🦃 Office Thanksgiving lunches · carved turkey and sliced brisket buffets, delivered hot and set up at your office, from $21.95 per person
See the office Thanksgiving menu → Get a quote or call / text (858) 353-5528 · November dates are filling up
🦃 Office Thanksgiving lunches · from $21.95/person
Compassionate catering when your family needs it — Call or Text (858) 353-5528
Honoring San Diego Families Since 2001

Memorial & Celebration
of Life Catering

Catering for memorials, funerals and celebrations of life across San Diego, thoughtfully prepared, delivered and set up buffet style at your home or venue, or in our private banquet room for up to 120 guests. We handle the food so your family can be together.

⭐ 900+ Google Reviews Delivered & Set Up Banquet Room up to 120 Kosher-Style Available
25+
Years Serving SD
120
Guest Capacity
900+
Google Reviews
Short
Notice Welcome
Speak with us directly
(858) 353-5528
Call or text — we respond with care
or
Order Online Now Request a Free Quote

When you are saying goodbye to someone you love, the last thing you should worry about is feeding everyone who gathers. Elijah's Restaurant, Delicatessen and Catering has supported San Diego families through loss for more than 25 years. We cater memorial luncheons, funeral receptions and celebrations of life with warmth and quiet professionalism — generous deli spreads, hot buffets, appetizers, desserts and beverage service. We will deliver and set up at your home, church, synagogue or graveside reception, or host your gathering in our private banquet room. Call or text us at (858) 353-5528 and we will take care of the food.

However You Wish to Gather

Every family grieves differently. Whether you want a quiet spread at home or a hosted reception, we will meet you where you are.

At your home or venue

Buffet-Style Reception Catering

We bring the memorial reception to you — your home, a church or synagogue hall, a park, or a funeral venue anywhere in San Diego County. Delivered and set up, buffet style, ready to serve. We don't provide servers, bartenders, linens or rentals.

  • Deli & sandwich spreads, hot buffets, appetizers and desserts
  • Chafing dishes, plates, napkins and serving utensils included
  • Coffee & beverage service available
  • Delivery and setup at homes, houses of worship and graveside receptions
In our private banquet room

Hosted Memorial Luncheons

Let us host your family in our private banquet room, seating up to 120 guests. A calm, comfortable space for a memorial luncheon or celebration of life — with no room charge when you cater with us. We set up the buffet so it is ready to serve.

  • Private room for up to 120 guests — no room charge with catering
  • Tables, seating and buffet setup included
  • Buffet-style memorial luncheons, ready to serve
  • Centrally located in Clairemont Mesa, easy parking for guests
View the banquet room →

Looking for a simple spread delivered to the family's home during the mourning week? See our dedicated shiva platters →


Memorial catering options

Ways to Cater the Day

Mix and match any of the following to suit your gathering. Because every memorial is different, we quote each one personally — call or text (858) 353-5528 for pricing and guidance.

