Various premium steakhouses in Amsterdam offer extensive catering services for both private and corporate events. From complete BBQ arrangements with professional grill masters to luxury meat platters that you can pick up at home, the possibilities are diverse. Most top locations offer both on-location catering with full service as well as delivery options for smaller groups. In this article, we discuss all aspects of steakhouse catering in Amsterdam, from the different service types to practical tips for choosing the right option for your event.
What Types of Catering Services Do Steakhouses in Amsterdam Offer?
Premium steakhouses in Amsterdam typically offer three main forms of catering: on-location catering, delivery service, and pickup service. With on-location catering, the complete team comes to your event, including professional grill masters, high-quality grills, and all necessary equipment. This is ideal for larger events where you want to offer your guests a complete steakhouse experience.
The delivery service is perfect for smaller groups at home or at the office. You receive pre-prepared dishes that only need to be reheated, often accompanied by detailed instructions. Many steakhouses also offer luxury meat platters that you can pick up, complete with side dishes, sauces, and preparation instructions for home cooking.
Additionally, there are specialized arrangements such as:
- Complete BBQ packages with raw products and rental of professional grills
- Corporate catering with live cooking stations for company parties
- Walking dinner concepts with mini-steaks and finger food
- Exclusive dry-aged meat packages for home chefs
- Custom arrangements for weddings and anniversaries
What Are the Benefits of Steakhouse Catering for Your Event?
The biggest advantage of steakhouse catering is the professional expertise you bring in-house. Experienced grill masters know exactly how to prepare each cut of meat perfectly, from tender beef tenderloin to juicy ribeye. Your guests are guaranteed to receive top-quality meat, prepared at the right temperature and with perfect doneness.
Additionally, you save yourself a lot of stress and preparation time. The catering team takes care of everything, from purchasing premium meat varieties to serving and cleaning up. You often receive complete service including side dishes such as grilled vegetables, potato garnishes, and fresh salads, plus a selection of house-made sauces that pair perfectly with the meat.
Another important advantage is the experience you offer your guests. With live grilling stations, guests can see how their steak is prepared and receive explanations about different meat varieties. This makes your event more than just a meal; it becomes a culinary experience that people will remember.
How Do You Choose the Right Steakhouse Catering for Your Occasion?
Start by determining your exact needs: how many guests do you expect, what type of event is it, and what is your budget per person? For an intimate dinner with ten people, a delivery service with pre-prepared dishes is often sufficient, while a company party with fifty guests requires on-location catering with live cooking.
When requesting quotes, always ask about:
- The origin and quality of the meat (grass-fed, dry-aged, specific breeds)
- Options for guests with dietary requirements (vegetarian, gluten-free)
- What exactly is included in the price (staff, equipment, cleaning)
- Minimum and maximum numbers for different arrangements
- References from previous events
Also pay attention to practical matters such as the accessibility of your location, available facilities (electricity, water), and any restrictions. Some historic buildings, for example, do not allow open flames, requiring you to use electric grills instead. Always discuss these types of details in advance with the caterer.
What Can You Expect in Terms of Prices for Premium Steakhouse Catering?
Prices for steakhouse catering vary greatly depending on various factors. For a basic arrangement with good quality meat, side dishes, and service, you can expect to pay approximately 45 to 65 euros per person. Premium arrangements with top-quality meat such as Wagyu or dry-aged specialties often start from 75 euros per person.
Factors that influence the price include the type of meat (standard beef is cheaper than exclusive breeds), the service level (buffet or ร la carte service), the location (extra travel costs outside Amsterdam), and extras such as appetizers, desserts, or beverage packages. The number of guests also plays a role, with larger groups often receiving a more favorable price per person.
To optimize your budget without compromising on quality, consider these tips:
- Choose a mix of different meat varieties instead of only premium cuts
- Ask about seasonal offers or special arrangements
- Combine self-catered elements (such as dessert) with the catering
- Book well in advance for better price agreements
How Far in Advance Should You Book Steakhouse Catering?
For smaller events up to 20 people, a reservation period of two weeks is usually sufficient, especially outside peak season. For larger events or during popular periods such as December (Christmas dinners) or June (weddings), we recommend booking at least six to eight weeks in advance.
The planning process usually begins with an orientation meeting where you discuss your wishes. This is followed by a customized quote, possibly a tasting, and upon agreement, the final booking. Important arrangements you need to make include the exact number of guests (usually final one week before the event), specific dietary requirements, event timeline, and logistical details such as parking and setup time.
For last-minute requests, some steakhouses have special arrangements or can refer you to colleague restaurants. Keep in mind that the choice options are more limited and prices may be higher with shorter booking periods.
Why Choose Vlees & Co Catering in Amsterdam?
If you’re looking for premium steakhouse catering in Amsterdam, we at Vlees & Co offer a unique combination of top-quality meat and professional service. Our expertise lies in selecting and preparing the best meat varieties in the world, from USA Prime to Japanese Wagyu A4/A5. Our grill masters are trained as meat sommeliers and are happy to share their knowledge with your guests.
We work exclusively with sustainably produced meat from free-range cattle and can trace the complete origin of every piece of meat. For catering events, we offer custom arrangements that perfectly match your wishes and budget. Whether you’re organizing an intimate dinner or a large corporate party, we ensure an unforgettable meat experience.
Would you like to know more about our catering possibilities? Check out our restaurant in Amsterdam or take a look at our extensive menu for inspiration. We’d be happy to discuss the possibilities for your event and create a custom arrangement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I also order just the meat without the full catering service?
Yes, most premium steakhouses in Amsterdam also offer individual meat packages for home preparation. You receive expertly cut steaks of top quality, often vacuum packed with preparation instructions. Some establishments even deliver complete 'grill-it-yourself' packages including marinades, rubs, and professional grill thermometers for perfect results at home.
How do I ensure the meat is still warm when delivered?
Professional steakhouse caterers use special warming equipment and insulation boxes that keep the meat at the right temperature during transport. For longer distances, they often work with a 'finishing' system where the meat is delivered 80% cooked and you only need to briefly finish cooking it at home according to provided instructions. Always ask about the best reheating method for your specific situation.
What if some guests are vegetarian or have allergies?
Modern steakhouse caterers are excellently prepared for diverse dietary needs. In addition to premium plant-based alternatives such as portobello steaks or cauliflower steaks, they often also offer fish and poultry options. For allergies, they work with separate preparation areas and can compile gluten-free, lactose-free, or nut-free menus. Always communicate dietary requirements at least one week in advance for the best alternatives.
Is it possible to do a tasting first before I make a final booking?
Many premium steakhouses offer tastings for larger catering orders, usually starting from 30 people. You pay a reduced rate to taste different meat varieties, side dishes, and sauces. With final booking, this amount is often credited against the final bill. For smaller groups, you can also first dine at the restaurant itself to assess the quality.
What equipment do I need to arrange myself for on-location catering?
In principle, you don't need to arrange anything; professional caterers bring all necessary equipment. However, it is important to check in advance whether your location has sufficient power capacity (usually at least 2x 16 ampere for electric grills) and whether running water is available. For outdoor locations, they can work with gas tanks and water tanks, but this must be discussed in advance due to extra costs and logistics.
How do I prevent food waste when uncertain about the number of guests?
Work with a flexible ordering model where you can still add or cancel 10-15% up to 48 hours in advance. Many caterers recommend calculating 200-250 grams of meat per person for a main course, but this can be adjusted based on your menu. Leftover meat can often be vacuum packed for later use, or ask about 'doggy bag' service where guests can take leftovers home.