Design certainly did that.

    Liang H.

    Experienced this catering company at a wedding we attended. The passed appetizers were delicious and included: tuna tartare on wonton crisp, bacon wrapped date, veggie eggroll, crab cake, and tomato soup and grilled cheese shooters. My favorite was the crab cake, which was delicious and tasted of real shellfish despite being soft and not crispy on the outside. For the plated meal, the breads came with an assortment of pretzel rolls and white rolls with herbed compound butter. The salad was very fresh with strawberries, goat cheese, red onion, walnuts, and spring mix. The maple salmon with orzo and balsamic veggie kabobs were good, but the standout option was the medium rare steak medallion- tender, Smoky, with a rich reduction and mashed potatoes as well as tender greens. Dessert was a mini sampler plate of various things and was good too. My one complaint was that they didn't serve everyone the wedding cake-- it took them an hour to cut it and not every table received it.

    Bride and Groom in the Bridgeport Art Center's Sculpture Garden

    See all

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam G.

    Sam G.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam G.

    Sam G.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam G.

    Sam G.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam G.

    Sam G.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam G.

    Sam G.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Andrea R.
    3729
    3437
    1892

    19 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Shamus T.
    15
    97
    22

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tom B.
    39
    31
    0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of L A.
    0
    15
    0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Akmo F.
    0
    13
    11

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Catered by Design

    Review Highlights - Catered by Design

    When we met with Nikee to discuss the vision for our big day, she was patient and her expertise shined through.

    Mentioned in 20 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Unforgettable Edibles

    Unforgettable Edibles

    (68 reviews)

    Norwood Park

    I'm so glad that I stumbled across Unforgettable Edibles! I planned my sister's bridal shower (from…read morethe West Coast) and trusted the rave reviews and this women-owned business did not disappoint! Ordering Process: I got the mini sandwiches and the fruit and cheese tray. Ordering was super easy and stress-free. They could customize the type and number of sandwiches with no problem and I also added the fruit and cheese tray after the fact, which was accommodated. Quality: I ordered the mini-sandwiches - chicken salad, turkey gouda, and veggie caprese. Each was so delicious. The cheese and fruit tray were beautifully presented and had plenty of variety. High-quality fruit, cheese, and crackers. Our guests loved the food! Presentation: Each tray was BEAUTIFULLY presented! I also loved that the little card labels came with the order so it was easy to set things up. (see picture). Overall: I'm beyond thrilled with the whole order, From start to finish it was so smooth and the food was well presented and delicious. You cannot ask for more. These gals go above and beyond. I will order from them again and am so proud to support a women-owned business!

    I have a traditional Paddy's day brunch for my daughter's, and our friends. Ordered everything…read morebagel bake and Irish sausage puffs... Amazing 10 out of 10. Super easy to order, emailed them my order, paid through a phone call and picked it up hot. They have the best homemade catering business around.

    Soul & Smoke - 1lb spare ribs
 1lb brisket
 1lb rib tips

    Soul & Smoke

    (212 reviews)

    $$

    Soul & Smoke in Evanston was excellent. I had the meat sampler and the side sampler, and it was the…read moreperfect way to try a little bit of everything. Considering I am from Texas, I will admit I can be a little particular when it comes to BBQ, but this was pretty good BBQ, especially this far north. The smoked meats were flavorful, tender, and had a good slow-cooked taste. The brisket, pulled pork, rib tips, and sausage all brought something different, and the variety made the meal feel like a true sampler experience. The sides were just as good. The mac and cheese, red beans and rice, collard greens, apple slaw, and cornbread all had that comforting soul food feel and paired really well with the BBQ. Overall, Soul & Smoke delivered on both the smoke and the soul. Great flavor, generous portions, and a satisfying meal from start to finish. Definitely a spot worth visiting if you are in Evanston and looking for good BBQ and soul food.

    The gumbo was amazing! Make sure you make some rice to go with it…read more The pastrami was great on a Hawaiian roll and their gold and house bbq sauce went well with the brisket too. Quick ordering directly thru their website for pickup as well. Excited to see their expanded dining room opening soon. And of course the corn bread muffin was dynamite as well as the amazing Mac n cheese. It was a filling meal that lasted for 2 meals. Friendly service and no tipping required bc they pay their staff well.

    Food For Thought

    Food For Thought

    (235 reviews)

    Food is one of the things guests remember the most from a wedding, and Food for Thought made sure…read moreour wedding reception would be talked about for a very long time. From the very beginning, we knew FFT was the right vendor for us because they took our favorite foods and crafted a completely customized menu perfectly tailored to what we enjoyed and what we envisioned for the event. From there, they then worked with us to refine the menu as we kept coming up with crazy ideas. We literally emailed Anna about how we had just tasted a delicious Oreo brownie and she had it added to our desserts right away. We also wanted a very custom bar menu, and they worked with us to get us all the different brands we were looking for, going so far as to drive to Indiana to source some of them. The other aspect of their menu that made such an impact was all the interactive food stations. Everything is so creatively presented and designed. At our tasting, Anna had literally taken elements of our décor and paper goods and other motifs and woven them throughout the presentations from custom serving trays to glass designs. Everything felt intentional and thought out. Guests were constantly praising this attention to detail. Every station had some element of action to it as well, making everything feel like a unique experience. In all of this, the food was all delicious. We wish we can eat and experience it all over again. We still dream of Chef Arlene's Guava and Cheese Empanadas. Throughout the process, Anna was extremely easy to work with and very responsive. One thing we wanted to highlight was that we wanted to be very careful with allergens. Despite the high number of dishes, Anna did a fantastic job working to highlight all the possible allergens in every item, taking the request very seriously. We also wanted to praise the service for the actual day-of catering. They had their full team there, and the professional service was fantastic from top to bottom. Our guests praised the food endlessly, and people who were planning their wedding wanted to know all the background details into our catering choice. That is just more proof that Food for Thought was the perfect caterer, and we couldn't have asked for anything more.

    Had such a great experience working with Kacilynn and FFT for our wedding at the Chicago History…read moreMuseum this April. Our vision was really brought to life and we got SO many compliments on the food. The apps, the salad, the meals, late night snacks and dessert. I feel like that never happens at weddings! Thank you thank you thank you to everyone at FFT who helped us pull off such a special event!

    Catered by Design - catering - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...