Tapas Madriz · Melbourne
Live Spanish paella and tapas, cooked from scratch at your wedding venue by our Madrid-born chef. A feast your guests will be talking about long after the night ends.
Most wedding catering arrives in trays, gets plated behind closed doors, and leaves no memory beyond the meal itself. Tapas Madriz is entirely different.
Ignacio, our Madrid-born chef, cooks everything live at your venue. The paella sizzles in a giant pan, the aroma fills the room, guests gather around — the cooking becomes part of your celebration before a single plate is served.
We have catered for weddings across Melbourne — intimate garden ceremonies of 30, elegant receptions of 150, and everything in between. Full setup, full service, full cleanup. You enjoy every moment of your day. We handle every detail of the food.
The paella pan becomes part of your venue's atmosphere. Guests gather, watch, and experience the food being made — it creates a natural, joyful energy that no buffet or plated service can match.
Ignacio grew up in Madrid where paella is a ritual, not a recipe. He brings that authenticity — the real saffron, the proper sofrito, the rice cooked to the exact point of socarrat — to your wedding day.
We arrive early, set up completely, cook, serve, and leave your venue spotless. On your wedding day your only job is to be present. We take care of every single detail of the food.
All paellas are naturally gluten free and dairy free. Vegetarian, vegan, and shellfish-free versions available. We ensure every guest at your table — whatever their dietary needs — has a plate they love.
We cook anywhere with a flat space and access to power. Indoor, outdoor, marquee — we confirm suitability when you enquire.
Tell us your date, venue, guest count, and the style of your celebration. We'll discuss menu options, dietary needs, timing, and build a package that fits your vision and budget. No pressure, no sales pitch — just an honest conversation.
We send you a custom proposal with your chosen tapas, paella selection, service style, and final pricing. A 30% deposit secures your date. From here, we handle all the logistics so you don't have to think about catering again until the day.
Ignacio and the Tapas Madriz team arrive well before your guests. All equipment, ingredients, and serving items come with us — nothing for you or your venue to organise. We set up, cook live, and serve at the pace your event calls for.
The paella comes out, the tapas keep flowing, the atmosphere is warm and alive. When the food service is done, we clean up completely and leave your venue exactly as we found it. You focus on your wedding. We focus on making the food unforgettable.
All packages include full setup and cleanup. Custom packages available for larger weddings and multi-course sit-down receptions. Contact us for a personalised quote.
"Ignacio and the Tapas Madriz team made our wedding day absolutely magical. The food was extraordinary — everyone was raving about the paella, and watching it being cooked live in the garden was such a beautiful moment. It felt genuinely Spanish and genuinely special. We could not recommend them more highly."— Sarah & James, Garden Wedding, Mornington Peninsula
"We wanted something different for our wedding — not a standard sit-down dinner. Tapas Madriz was exactly the right choice. The live cooking created this incredible atmosphere during our reception, the food was delicious, and Ignacio handled everything so professionally. Our guests are still talking about it."— Camila & Tom, Winery Wedding, Yarra Valley
We cook almost anywhere — garden ceremonies, function venues, wineries, rooftops, private properties, and marquees. We need a flat space and access to power. We always confirm venue suitability when you enquire, and we have experience working with Melbourne's most popular wedding venues.
We recommend booking at least 3–4 months in advance for weddings, and 6+ months for peak season dates (October–December and February–April book out quickly). A 30% deposit secures your date. The sooner you reach out, the more flexibility you have on timing and menu customisation.
Yes. All our paellas are naturally gluten free and dairy free. Vegetarian, vegan, and shellfish-free versions are available. We ask for a dietary count when you confirm numbers and make sure every guest is catered for without fuss. Just let us know what your guests need.
Yes. Our tapas service works beautifully as a cocktail hour spread — guests mingle, graze, and enjoy Spanish bites while the paella is being prepared for the main service. We can structure the service timing to fit your wedding schedule perfectly.
We offer tastings by arrangement for wedding bookings. Get in touch when you enquire and we can discuss availability. There is a tasting fee that is credited back toward your booking if you proceed.
Free cancellation is available up to 30 days before your event. A 50% charge applies for cancellations within 30 days. The 30% deposit is required at time of booking to secure your date. We understand plans change and will always try to find a solution.
Every wedding is different. Share the details below and we'll come back within 24 hours with ideas, availability, and a tailored proposal. No obligation.