Testimonials
 
 
 
 
Aroma Buena Catering is very happy to provide client references for those of you who would like to use our services for your event.
 
Here are just a few customer testimonials:  
 
All of the Yelp reviews pointed towards world class food, service and quality, and I'm happy to report that they were right on!
 
We recently gave our quarterly all-hands meeting at our company. Not only was Aroma Buena able to work nobly with our timeline, budget and needs - but they did so elegantly and efficiently. I even had co-workers asking me if they had a regular restaurant where they could just go for a meal because the choices were so delicious.
 
All of the food was healthy, tasty and fresh. The salmon fillets, for our pescatarians, were cooked excellently (not overdone at all! which is hard from a chafing dish) and served with mango salsa. The rest of our meal which included: plantains, rice, chicken, beef skewers, seasonal salad and empanadas was all delicious!
 
Ivan is great; a consistent and responsive contact who worked with me to tailor our menu towards a team that has vegetarians, pescatarians and omnivores. Not an easy feat.
 
I also have to give 5 stars towards our two servers. They had to work within tight time lines - which was set up in 40 minutes, including linens, tables, silverware, chafing dishes etc. and did so incredibly professionally.
 
Aroma Buena runs a first class operation with fantastic food and a staff that caters well to the clients needs. Pricing is more than fair/competitive with what is out there.
 
I would recommend them to people any day!  
 
Alexis W.
Flixster/Rotten Tomatoes, San Francisco  
 
 
 
Thank you for catering my mom's Celebration of Life.  
 
The presentation was beautiful, the food delicious and the Service was outstanding. Family and friends raved about the food and mentioned many times how professional your staff was.
 
Thank you a million times over for making our Celebration extra special.
 
I've dealt with many catering businesses in the past and Aroma Buena is Numero Uno.
 
Best Regards  
 
K.C.
Half Moon Bay  
 
 
 
Thank you again for helping to make our Community Reception so successful!
 
I look forward to the opportunity of working with you again. Please pass my appreciation to all your staff as well.
 
Best Regards —
 
Dina Toy
San Francisco Ballet
Arts Education Community Reception, National Arts in Education Week  
 
 
 
Thanks Ivan for a delicious breakfast!!!
 
It was great working with you and I look forward to another breakfast in the future!!
 
Susan Fry
District Manager
Pet Food Express  
 
 
 
I was searching for a one stop catering company for my son's 40th birthday party in San Francisco. I live in Oregon so I relied heavily on reviews as I was not familiar with any companies in San Francisco.
 
I am so happy I chose Aroma Buena. It was a one stop shop for everything and I couldn't be more pleased with the food or the service.
 
There were many positive comments about the food and the two servers Ramon and Javier. Ivan, the owner, stopped by to make sure everything was perfect, which it was.
 
Thank you Ivan for still caring about quality and excellent customer service.
 
Sally Hill
Lake Oswego, OR (Oregon)  
 
 
 
We hired Aroma Buena catering for our wedding in Golden Gate Park in August, and it was absolutely the perfect choice!
 
Ivan is delightful to work with, the staff was efficient and elegant. The food was delicious and so unusual from the typical! Spanish tortilla? OH YEAH!
 
Our wedding was a destination wedding for 75 people in an outside setting. I needed them to be there, be on time, and really ease my mind for this suite of services I had coming into the garden. We had one hour to set up before the guests arrived, a nail-biting experience for any bride/groom.
 
They were simply divine!
 
They exceeded my expectations, and were spot on! And I'm picky.
 
If you need something international, something unique, something delicious, something floral and beautiful, something tasteful and complete, call them today.
 
I can't say enough about this wonderful service. They made two gay dads, their six kids, and their 70+ guests very happy!
 
Cheers!
 
Steve Lee-O'Neal
Lafayette, CO (Colorado)  
 
 
 
Mil gracias.
 
Everything was perfect and your presence is so helpful to a party as you are all so kind and helpful.
 
Thank you so much for being there, having everything so perfect, and being so attentive. It helped to make the event a pleasure for everyone.
 
L. T.
Principal Leadership Institute (PLI), University of California, Berkeley  
 
 
 
Aroma Buena Catering did a wonderful job catering for BAVC's staff retreat!
 
