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

lemon zest

EXPLORE A CURATED MENU OF CLASSICS - ALWAYS WITH A CHEF'S TOUCH

services & MENU

how & what we serve

FROM A "CHEESECAKE FACTORY" MENU TO THE CURATED SELECTION OF ALL-TIME FAVORITES

We've shifted from a 100-item menu to a collection of dishes our clients have consistently favored for their events - year after year.

Recognizing their preferences, we've streamlined offerings to feature only all-time favorites. So, selecting your menu is effortless - without sacrificing variety and taste.

After all, our clients know what's best!

“deciding on 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

There is No Life Before Coffee

Yes, coffee first! Black, no sugar, please! And then we're unstoppable to conquer your 18-hour wedding day. Let's do this!

Cocktail Hour is Our Jam

Congratulations! YOU ARE MARRIED! The party mode is on! We are thrilled to treat your (our) guests to tasty hors d'oeuvres and zesty cocktails.

The Perfect Storm is On

The main reception dinner is the moment we've been preparing for a year. Quick feet, team work, and only positive vibes are on our side. 

how WE service YOUR BIG DAY'S OPERATION? with zest!

The Mission is On!

The Mission is On!

how WE service YOUR BIG DAY'S OPERATION? with zest!

Oh, Sweet Time...

It's wedding cake cutting and desert time! And if you ask us, the tiramisu+espresso martini combo is a natural-born crowd pleaser.

You Win Your Guests Hearts Here

When dance floor is raving and strong cocktails hit the sweet spot, the second appetite kicks in. Your guests are so ready late night snacks.

We are Not Crying, You Are!

The speeches have been said, the music is off, but we still have a treat for you. You will take home a bag full of food, because clearly, cooking is not on your newlyweds' to-do list.

to the full MENU

From lemon groves to gourmet plates, we're all about adding zest to life!


choose three or more

1. PASSED HORS D'EVOURS

1. SMOKED SALMON CROSTINi

Smoked salmon, toasted baguette, creamy cheese spread, fresh dill

2. SEARED SCALLOPS

Scallops, lemon garlic butter

3. OYSTERS ROCKEFELLeR

Oysters, spinach, bacon, mozzarella

4. FILLET MIGNON KEBABS

Beef tenderloin medallions on skewers

5. chicken teriyaki skewers

Chicken breast, teriyaki glaze, sesame seeds

6. LOLLIPOP LAMB CHOPS

Tender lamb bites on the bone

7. PRETZEL BUN MINI BURGERS

Beef patties, pretzel buns, lettuce, tomato

2. CAPRESE SKEWERS

Fresh mozzarella pearls, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, balsamic glaze

3. fresh oysters on the shell

Fresh oysters, lemon vinaigrette, scallions

10. MEDDITERRANEAN MEATBALLS

Ground beef, tomato sauce, fresh Italian parsley

5. jUMBO SHRIMP COCKTAIL

Shrimp, cocktail sauce, fresh Italian parsley

12. MINI CRAB CAKES

Premium crab meat, herbs

choose three or more

1. PASSED HORS D'EVOURS

1. garden salad

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at and this person might be emotionally and this person might

2. greek salad

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and this person might be

3. ceasar salad

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and this person might be

4. caprese salad

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and this person might be

5. BURRATA CHEESE salad

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and this person might be

6.  spinakopita

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and this person might be

7. garden salad 2

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at and this person might be emotionally and this person might

2. greek salad

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and this person might be

3. ceasar salad

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and this person might be

4. caprese salad

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and this person might be

5. BURRATA CHEESE salad

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and this person might be

12.  fresh oysters on the shell

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and this person might be

that one might currently be facing in their BUSINESS

THE CHALLENGES AND pain points 

1. perhaps list some frustrations

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and where you once were.

2. Another specific pain point here

and you want it to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and where you once were.

3. Maybe they're feeling this way

frustrated by this particular situation and overwhelmed? 

