Private chef in San Diego
A private chef in San Diego treats you to incredible Californian flavors. Chat with one of our 319 chefs to craft your menu the way you want it.
Hire a personal chef in San Diego
Have a taste of San Diego's farm-to-table" experience, where local dishes meet cuisines from around the world. Trust our personal chefs to bring the talent of America's Finest City to your doorstep and impress your guests.
Since 2016, over 15,711 guests have enjoyed the private chef experience in San Diego. With Take A Chef, booking a personal chef is easy. Whether you're planning birthday parties, dinner parties, or just quality time with friends, we promise you a memorable dining experience.
Find a personal chef in San Diego, CA, who matches your preferences and budget. Let them create a unique dining experience for you and your guests so you can focus on what truly matters: enjoying time with your loved ones.
How it works
Submit your request
Tell us about your ideal meal, event date, and budget. No commitment needed.
Chat with chefs
Chat with private chefs to discuss preferences and food allergies. Get multiple proposals.
Customize Your Menu
Personalize everything you want. From the number of courses to the ingredients in every dish.
Book your chef
Finish your booking, make your payment, and prepare for an incredible moment!
Enjoy the experience
Welcome your chef and relax while your chef prepares fantastic meals in your kitchen.
319 Private chefs in San Diego
The ideal private chef in San Diego, CA, is closer than you think.
Over 15,700 guests have enjoyed the private chef experience in San Diego
4.67 Chef
Guests in San Diego have given their private chef experience a 4.67.
4.89 Food quality
Our private chef's menus in San Diego have received a strong 4.89.
4.79 Presentation
Apart from tasty, our chefs' dishes also look incredible, earning a score of 4.79 in San Diego.
4.87 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in San Diego has been scored with a 4.87 on average.
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More than 7,123 menus personalized by our private chefs in San Diego
Rent a chef for your home in San Diego. Ask for sample menus to get inspiration. You make all the decisions.
Classic bruschetta - tomato, garlic, basil, balsamic
Grilled vegetable bruschetta - zucchini, squash, onion, tomato, balsamic, garlic, basil
Calamari steak - sundried tomatoes, kalamata olives, roasted garlic
Grilled octopus - lemon, garlic, oregano
Crab and srimp bisque - crab cake, jumbo shrimp
French onion soup - gruyere, fried onion
Caesar salad - garlic crostini, parmesan cheese
Citrus avocado salad - avocado, oranges, grapefruit, manchego cheese, citrus vinaigrette
Greek salad - tomato, feta, arugula, oregano pesto, red onion
Caprese salad - fresh mozzarella, basil, heirloom tomato, arugula
Panzanella salad - heirloom tomatoes, onions, arugula, focaccia
Stuffed pork tenderloin vesuvio style - rosemary, lemon, fried potato, spinach, wild mushroom risotto
Stuffed chicken alfredo - kale, parmesan, garlic, fettuccini pasta,
Mini cheese lasagna - alfredo sauce, garlic scented spinach, asiago, fresh mozzarella
Beef short rib rigatoni pasta - portobello alfredo sauce, asparagus tips, sundried tomatoes
Seared salmon - roasted potatoes, chimichurri, tomato relish
Lemon olive oil cake - fresh berries
Chocolate mousse - fresh berries
Lemon zabaione - fresh berries
Cheese cake - seasonal flavor of your choice with chantilly cream and anglaise
Creme brulee - chantilly cream
Butter poached lobster - cioppino style fennel seafood broth, crab, shrimp
Stuffed paccheri pasta - three cheese, basil, blistered tomato, balsamic, green onion
Stuffed mushrooms - spinach, artichoke, goat cheese
Grilled octopus - lemon, garlic, oregano
Blackened shrimp - cous cous, parmesan, spinach, artichokes
Grilled vegetable bruschetta - zucchini, squash, onion, tomato, balsamic, garlic, basil
Fried polenta - goat cheese, spinach, charred tomato marinara
Panzanella salad - heirloom tomatoes, onions, arugula, focaccia
Caprese salad - fresh mozzarella, basil, heirloom tomato, arugula
