Business Details
32 Years
experience
Your Trusted Wedding & Event Catering Partner in Santa Barbara
Savoir Faire Catering has dedicated three decades to perfecting the art of event catering, combining a passion for fresh, sustainable ingredients with meticulous attention to detail. Our team, led by founder Karen Smith-Warner, brings global culinary expertise and a deep commitment to local sourcing, ensuring every dish reflects our values of quality and simplicity. With extensive experience in Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley, we specialize in creating unforgettable weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings that celebrate both flavor and elegance. Our professional staff, including sous chef Melissa Martin Scott and operations expert Susie Criley, works collaboratively to transform client visions into seamless, memorable experiences.By prioritizing organic produce and fostering relationships with local farmers, we deliver menus that are as responsible as they are delicious. From intimate dinner parties to large-scale destination weddings, our focus remains on exceeding expectations through personalized service and culinary excellence. This dedication has earned us a reputation as Santa Barbara's premier catering choice, trusted to handle every detail from concept to execution.
Services
Wedding Catering
Event Catering
Cocktail Catering
Gluten-Free Options
Vegan Cuisine
Plant-Based Menus
Buffet Service
Family Style Dining
Formal Plated Menus
Destination Weddings
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We offer 30 years of specialized wedding and event catering expertise
- Our menus feature 100% locally-sourced organic produce
- We maintain a 98% client satisfaction rate through personalized service
- Our team includes internationally-trained chefs with culinary certifications
- We implement zero-waste kitchen practices for environmental sustainability
What people say
Perfect wedding
Amazing food
Numerous compliments
Stress-free planning
Exceeded expectations
Services
Wedding Catering
Our wedding catering service creates customized culinary experiences for Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Valley celebrations. We offer farm-to-table menus with organic ingredients, accommodating dietary preferences while maintaining elegant presentation. With 30 years of experience, our team ensures seamless execution from tastings to reception service.
Event Catering
We provide comprehensive catering solutions for corporate functions, private parties, and fundraising events. Our menus feature seasonal ingredients with options for formal plated dinners, buffet service, or interactive food stations. The experienced team handles logistics coordination and on-site service execution.
Gluten-Free Options
Our kitchen offers dedicated gluten-free preparation areas and certified gluten-free ingredients. We create gourmet dishes that meet dietary restrictions without compromising flavor or presentation, ensuring all guests enjoy high-quality dining experiences.
Vegan Cuisine
We specialize in creative vegan dishes using locally-sourced produce and innovative cooking techniques. Our chefs craft flavorful plant-based options that appeal to both vegan and non-vegan guests through artistic presentation and balanced nutrition.
Destination Weddings
We coordinate full-service catering for weddings outside traditional venues, including beachfronts, vineyards, and private estates. Our team manages equipment transportation, on-site kitchen setup, and local ingredient sourcing to maintain quality at any location.
People
Karen Smith-Warner
Founder & Owner
Internationally-trained chef with 30 years of catering experience, Karen founded Savoir Faire Catering after studying in Italy, Greece, and Mexico. She specializes in elegant event design and sustainable culinary practices.
Melissa Martin Scott
Sous Chef
Seven-year veteran of Santa Barbara catering, Melissa oversees bread and pastry production. Her European culinary training influences her approach to creating seasonal, ingredient-focused dishes that complement Karen's vision.
Susie Criley
Operations Manager
With 15 years at Savoir Faire Catering, Susie manages staff coordination and bar services. Her extensive local knowledge ensures smooth event execution across Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley.
Questions
Do you cater events outside Santa Barbara?
Yes, we serve the entire Santa Ynez Valley and surrounding areas, including Montecito and Goleta, with full-service catering and event coordination.
Can you accommodate special dietary needs?
We offer gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and plant-based options with dedicated preparation areas to prevent cross-contamination, ensuring safe dining for all guests.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking 6-12 months ahead for weddings, with minimum 3-month notice for corporate events to ensure availability and proper planning.
