OFF-PREMISE CATERING

BRING CHICAGO’S BEST IZAKAYA FLAVORS HOME

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Catering Packages
gaijin japanese food off premise catering for events

Since opening, Gaijin has earned widespread acclaim, including praise from the Chicago Tribune, Food & Wine, and Chicago magazine, as well as recognition in the Michelin Guide. Its lively izakaya-inspired atmosphere, thoughtful craft cocktail program, and distinctive menu have made it one of Chicago's most unique dining destinations.

That same spirit extends beyond the restaurant through Gaijin's catering and events program. From intimate dinners and backyard celebrations to corporate gatherings and formal galas, the Gaijin team creates memorable experiences that showcase exceptional hospitality and bold, flavorful cuisine.

catering packages

  • 3-hour steated event
    4 selected hors d’oeuvres (passed or display)
    1 specialty cocktail / 2 wines / 1 beer / 1 non-alcoholic
    $125/person | $2,500 minimum • Plus tax & gratuity

  • 1 hour reception with 2 selected hors d’oeuvres + 2 beverages

    3 COURSE DINNER MENU

    FAMILY STYLE
    $125/person | $3,000 minimum • Plus tax & gratuity

    PLATED
    $135/person | $3,000 minimum • Plus tax & gratuity

    Wine pairings available for an additional $50/person
    Beverages also offered on consumption

  • 1 hour reception with 2 selected hors d’oeuvres + 2 beverages

    4 COURSE DINNER MENU

    FAMILY STYLE
    $150/person | $3,000 minimum • Plus tax & gratuity

    PLATED
    $165/person | $3,000 minimum • Plus tax & gratuity

    Wine pairings available for an additional $60/person
    Beverages also offered on consumption

  • 1 hour reception with 2 selected hors d’oeuvres + 2 beverages

    5 COURSE DINNER MENU

    FAMILY STYLE
    $175/person | $3,000 minimum • Plus tax & gratuity

    PLATED
    $190/person | $3,000 minimum • Plus tax & gratuity

    Wine pairings available for an additional $75/person
    Beverages also offered on consumption

Submit Catering Request
okonomiyaki, dessert, and Japanese salad from gaijin in chicago's west loop for catering

Drop-Off Catering Now Available for Online Ordering

Enjoy all your Gaijin favourites at your home, office, or next event

Place Catering Order

Make your private event catering effortless and delicious with Gaijin's new drop-off catering online order system*.

Order from the comfort of your phone or laptop and have generous, family-style Japanese dishes delivered straight to your home, office, or event venue.

Gaijin's drop-off catering is a perfect fit for office lunches, business meetings, casual backyard gatherings, birthday parties, and any other occasion where you want authentic Japanese food from one of Chicago's best without the fuss of onsite staff or making reservations. 

Join our sustainability effort with compostable dinnerware add-on for an extra touch of convenience, so everything you need is ready to enjoy.

Please note that 24 hours’ notice is required for all drop-off catering orders.

*Online ordering available via EZCarter

GAIJIN CATERING MENU

RECEPTION HORS D’OEUVRES & APPETIZERS

Choose from the items below for pre-dinner receptions or cocktail party menus. Inquire for customization and additional options

MINI OKONOMIYAKI

beef (DF)
pork (DF)
chicken (DF)
shrimp
octopus (DF)
tofu (DF, V, can be Vegan)
mushroom (DF, V, can be Vegan)

HORS D’OEUVRES / APPETIZERS

twice-cooked garlic / rice crackers (DF, VG, V)
curry stued mushrooms (DF, VG, V)
spinach gomae toast (V)
Kim-chi (GF, DF)
kombu marinated vegetables (DF, GF, CG, V)
orange miso dip / crudite (DF, VG, V)
tofu salad / ginger / garlic / scallion (GF, DF)
honey gastrique glazed pork belly / rice (GF, DF)
salmon tartare / cucumber / scallion / ponzu (GF, DF)
beef tartare / sriracha mayo / senbaizu pickles (GF, DF)
poached & chilled shrimp / yuzu kosho mayo (GF, DF)
misoyaki chicken skewers (GF, DF)

Download Sample Menus
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  • Reception-style events are booked on a per-hour basis. A 2-3 hour timeframe is typically allotted for seated dinners. If you would like to extend the event timeframe, additional reception hours or post-dinner beverage service is available for an additional per-hour cost.

  • Reception dishes and cocktails are typically served on compostable bamboo dishes and disposable drinkware respectively. Ceramic servingware and glassware may be available for an additional cost. Linen rental is also available for an additional cost.

  • We will do our best to accommodate most dietary restrictions and allergies; advance notice at the time of booking or soon thereafter is required. Please contact us for more details.

  • 22% gratuity + 10.25% tax + 5% service charge will be added to the final bill. Final payment will be required at the end of the event when a final bill is calculated and presented.

  • We will ask for a 10% non-refundable down payment upon confirmation of your event.

  • At least 2 weeks advance notice is kindly requested for all events. Menu selections, guest count, and deposits must be finalized a minimum of one week in advance.

  • We'll provide family-style dishes and set them up for service in your home or office. This event is un-staffed and is an excellent option for office meetings, casual backyard parties, birthday celebrations, and informal gatherings. Compostable dinnerware is available as an optional add-on. You can order drop-off catering here.

  • Please fill out our catering form below to get started!

Frequently Asked Questions

Submit a catering request

kakigori japanese shaved ice at gaijin chicago

FOR RESTAURANT BUY-OUT OPTIONS, SEE OUR PRIVATE DINING PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION

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