Vegan Catering on the Gold Coast: How to Make Every Guest Feel Included

Planning an event on the Gold Coast and looking to impress every guest—vegans and non-vegans alike? Whether you’re organising a wedding, private party, or corporate event, having a menu that caters to all dietary preferences is no longer just a ‘nice-to-have’—it’s essential.

Image Courtesy: @whiteleaffilms

At The Italian Job Catering, we’re passionate about creating food that brings people together, no matter their dietary needs. Our vegan catering on the Gold Coast is designed to be just as indulgent, creative, and crowd-pleasing as any traditional menu. From canapés to pizza, plant-based mains to decadent desserts, our menus don’t just include vegans—they delight them.

Here’s how we make vegan catering not only inclusive but also unforgettable for every guest at the table.

Why Vegan Catering Is More Than Just a Trend

Veganism isn’t a passing phase. More Australians are adopting plant-based diets for reasons ranging from health and ethics to sustainability and allergies. In fact, according to Roy Morgan, over 2.5 million Australians now follow a vegetarian or mostly plant-based diet—and that number continues to rise.

So whether your guests are vegan, dairy-free, egg-free, flexitarian, or just health-conscious, offering well-thought-out vegan options is the kind of thoughtfulness people remember.

What Makes Vegan Catering Truly Inclusive?

• No one feels like an afterthought or second-best

• The flavours are bold, exciting, and satisfying

• The presentation is just as beautiful as the rest of the menu

• You reflect your values—sustainability, care, and hospitality

At The Italian Job Catering, we create plant-based dishes that celebrate seasonal, locally sourced produce, and ensure every guest leaves full, happy, and impressed—vegan or not.

Vegan Catering for Every Kind of Event

Vegan Pumpkin Arancini

Crunchy Cauliflower Wings

Our vegan-friendly options are available across all service types—whether it’s a full plant-based menu or just a few thoughtful dishes woven into a larger spread.

Weddings with Heart & Flavour

Whether you’re hosting a plant-based wedding or just want to ensure all guests are well fed, we’ve got you covered with creative, beautifully plated vegan options.

Popular Vegan Wedding Dishes:

• Vegan Pumpkin Arancini – Golden and crispy with a creamy pumpkin centre, served with vegan mayo.

• Crunchy Cauliflower Wings (VG) – Tossed in teriyaki and Sriracha with sesame and spring onion.

• Garlic Mushrooms (VG, DF, GF) – Sautéed and seasoned for earthy, umami-rich bites.

• Fruit Skewers (VG, DF, GF) – Light, colourful, and refreshing – a sweet vegan dessert option.

• Vegetarian Supreme Pizza (V, VGO) – Tomato base, plant-based mozzarella, and loaded with seasonal vegetables (can be made fully vegan by removing the cheese or subbing vegan cheese on request).

We also offer vegan antipasto platters, dessert canapés, and options like risotto, and hearty salads.

Private Parties: Vegan, But Make It Fun

Throwing a birthday, engagement party, or special dinner? Our cocktail-style menus and Catering in a Box options are perfect for private events.

Plant-Based Favourites Include:

• Falafel Sliders with Vegan Tzatziki – A popular vegan premium canapé served in soft buns with lettuce, tomato, onion, and house-made tzatziki.

• Pumpkin Pesto with Caramelised Walnuts (V) – A savoury bruschetta-style bite on a crostini base, full of flavour and texture.

• Mediterranean Roasted Veggie Bruschetta (VG) – Served on our handmade crostini with marinated seasonal vegetables.

We make it easy to mix and match vegan items with your overall menu. Everyone eats together, no awkward “yours is the one without cheese” moments.

Falafel Sliders with Vegan Tzatziki

Corporate Events: Impress with Inclusivity

Corporate catering needs to be professional, polished, and able to cater to diverse dietary needs. Our vegan catering ensures that no one’s left out, while delivering restaurant-quality flavour.

Perfect for:

• Office EOFY celebrations

• Brand launches

• Team lunches

• Wellness events and retreats

Our grazing tables, canapés, and Catering in a Box options include plenty of vegan, GF, and allergy-aware items, all clearly labelled and beautifully presented.

What Sets The Italian Job Apart?

We go beyond just offering “the vegan version.” Our menus are designed to make vegan dishes a highlight, not a compromise.

Full Flavour, No Sacrifices

Our chefs craft plant-based dishes that are flavour-packed and thoughtfully prepared—not just alternatives, but centrepieces in their own right.

Think truffle-infused mushroom risotto, vegan pumpkin arancini, crunchy cauliflower wings, and Mediterranean veggie bruschetta—all designed to impress every guest at the table, vegan or not.

Sustainability at the Core

No plastic plates, no landfill-filling packaging. We use:

• Compostable packaging for drop-offs

• Real plates, platters and styling for full-service events

• Thoughtful waste reduction practices at every step

Our goal is to feed your guests well—and tread lightly on the planet while doing it.

A Sample Vegan Catering Menu

Here’s a sneak peek at one of our fully plant-based menus for a 40-guest cocktail-style celebration:

Starter Antipasto Platters

• Marinated olives, pickled vegetables, grilled artichokes, cherry tomatoes, mixed breads & crackers, seasonal fruit.

Canapés (4 Types)

• Vegan Pumpkin Arancini (VG, GF) – Served with vegan mayo.

• Mediterranean Roasted Veggie Bruschetta (VG) – On handmade crostini.

• Falafel Slider (VG) – With lettuce, tomato, onion & vegan tzatziki.

• Crunchy Cauliflower Wings (VG) – With teriyaki sauce, sesame & spring onion.

Mains

• Zucchini & Lemon Pasta (VG) – With garlic oil, fresh herbs & lemon zest (can be served with or without parmesan)

Desserts

• Fruit Skewers (VG, GF, DF) – Fresh, colourful, and naturally sweet

Planning Your Vegan Event: Top Tips

1. Be Clear with Numbers: Let us know how many fully vegan guests are attending, and we’ll guide you on how many dishes to offer just for them, or create a 100% plant-based menu for all.

2. Don’t Forget Dessert: Vegan desserts are often the most unexpected highlight—guests are blown away that they’re dairy and egg-free!

3. Consider Mixed Menus: You don’t have to go fully vegan. A blended menu with thoughtful options for vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores ensures everyone is catered for seamlessly.

4. Book Early: Peak seasons (especially spring and summer weddings) book up fast. We recommend booking catering 4–6 months in advance.

Real Feedback from Vegan Guests

“As a vegan, I’m used to having maybe one option at events—and it’s usually boring. But The Italian Job made me feel seen and included. The arancini was honestly the best I’ve had, vegan or not!” — Elly, Gold Coast

Let’s Create a Celebration Everyone Can Enjoy

Whether you're hosting a plant-based wedding, throwing a party, or simply ensuring every team member feels included at your corporate event, The Italian Job Catering has the passion, experience, and flavour to deliver.

From Byron Bay to Brisbane, and everywhere in between, our vegan menus are designed to wow, not just fill a gap.