Our ITALIAN DINNER FEAST

Few meals bring people together like an Italian dinner. In New York City, where food is culture and every block tells a story, an Italian Dinner Feast feels right at home. It’s hearty, communal, and full of flavor. At Susan’s Kitchen Catering and Events, we bring this tradition to life with menus that honor the classics and add just the right touch of modern energy. Whether you’re planning a wedding, a rooftop dinner party, or a corporate gathering, our Italian-themed catering turns any space into a warm, welcoming celebration.

We don’t just drop off trays of food. We create an atmosphere—one that feels like a long table in Tuscany, a Sunday supper in Little Italy, or a dinner party you’d never want to leave. The focus is always on abundance, balance, and personal connection. That’s what makes it a signature offering within our wider Themed Catering in NYC collection.

What Defines an Italian Dinner Feast

An Italian Dinner Feast follows a classic flow. You start with antipasti—small bites, marinated vegetables, cured meats, and fresh cheeses. Then comes the primi, which could be a pasta or risotto. The secondi often includes proteins like chicken, fish, or beef, served with contorni, or side dishes, to round out the plate. And finally, dolci—simple, elegant desserts like panna cotta or tiramisu.

At Susan’s Kitchen, we offer both plated and family-style formats depending on the tone of your event. Plated is perfect for weddings and seated dinners, while family-style works beautifully for more casual or intimate gatherings. Either way, our focus is on pacing, presentation, and seasonal ingredients. You can learn more about our curated menus at Italian Dinner Feast.

Sample Menu for an Italian-Themed Event

• Antipasti: Burrata with roasted tomatoes, prosciutto-wrapped melon, marinated artichokes, olives, crostini
• Primi: Lemon ricotta gnocchi, wild mushroom risotto, penne alla vodka
• Secondi: Chicken marsala, grilled branzino, braised beef short ribs with rosemary jus
• Contorni: Farro salad with herbs and citrus, garlic-roasted broccolini, rustic focaccia with olive oil
• Dolci: Tiramisu, panna cotta with berry coulis, citrus olive oil cake

We also offer wine pairings and full beverage coordination upon request. Menus can be adjusted to include gluten-free pastas, vegetarian mains, and seasonal dessert options. We handle all sourcing, staffing, and coordination so that the only thing you need to do is raise your glass and enjoy.

Perfect Events for an Italian Dinner Feast

Italian catering is one of the most versatile options we offer. It fits seamlessly into weddings, rehearsal dinners, milestone birthdays, and even upscale corporate events. It works indoors or outdoors, day or night, and appeals to nearly every palate. Many clients pair it with our New York Theme Catering to honor the city’s Italian-American history, or bring it into the park with our Picnic Theme Catering for a summer dinner that feels both elevated and effortless.

Add a Touch of Street Food for Variety

While Italian feasts tend to focus on full meals and shared platters, adding a bit of playfulness can make the night even more memorable. Some of our clients choose to include our Hot Dog Catering Carts reimagined with Italian sausages, peppers, and provolone. Others add our Pretzel Machine Catering with rosemary sea salt or sun-dried tomato pesto dipping sauce to keep things fun and flavorful between courses.

Pair It with Global Themes for a Unique Fusion

While an Italian Dinner Feast can stand on its own, we often blend it with other global influences to create something more expansive. For example, Mediterranean pairings are a natural fit. Our Greek Theme Catering adds vibrant herbs, grilled vegetables, and yogurt-based sauces that complement Italian entrees beautifully. You can also integrate elements from our French Connection to bring in delicate desserts, artisanal cheeses, and fine wine service for a cross-European culinary experience.

For clients who want to add some warmth and sunshine to a traditional Italian menu, blending with our Day at the Beach BBQ or Hawaiian Luau Catering NY can provide lighter dishes and coastal flair. These mashups work particularly well for spring and summer events when clients want a menu that reflects both sophistication and seasonal freshness.

Create Drama or Playfulness

Every event has its own tone, and an Italian dinner theme can be styled to match. For moody, dramatic, or cinematic dinners, our The Godfather theme adds a rich storytelling element to the food. Long banquet tables, candles, red wine, and family-style platters bring your guests into the experience. We’ve designed these events for everything from milestone birthdays to wedding receptions, and the effect is always memorable.

If your style leans more playful or colorful, you can layer in elements from our Carnival Catering Theme NYC to create contrast. This combination is especially popular at birthday parties and large family events where guests of all ages are looking for something fun to explore. Adding stations or themed snacks gives the night extra dimension while keeping your core Italian menu intact. Clients planning inclusive and expressive celebrations often turn to our LGBTQ+ Catering Theme NYC to add vibrant visuals and custom menu items that celebrate diversity and style.

Blend with Grilled Options

Outdoor events call for fire and flavor, and Italian food delivers both when paired with live grilling or BBQ service. Our BBQ Station Catering Theme allows you to serve Italian sausages, grilled vegetables, marinated chicken, and skewered seafood alongside fresh pasta salads and antipasti. It’s ideal for summer weddings, al fresco dinners, or hybrid themes where formal dining meets open-air ease.

If your group leans into bolder, spicier flavors, we recommend blending your Italian menu with selections from our Southwest BBQ catering. Think smoked brisket next to chicken parm sliders, or elote-style corn paired with pesto pasta salad. These unexpected combinations add excitement and dimension to your food service and allow your guests to build plates that reflect their own tastes.

Bring Italy to NYC with Susan’s Kitchen

An Italian Dinner Feast is more than just a menu—it’s a feeling. It’s the warmth of shared food, the clinking of wine glasses, and the long conversations that stretch well into the night. At Susan’s Kitchen, we design these experiences from the ground up. Whether you want something traditional, modern, or entirely your own, we’ll work with you to create an event that reflects the spirit of Italy and the energy of New York City.

We offer full-service planning, flexible menus, and a team that brings both professionalism and personality to your event. From intimate backyard gatherings to large formal celebrations, let us help you host a dinner that your guests will remember long after the last espresso is poured.