Nothing transforms an event quite like food that excites the senses and sparks conversation. In Gilbert, Arizona, the catering industry has become a cornerstone of celebrations, fueling everything from weddings and corporate galas to backyard family parties. The Arizona catering market is thriving, with revenues in the state surpassing $500 million annually, and Mexican cuisine has quickly become the most requested style of catering across the Phoenix metro area.
Authentic Mexican food offers more than just satisfying dishes—it’s a celebration of culture, tradition, and fresh ingredients. With bold flavors like smoky chipotle, hand-ground masa, charred jalapeños, and slow-braised meats, Mexican catering adds vibrancy and personality to any event. Statistics show that Mexican cuisine is the second-most popular catering category in the U.S., representing nearly 20% of catering requests, and in Arizona, those numbers are even higher thanks to the region’s rich cultural ties and culinary heritage.
The importance of choosing the right caterer cannot be overstated. Guests often remember the food above all else, and with Mexican catering, details matter: fresh-made tortillas, perfectly seasoned proteins, and colorful garnishes elevate the experience from average to unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a wedding for 200 or a small company lunch, the best Mexican food catering companies in Gilbert AZ bring authenticity, passion, and impeccable service to the table.
1. La Ristra New Mexican Kitchen
La Ristra Mexican Food Catering in Gilbert takes the top spot as the premier destination for Mexican catering in the East Valley. Known for its dedication to authentic New Mexican flavors, La Ristra has become a staple for both dine-in and large-scale catering services. Their catering division specializes in bringing the bold, smoky flavors of Hatch green chile, red chile sauces, and hand-prepared Mexican dishes to events across Gilbert and beyond.
What makes La Ristra extraordinary is its commitment to traditional recipes paired with a modern presentation. Their catering menu includes crowd favorites like enchiladas smothered in Hatch chile, carne adovada slow-cooked to perfection, tamales wrapped in fresh husks, and sizzling fajita stations complete with house-made tortillas. For corporate events and weddings, they offer full-service catering that includes professional staff, rentals, and presentation that impresses even the most discerning guests.
The restaurant has earned countless fans for its consistency, flavor, and ability to adapt to both intimate gatherings and large banquets. Their kitchen team is known for sourcing authentic Hatch chiles directly from New Mexico, a commitment that sets them apart from many local competitors. This dedication to authenticity resonates with event planners and food lovers alike, who trust La Ristra to bring the real flavors of New Mexico to their celebrations.
Food & Beverage consultant Andrea Lopez of Valley Culinary Group notes, “La Ristra captures the essence of New Mexican cuisine in a way that translates beautifully into catering. Their focus on Hatch chile and traditional preparation makes their food stand out at events.”
It’s this combination of authenticity, quality, and event professionalism that cements La Ristra as the #1 choice among the best Mexican food catering companies in Gilbert AZ.
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2. Someburros
Someburros has become a household name in Arizona when it comes to Mexican catering, and their Gilbert locations are no exception. A family-owned company with deep roots in Arizona, Someburros has been serving up Sonoran-style Mexican food for decades. Their catering menu is designed with flexibility in mind, making it equally suited for casual office lunches and elegant weddings.
Guests rave about their burro platters, which feature freshly rolled tortillas filled with machaca, shredded beef, chicken, or vegetarian options. Their enchilada trays, taco bars, and customizable fajita stations allow hosts to tailor the menu to fit the vibe of any event. One of the standout features of Someburros catering is their consistency—every dish tastes just as good at a catered event as it does in the restaurant.
Beyond food, Someburros brings a warmth and hospitality to events that reflects their family-oriented roots. Their catering team is efficient, reliable, and attentive to detail, ensuring that guests are fed and satisfied without hiccups. They’ve developed a reputation for being a go-to solution for both personal and corporate events.
Hospitality strategist Michael Rivera of Event Trends Co. shared, “Someburros is reliable, flavorful, and delivers the kind of catering that makes people feel at home. They understand Arizona’s love for Sonoran food, and that translates beautifully to large-scale catering.”
This combination of authentic flavor, dependable service, and approachable pricing places Someburros firmly in the top tier of Mexican food catering companies in Gilbert AZ.
3. Joyride Taco House
Joyride Taco House has carved out its place in Gilbert’s dining and catering scene with a modern take on classic Mexican street food. Known for their vibrant atmosphere in-restaurant, their catering brings that same energy to events of all kinds. From taco bars with hand-pressed tortillas to colorful sides like esquites (Mexican street corn) and charred pineapple salsa, their menu is designed to excite.
Their catering packages emphasize variety and customization, offering different proteins such as al pastor, carne asada, and grilled fish. Hosts often highlight how their guests enjoy the fresh, playful flavors Joyride provides, making them a popular option for birthday parties and informal weddings.
4. Zoyo Neighborhood Catering (Mexican Menu Specialties)
While known for more than just Mexican cuisine, Zoyo’s Gilbert catering division has built a loyal following for its flavorful Mexican-inspired menus. Their taco and burrito bars come with all the fixings, offering both classic and creative fillings. Their catering team emphasizes ease and simplicity, making them a strong choice for corporate functions or casual social events.
The focus here is on balance: providing delicious, approachable food with an emphasis on quality ingredients and fresh preparation. Clients appreciate the flexibility and straightforward process, which makes planning stress-free.
