Private Chef in San Marcos
Rent one of our 288 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















A personal chef for any occasion in San Marcos
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in San Marcos in April 2016, more than 288 Private Chefs have joined our platform in San Marcos and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in San Diego County.
Starting in 2016, 56,534 guests have already enjoyed a chef in San Marcos. To book your chef in San Marcos, just share your event details in our form. Receive proposals from top chefs and chat with them until you find your match.
Up until today, our chefs have shared 23,604 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 214,052 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.7 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 56,534 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in San Marcos usually book menus around 172 USD per person, including 4.89 courses, sharing an average of 4.21 messages with their chefs. If you've never had a chef at home but want to add an extra spice to your next celebration, just rent a chef in San Marcos.












How it works
Personalize your request
Share with us the details of your dream meal, including type of cuisine, preferences, and intolerances.
Receive menu proposals
Our chefs will design menus based solely on your wants and needs.
Get chatty with your chefs
Don't be shy about exchanging some messages with your chefs until your perfect menu is ready!
Book your experience
Once you are happy with your choice, submit your payment to secure your experience.
Enjoy!
All there is left to do is count down the days till your culinary experience begins!
288 Private Chefs in San Marcos
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in San Marcos












More than 56,500 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.47 Chef
The guests in San Marcos have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.47.
4.78 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in San Marcos received an average score of 4.78.
4.67 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.67 average score.
4.78 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in San Marcos has been scored with a 4.78 on average.
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23,604 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in San Marcos
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Beef carpaccio ( sliced in house)
Blueberry, raspberry and mango sorbet champagne palette cleanse
Ajo blanco
Chilean sea bass , herb mash , parsnip purée, mushroom jus
Chocolates mirro glaze cake
Thai peanut salad wonton cups (vegan)
Tempeh cakes with sweet chili dipping sauce
Chive pancakes
Avocado with mushroom soup with pistachio topping
Rice miso salad
Thai basil pancake
Coconut tofu
Tofu peanut curry (vegan & gluten free)
Dan dan noodles (dairy free & can be made gluten free)
Black sesame pudding
Pineapple and lychee coconut tapioca
Thai tea molten lava cake
Bruschetta bar- mixed wild mushroom, artichoke, roasted peppers & classic tomato bruschetta served with assorted crackers
Campechana(seafood cocktail) with shrimp, clams, lump crab, avocado, cucumber, tomato-clam cocktail juice & crackers
Artisan cheese display- imported and domestic cheeses from independant cheese producers with dried and fresh fruits, nuts and an assortment of crackers & breads
Mezze platter- baba ganoush, hummus, greek tzatziki, oven dried tomatoes, persian cucumber-peppers-red onion & feta salad, marinated olives, artichoke hearts, mozzarella pearls, prosciutto di parma, fresh figs & pita bread
Blue lump crab cake pickled veggie salad, old bay hollandaise
Ceviche-mixed seafood,jicama, mango, avocado, orange & lime juices, cilantro or traditional ceviche
Roasted cauliflower smoked local dates, cauliflower pudding, marcona almonds
Peaches & prosciutto burrata, pistachio, microgreens, peach balsamic, california blend olive oil
Kale & quinoa tuscan kale, dried cranberries, marcona almonds, mizithra, fig balsamic
Arugula & local dates marcona almonds, gorgonzola, applewood smoked bacon, champagne vinaigrette
Caesar crisp romaine, toasted pepitas, dried sweet corn, garlic anchovy dressing
Sea bass with rice pilaf, green beans & lemon butter
Roasted cauliflower steak wilted spinach, salt roasted new potatoes, watercress pesto
Miso black cod with lemongrass rice & seasonal veggies
Brie stuffed king salmon with market veggies & pesto cream
Airline chicken with lemon risotto, green beans and dark chicken jus
Cider braised chicken apples, brussel sprouts, smoked bacon, corn cake
Berry cobbler with vanilla bean ice cream
Cheesecake with blueberry compote
Chocolate mousse cake with spiced whipped cream and vin de glace
Creme brulee with macarons & fresh berries
Pineapple upside down cake with tart cherry reduction
Banana bread pudding with ice cream and caramel
-pear and prosciutto crostini with cream cheese and honey
Bruschetta with fresh tomato confit and basil oil
Cucumber and hummus bites
Fresh tuna ceviche tostadas with pineapple salsa
-warm brioche with goat's cheese, arugula, and pickled pear
-olive tapenade, french toast, and sour cream
-seared and spiced ahi tuna with thai dressing, micro herb salad and pickled peppers,
-bbq spanish octopus with moroccan cous cous salad, chorizo, crispy potatoes fresh lemon
-beet tartar salad on warm brioche with baby salad