Deli salad platter with tuna salad, chicken salad and egg salad
Classic & comforting
Deli & Sandwich Spread
Call for pricing · Scales to any size
  • Meat, cheese & salad platters and assorted deli sandwiches
  • Smoked turkey, roast beef, pastrami, corned beef, tuna, egg, veggie
  • Lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, condiments & assorted breads
  • Choice of potato salad, pasta salad or coleslaw
  • Plates, napkins & serving utensils included
Request a Quote
Grilled salmon with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables from a hot entree buffet
Full reception
Hot Buffet Reception
Call for pricing · Served with chafing dishes
  • Brisket of beef, roasted turkey breast, chicken or salmon
  • International buffets — Mexican, Italian pasta, Greek or Middle East
  • Fresh salads and seasonal sides
  • Kept warm in chafing dishes at your venue or our room
  • Delivered and set up buffet style, ready to serve
Request a Quote
Assorted appetizer trays with hors d'oeuvres on a serving table
Standing reception
Appetizers & Hors d'Oeuvres
Call for pricing · By the dozen or platter
  • Cheese & cracker platters, fresh vegetable crudités
  • Hummus & pita, spinach & feta triangles, stuffed mushrooms
  • Lox-wrapped asparagus, bruschetta, meatballs & skewers
  • Lox & bagel and smoked fish platters
  • Elegant, easy to serve standing or seated
Request a Quote
Fresh fruit platter with melon, berries, pineapple and grapes
Light & fresh
Salads & Fresh Fruit
Call for pricing · Small to large platters
  • House, Caesar, Greek, Israeli, Cobb & chef salads
  • Fresh sliced seasonal fruit platters & fruit salad bowls
  • Beautiful presentation, ready to serve
  • Pairs with any deli or buffet spread
  • Vegetarian & lighter options for all guests
Request a Quote
Cookie and dessert tray with brownies, rugelach and fresh baked cookies
From our bakery
Dessert & Bakery Trays
Call for pricing · Serves 12–50
  • Cookie trays — rugelach, hamentashen & assorted cookies
  • Brownies, napoleons, almond horns & 7-layer cake
  • Traditional Jewish bakery specialties
  • Custom cakes, pies & cheesecakes on request
  • A sweet, comforting close to the gathering
Request a Quote
Coffee and beverage station with carafes, cups and creamers
Add-on service
Coffee & Beverage Service
Call for pricing · Per guest
  • Regular & decaf coffee and hot tea
  • Orange juice, cranberry juice, bottled water & soda
  • Cups, napkins & condiments included
  • Set up alongside any platter or buffet
  • Keeps guests comfortable throughout the day
Request a Quote
Order Online Now Request a Free Quote Call or Text (858) 353-5528

We quote each memorial personally based on guest count and menu. 10-guest catering minimum. Orders need 24 hours' notice; sooner by phone or text only.

A simple, gentle process

How Memorial Catering Works

We have done this for San Diego families for over 25 years. Our job is to make this part easy.

Placing a catering order online on a laptop
01
Tell Us About the Day

Call or text our catering line at (858) 353-5528 or order online. Share the date, guest count, location and any traditions. We will gently guide you to the right menu — no pressure.

Catering platters being prepared fresh in the kitchen
02
We Prepare with Care

Everything is made fresh in our kitchen the day of your gathering. Cold platters travel ready to serve; hot buffets arrive in chafing dishes to stay warm. We confirm every detail with you in advance so there are no surprises.

Elijah's catering delivered and set up on a buffet table
03
Delivered & Set Up

We deliver to your home, venue or our banquet room and set everything up, buffet style, ready to serve. Plates, napkins and utensils are included. We don't provide servers, bartenders, linens or rentals, and cleanup is not included.


Why families choose Elijah's

Trusted Through Difficult Days

More Than 25 Years of Care

San Diego families have turned to Elijah's for memorials, shivas and celebrations of life since 2001. We understand the rhythm of these days and the quiet dignity they call for.

Banquet Room or Home Delivery

From a banquet-room luncheon to a tray quietly delivered to the family's home, we scale to whatever brings your family the most comfort. Every order is delivered and set up, buffet style, ready to serve.

Kosher-Style & Tradition-Aware

We prepare a kosher-style deli menu and are familiar with Jewish mourning customs. We are not a kosher kitchen and can't guarantee meat and dairy separation. Vegetarian choices are on every menu.

Help on Short Notice

Arrangements often come together in a day or two. Orders need 24 hours' notice; sooner by phone or text only at (858) 353-5528. Call us and we will do everything we can to meet your timeline, with the same quality and respect we bring to every order.

Banquet room set for a celebration of life reception

Host the Reception in Our Banquet Room

If hosting at home feels like too much, let us hold your family in our private banquet room. It seats up to 120 guests in a calm, comfortable setting — ideal for a memorial luncheon or celebration of life, with parking and a central Clairemont Mesa location.

  • Private room for up to 120 guests
  • No room charge when you cater with us
  • Tables, seating & buffet setup included
  • Two projectors, speakers, microphone & WiFi
View the Banquet Room Call (858) 353-5528

Catering Wherever You Gather

We deliver and set up memorial catering at homes, churches, synagogues, funeral halls and parks across San Diego County. Not sure if we reach your location? Call or text (858) 353-5528.

