Serving bowls are versatile companions in day-to-day hospitality operations. Whether on the buffet or as part of sharing concepts during table service, they are ideal for presenting main courses, salads, side dishes, vegetables, bread or fruit in larger portions and offering them conveniently to guests. At LUSINI, you will find a wide selection of serving bowls in various sizes, designs, colours and materials – so you can source the perfect models for every requirement.

Which serving bowl suits which purpose?

When choosing the right serving bowl or salad bowl, the key considerations are the dishes to be presented and the type of service. Alongside classic open bowls, you can also opt for models with lids and dedicated salad bowls.

Open serving bowls

Open serving bowls are true all-rounders. They allow a direct view of the food and are therefore particularly well suited for attractive presentation. On the buffet, guests can easily help themselves from large serving bowls, while at the table they work perfectly for sharing concepts.

Depending on size and shape, open serving bowls can be used for salads, vegetables, side dishes, bread, fruit, snacks and much more. A variety of designs also makes it easy to match the bowls to your existing tableware and the ambience of your venue.

Serving bowls with lids

Serving bowls with lids are a practical option when dishes need to be covered between preparation and service. The lid protects the contents while ensuring a tidy presentation. Depending on the model and material, these large serving bowls can be used for a wide range of dishes and service concepts. On buffets, it may be useful to leave the lids in place to keep the food covered. During table service, it is common practice for staff to take the lids back to the kitchen so they do not get in the guests' way.

Salad bowls for table and buffet

A salad bowl is a staple in many restaurants, hotels and catering operations. It allows fully prepared, mixed salads to be presented attractively and served with ease. On the buffet, salad bowls are ideal for offering larger quantities of individual components such as leafy greens, various vegetables, pasta salads or couscous in a clearly organised, separated arrangement.

Which serving bowl design suits your hospitality concept?

Serving bowls are often prominently displayed on the buffet or table setting, making them an important part of food presentation. The right design for your operation depends on your existing tableware, the ambience and your overall hospitality concept. Material, colour, finish and shape offer countless possibilities for creating a coherent look or setting deliberate accents.

The right material for serving bowls

The material influences both the appearance and the possible uses of a serving bowl. Depending on the desired style and application, various materials are suitable:

Porcelain: Porcelain serving bowls are timeless and easy to combine. White porcelain in particular fits effortlessly into a wide range of tableware and table settings, placing the food itself in the visual spotlight.
Earthenware & stoneware: Characteristic glazes, colour gradients or speckled surfaces give earthenware and stoneware serving bowls a distinctive look. They are especially well suited to modern, natural and craft-inspired hospitality concepts.
Glass: Glass serving bowls have an understated appearance and let the contents take centre stage. Transparent salad bowls, for example, are perfect for showcasing colourful ingredients.
Stainless steel: Stainless steel offers a clean, professional look and is particularly used where functional serveware is required. The material also combines well with other stainless steel buffet equipment.
Melamine: Melamine serving bowls are a practical, break-resistant alternative for numerous hospitality applications. The material allows for a wide variety of shapes, colours and designs and is particularly interesting for food presentation on the buffet.

Serving bowls in a variety of colours

Alongside the material, colour shapes the impact of your serveware. At LUSINI, you will find serving bowls in numerous colour variants, so you can fine-tune your equipment to match existing tableware and interior design.

White serving bowls are timeless classics and highly versatile. Black models create strong contrasts and can showcase colourful dishes particularly effectively. Transparent bowls, on the other hand, put the food itself in the foreground. Trend colours such as blue and green add extra accents to buffet and table. You can also discover a range of finishes, including glossy surfaces, matt glazes and reliefs.

What size should a serving bowl be?

When choosing the size of serving bowls and salad bowls, base your decision on the quantity and type of dishes to be served as well as the number of guests. Smaller bowls with a capacity of one to one and a half litres (approximately 18 – 20 cm in diameter) are ideal for side dishes, snacks or modest portions. A large serving bowl with a capacity of around two to five litres (approximately 24 – 30 cm in diameter) offers ample space for salads, fruit, bread or larger portions. For an attractive presentation on the buffet in particular, it can be worthwhile to combine several sizes. You will find further tips and ideas on the topic of "setting up a buffet" in our inspiration section.

For table service, too, the bowl should suit the portion size. A large serving bowl is particularly well suited to dishes shared by several guests. At the same time, it is important that the chosen model leaves enough space on the set table.

Buy serving bowls at LUSINI

At LUSINI, you will find commercial serving bowls for a wide range of hospitality applications in various sizes, shapes, materials and colours. Complement your serving bowls with matching serving cutlery and high-quality buffet accessories to create a functional and attractive set-up for buffet and table service.