4. engagement session

This comes with a delivery of our style guide and wedding magazine to help you plan and prep for things as best you possibly can!

choose one

2. greens

1. garden salad

Fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, salad dressing (variety of choices)

2. greek salad

Fresh greens, feta cheese, calamata olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions carrots, our signature Greek vinaigrette

3. ceasar salad

Romaine lettuce, shaved parmesan, croutons, Caesar dressing

4. caprese salad

Fresh greens, fresh mozzarella, tomato, fresh basil, balsamic glaze

5. sangria BURRATA

Medley tomatoes, fresh basil, fresh Italian parsley, olive oil, burrata

6.  HARVEST SALAD

Fresh greens, caramelized pecans, goat cheese, dried cranberries, vinaigrette dressing

1. grilled salmon

Fresh salmon fillet, butter, lemon

2. STUFFED JUMBO SHRIMP

Jumbo shrimp, premium crab meat

3. CRAB CAKES

Premium crabmeat, herbs

4. lobster tail

Lobster tail, butter, lemon

5. CHICKEN PICATTA

Chicken breast, lemon-butter sauce, capers, wine

6. ROSEMARY INFUSED LAMB SHANK

Slow-cooked lamb, fresh herbs, spices

choose up to three

3. main course

that one might currently be facing in their BUSINESS

THE CHALLENGES AND pain points 

1. perhaps list some frustrations

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and where you once were.

2. Another specific pain point here

and you want it to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and where you once were.

3. Maybe they're feeling this way

frustrated by this particular situation and overwhelmed? 

4. engagement session

This comes with a delivery of our style guide and wedding magazine to help you plan and prep for things as best you possibly can!

choose up to three

2. greens

1. grilled salmon

Fresh salmon fillet, butter, lemon

2. stuffed jumbo shrimp

Jumbo shrimp, premium crab meat

3. CRAB CAKES

Premium crabmeat, herbs

4. lobster tail

Lobster tail, butter, lemon

5. chicken picatta

Chicken breast, lemon-butter sauce, capers, wine

6. ROSEMARY INFUSED LAMB SHANK

Slow-cooked lamb, fresh herbs, spices

1. garden salad

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at and this person might be emotionally and this person might

2. greek salad

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and this person might be

3. ceasar salad

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and this person might be

4. caprese salad

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and this person might be

5. BURRATA CHEESE salad

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and this person might be

12.  HARVEST SALAD

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and this person might be

choose up to three

3. main course

that one might currently be facing in their BUSINESS

THE CHALLENGES AND pain points 

1. perhaps list some frustrations

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and where you once were.

2. Another specific pain point here

and you want it to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and where you once were.

3. Maybe they're feeling this way

frustrated by this particular situation and overwhelmed? 

4. engagement session

This comes with a delivery of our style guide and wedding magazine to help you plan and prep for things as best you possibly can!

choose up to two

4. late night snacks

1. mini prezel burgers

Beef patties, pretzel buns, lettuce, tomato

2. loaded french fries

French fries, cheese, bacon

3. mini MOZZARELLA CROISSANT

Freshly baked croissants, fresh mozzarella, basil pesto

4. prezel dog bites with cheese dip

Pretzel dough, beef hot dogs, cheese sauce

7. fillet mignon

Premium cut beef

8. STUFFED PORTABELLA MUSHROOMS (vegetarian)

Portabella caps, feta, roasted red peppers

9. FILLET MIGNON + stuffed shrimp duo

Premium cut beef, jumbo shrimp, premium crab meat

10. FILLET MIGNON + crab cake duo

Premium cut beef, premium crab meat, herbs

that one might currently be facing in their BUSINESS

THE CHALLENGES AND pain points 

1. perhaps list some frustrations

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and where you once were.

2. Another specific pain point here

and you want it to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and where you once were.

3. Maybe they're feeling this way

frustrated by this particular situation and overwhelmed? 

4. engagement session

This comes with a delivery of our style guide and wedding magazine to help you plan and prep for things as best you possibly can!

choose up to three

5. deserts

1. berry cheesecake

New York cheesecake, berry sauce, fresh berries

2. BERRY CHANTILLY CUPCAKE

Vanilla cake, Chantilly cream, berry jam, fresh berries

3. BOURBON VANILLA CAKE

Bourbon-infused vanilla cake, vanilla buttercream, caramel sauce

4. cannoli

Vanilla and/or chocolate cannoli shells, sweet ricotta creme

5. macarons

Vanilla and/or chocolate macaroons

6.  tiramisu

Espresso soaked lady fingers, sweet mascarpone, cocoa powder

choose three or more

1. PASSED HORS D'EVOURS

1. garden salad

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at and this person might be emotionally and this person might

2. greek salad

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and this person might be

3. ceasar salad

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and this person might be

4. caprese salad

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and this person might be

5. BURRATA CHEESE salad

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and this person might be

6.  spinakopita

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and this person might be

7. garden salad 2

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at and this person might be emotionally and this person might

2. greek salad

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and this person might be

3. ceasar salad

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and this person might be

4. caprese salad

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and this person might be

5. BURRATA CHEESE salad

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and this person might be

12.  fresh oysters on the shell

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and this person might be

that one might currently be facing in their BUSINESS

THE CHALLENGES AND pain points 

1. perhaps list some frustrations

You want these to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and where you once were.

