Picnic & Outdoor Event Catering in Northern Virginia
Shawarma wraps, falafel pitas, hummus platters, and hand pies for company picnics, family reunions, and outdoor gatherings across NoVA. Food that travels well, needs no reheating, and feeds every guest.
4.8 stars on Yelp (92 reviews) -- Open 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Why Mediterranean Food Is Perfect for Picnics
Most catering food needs a microwave, a chafing dish, or a power outlet. Mediterranean food needs a picnic blanket and napkins. Here is why it works outdoors.
Travels Well, No Reheating Needed
Mediterranean food is built for outdoor eating. Pita wraps, hummus, falafel, and meat pies all taste excellent at room temperature. You do not need a microwave, chafing dish, or power outlet at the park. Unpack and serve.
Room-Temperature Friendly
Unlike fried chicken or hot wings that get soggy as they cool, Mediterranean food holds its texture and flavor. Falafel stays crisp for hours. Hummus is meant to sit out. Wraps taste the same at noon as they do at two o'clock.
Feeds Every Dietary Need
Every picnic group has a vegetarian, someone avoiding gluten, and someone who eats halal. A single Taza order covers all of them. No separate orders from three different restaurants.
100% Halal, Every Item
Everything on our menu is halal. Every protein, every pie, every sauce. Order for a mixed group and every guest eats without concern or compromise.
Portable and Packable
Pita pockets, shrak wraps, and hand pies are designed to be eaten standing up, sitting on a blanket, or walking between games. No plates required. Napkins handle the rest.
Lighter Than BBQ in the Heat
On a 90-degree day in Northern Virginia, a heavy pulled-pork plate sits like a brick. Mediterranean food is lighter: fresh vegetables, lean proteins, chickpea-based dips, and whole grains. Your guests stay energized instead of drowsy.
Freshly Sliced, Ready to Travel
Chicken and beef shawarma cooked on a vertical rotisserie and packed into wraps that hold up for hours at any park in Northern Virginia.
Best Picnic Catering Menu Items
Wraps over bowls. Pies over platters. Everything on this list is designed for outdoor eating — portable, mess-free, and delicious at room temperature.
Chicken Shawarma Shrak Wrap — from $11.45
Wraps beat bowls outdoors. Thin shrak bread rolled around chicken shawarma with garlic sauce, pickled turnips, and fresh vegetables. No fork, no plate, no spills on the blanket. The single best format for eating at a park.
Falafel Pita — from $8.95
Herb-packed falafel stuffed into warm pita with tahini, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Holds together in your hand. Fully vegetarian. The item that disappears fastest at every outdoor event we cater.
Hummus Platter — $4.95
House-made hummus served with a stack of warm pita. No heating needed. Set it on the picnic table and let everyone dip. Add baba ghanouj and labneh for a full dip spread that anchors the entire setup.
Sfiha Meat Pies — $2.95 each
Hand-formed Levantine meat pies filled with spiced ground beef and baked until golden. Compact, self-contained, and built for eating outdoors. Order by the dozen and toss them in a cooler bag. No utensils, no mess.
Spinach Pies — $2.95 each
Pastry dough filled with fresh spinach, onion, and pine nuts. A vegetarian hand pie that packs flat and travels without losing its shape. Great alongside the meat pies for guests who skip the beef.
Pita & Dip Platters
Fresh-baked pita cut into wedges and paired with hummus, baba ghanouj, and labneh. The classic outdoor grazing station. No heating, no prep, no cleanup. Open the container and let guests help themselves.
The Outdoor Dip Station
Three dips, a stack of pita, and a picnic table. The grazing station that keeps guests coming back between games, hikes, and conversations.
Hummus
House-made from dried chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic. The foundation of every outdoor spread. Drizzle olive oil on top and serve with warm pita.
Labneh
Strained yogurt with za'atar and olive oil. Tangy, light, and a natural contrast to the richness of hummus. Holds up outdoors for hours.