Greek salad - tomato, feta, arugula, oregano pesto, red onion
Poached pear salad - prosciutto, blue cheese, arugula, walnuts
Caesar salad - garlic crostini, parmesan cheese
Berry salad - spring mix greens, blueberry, raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, candied pecan,
Beet salad - baby beets, goat cheese, arugula, candied orange, orange vinaigrette
Citrus avocado salad - avocado, oranges, grapefruit, manchego cheese, citrus vinaigrette
Stuffed pork tenderloin vesuvio style - rosemary, lemon, fried potato, spinach, wild mushroom risotto
Stuffed chicken alfredo - kale, parmesan, garlic, fettuccini pasta,
Beef short rib rigatoni pasta - portobello alfredo sauce, asparagus tips, sundried tomatoes
Seafood pasta - lobster, shrimp, scallops, crab, saffron tomato butter sauce, cappellini pasta
Seared salmon - roasted potatoes, chimichurri, tomato relish
Chateaubriand - garlic confit, mushrooms, red wine reduction, roasted potatoes
Seafood diablo - lobster, shrimp, crab, spicy marinara
Beef short rib style osso bucco - parmesan risotto, garlic spinach
Rack of lamb - vesuvio potatoes, mint pesto, grilled char
Sea bass - roasted fingerling potatoes, haricots verts, tomato butter sauce
Spiced rubbed filet - oregano, roasted garlic, sun dried tomato, lemon potatoes, spinach, red onion
Beef tenderloin filet with butter poached lobster tail - fondant potatoes, brussels sprouts, lobster cream
Tiramisu semifreddo - sponge cake, espresso, dark chocolate, mascarpone whipped cream
Chocolate mousse trifle
Croisant bread pudding - carmel, chocolate,
Cheese cake - seasonal flavor of your choice with chantilly cream and anglaise
Creme brulee - chantilly cream
Beef tataki - citrus, soy, ponzu
Chicken satey - sweet soy, chilies, cilantro
Miso soup - tofu, seaweed, bean sprouts
Edamame hummus - ginger, sweet chili, wonton chips
Beet salad - baby beets, goat cheese, arugula, candied orange, orange vinaigrette
Orange salad - ginger dressing, carrots, romaine lettuce, onion, wonton, oranges, radish
Asian salad - ginger dressing, carrots, romaine lettuce, onion
Wedge salad - blue cheese, tomato, cucumber, red onion
Beef filet teriyaki - sprouts, cilantro,
Chicken teriyaki- onion, soy, rice
Sesame glazed seared salmon - asparagus, pommes frites, bok choy
Ginger sticky ribs- pork ribs, ginger, garlic
Teriyaki chateaubriand - garlic confit, mushrooms, red wine reduction, roasted shallot freid rice
Shrimp kung pao- chilies, cilantro, soy
Green tea panna cotta - chantilly cream
Cheese cake - seasonal flavor of your choice with chantilly cream and anglaise
Bourbon pecan pie
Creme brulee - chantilly cream
Croisant bread pudding - carmel, chocolate,
Miso soup - tofu, seaweed, bean sprouts
Pork belly bun- ginger, garlic, cilantro, pickled vegetables
Beef tataki - citrus, soy, ponzu
Crab and ahi tuna poki - avocado, ahi tuna, crab, chives, cilantro, lime
Char sui ribs- baby back ribs, green onion
Chicken avocado eggroll- avocado, sweet chili, red onion
Asian salad - ginger dressing, carrots, romaine lettuce, onion
Beet salad - baby beets, goat cheese, arugula, candied orange, orange vinaigrette
Orange salad - ginger dressing, carrots, romaine lettuce, onion, wonton, oranges, radish
Citrus avocado salad - avocado, oranges, grapefruit, manchego cheese, citrus vinaigrette
Wedge salad - blue cheese, tomato, cucumber, red onion
Nigiri sushi - assortment of fish and seafood served on rice with soy sauce, ginger, and wasabi
Beef filet teriyaki - sprouts, cilantro,
Duck - seared duck breast, candied orange peel, duck confit, cassoulet, haricots verts
Miso duck - seared duck breast, candied orange peel, duck confit, cassoulet, haricots verts stir fry
Sesame glazed seared salmon - asparagus, pommes frites, bok choy
Teriyaki chateaubriand - garlic confit, mushrooms, red wine reduction, roasted shallot freid rice
Chicken teriyaki- onion, soy, rice
Shrimp kung pao- chilies, cilantro, soy
Ginger lobster - scallions, bok choy, fried rice, ginger
Green tea panna cotta - chantilly cream
Fried bananas - caramel
Bourbon pecan pie
Cheese cake - seasonal flavor of your choice with chantilly cream and anglaise
