Qfire Catering — Live-Fire BBQ & Steakhouse Catering in Phoenix, Scottsdale & San Diego County
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Qfire Catering — Live-Fire BBQ & Steakhouse Catering in Phoenix, Scottsdale & San Diego County
Bride and groom enjoying their San Diego wedding reception catered by Qfire
San Diego County Wedding Reception Catering

Congratulations. Now let's feed your wedding reception.

Planning a wedding reception is a lot. The food shouldn't be the part that stresses you out. We've catered over 2,000 wedding receptions across San Diego County — and we'd love to make yours one of them.

You'll get a real chef, honest pricing, a team that shows up on time, and a wedding reception where dinner is the thing your guests won't stop talking about.

See Wedding Pricing Usually responds within 4 business hours
15+ Years Doing This
2,500+ Wedding Receptions Catered
4.9★ Bride-Rated
Food Network Featured Chef
Your Local San Diego Team · (877) 848-7211
“This is by far the best BBQ you can have at your event in San Diego. The Brisket, tenderloin, and tritip is cooked to perfection. Terry and his team are doing a phenomenal job. I can't wait to try this BBQ again. It is finger-licking good 👌🏽!”
— Sylvia Ntembe · San Diego · Google review
Quick Answer

Who caters weddings in San Diego?

Qfire Catering is a 100% dedicated full-service wedding catering company serving San Diego since 2012. Led by Chef Terry Matthews — a two-time Food Network champion — we've catered 2,500+ events with live wood-fire BBQ and steakhouse menus, licensed bartending, and full-service staff. Typical wedding pricing runs $28–$95 per guest depending on menu.

  • Serving San Diego, La Jolla, Del Mar, Carlsbad and all of San Diego County
  • Wood-Fire BBQ, Steakhouse Experience, or Surf & Turf menus
  • 4.9 / 5 · 156 Google reviews · 13+ years in business
  • 4-hour quote response · custom menus locked up to 15 days out
San Diego · Wood-Fired BBQ Wedding Pricing · Menu 1 of 2

Average Cost for Catering

One of the first questions every host asks is, "About how much should we budget for catering?" To make planning easier, we've put together an example of one of our most popular full-service wedding menus. This is not a package — it's simply an example to help you understand what a typical Qfire wedding looks like. Every wedding is fully customizable.

This is Menu 1 of 2 — our Wood-Fired BBQ pricing. Keep scrolling to see our Steakhouse Experience pricing just below.

Example Menu Includes
  • Tri-Tip (Premium Upgrade)
  • Grilled Chicken Breast
  • Creamy Mashed Potatoes
  • Gourmet Macaroni & Cheese
  • Caesar Salad
  • 1 Appetizer
  • 2 Drinks
  • Professional Buffet Service
Average Cost
$45.95per guest
before sales tax
Estimated Total for 100 Guests
$4,595
before sales tax

Pricing shown includes one premium meat upgrade, one appetizer, two beverages, and our professional buffet service. Guest count, menu selections, rentals, staffing, venue logistics, and optional upgrades may increase or decrease the final investment.

Steakhouse Experience — Pricing

Surf & Turf Steakhouse Experience starting at $79/guest.

Live charcoal grilling, white-glove service, and restaurant-quality presentation at your San Diego venue.

Buffet Style
$79/ person

Smooth. Efficient. Elegant. Restaurant-quality buffet presentation. Ideal for San Diego wedding receptions.

Family Style
$94/ person

Shared dining. Passed platters. Connected guest experience. Luxury presentation, end to end.

Plated Service
$133/ person

Restaurant-style service. Each course individually served. Our most luxurious dining experience.

Pricing varies by guest count, menu selections and venue specifics. Final proposals are built one-to-one.

View Menu
How We Compare

Qfire vs. the other options you're considering.

Most brides get quotes from a hotel/venue caterer, a local BBQ shop, and a full-service caterer like us. Here's the honest side-by-side.

What matters to you
Qfire Catering
Chef-led, live-fire
Venue / Hotel
In-house catering
Local BBQ Shop
Drop-off + serve
Chef personally designs your menuYes — Chef TerryNo — banquet templateNo — set menu
Live-fire grilling at your venueYes — hardwood charcoalRarelyOccasionally
Real steakhouse plates (ribeye, filet, picanha)YesSometimes (extra $)No
Professional uniformed service staffYes — includedYes — 22% service chargeUsually not
Full setup, refresh, and breakdownYes — includedYesNo — you handle it
Custom menu (change it as you plan)Yes, up to 15 days outLocked at contractMenu only
Real photographable presentationYes — styled buffetsStandard chafersAluminum trays
Featured on Food NetworkYes — BBQ Brawl + moreNoNo
You keep your date flexible after bookingYes — deposit is a creditUsually non-refundableSmall deposit
Typical per-guest range for BBQ$35 - $54$95–$225+$18–$40
Typical per-guest range for Steakhouse$84 - $100$95–$225+$40–$80

Note: We're happy to be compared. Get quotes from anyone — then call us. Most brides come back after they see the difference in what's actually included.