The breakfast was great and the lunch was even better! They were a big hit with our staff. The food selection was healthy and tasty at the same time.
 
The owner Ivan was very pleasant to work with. He created an amazing menu for us that accommodated those with dietary restrictions by providing excellent vegetarian and vegan options.
 
I was also impressed with their quality of service. They were quick to respond to emails, phone calls, they showed up on time and their food display was very elegant.
 
Overall, Aroma Buena is the best choice anyone can make who needs catering service for any occasion.
 
Highly recommended!
 
Marilyn J.
Bay Area Video Coalition / BAVC, San Francisco  
 
 
 
Recently, I had Aroma Buena cater a business lunch for me and my employees and they did an outstanding job.
 
I get bored pretty easily when it comes to food so I'm always looking for something different. I stumbled upon Aroma Buena and their menu looked really interesting so I had them create a menu for the lunch. All I said was that I wanted something interesting, fresh and flavorful.
 
They completely exceeded my expectations on all fronts!
 
We dined on plantains, rice with cilantro, a spicy chicken, fish and some very delicious and fresh salads. Everything was hot (except the salads of course) and cooked to perfection.
 
I really look forward to the next time I get to use Aroma Buena to cater another work lunch.
 
Excellent food, service and prices.
 
Donald N.
San Francisco  
 
 
 
We wanted to give our son and his fiancé an engagement party, and they love Tapas.
 
The Tapas engagement party was a complete success thanks to Ivan Valencia and Aroma Buena Catering. It was a week ago and we are still hearing from people who attended about the delicious food and attentive service.
 
I felt a rapport with Ivan right from the start. He asked me questions that helped me clarify what I wanted. He gave us fresh ideas of how to make use of our home for the set up. He offered his silver punch bowl and silver containers to hold the wine and beer and the rectangular black tablecloths at no additional cost, and of course he helped me select the food.
 
Close to party time I started thinking it might not be enough and suggested adding another item, Ivan assured me that I didn't need additional food. He was absolutely right, but we sure did enjoy the leftovers. We knew the food would be beautifully displayed from checking out his website. We're happy to say it was as tasty, as it was beautiful.
 
The day of the party Ivan and Ramon arrived early for set up, I was thrilled. I had purchased tulips for table decorations and the wind was blowing the vases outside over. Ivan went to his truck and came back with fish bowl shaped vases. In just a few minutes he made up table decorations that were elegant and would not blow over.
 
We had never had a catered party before, and now I wish we had an excuse to have one again.
 
We highly recommend Ivan Valencia and Aroma Buena Catering.
 
Marilyn H.
Walnut Creek  
 
 
 
Aroma Buena catered our wedding (125 people) and was excellent in all respects.
 
We discussed a menu by email, then Ivan brought samples of the food to our venue/home for everyone to try -- so tasty! He helped us plan out areas for food preparation, serving, dining, and clean-up, and he was very flexible and reliable.
 
In particular, Ivan went out of his way to check that everybody was satisfied with what we were discussing, soliciting feedback from the even quiet men involved.
 
He brought an experienced team of servers promptly on the wedding day and they took care of everything.
 
We were really pleased with the distinctive, fresh flavors, attention to detail, and hearty portions (lots of leftovers).
 
Amazing value and highly recommended!
 
Erica S.
Irvine
Sunol (venue)  
 
 
 
I can't speak highly enough of Ivan and his team at Aroma Buena!
 
When our company decided to host a company picnic we thought maybe 100 people would turn up. Turns out that number more than doubled and it happened all at the last minute.
 
Ivan quoted us a very good price, he worked w/in our budget, and was so flexible w/ our last minute number adjustments. Ivan was really accomodating and so easy to work with.
 
At the event, Aroma Buena made the best BBQ ribs, chicken and veggie skewers around as well as hotdogs for the kids! Everyone had a great time and we were all blown away by the quality of the food, and the friendly service.
 
Ivan saved the event for us and I will always be greatful!
 
Thanks Ivan and you'll be hearing from us again soon!!
 
Heather L.
San Francisco  
 
 
 
I wanted to write a note to thank you for the wonderful dinner you provided for the San Francisco new teachers.
 
