// Price guide
Affordable Catering in Toronto: Real Prices
What affordable catering actually costs in Toronto — real per-person prices from $13, what's included, and how to keep an event under budget without pizza.
// Search intent
What this search usually means
People searching this want a real number they can afford — usually for an office lunch, school event or family party — and most catering sites make them request a quote just to see prices.
Affordable catering in Toronto realistically means $13–$20 per person all-in. La Rio's publishes its pricing: individually packaged Mexican meals from $13/person and build-your-own taco or bowl buffets from $14/person, with a flat $40 delivery for most orders and 13% HST on top. Large events (200+) drop to budget tiers from $10/person.
// Quick takeaways
What to know
- Real numbers: packaged meals from $13/person, taco and bowl buffets from $14/person, budget tiers from $10/person at 200+ guests.
- The all-in math for 20 people: roughly $14 × 20 + $40 delivery + 13% HST ≈ $360 — about $18 per person fed, plates and setup included.
- Cheaper than it looks vs alternatives: pizza runs $8–12/person but leaves dietary gaps; sandwich platters similar — a taco bar covers halal, vegan and gluten-free in one order.
- Ways to trim the budget: pick one protein tier, skip add-ons, choose pickup from Queen St W (free), or move to packaged kits at $13.
// Best formats
Recommended formats
Taco Bar Buffet
Our signature build-your-own taco bar. Soft flour tortillas, two halal proteins, and a full spread of fresh toppings and sauces — guests build their own.
from $14/person
Build-Your-Own Burrito Bowl Bar
Cilantro-lime rice, black beans, two proteins, and all the toppings and sauces — a fresh, customizable bowl bar that works for every diet.
from $14/person
Individually Packaged Burrito Bowls
Pre-portioned, clearly labeled bowls — cilantro-lime rice, black beans, your protein and fresh toppings. Ideal for offices, schools and large-scale events where easy distribution matters.
from $13/person
// Add-ons
Round out your spread
Add any of these to your package (priced per person). Want the à-la-carte trays and full pricing? See the full menu →
- Chips & Guacamole$3.00
- Chips & Salsa$2.00
- Guacamole$2.00
- Corn Poppers$1.50
- Chicken or Beef Empanadas$4.00
- Cilantro Lime Rice & Black Beans$2.50
- Mexican Chopped Salad$4.00
- Garden Salad$2.00
- Churros with Chocolate Dip$2.50
- Fruit Platter$4.00
- Assorted Pop / Drinks$1.00
- Bottled Water$2.00
- Disposable plates, cutlery & napkins$0.50
- Soft Corn Tortillas$1.00
// FAQ
Affordable Catering in Toronto: Real Prices — FAQ
What is the cheapest catering option in Toronto per person?
For a hot, dietary-inclusive meal, individually packaged Mexican meals from $13/person (or $10/person at 200+ guests) are among the lowest published catering prices in Toronto. Pickup is free; delivery is a flat $40 for most orders.
How much should I budget for catering 30 people?
At $14/person for a build-your-own taco bar: about $420 food + $40 delivery + HST ≈ $520 all-in, or roughly $17 per person fed — including setup, plates and napkins.
Is cheap catering worth it for offices?
The trap with the cheapest options is dietary coverage — one order that includes halal, vegan and gluten-free guests avoids ordering from two vendors, which is usually where office catering budgets blow up.
// More topics
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