-sydney caesar salad, crispy smoked bacon and egg crumble
- mixed berry salad on a bed of avocado crème, with baby arugula, goats cheese crumble and caramelized pecans tossed with balsamic vinaigrette
Tagliatelle with zucchini, peas, and basil cream
-cacio e pepe
-wild mushroom and black truffle risotto, parmesan and fresh herbs
-char grilled rib eye, wild mushrooms, green pepper cream and truffle fries
-crispy pork belly with asian green salad and wild garlic potatoes
-pan roasted pork tenderloin, grain mustard, smashed pee wee pots and honey glazed brussel sprouts
Blackened grilled tuna with a warm sicilian style salad, served with hot crusty olive bread
Coq au vin, creamy mash, wild mushrooms and braised red wine shallots
-seared atlantic salmon, paris mash, asparagus, and a tomato moroccan dressing
-harissa spiced salmon, yogurt fresh herb dressing with moroccan couscous
-char grilled filet steak, red wine jus with potato gratin, and french beans wrapped in smoked bacon
-corn fed chicken breasts stuffed with wild mushrooms and black truffle, served with asparagus and paris mash
-vanilla creme brûlée with mixed berries and biscotti
-sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce and vanilla bean ice cream
-eton mess, crispy meringue, vanilla ice cream, and mixed berries
-apple tarte au tatin with fresh vanilla bean ice cream
-flourless chocolate cake made with ground almonds served with vanilla bean ice cream
Burrata, beetroot and blackberry, whipped honey goat cheese salad
Leek and celery smoked soup
Airline chicken , herb mash , parsnip purée, seasonal veg, lemongrass beurre blanc
Deconstructed tiramisu
Grilled corn dip - street style corn, blue corn tortillas, tajin,
Stuffed paccheri pasta - three cheese, basil, blistered tomato, balsamic, green onion
Classic bruschetta - tomato, garlic, basil, balsamic
Grilled vegetable bruschetta - zucchini, squash, onion, tomato, balsamic, garlic, basil
French onion soup - gruyere, fried onion
Chicken saty - sweet soy, chilies, cilantro
Panzanella salad - heirloom tomatoes, onions, arugula, focaccia
Caprese salad - fresh mozzarella, basil, heirloom tomato, arugula
Caesar salad - garlic crostini, parmesan cheese
Wedge salad - blue cheese, tomato, cucumber, red onion
Roasted corn chowder - corn, cilantro, heirloom tomato
Citrus salad - oranges, grapefruit, radish, candied walnuts, manchego cheese, citrus vinaigrette
Orange salad - ginger dressing, carrots, romaine lettuce, onion, wonton, oranges, radish
Mini cheese lasagna - alfredo sauce, garlic scented spinach, asiago, fresh mozzarella
Stuffed chicken alfredo - kale, parmesan, garlic, fettuccini pasta,
Seared salmon - roasted potatoes, asparagus, citrus fennel salad,
Beef short rib rigatoni pasta - portobello ragu sauce, asparagus tips, sundried tomatoes
Beef bourguignon - burgundy, root vegetables, mushrooms, roasted potatoes
Beef tenderloin filet with butter poached lobster tail - garlic roasted potatoes, asparagus, rosemary infused red wine reduction, scampi butter
Stuffed chicken mole - chilies, cilantro
Chateaubriand - garlic confit, mushrooms, red wine reduction, roasted potatoes, brussels sprouts
Chocolate mousse trifle
Croisant bread pudding - carmel, chocolate,
Lemon zabaione - fresh berries
Cheese cake - seasonal flavor of your choice with chantilly cream and anglaise
Creme brulee - chantilly cream
Tomato focaccia bread with roasted tomato sauce
Wild baby arugula salad with heirloom cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, fennel and citrus with honey white balsamic
Pesto gnocchi with sun dried tomatoes and asparagus
Margarita pizza
Traditional italian tiramisu-lady fingers soaked in espresso and coffee liquor with mascarpone cheese and cocoa
Vanilla bean creme brûlée
Chocolate molten lava cake with vanilla ice cream
Cheese and charcuterie board
Ahi poke wonton
Black bean chipotle lobster tostada
Baja ceviche shooters
Guacamole tatemado with pork rinds and tortilla chips and plantain chips
Fried risotto ball with marinara
Hickory smoked crudo
Chicken and waffles with candied bacon bits
100 anniversary tijuana cesar salad
Asian papaya salad
Warm winter salad
Caprese salad
California caprese
Pork chashu ramen
Aztec tortilla soup
Chicken tom kha soup
California gazpacho
Filet mignon with grilled asparagus and garlic parmesan mashed potatoes and red wine reduction
Braised short rib and grits with red wine reduction
Macadamia, orange and basil crusted halibut and garlic parmesan mashed potatoes with orange beurre blanc sauce
Sesame seared tuna with mango, pineapple, habanero salsa, ponzu and white jazmine rice
Teriyaki mahi mahi with king trumpet mushrooms, green onions and grilled squash
Blackened salmon with greek lemon rice and grilled squash
Swordfish picatta with grilled asparagus and lemon beurre blanc sauce
Garlic shrimp skewers with honey rosemary vegetables
Fish on lentils with honey cream and herb medley
Trout almondine with garlic parmesan mashed potatoes and lemon beurre blanc
Harissa marinated pan seared chicken with arugula salad and honey rosemary potatoes
Apple cobbler
Assorted homemade cookies
Bread pudding
Coconut kahlua flan
Tiramisu
Creme brulee
Personalize your menu
A romantic dinner or a gathering of friends. Traditional dishes or exotic flavours. A fine dining experience or a family-style meal. Every private chef experience is unique! Submit your request and personalize yours.