Everything was delicious, the tables looked beautiful, and your staff was very professional.
 
I will certainly recommend your company to others.
 
It was a pleasure meeting and working with you.
 
Sincerely  
 
D. D.
Event Planner, San Francisco  
 
 
 
My daughter made all the arrangements for the catering that your company did yesterday. It was in celebration of the life of my husband.
 
I must tell you how wonderfully everything was done.
 
Your two caterers were outstanding. They are so efficient and competent. Please commend them for me.
 
The food was delicious and truly enjoyed by all of our guests.
 
Thank you for your special service,
 
S. A. R.
San Francisco
 
. . . Following my mother's note. . . .
 
The food was so tasty and the service from your employees was outstanding. I had many people ask for your company name and your servers had business cards to share.
 
I realize you sent extra food to make sure we were well covered and I thank you for your generosity and attention to the details that I had shared. There were over 300 people at the service (standing room only in our little church!) but I would guess that about 175-200 came downstairs.
 
The achiote chicken skewers were amazing, the cilantro sauce was so delicious and the roasted eggplant and portobellos were a huge hit.
 
It was so well done and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
 
You made a dfficult day brighter for everyone with wonderful, fresh food and providing gracious staff members from your team. I apologize for not remembering their names now as I met and greeted so many people that day!
 
Thank you again, Ivan, I will be in touch with future business for your company.
 
Sincerely,
 
B. D. M.
San Francisco  
 
 
 
Thank you for hosting our Health Fair today!  
 
The presentation was lovely and the food was to die for! Our employees were very happy with the food, and thanks to you it was a success! 
 
I look forward to more great lunches.  
 
H. H.
Human Resources Coordinator, South San Francisco  
 
 
 
Healthy and delicious food for lunch - yes, please!
 
I'm responsible for ordering catered lunch for my office every Tuesday and always looking to keep the 40+ staff happy with a variety of choices.
 
I wasn't sure if Aroma Buena would cater our company lunch because of our limited budget and the last minute notice. I emailed them on Friday and Ivan was quick to respond, emailing and calling me back. He was such a pleasure to work with. Ivan provided me with a sample menu, I altered it a few times and he accommodated my requests. Ivan showed up early with the food and his staff was extremely pleasant and professional.
 
I'm always afraid of not ordering enough food, but that definitely wasn't a problem and it wasn't due to lack of interest in it. The cilantro rice, veggies and achiote chicken breast were all a HUGE hit! A number of my coworkers inquired where the food was ordered from and raved about it.
 
I'll definitely be keeping this catering company in rotation for our weekly lunches.  
 
Nini T.
San Francisco  
 
 
 
I work in the FiDi and order a lunch for my office once a month for approx. 120 people.
 
I have ordered from Ivan at Aroma Buena twice now, and both times it has been the easiest, most efficient catering order I have done in the year and a half at my company.
 
I give Ivan a vague idea of what I'm looking for and he magically knows the perfect order and never fails to please my VERY picky coworkers.
 
Food and service are as good as it gets. Thank you!
 
Shannon M.
San Francisco  
 
 
 
We just want to say thank you again for all of your help with our wedding.
 
We had the BEST time, and we’re still getting compliments on the food and service.
 
So many people have told us that it the greatest wedding dinner ever—the tapas were delicious, the taco bar was so good and so fun, and the ceviche was to die for!
 
As always, everyone on your crew was friendly, helpful, and professional. I so appreciate the extra help they gave us with wine bar—that was above and beyond. We really could not have asked for better.
 
You’re the greatest, Ivan. Can’t wait to work with you again.  
 
Jill and Eric
Marin County  
 
 
 
"Delicious Latin Catering Service."
 
If you are looking for excellent quality Latin food for your event, this is the one. I love the Colombian coffee and the Caribbean food and they have a tasty menu to choose from.
 
Five stars.  
 
Monica R.
San Francisco  
 
 
 
Ivan and his team were such a pleasure to work with. They were so prepared and thought of every little detail.
 
I was very impressed when I called to get a quote from Aroma Buena and Ivan wanted to set up a meeting with me. He came to my office and had tons of suggestions, but was not pushy at all. He listened to what I wanted to do and never tried to upsell anything to me. It was also great to have the option to rent glassware and linens. (They have much more to choose too.)
 