As Seen On
As seen on Food Network — Chef Terry Matthews of Qfire Catering, wood-fired BBQ & steakhouse caterer serving Phoenix, Scottsdale & San Diego
Featured
Camp Cutthroat
Cutthroat Kitchen Champion
BBQ Crawl w/ Bobby Flay
Reputation
4.9★ Average
Across hundreds of reviews
Experience
2,500+ Events
13+ years professional
San Diego Wedding Catering FAQ

All the questions you're already thinking — answered.

You shouldn't have to email us to find out the basics. Here's everything brides ask us most — pricing, tastings, allergies, guest counts, timing, and yes, the "what if it rains" question.

About how much should I expect to spend on wedding catering?

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A typical full-service Qfire wedding buffet (2 meats, sides, appetizer, drinks, staff, setup, and breakdown) starts around $37.15/guest in Phoenix Metro and $44.95/guest in San Diego County — see the 'Average Cost for Catering' example above for a realistic 100-guest budget. Premium upgrades (live-fire grilling, surf & turf, plated service, full bar) move the number up. Every proposal is itemized — no hidden fees, no surprise gratuities.

Can our wedding menu be fully customized?

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Yes. Every Qfire menu is built from scratch around your taste, your venue, and your guest list. Chef Terry will design a custom proposal with passed hors d'oeuvres, entrees, sides, and dessert pairings — and you can refine it in a private tasting before the contract is finalized. Menu stays flexible up to 15 days out.

Can we schedule a private tasting?

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Absolutely. As long as your date is still available, you're welcome to schedule a tasting before booking. You'll sample 3 meats, 3 sides, and 2 appetizers for 5–7 guests ($200) — then decide if we're the right fit.

How does the 35% Date Retainer work?

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Your date is reserved with a 35% Date Retainer that applies 100% to your final invoice. It locks in your date and our team — NOT your menu, guest count, or service style. Those all stay flexible as your planning evolves.

Do you grill onsite at the venue?

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Yes — live charcoal grilling is one of our signature offerings. We roll in the wood-fired grill and cook ribeyes, picanha, brisket, salmon, and chicken right in front of your guests. The aroma, the visual, the freshness — it's the moment people remember.

Can we update our guest count later?

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Yes. The final guest count locks in 14 days before the wedding. Until then, you can scale up or down as RSVPs come in without any rebooking penalty.

What's the plan if it rains — or if it's 110° in July?

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We plan for weather from day one. Our live-fire grills operate under a canopy in rain, wind, and heat. For extreme conditions we can shift to a covered service area or venue kitchen without changing your menu. Every proposal includes a weather contingency.

Do you accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions?

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Always. Every proposal includes vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. For peanut, tree-nut, shellfish, and other serious allergies we run a dedicated prep line and label every plate at the pass.

See all wedding catering FAQs
Why Brides Choose Qfire

The caterer you'll stop searching for.

Most brides meet three to five caterers before they find us. Then the search is over. Here's what makes the difference — and why you'll feel it on your very first call.

You're hiring a real chef

13+ years professional. 2,500+ weddings. Featured on Food Network. Chef Terry personally designs every menu we serve — you're not getting a sales rep and a line cook.

We show up on time. Every time.

In 25+ years we've never missed a wedding, never been late for setup, never held up a first dance. That's the promise, and your planner will confirm it.

Live fire. Real food. Hot plates.

No sad chafing-dish reheats. Steaks, chops, chicken, and seafood grilled over hardwood charcoal right at your venue — the moment your guests remember.

You'll always know what's happening next

Emails answered the same day. Timelines shared early. Changes handled without a sigh. You'll never feel like you're chasing us for an update.

Your venue and planner already know us

Approved or preferred at most major venues across Phoenix Metro and San Diego County. Planners actively recommend us. Fewer surprises for you.

You get to actually enjoy your day

Setup, service, live-fire cooking, buffet refresh, coordination, breakdown — all handled. You spend the night with the people you love, not the caterer.

Let's Start Planning My San Diego Wedding Reception
"Terry and his crew helped to make our special day magical. We did a food tasting a few weeks prior to the ceremony, and we were instantly sold! The food portions were more than plentiful! On the day of the ceremony, his staff arrived on time, and they were so professional and friendly. The food was amazing — we heard about it from our guests all night long."
Tene·Wedding · 8/20/2025 · Google review
How Dinner Is Served

Three ways to serve dinner at your San Diego wedding reception.

