Manhattan Beach Catering Services

Planning an event in Manhattan Beach should feel exciting, not stressful. Crateful Catering is a full-service culinary company known for chef-driven menus, polished hospitality, and seamless event execution across Manhattan Beach and Greater Los Angeles.

Elevated Manhattan Beach Catering for Unforgettable Events

From beachfront celebrations and Strand-adjacent homes to corporate gatherings and private dinners, our team delivers thoughtful cuisine, attentive service, and a process you can trust—so you can stay present with your guests.

Ready to get started? Request a quote and we’ll help you shape a menu and service plan that fits your event, venue, and budget.

Italian Culinary Heritage Meets California Coastal Flavor

Crateful Catering was founded by Emanuele Ponzo, born in Rome, Italy, raised with a deep love for farm-to-table cooking, and inspired by the kind of food that brings people together. That heritage shows up in our approach: clean flavors, quality ingredients, and dishes that feel elevated without feeling forced.

In Manhattan Beach—where events often blend coastal ease with upscale expectations—our style fits naturally: fresh, seasonal, refined, and warm.

Our Hollywood Catering Services

Wedding Catering

Manhattan Beach is one of the most iconic coastal backdrops in Los Angeles—perfect for celebrations that feel both elevated and relaxed. Crateful Catering supports weddings across the South Bay with chef-led menus and service that stays calm, organized, and guest-focused.

Wedding catering options include:

  • Cocktail hour + passed appetizers

  • Plated multi-course dinners

  • Upscale buffets and family-style service

  • Action stations and late-night bites

  • Dessert displays and custom add-ons

We also accommodate dietary needs and preferences so every guest feels cared for—without sacrificing flavor or presentation

Corporate Catering

From executive lunches to high-visibility brand moments, corporate catering needs to be reliable, efficient, and on-brand.

Crateful Catering supports:

  • Office lunches and team meals

  • Client-facing events and VIP receptions

  • Product launches and brand activations

  • Holiday parties and milestone celebrations

  • Production catering management across Southern California

Our team understands timing, professionalism, and presentation—so your event reflects well on your business.

Film, TV & Production Catering

Production catering requires precision, flexibility, and reliability. Our team has experience supporting film, television, and creative productions throughout Los Angeles.

We provide:

  • On-set catering and craft services

  • Flexible menus for long shooting days

  • Efficient service for crews and talent

  • Consistent quality and dependable timing

From small crews to large production teams, we understand the pace and pressure of set life.

Private Catering

Manhattan Beach is built for at-home entertaining—birthdays, engagement parties, anniversaries, showers, and family gatherings that deserve more than “standard” catering.

We cater:

  • Backyard celebrations and coastal home events

  • Cocktail receptions and intimate gatherings

  • Graduation and milestone parties

  • Baby and bridal showers

  • Special-occasion dinners

Want something more personal? We also offer private chef experiences that bring restaurant-quality dining into your home.

Craft Bar & Beverage Catering

A well-run bar changes the energy of the entire event. Crateful Catering offers artisan craft bar services designed to complement your menu and your crowd.

Beverage options can include:

  • Signature cocktails and curated menus

  • Wine and champagne service

  • Mocktail programs for all ages

  • Licensed bartenders and professional bar setup

If you want an event that feels polished from the first welcome drink to the final toast, beverage service is a key part of the plan.

Our Culinary Philosophy

Crateful Catering is built on the belief that great food doesn’t need to be complicated—it needs to be intentional.

Our approach emphasizes:

  • Fresh, quality ingredients (with a strong preference for local sourcing)

  • Chef-driven menus that balance simplicity and creativity

  • Presentation that feels elevated, not overdone

  • Hospitality that’s elegant and authentic

  • Inclusivity and flexibility across dietary needs and cultural tastes

  • Ongoing staff training to support a safe, professional work environment

We’re here to craft dining experiences that feel unique, tasteful, and truly memorable—no matter the scope or budget.

Manhattan Beach Catering FAQs

We’re proud to provide our catering in Los Angeles including: Beverly Hills, Malibu, Pasadena Hollywood and Santa Monica.

  • For weddings and peak-season weekends, earlier is always better. Many clients reach out several months in advance to secure preferred dates. For smaller private events, availability can vary—contact us with your date and we’ll tell you what’s possible.

  • Yes. We frequently support coastal events and private residences. We’ll help plan service style and logistics around access, timing, and the flow of your event.

  • Absolutely. We build menus around your guest needs and preferences while keeping the food exciting and well-presented.

  • Yes. We provide chefs, service staff, event leads, and bartenders depending on the event scope and service style.

  • Pricing depends on guest count, menu style, service format (plated vs. stations vs. buffet), staffing, and bar service. The easiest way to get an accurate number is to request a quote—we’ll build a plan aligned with your budget and goals.

  • Crateful Catering serves Manhattan Beach and surrounding areas, including:

    • Los Angeles

    • Beverly Hills

    • Santa Monica

    • Malibu

    • Pasadena

    • Hollywood

    • Downtown LA

    • Manhattan Beach and the South Bay

    If your event is nearby and you’re unsure, reach out—we’ll confirm coverage

  • Step 1: Initial Consultation

    We start with a clear conversation:

    • What are you celebrating?

    • Where is the event in Manhattan Beach?

    • What’s your guest count and budget range?

    • What style do you want—formal, relaxed, modern, coastal-chic?

    You’ll leave the first call with clarity on next steps and what’s realistic for your event goals.

    Step 2: Custom Menu Development

    Next we build the menu around:

    • Seasonality and ingredient quality

    • Your preferences and event theme

    • Dietary needs and guest experience

    • Service style and pacing

    When appropriate, we can also discuss tastings and presentation ideas to match your venue and vibe.

    Step 3: Event Planning & Logistics

    This is where stress gets removed. We coordinate details like:

    • Staffing plan (servers, captains, bartenders)

    • Timeline and service flow

    • Rentals (as needed) and setup logistics

    • Layout considerations for stations, buffets, or plated service

    We’re used to working alongside planners, venues, photographers, and production teams—so everyone stays aligned.

    Step 4: Event Day Execution

    On event day, our team shows up prepared:

    • Organized setup and kitchen workflow

    • Professional, guest-focused service

    • Clean presentation and consistent pacing

    • On-site management to keep everything smooth

    The end result should feel seamless—so you’re not managing anything while you’re hosting.