Sorrento Valley 92121
UTC 92122
Carmel Valley 92130
La Jolla 92037
Sorrento Mesa / Mira Mesa 92126
Rancho Bernardo 92127
Rancho Bernardo 92128
Downtown 92101
Kearny Mesa 92123
Clairemont Mesa 92111
Mission Valley 92108
Poway 92064
Del Mar 92014
Rancho Santa Fe 92067
And more across SD County...
Map of Elijah's catering delivery area across San Diego County
Elijah's Memorial Catering Service Area — San Diego County

Held with Kindness

★★★★★

"Elijah's catered my father's celebration of life and made an impossible week so much easier. The food was beautiful, the team was kind and unobtrusive, and everything was set up before guests arrived. I can't thank them enough."

— Daughter, La Jolla
★★★★★

"We held the memorial luncheon in their banquet room. They handled the setup, the buffet and the cleanup, so our family could just be together. Warm, professional and genuinely caring from start to finish."

— Family, Clairemont Mesa
★★★★★

"On just two days' notice they delivered a full deli spread and coffee service to our home after the funeral. Everything arrived ready to serve. Elijah's has been there for our family more than once over the years."

— Son, Rancho Bernardo

Memorial Catering FAQ

What is the difference between memorial catering and shiva platters?

Our shiva platters are simple trays delivered to the family's home during the mourning week. Memorial and celebration of life catering covers the reception itself: deli spreads, hot buffets, appetizers, desserts and beverages, delivered and set up buffet style at your location or in our banquet room for up to 120 guests. Both are drop-off catering; we don't provide servers, bartenders, linens or rentals. Many families use both. See our shiva platters page for drop-off trays, or call (858) 353-5528 and we'll help you decide.

Can you host a memorial or celebration of life at your restaurant?

Yes. Our private banquet room seats up to 120 guests and is well suited to memorial luncheons, celebrations of life and post-service receptions. There is no room charge when you cater with us. We set up the buffet so it is ready to serve; we don't provide servers, bartenders, linens or rentals. Call (858) 353-5528 to check availability for your date.

Do you deliver and set up at our home, church or synagogue?

We do. We deliver and set up buffet-style catering at private homes, churches, synagogues, funeral halls, parks and any venue across San Diego County. Just give us the address and guest count. Setup, plates, napkins and utensils are included. Delivery is priced by drive time ($19.95 to $74.95), and online orders carry a 3% service fee. We don't provide servers, bartenders, linens or rentals.

How much does memorial catering cost?

Pricing depends on guest count and menu, so we quote each memorial individually rather than list set prices. Our catering minimum is 10 guests. The simplest way to get an accurate quote is to call or text (858) 353-5528 or request a free quote online — we'll build a spread that fits your family and your budget.

Can you accommodate short-notice orders?

We understand that arrangements often come together in just a day or two. Standard orders need 24 hours' notice; sooner by phone or text only at (858) 353-5528. Call or text us and we'll do everything we can to accommodate your timeline.

Do you offer kosher-style or dietary-restricted options?

We prepare a kosher-style deli menu and are very familiar with Jewish mourning customs, including shiva. We are not a kosher kitchen and can't guarantee meat and dairy separation. Vegetarian choices are on every menu. We can't make substitutions or allergy accommodations: onion and garlic are in most dishes and everything is prepared in shared pans.

What is included with memorial catering?

Memorial catering includes the food, setup, plates, napkins and serving utensils. Hot buffets arrive in chafing dishes, and coffee and beverage service can be added. In our banquet room, tables and seating are included. Delivery is priced by drive time ($19.95 to $74.95), and online orders carry a 3% service fee. We don't provide servers, bartenders, linens or rentals, and cleanup is not included.

How far in advance should we book?

As soon as your date is set. Standard orders need 24 hours' notice; sooner by phone or text only at (858) 353-5528. For receptions and banquet room dates we recommend reaching out as early as possible so we can hold your date. Call or text and we'll tell you honestly what's possible for your timeline.

More catering from Elijah's

We Support Every Occasion

When you're ready

Let Us Take Care of the Food

Call or text us — it's the gentlest way to start, especially on short notice. Or request a quote online and we'll respond within the hour during business hours.

Order Online Now Request a Free Quote Call or Text (858) 353-5528
Restaurant: (858) 455-1461
7061 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, Suite 210 · San Diego CA 92111
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