Tampa has deep Spanish roots, and a paella feast cooked in front of your guests fits right in. Real Paella Catering cooks authentic Valencian paella on-site for Tampa weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate events and private parties.
Real Paella Catering is a family-owned business founded in 2006 by Valencia-born chef Juan Ten Boquera, serving all of North Florida.
Areas we serve
Tampa, Clearwater, Brandon and Riverview, plus St. Petersburg and Sarasota.
Call our Tampa Bay line: 813-419-3798. 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 giant 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.
- Prefer delivery? We cook the paella fresh and deliver it hot in disposable trays with simple warming instructions.
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
“Outstanding experience from booking to the end of the event! Very professional, proactive, and an amazing catering. All guests were impressed and happy.”
Real Paella customer review
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum guest count in Tampa?
There is a 50-guest minimum for events outside Leon County, and we can serve up to 1,000 guests.
Do you need a kitchen at our venue?
No. We cook outdoors on our own equipment and need no kitchen, water or electricity, just a flat outdoor area of at least 10′ x 10′ (more for larger parties) and truck access.
What happens if it rains?
We always bring a tent. If it is unsafe to cook outside, we will bring your meal cooked and ready to serve.
Do you offer bartending?
Yes. We are licensed for liquor, wine and beer, with one bartender per 50 guests, and no catering order is required.
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.