Catering FAQ

Most catering packages have a 10-guest minimum. Breakfast buffets, box lunches, sandwich platters and deli trays all start at 10 people. For larger events in our banquet room we can serve up to 120 guests.

Standard orders need 24 hours' notice. Need it sooner? Call or text (858) 353-5528 and we'll tell you if we can make it work. For large events (50+ guests) or banquet room events, we recommend booking 5–7 days ahead.

Three easy ways: (1) call or text (858) 353-5528, (2) email catering@elijahsrestaurant.com, or (3) submit our online quote form and we'll respond within the hour during business hours (Mon–Fri 8am–5pm).

For standard catering drop-offs, no deposit is required — payment is due on the day of service. Banquet room bookings are held with a deposit; we'll confirm the amount when you book.

Changes can usually be made up to 24 hours before delivery. Cancellations more than 24 hours out are fully refundable. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a charge depending on what has already been prepped.

We accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), company checks, cash and ACH transfers for corporate accounts.

Yes. We deliver throughout San Diego County — from Downtown and La Jolla to Sorrento Valley, Mira Mesa, Kearny Mesa, UTC, Del Mar, Carmel Valley, Mission Valley, Point Loma, North Park, Poway and Rancho Bernardo. Delivery is priced by drive time ($19.95 to $74.95).

Yes. Delivery is priced by drive time from our Clairemont Mesa deli ($19.95 to $74.95) and quoted up front. Setup, plates, napkins and utensils are included. Online orders carry a 3% service fee.

Yes. Standard drop-off catering includes full setup on your tables: chafing dishes with heat sources for hot items, disposable serving utensils, plates, napkins, cutlery and labels. You just set a start time and we handle the setup.

No. Our catering is delivered and set up buffet style, ready to serve. We don't provide servers, bartenders, linens or rentals.

Hot items are delivered in insulated thermal carriers and transferred to chafing dishes with Sterno fuel on arrival. Food stays at safe serving temperature for the duration of your event window.

Standard catering uses disposable serveware so there's nothing to return.

Vegetarian choices are on every menu. We can't make substitutions or allergy accommodations, including vegan or gluten-free versions of dishes: onion and garlic are in most dishes and everything is prepared in shared pans.

Elijah's serves traditional kosher-style Jewish deli and breakfast favorites, but we are not a kosher kitchen and can't guarantee meat and dairy separation. For shiva and memorial catering we work closely with families on menu selections that honor their traditions.

You choose from our menu: pick the packages, trays and add-ons that fit your group and guest count. We don't make substitutions to individual dishes. Call or text (858) 353-5528 and we'll help you put your order together.

We can't make substitutions or allergy accommodations: onion and garlic are in most dishes and everything is prepared in shared pans. Nuts are used in our kitchen and bakery, so we can't promise nut-free food. Vegetarian choices are on every menu.

Yes. Our box lunch program is fully individually packaged — each guest gets a labeled box with sandwich/wrap/salad, side and cookie. Ideal for meetings, conferences, hospitals and anywhere buffet-style isn't preferred.

Yes — regular & decaf coffee, hot tea, orange juice, cranberry juice, apple juice and bottled water. Beverages can be added to any catering order.

Yes — our private banquet room seats up to 120 guests and is perfect for corporate meetings, celebrations of life, bar and bat mitzvahs, birthday parties and club gatherings. Currently the room charge is waived with catering.

The banquet room has a built-in sound system, microphone and projection screen included with your booking. You can connect your laptop or phone for presentations, slideshows and music.