Frequently asked questions
Below, you can find the most common questions about private chef services in San Marcos.
What does a private chef service include in San Marcos?
A private chef service includes everything necessary to enjoy a personalized dining experience at home. This includes:
- Customization of a menu based on your preferences;
- Purchase of ingredients;
- Mise en place (preparation of ingredients) before arrival;
- Preparation of the menu at your home;
- Complete table service;
- Set up and cleaning of the kitchen and used spaces.
Please note that tableware and glassware are not included. Gratuity is entirely at your discretion.
How much does a private chef cost in San Marcos?
The price of renting a chef in San Marcos can vary depending on the specifics, but smaller groups tend to have a slightly different price per person compared to larger gatherings.
Booking prices range from 163 USD to 327 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 163 USD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 178 USD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 112 USD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 327 USD per person.
Seasonal ingredients, your location, and how soon you book also affect the final price. If you're interested in getting free quotes with no obligation, fill out our form and let the best chefs near you send unique proposals for your event.
How can I hire a private chef in San Marcos?
Booking is easy! Just tell us the date of your event, number of guests, dietary preferences and any allergies, and a few details about your kitchen. Within a few hours, you'll receive customized menus from qualified chefs. Each chef's profile will include their experience, reviews, and photos of their dishes.
Feel free to chat directly with the chefs through our platform. Ask them to modify menus, discuss pricing, or get answers to any questions you might have. Once you've found the perfect chef and menu, finalize your reservation online. We'll then provide the chef's contact information to confirm any final details.
How can I find a private chef near me?
There are currently 288 chefs available in San Marcos. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in San Marcos who will send you their menu proposals. You can then choose the chef and menu that suits you best.
Is there a maximum number of guests for a private chef service?
While there's no strict limit on guest count, private chef experiences are designed to create a more intimate atmosphere, perfect for gatherings of friends and family. Since most homes have limited space to accommodate large groups, parties typically don't exceed 15 people.
Does the chef cook at my house?
Yes, the chef always prepares the menu at your home for a more personalized experience. However, some prep work might be done beforehand for complex dishes.
Can I cook along with the chef?
Absolutely! Many guests are passionate about food and relish the chance to learn from the chef. You can pick up new kitchen skills and get a behind-the-scenes look at each dish on the menu. Feel free to jump in and cook alongside the chef for a truly interactive experience!
Are the ingredients fresh?
Yes, they're 100% fresh. Unlike restaurants with pre-made dishes, private chefs prioritize using the freshest ingredients possible. This is because the chef creates a customized menu specifically for you, then goes out and sources the finest ingredients to bring your chosen dishes to life.
Are drinks included in the personal chef service?
Drinks are not typically included, but you can discuss adding them to the menu proposal with the chef.
How much should I tip my private chef in San Marcos?
Tipping for private chefs is entirely at your discretion. Our goal is for you to have an unforgettable experience, and the chef always appreciates a nice tip. However, the decision and amount are completely up to you.
Key information about our chefs in San Marcos
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in San Marcos
Percentage of our women chefs in San Marcos.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in San Marcos.
Percentage of services with kids in San Marcos.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in San Marcos.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in San Marcos.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in San Marcos.
Percentage of guests that hired a chef more than once.
Average number of days booked for multiple services at home with a private chef.
Photos uploaded to the platform by our private chefs in San Marcos.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in San Marcos each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In San Marcos, for example, demand often increases during special dates like Valentine's Day or Mother's Day, so it's best to book in advance.
If you're wondering about the best time to hire a chef, any month is perfect for enjoying a private chef. Just keep in mind that prices may vary, especially for last-minute bookings. So, don't wait—book your chef early to secure your unique dining experience in San Marcos.
Cost of a private chef in San Marcos
The cost of hiring a private chef in San Marcos can vary based on several factors, including the number of people in your group or seasonality. Larger groups tend to have a different average rate per person compared to smaller groups that hire a chef:
Booking prices range from 163 USD to 327 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 163 USD
For 7 to 12 people: 178 USD
For 3 to 6 people: 112 USD
For 2 people: 327 USD.
Additionally, prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year, location, and how soon you book your personal chef. If you want to get free quotes, just fill out our form and receive tailored proposals for your event. No committment at all.
Private chefs registrations
After many years of offering our services, we are lucky to have a fantastic team of chefs that keeps growing in San Marcos!
2 personal chefs register with us every month. Our verification team reviews these new chef profiles daily to categorize them, allowing you to discover incredible new chefs every month.
What is the most reserved type of cuisine in San Marcos?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in San Marcos: Mediterranean, Italian, French, Japanese, Mexican, and surprise. The type of cuisine with the highest number of bookings is the Surprise, but you can have anything you want (our surprise menu will cover that!).
Beyond these six types of cuisine, our private chefs personalize diverse menus for their clients every day, adjusting every detail to find the perfect menu for every occasion and every group. Our private chefs can accommodate any allergy or dietary restriction and suggest other cuisines or fusion dishes. Submit your request and hire a chef in San Marcos!