Baba Ghanouj
Fire-roasted eggplant blended with tahini and lemon. Smoky and creamy. The third dip that rounds out the station and gives guests variety.
Northern Virginia Parks We Deliver To
From Great Falls to Lake Accotink, we deliver picnic catering across the NoVA park system. Pick up at our Falls Church kitchen or arrange delivery to your shelter.
Great Falls Park
25 min
Overlook picnic areas near the Potomac. Sheltered pavilions and open fields. Popular for company picnics with 50+ attendees.
Burke Lake Park
20 min
Reservable shelters with tables, grills, and lakeside views. One of the most popular picnic parks in Fairfax County.
Mason Neck State Park
30 min
Scenic trails and waterfront picnic grounds. Our packaging keeps everything intact for the drive.
Bull Run Regional Park
30 min
Large group shelters that seat up to 200. Heavily used for company events and family reunions.
Lake Accotink Park
15 min
Lakeside picnic spots, a marina, and a playground. Short drive means food arrives at peak freshness.
Upton Hill Regional Park
10 min
The closest park to our kitchen. Mini golf, batting cages, and picnic tables throughout.
Heading to a park not on this list?
We deliver across Northern Virginia. Call us with the park name and your group size and we will confirm availability and timing.
Call (703) 340-1014
Falafel That Stays Crisp Outdoors
Herb-packed falafel fried fresh and packaged for transport. The tray that empties first at every company picnic and family reunion.
Company Picnic Catering for 50 to 200 Guests
Team building days, department outings, and all-company picnics. We handle groups from 50 to 200 with a menu that covers every dietary restriction on the roster.
50 to 200 Guests, Handled
We have catered company picnics from small team outings of 50 to full-company events of 200. Give us a headcount and dietary breakdown. We build the order, package it for outdoor service, and handle the logistics.
Buffet-Style Setup or Grab-and-Go
Choose buffet platters for a traditional picnic spread, or order individually wrapped items for a grab-and-go setup. The grab-and-go option works well for field days and events where guests eat on the move.
Budget-Friendly Per-Head Pricing
Mediterranean catering costs less per head than BBQ catering for comparable group sizes. A full meal with wraps, dips, pies, and sides runs $10 to $15 per guest at catering scale. No hidden setup fees.
Dietary Inclusivity Built In
Our menu naturally covers halal, vegetarian, and gluten-free needs from a single order. HR teams and event planners appreciate not needing three separate vendors to accommodate everyone on the roster.
"We ordered Taza for our company picnic at Burke Lake — 85 people. The wraps and falafel were the standouts. Everything traveled well, the setup was minimal, and we had food left over. HR got more compliments on the food than anything else that day."
Sarah L.
Company Picnic, Burke Lake Park
Family Reunion Picnic Packages
Whether it is 15 cousins at Lake Accotink or 120 relatives at Bull Run, we build packages that scale. Every order is 100% halal and covers vegetarian guests without a separate order.
Small Gathering
15–25 Guests
- 2 shawarma platters (chicken + beef)
- 1 falafel tray with tahini
- 1 large hummus + pita
- 1 dozen assorted pies (sfiha + spinach)
- 1 Arabic salad
$150–$250
Order 24 hours ahead. Pickup or delivery available.
Mid-Size Reunion
40–60 Guests
- 4 shawarma platters (mix chicken and beef)
- 2 falafel trays
- Full dip station (hummus, baba ghanouj, labneh)
- 2 dozen assorted pies
- 2 salads (Arabic + fattoush)
- Rice side trays
- Extra pita and shrak bread
$400–$600
Call 48 hours in advance. We package for easy outdoor setup.
Large Family Event
80–120 Guests
- 8 shawarma platters
- 4 falafel trays
- Full dip station (double portions)
- 4 dozen pies
- 4 salads
- Rice trays
- Dessert tray (baklava + rice pudding)
- Drinks (lemon mint + water)
$800–$1,200
Call 72 hours ahead for events this size. We coordinate timing and packaging.