Not sure which style fits? Most brides don't at first — and that's completely okay. Here's a quick look at the three, and Chef Terry will help you decide once we know your venue and guest count.

Most Popular

Full-Service Buffet

  • Feels elegant without feeling stiff
  • Guests pick exactly what they love
  • Fast service — no long lines
  • Beautiful presentation, styled for photos
  • Our staff keeps it hot and refreshed all night
  • Perfect for most wedding receptions (75–250 guests)
Get a Quote
Most Intimate

Family Style

  • Big shared platters brought right to each table
  • Everyone talks, everyone eats together
  • Feels warm and celebratory — like a big family dinner
  • No lines, no buffet traffic
  • Great for medium receptions who want intimacy
  • The style guests remember for the vibe alone
Get a Quote
Most Formal

Plated Dinner Service

  • Restaurant-style, coursed and synchronized
  • Every guest served at the same moment
  • The most polished, elegant dining experience
  • Ideal for luxury and black-tie receptions
  • Menu cards, wine pairings, white-glove service
  • The wedding reception your guests describe as 'unreal'
Get a Quote

Still not sure which one is right for you?

Ask Chef Terry — He'll Help You Decide
"These guys were absolute rock stars at our wedding! They showed up early, set up, and provided a meal that was better than we could have imagined. The baked potato bar was so impressive! By the time my husband and I picked our heads up from grace, Terry was sliding our plates in front of us. The pulled chicken was so flavorful and the brisket was a crowd favorite!"
Brittany D.·Wedding · 7/23/2020 · Google review
Live charcoal grilling at a San Diego wedding reception
The Moment Guests Remember

Real fire. Real steak. Right in the middle of your reception.

Most wedding caterers reheat everything in a back kitchen. We don't. Your steaks, chops, and chicken are grilled over real hardwood charcoal right at your venue — the way great food is supposed to be cooked.

Ribeyes. New York strips. Picanha (that prized Brazilian top sirloin cap). Brick chicken. Fresh seafood. Burgers seared to order. The aroma drifts across your reception. Guests wander over. Photos happen. The whole night just… levels up.

"The live-fire station stopped the room. Guests are still texting us about it." — that's the note we get most often.

  • Grilled fresh in front of your guests
  • Steakhouse-quality steaks & chops
  • Wood-fired chicken & seafood
  • Live-action carving stations
  • A stunning visual centerpiece
  • Restaurant-quality char every time
Bring the Fire to My Wedding Reception
Real questions we hear all the time

What if it rains — or hits 110° in the afternoon?

We plan for weather from day one. The live-fire grills operate under a canopy in rain, wind, and heat, and we can shift to a covered service area or venue kitchen if conditions change — same menu, same timing. Every proposal includes a weather contingency baked in.

Can you handle allergies and dietary restrictions?

Absolutely. Every wedding gets vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options as part of the menu. For peanut, tree-nut, shellfish, and other serious allergies, we run a dedicated prep line and label every plate at the pass. Just tell us who needs what.

The Steakhouse Experience

Want your wedding reception to feel like a five-star steakhouse? We can do that.

Charcoal-grilled ribeye, New York strip, filet mignon, picanha, prime rib, salmon, and surf & turf — plated under candlelight, served with white-glove polish, presented like you're at the nicest steakhouse in town.

The food. The lighting. The service. The whole feeling of a great steakhouse — brought right to your venue. It's what most of our black-tie brides pick, and it's the moment your guests will describe as "unreal."

See the Steakhouse Experience Menu
Premium steaks grilled live for a San Diego luxury wedding reception
"Terry's BBQ is a crowd pleaser and the way to go! All of our wedding guests are still talking about the BBQ from the wedding. Terry provides a great personal presence and energy — people said he could have easily been the MC! He truly cares about making the guests happy and holds his employees to high standards."
Mindy T.·Wedding · 11/15/2021 · Google review
About That Date Retainer

Reserve your date without locking in anything else.

Once you're ready, we hold your date with a 35% Date Retainer — and here's the important part: it applies 100% to your final invoice. You're not paying extra. You're just protecting your date on our calendar.

We know it can feel scary to sign anything early in planning. So here's exactly what the retainer does not do:

  • It does NOT lock in your menu — that stays flexible
  • It does NOT lock in your guest count — RSVPs happen later
  • It does NOT lock in your service style — buffet, family, plated, all still open
  • It does NOT lock in your bar package — swap or add anytime
  • It does NOT lock in your upgrades — most planning happens after you book
  • It DOES lock in your date and our team so no one else can take it
Reserve My Wedding Reception Date
"We had BBQ Daddy for an 85 person wedding shower. Terry BBQ'd tenderloin, rib eye steaks, and salmon along with 2 cold and 2 hot appys (the bacon wrapped scallops were to die for). The food was awesome and so was the staff. Terry was SUPER easy to deal with and had great communication throughout."
Nanette B.·Wedding Shower · 85 guests · 8/30/2023 · Google review
The stuff planners always ask us

Do you feed the photographer, DJ, and planner?

