Mediterranean Mezze Platter Guide: Serve More Flavor, Less Stress

A Mediterranean mezze spread brings small dishes such as hummus, salads, pickles and pita to the table alongside a main such as shawarma or falafel. Start with how guests will eat, then confirm which dishes your chosen package includes. Adding every possible side can create unnecessary cost and leftovers.

Choose a main before adding mezze

For a shared meal, compare the Mediterranean Signature, Classic and Feast buffets. Signature centres chicken shawarma and falafel; Classic adds beef shawarma and drinks; Feast uses chicken and beef kebabs. The Middle Eastern catering page compares these mains across buffets, individual meals and wraps.

For a souvlaki-centred spread with Greek salad, pita and tzatziki, see the Greek catering menus. Greek buffet prices and portions are planning estimates until confirmed in your quote. For simpler meals, the shawarma catering guide compares wrap trays, bowls and the build-your-own bar.

Build the table in five steps

1. Count complete meals. Provide one total guest count, then separate meat, vegan, vegetarian and allergy-specific meal counts. State whether this is a full lunch or food alongside another meal.
2. Choose the main and serving format. Shared trays suit guests eating together; individual meals suit staggered breaks or a controlled handoff.
3. Check the included sides. Compare rice, potatoes, salads, pita and dips against the selected package. Hummus and pita are optional extras on the basic shawarma bar; they should not be assumed included.
4. Add only the missing items. Consider an extra dip, salad, drinks or dessert after checking the package. Send the final list for an itemized quote.
5. Plan the receiving table. Confirm delivery access, serving time, table space, utensils, labels and whether equipment or staff are required.

Keep vegan, vegetarian and allergy requirements separate

Falafel and hummus can be part of a plant-based meal, but a spread containing them is not automatically vegan. Feta, tzatziki, bread, sauces and desserts require ingredient confirmation. Use the dedicated vegan and vegetarian plans for a fully plant-based request. Tell the kitchen about allergies and cross-contact concerns before confirming your order; a dietary label alone does not establish allergy safety.

The mixed-diet event planning guide helps organize the guest counts and requirements you send with a quote request.

How much should you order?

Ask for portions based on the full menu and guest count. A spread served as a complete lunch needs different quantities from dips served before dinner. Send the kitchen the event length, serving style, guest count and any food you are providing separately. Confirm tray yields and portions in writing instead of applying one generic weight estimate to every dish.

Our current catering menu lists package inclusions. Use the cost calculator to plan food, delivery and HST, then confirm extras and service in the quote.

Delivery and service details to confirm

Standard delivery is $40; Ajax delivery is $60. Food prices exclude delivery, extras and 13% HST. Standard service is drop-off in serving trays. Setup, chafing equipment, serving staff and cleanup are optional and must be listed in the quote. Live cooking, carving stations, linens and rentals are not offered.

• Provide the full address, floor or room, entrance and loading instructions.
• Name a receiving contact who can answer the driver’s call.
• Confirm which dishes need separate labels and serving utensils.
• Agree the arrival and serving times, with food holding instructions from the catering team.

Planning an office or family gathering?

For meeting access and service decisions, see corporate lunch catering. For the broader cuisine background, read our Turkish cuisine guide; it describes dishes and does not define what every Moose catering package includes.

Request a quote with your date, headcount, menu, dietary requirements and delivery address. Explore Shawarma Moose for more about our Toronto kitchen.