Need a custom package for your reunion?
Every family gathering is different. Call us with your headcount, dietary needs, and budget. We will build a package that fits your event and send you a quote within the hour.
Call (703) 340-1014Mediterranean Picnic Catering vs. BBQ Picnic Catering
A direct comparison of what you get from each option when feeding a group outdoors in Northern Virginia.
| Category | Mediterranean (Taza) | BBQ Picnic Catering |
|---|---|---|
| Room-temperature safety | Hummus, wraps, pies all safe for 2+ hours outdoors | Ribs, pulled pork, and coleslaw require heating or cooling |
| Portability | Wraps, pita pockets, hand pies — all self-contained | Requires plates, utensils, and often sauce cups |
| Dietary coverage | Halal, vegetarian, gluten-free from one menu | Limited vegetarian options, no halal guarantee |
| Setup complexity | Unpack containers on the table, serve | Grill setup, charcoal, propane, extended cook time |
| Cleanup | Compostable containers, minimal waste | Grease trays, charcoal ash, heavy-duty cleanup |
| Cost per head (50 guests) | $10–$15 per guest for a full meal | $18–$25 per guest with comparable variety |
| Ordering lead time | Same-day for small groups, 48 hrs for 50+ | Often requires 1–2 week advance booking |
| Weather resilience | No cooking equipment affected by wind or rain | Grills and smokers impacted by weather |
Pricing estimates based on Northern Virginia market rates as of 2026. Call for current Taza catering pricing.
Fresh Toppings, Packed for the Park
Lettuce, tomato, pickled turnips, tahini, and garlic sauce — all packed separately so your wraps stay crisp until you are ready to eat.
Keeping Your Picnic Food Safe Outdoors
Outdoor events in Northern Virginia mean heat, humidity, and sun. Here is how to keep your catering spread safe from setup to cleanup.
Choose Temp-Safe Items
Hummus, baba ghanouj, pita, wraps, and baked pies are all safe at outdoor temperatures for two hours or more. Our menu was designed around foods that hold up in warm conditions. Skip the mayo-based dips and stick with tahini.
Transport in Insulated Bags
We package all catering orders in sealed containers. For an extra layer of protection, bring insulated bags or a cooler for the drive. The wraps and pies hold temperature well. Dips benefit from staying cool.
Time Your Pickup Right
For a noon picnic, pick up at 11:30 AM. For a 2 PM company event, pick up at 1:15 PM. Thirty to forty-five minutes of lead time keeps everything fresh without rushing. Call ahead and we will have it ready.
Set Up in the Shade
Place your food table under a pavilion, tree, or pop-up tent. Direct sun accelerates food temperature changes. Our packaging helps, but shade makes the biggest difference for an all-day picnic spread.
How Long Does It Last Outdoors?
Hummus & Dips
3–4 hrs
Wraps & Pitas
3–4 hrs
Baked Pies
4–6 hrs
Falafel
2–3 hrs
Ordering Timeline and Logistics
From first call to park setup, here is the timeline for placing a picnic catering order with Taza.
7 Days Before
For groups of 50 or more, call us at (703) 340-1014 to discuss your headcount, dietary needs, and budget. We build a custom order and give you a firm price. No deposits required.
48–72 Hours Before
Confirm your final headcount and any dietary adjustments. For groups of 20 to 50, this is the recommended lead time. We lock in quantities and start prepping ingredients.
Day Before
We confirm your pickup time or delivery window. All proteins are marinated, dough is prepped, and chickpeas are soaked. Everything gets cooked fresh the morning of your event.
Day Of
Arrive at Taza 30 to 45 minutes before your event. Everything is packaged in sealed containers, labeled by item, and ready to load. Delivery goes directly to your park shelter or venue.
Picnic Catering Items from the Taza Menu
Current menu items most frequently ordered for outdoor events. Prices are per individual item — call for platter and tray pricing at catering scale.
Chicken Shawarma Pita
from $9.95Marinated chicken shawarma in fresh pita with garlic sauce and pickles.