Yes — vendor meals are billed at a reduced rate (typically $18–$24 per vendor) and served hot from the same kitchen right after your main service. A fed vendor is a happy vendor, and your planner will love you for it.

Are you licensed and fully insured?

Yes. We carry full general liability insurance, food handler licensing, and workers' compensation coverage. Most venues require a certificate naming them as additional insured — we handle that paperwork directly with your venue so you never have to think about it.

"Terry and his team catered our wedding and absolutely knocked it out of the park. From the tasting to the final plate served, every detail was handled with care. Our guests are still talking about the food months later."
Tangy Robinson·Wedding · Google review
San Diego County Wedding Reception Service Area

Wherever you're getting married in San Diego County — we're there.

From private estates and vineyards to grand ballrooms and intimate backyards, we cater wedding receptions all across San Diego County, including:

  • · San Diego Wedding Reception Catering
  • · La Jolla Wedding Reception Catering
  • · Del Mar Wedding Reception Catering
  • · Carlsbad Wedding Reception Catering
  • · Encinitas Wedding Reception Catering
  • · Rancho Santa Fe Wedding Reception Catering
  • · Poway Wedding Reception Catering
  • · Coronado Wedding Reception Catering
  • · Escondido Wedding Reception Catering
  • · San Marcos Wedding Reception Catering
  • · Vista Wedding Reception Catering
  • · Oceanside Wedding Reception Catering
  • · Chula Vista Wedding Reception Catering
  • · Mission Valley Wedding Reception Catering
  • · Pacific Beach Wedding Reception Catering
  • · Point Loma Wedding Reception Catering
  • · Mission Hills Wedding Reception Catering
  • · North Park Wedding Reception Catering
  • · La Mesa Wedding Reception Catering
  • · El Cajon Wedding Reception Catering
One more thing brides ask

Are there travel fees for destination venues?

Anything within roughly 30 miles of our San Diego home base is included at no additional charge. For destination venues (Sedona, Flagstaff, Temecula, wine country), travel and lodging are quoted transparently up front and shown right on your proposal — no surprise mileage line items on your final invoice.

How far in advance should we book?

Most brides reserve Qfire 6–12 months out for peak Saturdays. Off-peak dates and intimate weddings can sometimes be booked inside 90 days — but if you have a spring or fall Saturday in mind, sooner is better.

Chef Terry Matthews — The BBQ Daddy, Food Network chef & founder of Qfire Catering, live-fire wedding & corporate catering in Phoenix, Scottsdale & San Diego
Meet Your Chef

Chef Terry Matthews — the guy actually cooking your wedding reception.

Twenty-five plus years behind the grill. Over 2,000 weddings and catered events. Featured on Food Network's BBQ Brawl with Bobby Flay, Camp Cutthroat, and Cutthroat Kitchen — where he actually won.

Here's the part most caterers won't tell you: when you hire Chef Terry, you get Chef Terry. He personally designs every wedding reception menu Qfire serves. He knows your name. He knows your date. And he cares — genuinely — about making your wedding reception one of the good ones.

Food NetworkBBQ BrawlCamp CutthroatCutthroat Kitchen25+ Years
"Terry and his crew helped to make our special day magical. We did a food tasting a few weeks prior to the ceremony, and we were instantly sold! The food portions were more than plentiful! On the day of the ceremony, his staff arrived on time, and they were so professional and friendly. The food was amazing — we heard about it from our guests all night long."
Tene·Wedding · 8/20/2025 · Google Review
Real Brides · Verified Reviews

Please don't just take our word for it.

Here's what real Qfire brides are saying on the two platforms other brides trust most. Read every review — the good, the honest, all of it.

Google Reviews
Read Google Reviews
View on Google →
WeddingWire
Read Verified Reviews
View on WeddingWire →
The Knot
Read Verified Reviews
View on The Knot →
Wedding Gallery

A look at the table.

Recent San Diego County wedding receptions, buffets, live-fire stations and plated dinners by the Qfire team.

Qfire wedding catering in San Diego County — reception photo 1
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Qfire wedding catering in San Diego County — reception photo 12
View Full Gallery
Luxury San Diego wedding reception by Qfire
Let's Plan Your San Diego Wedding Reception

The dinner your guests will remember forever.

Send us your date. We'll check availability, put together a proposal, and set up a private tasting once you're ready. No pressure, no hard sell — just an easy conversation with a chef who wants your wedding reception to be incredible.

Start Planning My Wedding Reception Schedule a TastingSee Pricing