Whether you are planning a Pensacola Beach reception or a downtown corporate event, Real Paella Catering cooks authentic Valencian paella on-site in traditional pans, a show and a feast in one. We cater weddings, rehearsal dinners, welcome parties and private events throughout the Pensacola area.
Real Paella Catering is a family-owned business founded in 2006 by Valencia-born chef Juan Ten, serving all of North Florida.
Areas we serve
Pensacola and the western Panhandle, together with Destin, Fort Walton Beach, 30A, Panama City and Apalachicola.
Call our Northwest Florida line: 850-980-1650. We answer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Weddings, rehearsal dinners and more
Weddings and rehearsal dinners are what we cater most. See our wedding catering and rehearsal dinner catering pages, and we also cater engagement parties, corporate events and office parties, birthdays, family reunions, quinceañeras and backyard paella parties, from intimate gatherings to 1,000 guests.
How on-site paella catering works
- Cooked in front of your guests in traditional paella pans. The cooking is part of the entertainment.
- About 2 hours from the moment we start setting up until we are ready to serve.
- A flat outdoor space of at least 10′ x 10′ (more for larger parties), with direct access for our truck and trailer.
- No kitchen, water or electricity needed. We always bring a tent in case of rain.
- Served from the pan buffet-style, or plated to the tables with servers.
- Cooked on-site. Outside the Tallahassee area we always cook at your event, for parties of 50 guests or more.
Add licensed bartending (no catering order required) and live flamenco or classical guitar to complete the evening. More details: pricing & how it works and our FAQs.
The menu
Every paella is cooked with Albufera rice, saffron and smoked paprika imported from Spain, and our paella is naturally gluten-free with no MSG. Popular choices:
- Paella Mixta: chicken, pork and seafood, our most requested wedding paella
- Seafood Paella (Paella de Marisco)
- Classic Paella (Paella Clasica): chicken and pork
- Vegan Paella (Paella Vegetal): fresh vegetables, great for mixed crowds
Round it out with a Spanish salad, traditional tapas, homemade dessert and sangria, the combination most of our wedding couples choose. See the full catering menu.
What our customers say
“100% would hire again! Real Paella was so easy to work for with for our post-elopement wedding reception! They were flexible when the weather wasn’t ideal and made adjustments for on-site cooking even in windy conditions. The paella was delicious and beautiful.”
Real Paella customer review
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum guest count in Pensacola?
There is a 50-guest minimum for events more than about an hour from Tallahassee, and we can serve up to 1,000 guests.
Can you cook on the beach?
We need a flat, stable outdoor area of at least 10′ x 10′ and direct access for our truck and trailer. Tell us about your venue when you request a quote and we will confirm what works.
What if it is windy or rainy?
We always bring a tent and adjust on-site cooking for the weather. If it is unsafe to cook outside, we will bring your meal cooked and ready to serve.
Do you offer a bar?
Yes, licensed bartending with open bar, wine, beer and crafted cocktails, with one bartender per 50 guests.
Get your quote
Tell us your date, guest count and city and we will send a custom quote. Booking is confirmed with an online contract and deposit; the final payment is due on the day of the event.