This is the question we get most often: 'roughly how much?'. The honest answer is 'it depends' — but it depends on predictable variables. In this guide, we open the book: real 2026 price ranges, what's included in each tier, and what pushes prices up.
The figures we share are based on events we served in Lisbon in 2025–2026, for businesses, institutions and universities.
Price ranges by event type
Coffee break — from €12/person
Coffee, tea, juices, water, mini-sandwiches, savouries, pastéis de nata and fruit. For 30–50 pax. Includes set-up, quality disposable tableware, transport and service.
Snack — from €15/person
Savouries, wraps, cut fruit, homemade cakes and beverages. Ideal for schools, training and workshops. Same price tier as coffee break, slightly more informal format.
Corporate lunch — from €30/person
Full meal: starter, main course (meat or fish + vegetarian option), sides, dessert, water, juices. Can be served as a fork buffet, table service or lunch box.
Typical range: €15–25/person for fork buffet, €22–35/person for table service, €12–18/person for lunch box.
Port wine reception — from €20/person
White and red Port wine, vinho verde, regional cheeses, charcuterie, nuts, canapés, conventual sweets. Typical range for 50–100 guests: €12–18/person.
What pushes the price up
- Number of people — below 30 pax, per-person cost goes up (fixed costs spread over fewer people).
- Menu type — fresh fish, seafood or premium ingredients add weight.
- Waiting staff service — adds €3–6/person, but greatly elevates the experience.
- Distance — outside Greater Lisbon there are travel costs.
- Equipment — tables, linens, ceramic instead of disposable, glass tumblers, metal cutlery.
- Last-minute requests — under 7 business days, kitchen priority has a cost.
- Weekend or holiday events — additional staff fees.
Why we have a 15-person minimum
Fixed event costs — travel, set-up, staff, equipment — don't scale with people. For 5 people, those fixed costs spread out to €25/person to deliver a coffee pot and some toast. Makes little sense for the client and even less for us. Below 15 pax, we honestly recommend alternatives (local café, direct order, etc.).
Why last-minute requests cost more
Fresh-ingredient sourcing has lead times. Staff bookings too. When a client requests a lunch for 80 pax with 3 days' notice, it's technically possible, but:
- We buy ingredients at retail prices instead of wholesale.
- We pay overtime to the kitchen team.
- We rearrange the schedule — which may carry costs for other clients.
Result: 15–25% above base price. Absolute minimum: 7 business days. Comfortable: 14 days.
Catering vs. restaurant vs. food truck
When does each make sense?
- Restaurant: <20 pax, event up to 2h, local team, flexible time. Average cost in Lisbon: €25–40/person.
- Catering: 20+ pax, event at client's venue, meal embedded in the programme. Cost: €15–35/person.
- Food truck: 50+ pax, casual setting (summer party, family day), outdoor space. Cost: €12–20/person.
For corporate lunches at the office, training or events embedded in an agenda, catering is almost always the most efficient choice — in time, logistics and total cost (including employees' time, since they don't have to leave the building).
Per-person price is just the visible tip. Total cost includes employees' time, travel, rented space and experience quality. Look at the whole picture.
What's always included in our quotes
- Transport and on-site delivery.
- Set-up and breakdown.
- Tableware and glassware (quality disposables or ceramic/glass, your choice).
- Tablecloths and light decoration.
- Venue cleaning after the event.
- VAT itemised.
What's NOT included (unless requested)
- Waiting staff (charged separately).
- Alcoholic beverages beyond those in the base menu.
- Furniture rental (cocktail tables, chairs).
- Advanced themed decoration.
How to request an effective quote
To get a detailed quote within 24 hours, give us: event type, date, time, venue, estimated guest count, known dietary restrictions, and preferred format (buffet, table service, lunch box). The more information, the more locked-in the final price.
