Everything you need to know about private sushi catering—from backyard birthdays to rooftop celebrations

So you’re thinking about hosting a party with sushi catering. Maybe it’s a milestone birthday, a graduation bash, a holiday gathering, or just because you want to spoil your friends with something special. Whatever the occasion, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ve helped LA hosts throw hundreds of private sushi parties—from intimate dinners for 10 in Silver Lake bungalows to backyard blowouts for 80 in the Hollywood Hills. Here’s everything we’ve learned along the way.

“Is sushi catering actually doable for a house party?”

Short answer: Absolutely. Long answer: It’s easier than you think.

Here’s what surprises most first-time hosts: professional sushi caterers in Los Angeles bring everything. And we mean everything. Prep tables, serving displays, utensils, condiments, even garbage bags for cleanup. Your job is to provide a flat surface and access to a sink. That’s it.

We’ve set up in tiny kitchens in West Hollywood apartments, sprawling outdoor spaces in Pacific Palisades, community centers in Pasadena, and everything in between. If you can host a dinner party, you can host a sushi party.

“How much food do I actually need?”

This is everyone’s biggest fear: running out of food. Nothing kills a party faster than guests eyeing the last California roll and doing mental math about whether they can take it.

Here’s our rule of thumb for sushi-focused events where this is the main food:

For cocktail-style parties: Plan 10-12 pieces per person. Guests are standing, mingling, and eating in small bites over 2-3 hours.
For seated dinners: Plan 15-18 pieces per person. When sushi is the meal, people eat more deliberately.
For parties with other food: Drop to 6-8 pieces per person if you’re also serving appetizers, salads, or other mains.
Pro tip: It’s always better to have a little extra. Leftover sushi makes an excellent midnight snack for you and whoever helps clean up.

“What about my guests who don’t eat sushi?”
Every group has them. Your brother-in-law who thinks raw fish is “weird.” Your friend who’s vegetarian. Your aunt with a shellfish allergy. No problem.
Good sushi caterers in Los Angeles are masters of accommodation. The standard menu usually includes plenty of options that don’t involve raw fish at all:
For the raw-fish skeptics: Tempura shrimp rolls, teriyaki chicken rolls, grilled salmon nigiri, dynamite rolls with cooked prawn.

For vegetarians and vegans: Avocado rolls, cucumber rolls, sweet potato tempura rolls, inari (sweet tofu pockets), vegetable tempura, edamame.
For gluten-free guests: Most sushi is naturally gluten-free—just swap in tamari sauce and confirm the rice vinegar is GF.
For kids: Cucumber rolls, avocado rolls, California rolls, teriyaki chicken—nothing too adventurous.

When you book, share your guest list concerns. Any reputable caterer will help you build a menu that leaves nobody standing awkwardly by the chip bowl.
“Live sushi chef vs. pre-made platters—what’s the difference?”
Both work. But they create very different party experiences.

Pre-made Platters
Delivered ready to serve, displayed beautifully. More affordable. Perfect for larger parties where you want food available immediately. Great for outdoor venues where chef setup might be complicated. The sushi is prepared fresh that day and tastes excellent—you’re just not watching it happen.

Live Sushi Chef
This is where the magic happens. A trained chef sets up a station and prepares everything on the spot. Guests watch the knife work, the rolling, the precise movements perfected over years of training. They request their favorites. They ask questions. The chef becomes part of the entertainment.
Live stations cost more—you’re paying for skilled labor and extra time—but they transform your party into an experience. For milestone events like 40th birthdays, engagement parties, or special anniversaries, the investment pays off in memories and Instagram stories.

“What should I serve alongside sushi?”
Sushi can absolutely be the whole meal, but adding complementary items elevates the spread. Here’s what works:
Classic accompaniments: Edamame, miso soup, seaweed salad, gyoza (dumplings), tempura vegetables.
Drinks that pair well: Sake (obviously), Japanese beer like Asahi or Sapporo, crisp white wine (Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc), sparkling water with citrus. For cocktails, anything with yuzu, cucumber, or ginger.
Dessert ideas: Mochi ice cream, green tea treats, fresh fruit, or just keep it simple with good quality chocolate.

“How far in advance should I book?”
This depends on timing. For weekend events during awards season or summer months (peak party season in LA), book 3-4 weeks minimum. December holiday season? Even earlier—good caterers book up fast when everyone’s hosting.

For weeknight events or off-peak times, you might get lucky with a week’s notice. But why stress? Book as soon as you set your date.
Most Los Angeles sushi caterers ask for final guest counts 3-5 days before your event. They understand numbers shift—someone’s kid gets sick, your cousin brings a plus-one—and build in some flexibility.

“What does this actually cost?”
Let’s talk real numbers. For private parties in Los Angeles, expect these general ranges:
Budget-friendly platter packages: $28-40 per person. Standard rolls, California rolls, vegetable options, basic fish selection.
Mid-range packages: $45-60 per person. Better fish quality, more variety, some premium options mixed in, nicer presentation.
Premium with live chef: $75-100+ per person. On-site preparation, premium fish (toro, uni, etc.), extensive variety, full service.
These are starting points—your specific quote depends on guest count, menu choices, and service style. Most caterers offer free consultations to build packages that fit your budget.

“Any Los Angeles-specific tips?”
A few things unique to throwing sushi parties in this city:
Outdoor party perfection: LA weather is usually gorgeous for outdoor entertaining. Sushi pairs beautifully with a sunset backdrop on your patio or rooftop. Just make sure you have shade during daytime events—nobody wants warm sushi.

Ask about sourcing: Los Angeles has access to incredible fish markets and direct suppliers. Local caterers who source premium-grade fish from trusted vendors deliver freshness that makes a difference. Ask where their fish comes from.

Traffic and timing: This is LA—factor in traffic when scheduling delivery or chef arrival. A caterer coming from Downtown to Malibu at 5 PM needs extra buffer time. Communicate your address and any parking challenges upfront.

Neighbourhood vibes: LA caterers know which presentations work best in different settings. A Venice beach house party has different energy than a formal Bel Air gathering. Share your venue details—good caterers adapt their recommendations.

Ready to Start Planning?
Here’s your quick action list:
1. Pick your date and estimate your guest count (even a rough range helps)
2. Think about your venue—home, rental space, outdoor area
3. Decide if you want platters, live chef, or a combination
4. Note any dietary restrictions in your group
5. Reach out for a consultation—it’s free, and you’ll get a clear sense of what’s possible within your budget

Your next party could be the one your friends talk about for years. The one where Uncle Roberto finally tried salmon sashimi and admitted it wasn’t bad. The one with the photos everyone actually posts. The one that felt effortlessly special—because the hard work happened behind the scenes, handled by professionals who do this every day.
That’s the power of great sushi catering. You get to be the host who threw an amazing party. We’ll handle the fish.