5. Rubio’s Coastal Grill Catering
Rubio’s Coastal Grill brings a Baja-inspired twist to Mexican catering in Gilbert. Famous for their fish tacos and coastal flavors, Rubio’s catering is perfect for events seeking a lighter, fresher take on Mexican cuisine. Their catering menu includes trays of fish tacos, shrimp burritos, and bowls packed with fresh salsas and guacamole.
Their appeal lies in their ability to bring seafood-driven Mexican food into catering without sacrificing quality. Guests often comment on the brightness and health-forward flavors Rubio’s provides, making them especially appealing for corporate luncheons and health-conscious gatherings.
6. Costa Vida Catering
Costa Vida is another excellent option for Mexican catering in Gilbert, specializing in scratch-made tortillas, slow-braised meats, and vibrant salsas. Their catering packages are customizable and can accommodate both small groups and large parties. Popular options include taco bars, burrito buffets, and salad-focused catering for lighter fare.
The freshness of their ingredients is what consistently draws praise. Their catering is designed to bring the energy of their restaurants into events, with a focus on made-from-scratch quality.
7. Backyard Taco
Backyard Taco, with its wood-fired mesquite grills, offers catering that captures the authentic flavor of Mexican street food. Known for their tacos al carbon and smoky meats, their Gilbert catering service has become a hit for events looking for bold, rustic flavors.
Their catering menu includes mesquite-grilled steak, marinated chicken, and charro beans, all served in generous portions. Guests love the authenticity and straightforward approach, making Backyard Taco a favorite for casual parties and family events.
8. Filiberto’s Mexican Food (Catering Trays)
Filiberto’s, a well-known Arizona staple, provides catering trays perfect for large groups. Their Gilbert locations offer burritos, enchiladas, tacos, and sides that make serving guests simple and affordable. While more casual in style, their food is hearty and satisfying, making it ideal for birthdays, graduations, and office gatherings.
Their appeal lies in their accessibility—they’re available for last-minute orders and can handle both small and large group needs with ease.
9. Café Rio Mexican Grill Catering
Café Rio offers catering in Gilbert with a focus on scratch-made, farm-fresh ingredients. Their catering style is centered around taco bars, burrito stations, and enchilada trays, all with signature sauces and house-made tortillas.
Café Rio’s consistency and emphasis on freshness make them a popular choice for families and businesses seeking quality Mexican food catering with a polished yet approachable vibe.
10. Ajo Al’s Mexican Café Catering
Ajo Al’s Mexican Café has been serving authentic Mexican food in Arizona since the 1980s, and their Gilbert catering operation brings that legacy to life. Their catering trays include enchiladas, fajitas, chimichangas, and more, with recipes rooted in Sonoran tradition.
Guests often highlight their flavorful sauces, hand-prepared sides, and generous portions. Their longevity in the Valley is a testament to their consistent quality and service.
Why These Catering Companies Made the List
Quality ingredients, authenticity, and service excellence are the foundation of great catering. Each of the companies highlighted here has built its reputation on crafting dishes that resonate with Arizona’s love of Mexican cuisine. From Hatch chile authenticity at La Ristra to Sonoran comfort at Someburros and Baja flair at Rubio’s, these businesses prove that variety and passion define Gilbert’s Mexican catering scene.
What separates them from the rest is their ability to not only cook food but to create an experience. Whether it’s handcrafted tortillas, mesquite-grilled meats, or farm-fresh salsas, these details turn meals into memories. Their professionalism in service ensures that hosts can enjoy the event stress-free, knowing their guests are well-fed and satisfied.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Catering in Gilbert AZ
How much does Mexican food catering cost in Gilbert AZ?
Catering costs vary depending on menu choices, event size, and service style. Taco bars and buffet-style setups often start around $15–$25 per person, while full-service plated meals with staff and rentals can range from $40–$75 per person. Premium options with seafood or specialty items may exceed that.
What makes Mexican food catering unique compared to other cuisines?
Mexican catering is unique because it balances bold, vibrant flavors with crowd-pleasing variety. Guests can customize their plates with tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or fajitas, allowing everyone to find something they love. Ingredients like fresh cilantro, roasted peppers, house-made salsas, and marinated meats make the cuisine flavorful and versatile.
Can Mexican catering accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes. Most Mexican catering companies in Gilbert offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Dishes such as veggie fajitas, bean burritos, and plant-based tacos provide flavorful alternatives without compromising authenticity. Communicating dietary needs early ensures proper planning.
Do Gilbert catering companies provide bar service with Mexican catering?
Some full-service Mexican caterers do offer licensed bar service, while others focus strictly on food. If alcohol is part of your event, ask the caterer if they’re licensed and insured to serve. Many will partner with local bartending services to provide a complete package.
What types of events are best suited for Mexican catering?
Mexican catering works well for almost any event—weddings, birthdays, graduations, corporate functions, and festivals. The interactive nature of taco bars or fajita stations makes it especially fun for social gatherings, while plated enchilada dinners bring sophistication to formal events.
Bringing Authentic Flavor to Gilbert’s Events
Gilbert has developed a reputation as a hotspot for authentic Mexican catering, and the companies highlighted here are proof of that excellence. From La Ristra’s dedication to Hatch chile authenticity to Someburros’ family traditions, and from backyard taco grills to elegant plated meals, these caterers show that Mexican cuisine has the versatility to elevate any gathering.
The heart of any event lies in the meals shared, and with Gilbert’s top Mexican catering companies, hosts can count on authenticity, service, and unforgettable flavors. So as you plan your next wedding, birthday, or corporate party, one question remains: which of these remarkable caterers will you trust to bring the true taste of Mexico to your table?