I have to use a lot of catering services for our office and I am so glad I decided to try a new caterer out. Everyone at the reception we hosted loved the food and the set up was beautiful. His staff was so friendly and easy to work with and they cleaned up everything perfectly.
 
I think that above all, what makes the biggest difference is the fact that Ivan cares about what he is doing. You never get the feeling that this is "old hat" for him, but instead, a new and exciting opportunity.
 
I am so glad we found Aroma Buena and look foward to using them again and again.  
 
Kat H.
San Francisco  
 
 
 
Thank you so much for the service yesterday!  
 
The quality of the food and service was complimented over and over again by our guests at the meeting. I would like to do a similar order for [next] Friday . . . .  
 
J. D.
San Francisco Unified School District / SFUSD  
 
 
 
After reading all the reviews on YELP I decided to hire Aroma Buena Catering for my 40th Bash at Space Gallery in San Francisco.
 
Let me say that Ivan and his crew are INCREDIBLE! What a wonderful experience. I have worked with many caterers in the Bay Area and have planned many parties and I must say...hands down Ivan is the best I have ever worked for.
 
He met with me to plan out the food and really delivered way beyond my expectations. His food was amazing and was seasoned to perfection. Presentation was fantastic and everyone raved about the food.
 
Ivan, thank you so much for making my 40th birthday celebration a total success. Your food is sooo good and you really know what service is all about.
 
Ivan worked with me on budget and food selection and set-up. He is a real professional. You will not be disappointed. I would recommend Aroma Buena for any event. In fact my boss attended the party and stated that the food and presentation at my party was far superior than that of our company Holiday party!
 
Ivan...Thank you...thank you...thank you....we will definitely call you again when we have catering needs...absolutely loved it!
 
Vince G.
San Francisco  
 
 
 
EXCELLENT!!!
 
I've used them twice for luncheons at my company and they completely impressed me both times!
 
I would definitely use them for my personal events. Ivan is fabulous, extremely helpful and knowledgeable. He'll work with your budget and whip up an amazing menu for you. His staff is very professional and will set up a beautiful presentation.
 
You will NOT be disappointed.  
 
C. F.
San Francisco  
 
 
 
Ivan and his crew at Aroma Buena Catering are FANTASTIC!
 
Our organization at UC Berkeley throws a party for 200 students staff every May. This year, I wanted a catering company who could give us a good rate, set our celebration parties even better than previous years, and provide food/service that our students/staff would love. Let's just say Ivan and his folks at Aroma Buena Catering hit a home run on all criteria that I had in mind.
 
Ivan is an amazing organizer. I made one inquiry and within an hour he called me, pitched ideas, and had a proposal of a menu! He then (a month in advance) came to scope out the party space, brought his computer with pictures of his past events/menus and sought feedback about how to prepare and decorate the food tables! His professionalism, timing, creativity are what set him apart from other caterers.
 
On the day of the event, there was one tiny mishap... I faxed Aroma Buena a map of directions (unfortunately... someone on campus gave them faulty directions once they arrived)... This made them 15 minutes late... (not their fault)... but they rolled with the punches and got everything set up on time. Even amidst challenge, this company rose to the occasion! This speaks to their planning, organization, and ability to just deliver!
 
The food: it was superb. They served achiote chicken skewers with a cilantro sauce! Delectable, flavorful... so much so that this dish is was the most popular. We also had the spinach and cheese empanadas! They were warm, flaky, and packed with flavor. The agua fresca choices of hibiscus (jamaica) and cantaloupe were divine! I also loved their Madrid style meatballs. Students and professional staff alike raved that the food was amazing. And the food was warm at all times. I must say, the event was an amazing success thanks to Aroma Buena Catering.
 
The food tables: Ivan is an artist. The flowering branches as a tall centerpiece was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen on a food station. I told Ivan about the party decor, and he delivered on a food station display that coordinated with the overall room decorations!
 
Ivan works wonders! Thank God for Yelp... this is where I found them! I recommend them wholeheartedly!
 
I would love the opportunity to work with them again.  
 
Alex D.
Emeryville  
 
 
 
Looks delicious, Ivan!
 