2. Another specific pain point here

and you want it to be very telling of where this person might be at emotionally and where you once were.

3. Maybe they're feeling this way

frustrated by this particular situation and overwhelmed? 

4. engagement session

This comes with a delivery of our style guide and wedding magazine to help you plan and prep for things as best you possibly can!

kelly, 2023 bride

“We recommend Lemon Zest to all our unmarried friend. Their top-notch service is hard to beat!”

shaken, not stirred!

zesty cocktails

rock you cocktail hour with our favorites or bring your own recipes

1. passion fruit mojito

Vodka, peach schnapps, peach juice, passion fruit sparkling water, fresh mint

2. west coast

Midori, citrus vodka, orange juice, pineapple juice

3. pear vanilla gin fizz

Gin, pear syrup, club soda, vanilla sugar rim, a slice of fresh pear

4. Limoncello Spritz

Limoncello liquor, prosecco, club soda, fresh mint

5. CHAMPAGNE WITH RASPBERRY OR LEMON SORBET

This bubbly with the sweet twist drink speaks for itself.

6. perfect storm

Malibu rum, peach schnapps, amaretto, pineapple, cranberry juice, orange juice, 

7. RASPBERRY DIVA

White chocolate liquor, vanilla vodka, Chambord, heavy cream

8. red/white sangria

Red/white wine, brandy/orange liquor, fresh fruit, simple syrup, club soda

9. bellini fizz

Prosecco, peach puree, fresh raspberries

10. aperol spritz

Aperol  liquor, prosecco, club soda, slice of fresh orange

36,721

oyster shells shucked

7,663

COCKTAILS MIXED, STIRRED, AND  SHAKEN

2,354

plates broken... Mishaps happen, but never stop the party!

582

LEMONS SQUEEZED


OPEN BAR SERVICE

CELEBRATE HUSTLE-FREE

SIGNATURE
PACKAGE

PREMIUM
PACKAGE

- stoli VODKA
- jose cuervo TEQUILA
- BOMBAY SAPHFIRE GIN
- JACK DANIEL'S WHISKEY
- dewar's scotch
- BACARDI RUM
- SODAS, JUICES, DRINK GARNISH
- BARWARE
- abc's licensed BAR STAFF

- her and his cocktails
- grey goose vodka
- 1800 tequila
- bombay saphfire gin
- MAKER's MARK WHISKey
- GLELIVET scotch
- bacardi rum
- sodas, juices, drink garnish
- barware
- abc's Licensed bar staff

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can we try your food before booking with you?

Absolutely! We actually highly recommend to take advantage of a private tasting with us prior to booking your event caterer.

2. Do we have to book your open bar package, or is a "bring your own alcohol" option available?

You can choose BYOA or one of our open bar packages. For your consideration, we put together a side by side comparison summary of these options. 

7. is there a minimum booking requirement for your services?

We currently do not have a minimum booking  requirement.

3. do have to rent all dineware?

Classic white porcelain dineware from Crate & Barrel is included with our service. If you're seeking specialty rentals or a specific aesthetic, we're happy to accommodate your preferences for an additional fee.

4. Do you provide vendor meals?

Certainly! We understand the importance of your vendor team on your wedding day, and we're happy to provide meals for them. Our catering service includes up to 4 complimentary vendor meals, and additional meals can be arranged upon request.

5. how much your services cost?

Each catering event is priced individually. Please inquire about your date, and we will provide a custom proposal within a few days.

6. do you cater for intimate weddings of about 50 people?

Absolutely! Fill up a short form to inquire, and we'll be in touch shortly after.

you are invited to take a bite first

Wouldn't it be such a relief to know exactly how your food will taste and look before committing to a caterer for your big day? We invite you to a private tasting with a custom menu, so you can book with confidence and ease. Will you be our VIP?

TO THE VIP ZONE