Lemon Zest is an event catering company, specializing in weddings. Our approach is rooted in refined simplicity in both culinary and hospitality. Based in Virginia Beach, VA

Warmth of Mediterranean spirit and flavors: Three generations strong

about

our team at your service

We're in the Business of Heart-Full Moments

Cooking with love and a twist of lemon—since day one!


We believe the heart of any party lies in its people. So, when we prepare and serve food (and spirits) at your event, we prioritize your and your guests' experience as much—if not more—as the ingredients we use in each dish. Our team always starts with people—your people in mind!

what you can expect

We still receive compliments from our wedding guests about amazing food and excellent service at our wedding.

—  katherine, 2023 BRIDE

the lemon zest
differEnce

No. 1

No Mission Impossible

From private parties of 30 to multi-day festivals of 50,000, we've been completing all catering missions with a chef's kiss - since 1993! We are eager to bring our culinary expertise and passion for hospitality to your event.

no. 2

Refined Simplicity

Simplicity paired with attention to fine detail guides everything we do: from how we create our dishes to how we serve you at your table and beyond. Food is there to celebrate you in style - not to complicate your life!

no. 3

Celebration-Mode On

We thrive on the perfect storm of grand celebrations: endless trays of food, stacks of china, and crowds of hungry guests – bring it on! Doing what we love right in the heart of your celebration is our ultimate WHY.

"Feeding crowds is not just our bread and butter - it's our jam."

— us, every day

 EXPLORE A CURATED SELECTION OF CLASSICS - WITHOUT SACRIFICING TASTE AND VARIETY

event catering services & menu

FOOD
SERVICE

A curated selection of all-time favorites

BAR
SERVICE

Zesty cocktails and open bar packages

our process: FROM your first inquiry TO the big day

1. Explore Our Menu (and Love It)

Enjoy our curated menu featuring a delicious variety that has proven to be crowd favorites time and time again.

2. Get in Touch with Us

Interested in having our team cater for your big celebration? Drop us a line, and we'll craft a custom proposal tailored to your taste within a few days.

"peace of mind" HOSPITALITY beyond the plate

3. Come for a Private Tasting

can be done after booking

We invite you to have your private tasting with us before you book your caterer. Come for a private tasting, making the big booking decision a no-brainer.

4. We are Officially on a Mission

You chose us to cater for you! Welcome to our VIP club! We are starry-eyed about the opportunity to treat you and your party. Your guests are our guests!

5. It is the Big Mission Day!

Your big day has finally arrived. Your mission is to get married; ours is to serve you and your guests. Our team is so ready to GO-GO-GO!

“lemon zest served the best food we've ever tried!”

They worked closely with us to create a customized menu that perfectly suited our tastes and preferences. Every dish was so tasty, and the service was 11 stars out of 10!

— Sarah, 2022 bride

“Choosing Lemon Zest for our wedding was so easy!"

Their attention to detail and professionalism made the entire planning process stress-free. And the food? Simply outstanding! Our family and guests were blown away by their service.

— abby & james, 2023 couple

The G.O.A.T.s 

no. 1

pretzel mini burgerS

The all-time gold medalist among appetizers, ideal for enhancing your cocktail hour or as a savory late-night treat to keep the dance floor bustling.

NO. 2

oysters on the shell

The ocean's finest, with a briny burst of freshness, served in style for true fine dining connoisseurs.






NO. 3

salad with burrata cheese

When decadent creamy burrata meets tangy roasted cherry tomatoes expect nothing but elevated guests' experience with every forkful.






no. 4

filet mignon & stuffed shrimp duo

The ultimate Surf & Turf gourmet experience with tender fillet mignon and perfectly grilled jumbo shrimp with the freshest delicate crabmeat atop

try YOUR CUSTOM MENU with us BEFORE BOOKING

Coming for a private tasting with us is a fantastic opportunity to experience and savor our cuisine before making one of the most significant decisions for your wedding. Peace of mind is truly priceless!

learn about private tastings

Kayla, 2023 Bride:

"We've been to a lot of weddings with my now-husband, and the food at our wedding was simply THE BEST!!!"

NEXT →

Katie & mark, 2022 couple

“From the delicious food to the impeccable service, they exceeded our expectations in every way.”

NEXT →

"We've done it all" is not mere words.
we truly have!

From intimate gatherings with off-the-menu Mediterranean dishes (imagine herb vinaigrette-marinated and grilled octopus) to 400-person wedding celebrations, and even serving 50,000 festival guests over four days, we've truly done it all! We're like secret agents, always aiming for a successful mission behind the curtains, while you receive all the credit for hosting the party of the year. It's our pleasure!

tell us about your day