I really appreciate the "green" touches (biodegradable utensils, no water bottles). I'm so lucky you found us!  
 
J. T.
Residency Coordinator
University of California / San Francisco General Hospital Medical Center  
 
 
 
Aroma Buena has been the best caterer I've ever hired, hands down.
 
The catering manager Ivan is a dream to work with. He knows how to work with you on an affordable menu which looks amazing, and communication with him is clear. I must have asked him to make me 5 different menu combinations before I decided on one for my group.
 
When he came, he was dressed professionally, as well as his staff, he brought black table clothes, beautiful flowers, and food that tasted like it was just cooked 30 seconds ago.
 
The salmon we ordered was my favorite because of how tender and juicy it was. He cooked 50 of them and they all tasted cooked to perfection. The beef skewers were also a hit at my company event, and the mango cake made everyone's jaw drop in awe from how incredibly delicious it looked.
 
I can't say enough about how awesome the food and the service were. Our company party was at a park and Ivan set up his food station as if we were eating inside a fancy 5 star hotel.
 
Give this place a try and you won't be disappointed. It's affordable, and the quality of everything provided to you is beyond what you'll get from anywhere else. Ivan's the best.  
 
Peter G.
Mountain View  
 
 
 
Muchas gracias por la comida de el Domingo. Todo estuvo muy rico.
 
Todos los comentarios de la comida fueron Buenos y otra vez muchas gracias y tengalo por seguro que lo recomendare mucho.  
 
Veronica P.
San Francisco  
 
 
 
Wow! Another FAB event for us!! Thanks so much!  
 
We first used Aroma Buena Catering for our company BBQ in the summer of 2007, and we were immediately hooked! Since then, Aroma Buena has been at the top of our list for catering every event imaginable.
 
The owner, Ivan, is a sheer joy to work with. He obviously takes great pleasure in his work, and it shows!
 
From the gorgeous presentations to the fine quality of his staff, the care and thought that go into an Aroma Buena event are evident. The food is absolutely delicious and everyone raves about it. I always have people coming up to me after an event asking who the caterer was and wanting their business card.
 
And Ivan is so easy to work with. He takes our preferences/needs/limitations into consideration, and his suggestions always hit the mark.
 
All this and reasonable prices too!
 
Try Aroma Buena and you will not be disappointed.  
 
E. H.
Administrative Supervisor
California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco  
 
 
 
Thank you again for making our event memorable.
 
I'm glad you were able to hear compliments from some of our group members, they really did enjoy the food. I hope we can do business again in the future.  
 
P. G.
Roche Palo Alto LLC  
 
 
 
Thanks so much for providing excellent food and service for the World Affairs Council's Spanish Language Reception.  
 
You and your staff were very professional and great to work with. I heard lots of comments that evening about how delicious the food was, I think everyone really enjoyed it and it was perfect for the theme of the evening.  
 
H. P.
Planning Consultant, San Francisco  
 
 
 
Again, I want to thank you for serving our clients in San Francisco.
 
They so loved your food--I will definitely keep you in mind for more work as the opportunities arise.  
 
N. P.
Alameda County Office of Education, Hayward  
 
 
 
FABULOUS!
 
Your party-planning life will be made a gazillion times easier, and your guests pleased with the food if you hire Aroma Buena to cater your event.
 
I worked with Catering Manager Ivan to plan a birthday party for my husband, with a theme of salsa dancing. I had some big ideas - hey let's set up staging stations in the gardens to encourage people to walk around and visit - and some vague concepts - hmn, we'll have between 100 and 200 people.
 
Ivan quickly grasped my vision and ran with it, translating an idea into perfectly turned out details. He devised a terrific menu, but most importantly, he approached the task with the precision of a diamond cutter and the kindness and patience of a dear friend.
 
He was simply a pleasure to work with - very quick to return calls and always agreeable and professional - even on the night of the event, when we had to troubleshoot a few issues that arose from my guests. He provided flowers as well and beautifully presented food. His crew, also, was terrific - extremely well-trained, professional, polite and kind.
 
I simply could not have imagined a better caterer. Oh, and I forgot about the food - it was terrific and our guests really enjoyed it.
 
