What is a walking dinner? Meaning, how it works and what it costs

What is a walking dinner? A walking dinner is a full dinner served as small courses while guests stand and move around. There are no set tables and no buffet: the team brings round after round. Six to eight bites replace a complete three-course dinner; at MAREA that costs €42 per person from 25 guests, including chef, service staff and tableware.

The choice between a walking dinner and a sit-down dinner depends on the atmosphere you want to create and the type of event you're organising.

At a walking dinner — MAREA's concept — small, refined dishes are served while guests freely mingle. This creates a dynamic, social atmosphere perfect for cocktail parties, birthdays and villa events.

A sit-down dinner is more formal: guests sit at a table and are served course by course. This suits intimate dinners with 10-15 guests or formal occasions better.

The advantages of walking bites are clear: no tables or chairs needed, more space for guests, and the ability to taste more different dishes. It's also more cost-effective as less service staff is required.

At MAREA, we combine the best of both worlds. Our walking bites are freshly prepared by chefs and professionally served, with the same quality as a fine dining restaurant but in a casual setting.