Business Details
20 Years
experience
Your Trusted Catering Partner in San Francisco
Founded in 2006 by Ivan Valencia, Aroma Buena Catering established itself as a leader in the San Francisco Bay Area culinary scene through dedication to exceptional service and delectable cuisine. In 2019, Patricia Herrera assumed leadership, maintaining the company's core values while adapting to evolving food trends and customer needs. Our expertise spans catering and caf operations, offering fresh, authentic, and health-conscious dishes rooted in local, seasonal ingredients and global culinary traditions.We specialize in Hispano World Cuisine, blending Spanish, Iberian, Latino, and Caribbean influences, while providing comprehensive event services including staffing and equipment rentals. Our commitment to quality extends to both large-scale events and daily caf experiences, ensuring every client receives the same high standards of food and service that have defined our reputation.
Services
Catering Services
Caf Dining
Bartender Services
Server Rentals
Equipment Rentals
Breakfast Catering
Lunch Catering
Event Planning
Hispanic Cuisine
Delivery Services
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We offer a diverse menu featuring local, seasonal, and international cuisines.
- Our team has over 15 years of experience in event and catering services.
- We provide comprehensive catering solutions including staffing and equipment rentals.
- Our Hispano World Cuisine combines authentic flavors from Spain, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
- We maintain strict quality standards for both large events and daily caf operations.
Services
Catering Services
We provide full-service catering for corporate events, parties, and meetings with customizable menus featuring local, seasonal, and international dishes. Our team handles food preparation, staffing, and equipment rentals to ensure seamless event execution. Clients benefit from our expertise in creating memorable culinary experiences tailored to specific dietary needs and event themes.
Hispano World Cuisine
Our signature culinary offering combines authentic flavors from Spain, Latin America, and the Caribbean, featuring dishes like Yucatn Achiote Chicken and Cuban Picadillo. This specialized menu showcases regional specialties using traditional cooking techniques and ingredients. Customers enjoy a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern presentation for both events and caf dining.
Caf Dining
Our San Francisco caf serves breakfast and lunch six days a week with made-to-order sandwiches, salads, and hot entrees. The menu includes healthy options like quinoa salads and vegan wraps alongside classic American favorites. Diners benefit from the same high-quality ingredients and service standards that made our catering business successful, in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.
Equipment Rentals
We offer comprehensive rental solutions including china, glassware, tables, tents, and linens for events of all sizes. Our inventory supports both small gatherings and large-scale functions with professional-grade equipment. Clients receive assistance with setup requirements and delivery logistics to ensure proper event execution.
Bartender Services
Professional bartending services are available for events requiring cocktail service, including specialty drink preparation and alcohol service. Our trained staff ensures responsible serving practices and efficient beverage operations. This service integrates seamlessly with our catering and equipment rental offerings for complete event management.
People
Ivan Valencia
Founder
Founded Aroma Buena Catering in 2006, building it into a leading Bay Area catering company through dedication to quality and exceptional service before transitioning leadership in 2019.
Patricia Herrera
Current Owner
Took over Aroma Buena Catering in 2019, maintaining core values while expanding services to include caf operations and modernizing menu offerings to meet evolving customer preferences.
Questions
What types of events can Aroma Buena Catering handle?
We cater corporate meetings, birthday parties, weddings, and large-scale events with customizable menus and full-service support including staffing and equipment.
Do you offer both hot and cold breakfast options?
Yes, we provide hot breakfast items like breakfast burritos and omelets, as well as cold options including continental breakfasts and yogurt parfaits for events.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, checks, and direct deposits for all catering services and café purchases.
Are there delivery fees for catering orders?
Yes, delivery fees range from $45 to $95 depending on location, with additional charges for after-hours deliveries and weekend orders.
Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, we offer vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian options across all menus, with advance notice for specific dietary requirements.
Can I rent equipment separately from catering services?
Yes, we offer standalone equipment rentals including china, glassware, tents, and tables for events requiring partial service support.
Reviews (7)
Sylvie P.
Jan 06, 2022
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These are THE BEST caterers ever. I cannot say enough good things about them. From the very first phone call, Patricia was super responsive and helpful, and extremely patient dealing with my numerous emails, questions, special requests, and order changes. And the food, OMG, the food, soooooooooo delicious! Everything was exactly as requested, delivered on time and with a smile, looked beautiful, and tasted amazing. I wish they had a restaurant, because I would go all the time. I cannot recommend Aroma Buena highly enough, they are phenomenal!
Margaret S.
Mar 06, 2017
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Totally Exceptional! I couldn't have been more delighted. Ivan Valencia is an awesome caterer. He was alongside us every step of the way: planning the menu, doing the walk through before the event, providing helpful tips along the way, the cuisine was delicious and the presentation was out of this world. I highly recommend Aroma Buena. In addition, he was highly responsive to any questions we had. Thank you Ivan and to your staff.
Deborah H.
Feb 16, 2017
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A winner! As I discovered this caterer via a Google search for South American cuisine, I had no idea about what the results would be. As it turned out, it was a joy to work with Ivan on setting up the menu The day of event planning when as promised, the cuisine was fabulous as was the presentation and I received many complements from my 65 guests. The servers were very nice and professional and it was a total success! For my next milestone birthday, I would like to use Aroma Buena again. Muchas Gracias to Ivan, Ro and Chris!
Daniel P.
Feb 25, 2016
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I've had the food at a friends party and the food is definitely 5 stars. This time I reached out to Ivan for a small intimate party I was planning on having at a spa in west portal and figured Aroma would be the perfect place to cater this event. However, I don't know if Ivan was having a tough morning but he was totally put off because the size my party was not big enough for him to cater. Without even knowing what I was looking to order or the date I was looking for he immediately just said no. Just found him really unprofessional.
Lauren T.
Dec 04, 2015
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Aroma Buena Catering just catered my office holiday party. Working with Ivan was really easy, and he was very accommodating. I have people in the office with food allergies/dietary needs and he made the menu so that there was something for everyone. I had a couple last minute requests and he did everything I asked and always got back to me in a timely manner. During the event everyone commented on how great the food was.
Before the event started there were a few people not with our party inside the venue. They came over and asked what we were serving because it smelled so delicious & looked amazing. I told them and made sure they got a card so I hope that helps business in the future. Thank you again for your wonderful service!
Before the event started there were a few people not with our party inside the venue. They came over and asked what we were serving because it smelled so delicious & looked amazing. I told them and made sure they got a card so I hope that helps business in the future. Thank you again for your wonderful service!
Milan D.
Mar 03, 2014
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Ivan did a fantastic job at my wedding on Oct 19 2010. We had rented out city hall and he was there early and ready to set up the food. All of our guests says the food was a huge hit. The Empanadas based on what I was told were amazing. I unfortunately didn't get to eat the food (I WISH I DID) because I was running around talking to guests but everyone was in love with the dishes. Hot plates were kept hot and cold food was kept cold. Great work.
Sunil R.
Aug 14, 2013
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The sign for the catered lunch said Hispanic cuisine which was a odd, kinda like saying European cuisine since it is so broad. Anyway, the food was pretty good. Really enjoyed the meatballs, grilled chicken and mango salad. The accompanying rice and beans were good too and despite my best efforts, ended up going back for seconds.