Do you provide event planning services?
Our team offers full-service event coordination including venue selection, menu design, and vendor management to create cohesive, stress-free experiences.
What's included in your catering packages?
Packages include menu customization, on-site service staff, necessary equipment, and coordination from initial consultation through event execution with post-event follow-up.
Reviews (4)
Maddie G.
Apr 21, 2015
Report
So so so so excited when I talk about our wedding food! We had a large tented outdoor wedding in December of 300 (!) and had a full and amazing dinner, plus cocktails and appetizers beforehand. Karen is the true definition of a professional at her job -- and she goes the extra mile to make it an art! During our tasting I felt like a queen, and there wasn't a single dish that didn't blow me and my fiance out of the water (and he's a rather picky eater!).
We had people coming up to us ON THE DANCE FLOOR just to grab us and tell us how incredible the food was. "Best food I've ever had.and not just 'at a wedding!'" We made several large changes in the week leading up to our wedding as well that greatly affected the menu (like adding a second main course!).and Karen handled it like a champ. Grilled Prime Beef Tri-Tip Steaks, roasted Salmon w/ lemon, herbs and basil butter, the most gorgeous persimmon salad w/ arugula. just to whet your appetite a bit. :) So thankful for this chef and her expertise and attention to detail! I felt so comfortable and at peace in her hands. Thank you, Karen and Savoir Faire Team!
We had people coming up to us ON THE DANCE FLOOR just to grab us and tell us how incredible the food was. "Best food I've ever had.and not just 'at a wedding!'" We made several large changes in the week leading up to our wedding as well that greatly affected the menu (like adding a second main course!).and Karen handled it like a champ. Grilled Prime Beef Tri-Tip Steaks, roasted Salmon w/ lemon, herbs and basil butter, the most gorgeous persimmon salad w/ arugula. just to whet your appetite a bit. :) So thankful for this chef and her expertise and attention to detail! I felt so comfortable and at peace in her hands. Thank you, Karen and Savoir Faire Team!
Shelby B.
Nov 02, 2014
Report
Karen is an amazing chef. All her food is sourced locally, and her dishes are creative and delicious. Her staff is top-notch; they go above and beyond. Savoir Faire is great.
Cody K.
Oct 02, 2014
Report
We had a vineyard inspired wedding in Solvang and choose Savior Faire because the food is sourced locally and was amazing at our tasting. As we got closer to the wedding we were informed that we'd need to rent several pieces of servingware, chafing dishes and even an oven. Begrudgingly we did as we wanted the menu we agreed to several months earlier. We just wished that Karen told us early on so we could account for it in our budget.
The food was excellent and the staff was ok. Guests at the wedding said they saw the staff taking leftover food to their van and asked that they leave it at the residence. The part the upsets me the most is that now, 4 months later, the owner has not returned servingware from the rental company that she admitted has. I've asked several times for her to return it and now I have to pay for the cost of the items and the rental fees. She's now ignoring my calls and emails. Her fresh faire is amazing, just dont agree to rent any equipment and keep an eye on the leftovers!
The food was excellent and the staff was ok. Guests at the wedding said they saw the staff taking leftover food to their van and asked that they leave it at the residence. The part the upsets me the most is that now, 4 months later, the owner has not returned servingware from the rental company that she admitted has. I've asked several times for her to return it and now I have to pay for the cost of the items and the rental fees. She's now ignoring my calls and emails. Her fresh faire is amazing, just dont agree to rent any equipment and keep an eye on the leftovers!
Isaac H.
Aug 30, 2011
Report
I have to admit that our wedding was eighteen years ago, and we're still happily married, thank you very much, but both my wife and I loved the food at our wedding, even though we didn't get to eat it until we were in the hotel room. The catered had saved us a couple of plates to take with us and even cake. We were having so much fun that we forgot to eat. Thank you Savoir Faire, I hope you're still making yummy food for a reasonable price.