Enjoy a Private Chef in San Marcos
Enjoy Private Chef services in the comfort of your own home. Have a unique culinary experience perfect for every occasion like birthdays and anniversaries. It’s also a great way to add a twist to a romantic dinner or lunch with friends. We build the entire experience around your tastes, transforming your home into your own tailor-made restaurant. All we need to know are your culinary preferences and our expert chefs in your area will send you menus to choose from. Your chosen chef will buy the freshest local products to ensure the high-end nature of your service. Your chef will prepare the meal right in your kitchen and provide table service for you and your guests. To make sure you can really relax, they will do all the cleaning up - making sure your kitchen spotless before leaving!

What is a Private Chef service experience?
The magic starts from the moment you request us a service. From the start, our chefs have you and your guests as the protagonist of the night. You will be deciding what and when you want to eat, you simply have to share with us your food tastes. When the day of the service arrives, our chefs will be taking care of everything! From grocery shopping to cleaning after the service. All of that so you can simply sit back and enjoy it.

Fancy trying something new in San Marco? We have the perfect idea!
At Take a Chef we offer you a wide portfolio of chefs that will customize your preferences to fit your needs. The chef will buy the groceries, cook, serve and take care of the cleaning for you. This is an ideal experience to impress your significant other, your family or friends. Book now!






Talk to our chefs in San Marcos
Each of our chefs is one-of-a-kind, with professional culinary training and years of experience in diverse restaurants. Craving Italian pasta, Spanish paella, or traditional sushi in San Marcos? You’ll get it. Tell us about your event in San Marcos, and discover the best chefs who will customize every detail of your experience.









