Starter Plates

Starter Plates are smaller dinner plates designed for serving appetisers, tasting menus and light courses in professional hospitality settings. This range includes narrow and wide rim plates, coupe plates, enamel styles and coloured designs in multiple diameters. Ideal for restaurants, hotels, cafes and banqueting, these plates help you present starters and small plates with precision. Built for commercial use, they combine smart presentation with durability, chip resistance and easy cleaning to keep service running smoothly.

• Wide choice of starter plate sizes from compact 150mm up to 205mm for generous first courses and small mains.
• Classic white vitrified crockery alongside coloured and textured designs to match any table setting or brand concept.
• Rimmed and coupe profiles for everything from neat plated starters to sharing dishes and casual small plates.
• Hardwearing commercial construction, including vitrified porcelain and enamel options, for busy restaurants and hotels.
• Stackable designs that save space in back of house and speed up service during busy sittings.
• Compatible with standard plate racks and storage systems for efficient washing, drying and transport.

How to choose the right Starter Plates

• Match plate diameter to your menu style, from compact tasting portions to more generous starter or light lunch servings.
• Choose between rimmed plates for controlled presentation and coupe styles for modern plating and sauced dishes.
• Consider colour and finish, from classic whiteware to reactive glazes and enamel looks that complement your restaurant theme.
• Check stackability and storage height to ensure the plates fit existing shelves, plate warmers and dishwashers.
• Think about service style, selecting tougher, chip-resistant options for high turnover sites and outdoor or casual dining.
• Align with your wider crockery range so starters, mains and sides work together as a cohesive table presentation.

Care and maintenance

• Follow manufacturer guidance on dishwasher use and temperature to protect glazes and minimise thermal shock.
• Avoid abrasive pads and harsh chemicals that can dull finishes or damage coloured and reactive glazes.
• Stack plates carefully, using plate racks where possible to reduce chipping on rims during storage and transport.
• Inspect regularly for chips or cracks and remove damaged items from service to maintain safety and presentation standards.
• Allow plates to cool before immersion in cold water to prevent stress fractures, especially after use under heat lamps.
• Store in clean, dry areas away from heavy impacts to extend the life of your crockery investment.

Pair your starter plates with matching dinner plates, side plates, bowls and table presentation pieces from our wider crockery and tableware ranges.

Need help choosing? Call Caterboss on (01) 687 5772.