Order as pita pockets for handheld eating at the park.
Beef Shawarma Pita
from $9.95Marinated roasted beef in fresh pita with tahini and fresh veggies.
Marinated halal beef — the second protein every group adds.
Falafel Pita
from $8.95Crispy chickpea falafel in fresh-baked pita with veggies and tahini.
Vegetarian crowd-pleaser. Stays crisp for outdoor eating.
Hummus
$4.95Creamy chickpea dip with tahini, lemon, and olive oil.
House-made daily. The anchor of every outdoor dip station.
Sfiha Pie
$2.95Pastry dough with ground beef, tomato, and spices.
Compact, self-contained. Order by the dozen for large groups.
Spinach Pie
$2.95Large Mediterranean flat bread with fresh spinach, onion, and pine nuts.
Vegetarian hand pie. Packs flat and travels without losing shape.
What Customers Say About Picnic Catering
"We picked up catering for a family picnic at Lake Accotink — about 30 people. The wraps held up perfectly in the heat. The hummus and pita were the first things to go. Already planning the next one."
Fatima K.
Family Picnic, Lake Accotink
"Our company picnic at Bull Run had 110 employees. Taza handled everything. The pies were a hit with the kids, the shawarma wraps were a hit with everyone else, and cleanup took five minutes."
David R.
Company Picnic, Bull Run Regional Park
"Best picnic food we have ordered. The falafel was still crispy two hours later. The spinach pies traveled like they were made for it. We are done with BBQ catering."
Nour A.
Family Reunion, Burke Lake Park
Picnic Catering — Frequently Asked Questions
For groups of 50 or more, call at least one week ahead so we can plan ingredients and staffing. For groups of 20 to 50, 48 to 72 hours of lead time is sufficient. Small groups under 20 can often order same-day with 2 hours of notice.
Yes. We deliver to parks across Northern Virginia including Great Falls Park, Burke Lake, Bull Run, Lake Accotink, Upton Hill, and Mason Neck. Delivery availability depends on group size and distance. Call (703) 340-1014 to confirm delivery for your location.
Wraps, pita sandwiches, hand pies (sfiha and spinach), and dip platters are the strongest choices. These items are designed to be eaten at room temperature and hold their texture for hours. Avoid ordering bowls for outdoor events — wraps and pitas travel better.
Yes. Every item at Taza is 100% halal. All chicken and beef is sourced from halal-certified suppliers. There are no pork products anywhere on our menu. This is a standing policy, not a special request.
For a full meal with wraps, dips, pies, and sides, expect $10 to $15 per guest at catering quantities. Smaller groups may run slightly higher per head. Call us with your headcount and budget and we will build an order that fits.
Yes. Falafel, hummus, baba ghanouj, labneh, and our salads are all vegetarian. Many items are naturally gluten-free including hummus, baba ghanouj, and our rice. We can build a fully plant-based picnic spread or mix vegetarian trays into a larger order.
Picnic catering is the same menu, but we adjust the packaging and item selection for outdoor conditions. We prioritize wrapped and handheld items over bowls, use sealed containers rated for transport, and can include disposable serving trays. The food is identical — the format is optimized for parks and outdoor venues.
We include napkins and serving utensils with every catering order. For large groups, let us know and we can add plates, forks, and cups. Most of our picnic menu items are handheld and do not require plates, which is one of the advantages of Mediterranean picnic food.
Pickup from Falls Church
Located on Seminary Road in Falls Church — easy access from Route 7, I-395, and I-495. Pick up your picnic catering order and be at the park in under 30 minutes.
Address
5820 Seminary Rd Ste O, Falls Church, VA 22041
Hours
11:00 AM - 12:00 AM -- Open 7 Days a Week
Phone
Ready to Cater Your Next Outdoor Event?
Call (703) 340-1014 or order online. Picnic catering for company events, family reunions, and outdoor gatherings across Northern Virginia. Pickup or delivery from Taza in Falls Church.