He helped to make my husband's birthday party memorable and fun and my life easier.
 
I would work with Ivan again in a heartbeat. I don't believe another caterer could exceed the quality of Aroma Buena's work.  
 
Ellen S.
Mill Valley  
 
 
 
Just wanted to thank you for a wonderful breakfast!
 
As I suspected, the sales employees were impressed and they hoped we'd have more catered meetings.
 
We'll definitely keep you on file for the next meeting or event.
 
Thanks again.
 
S. C.
San Francisco Honda  
 
 
 
The lunch was a lovely success.
 
Thank you so much for your delicious food and your hard work. Everyone was pleased with the professionalism of your company, as well as the delicious quality of the food.
 
Thanks!  
 
B. W.
The City and County of San Francisco  
 
 
 
Thank you very much for catering our Annual Meeting at Laguna Honda Hospital.
 
The food was excellent and the service superb. Your attention to detail was noticed and appreciated.
 
C. F.
Laguna Honda Hospital Volunteers, Inc., San Francisco  
 
 
 
I sought out Aroma Buena to cater a 50th birthday party (for 70 people).
 
Ivan was very easy to work with and together we hammered out a menu to satisfy the vegetarians and meat eaters alike. I wish I could have chosen some seafood dishes (but didn't because of some of my guests allergies).
 
Ivan communicated very well, he was professional and my guests LOVED the food. What more could you want.
 
Lastly, I talked with 3 other caterers, and his prices are extremely fair and competitive.
 
I would definitely use this company again.
 
Moira W.
San Francisco  
 
 
 
A huge thank you from all of us at Bay Area SCORES!!!
 
The food was incredible and I am so grateful that you were able to stay. Your food got rave reviews.
 
Thank you!!!
 
E. G.
Bay Area SCORES, San Francisco  
 
 
 
I got great reviews of Aroma Buena's catering service. I'm glad we went with your company.
 
You were very helpful, prompt and up front with me.
 
The service was excellent.
 
You understood our needs and gave us what we needed.
 
You made my job easy and made me look good at the same time.
 
I will call you the next time we need catering services in your area.
 
R. M.
MQSoftware, Inc., Minneapolis, MN (Minnesota)  
 
 
 
Thanks so much, Ivan.
 
Again, you received great reviews. I look forward to using your services again.
 
K. Q.
Giampolini & Co., San Francisco  
 
 
 
Asked Ivan to help us out for our Holiday party this past Sunday.
 
He was not only a sweetie, but the food was AMAZING!!!
 
Everyone loved the stuffed mushrooms!!! They actually went the fastest. Personally I enjoyed the Spinach empanadillas, the hot sauce with them was spicy and yet the perfect accompaniment. The coconut shrimp were large and tasty, and the chicken skewers were too! Plantains were the most wonderful sweet thing to round out our menu.
 
Thank you Ivan for all your help!! Spa Fusion will definitely be calling you again!!!  
 
K. D.
Spa Fusion & Health Club at The Hilton Union Square, San Francisco  
 
 
 
Ivan and his team, is great. They can handle any size job and do it with smile.  
 
Mika G.
University of California, San Francisco  
 
 
 
This catering service was great.
 
We hired them for our wedding reception at the Crowne Plaza hotel, and their professionalism was perfect. The bride is from the Dominican Republic, and trying to find a cater to meet that need was hard, but Aroma Buena Catering was able to work with us perfectly to create what we needed.
 
When they delivered..... WONDERFUL!!!! The wedding was of an Indian groom and Dominican bride so the buffet was mixed with Indian food and Aroma Buena's Dominican food, and their dishes were the first to finish, our guests (470 people) loved it and cleaned out the chafers.
 
We had Cassava with an olive oil and garlic sauce for appetizers, spicy chicken breast pieces (boneless!), fried plantains, and beans for dinner. The chicken was gone first. It was juicy and tender, the beans were, soft, saucy, and seasoned, and the plantains were crisp, sweet, and just great....the perfect touch to represent the bride's Dominican culture.
 
The service was very professional, respectable, friendly, and perfect. The food was delicious, fresh, and presentable.
 
I would have another party just to hire them to come cater for it.....
 
Monica S.
San Mateo