Banana pudding - vanilla wafers, carmel, whip cream
Croisant bread pudding - carmel, chocolate,
Crab and srimp bisque - crab cake, jumbo shrimp
French onion soup - gruyere, fried onion
Grilled vegetable bruschetta - zucchini, squash, onion, tomato, balsamic, garlic, basil
Stuffed mushrooms - beef bourguignon, red wine, blue cheese
Filet crostini - blue cheese, red wine reduction, garlic
French bistro salad - tarragon, chives, lemon, pickled onion, walnuts
Poached pear salad - prosciutto, blue cheese, arugula, walnuts
Caesar salad - garlic crostini, parmesan cheese
Wedge salad - blue cheese, tomato, cucumber, red onion
Duck - seared duck breast, candied orange peel, duck confit, cassoulet, haricots verts
Chateaubriand - garlic confit, mushrooms, red wine reduction, roasted potatoes
Seared salmon beurre blanc - asparagus, pommes frites,tomato beurre blanc
Coq-au-vin - chicken thigh, bacon, mushrooms, ratatouille
Ratatouille - tomato, squash, zucchini, onion, eggplant, roasted garlic
Peach tarte tatin - grilled peaches, chantilly cream, cinnamon tuile
Bourbon pecan pie
Creme brulee - chantilly cream
Cheese cake - seasonal flavor of your choice with chantilly cream and anglaise
Crepes a l'orange - orange peel, grand marnier
Crab and srimp bisque - crab cake, jumbo shrimp
Lobster bisque - butter poached lobster, cognac cream
Cheese board - assorted cheeses, fruit, nuts, crostini, and accoutrements
Charcuterie board - assorted meats, pates, crostini, and accoutrements
Filet crostini - blue cheese, red wine reduction, garlic
French onion soup - gruyere, fried onion
Grilled vegetable bruschetta - zucchini, squash, onion, tomato, balsamic, garlic, basil
French bistro salad - tarragon, chives, lemon, pickled onion, walnuts
Poached pear salad - prosciutto, blue cheese, arugula, walnuts
Tuna nicoise salad - potato, olives, egg, tomato, green beans,
Beet salad - baby beets, goat cheese, arugula, candied orange, orange vinaigrette
Caesar salad - garlic crostini, parmesan cheese
Duck - seared duck breast, candied orange peel, duck confit, cassoulet, haricots verts
Chateaubriand - garlic confit, mushrooms, red wine reduction, roasted potatoes
Beef short rib - white bean cassoulet, garlic spinach
Beef tenderloin filet with butter poached lobster tail - fondant potatoes, brussels sprouts, lobster cream
Seafood pasta - lobster, shrimp, scallops, crab, saffron tomato butter sauce, cappellini pasta
Beef bourguignon - burgundy, root vegetables, mushrooms, dauphinois potatoes
Chilean sea bass - roasted fingerling potatoes, haricots verts, tomato butter sauce
Seared salmon beurre blanc - ratatouille, tomato beurre blanc
Seared halibut beurre blanc - asparagus, pommes frites,tomato beurre blanc
Assorted petit fours - macaron, cakes, torts,
Creme brulee - chantilly cream
Cheese cake - seasonal flavor of your choice with chantilly cream and anglaise
Chocolate mousse trifle
Crepes a l'orange - orange peel, grand marnier
Croisant bread pudding - carmel, chocolate,
Grilled vegetable bruschetta - zucchini, squash, onion, tomato, balsamic, garlic, basil
Shrimp ceviche - jalapeño, cilantro, lemmon, lime
Grilled corn dip - street style corn, corn tortillas, tajin,
Crab and avocado - cilantro, lime, red onion
Grilled shimp gazpacho - grapes, champagne, tomato, onions, cilantro, cucumber
Chipotle wedge - chipotle ranch, roasted corn, cherry tomato, avocado
Caesar salad - garlic crostini, parmesan cheese
Citrus avocado salad - avocado, oranges, grapefruit, manchego cheese, citrus vinaigrette
Blackened shrimp tacos - chipotle mayo, cabbage, chilies
Chili dusted filet - polenta cake, nopales
Chile lime shrimp and lobster scampi - roasted corn, nopales, cilantro
Rockfish veracruz style - olives, chilies, tomato, vegetable slaw
Seared salmon - roasted potatoes, chimichurri, tomato relish
Grilled chicken mole - chilies, cilantro
Short rib mole - polenta, pickled radish
Tequila lime zabaione - fresh berries
Croisant bread pudding - carmel, chocolate,
Carmel flan - whipped cream
Chocolate mousse trifle
Crab and ahi tuna poki - avocado, ahi tuna, crab, chives, cilantro, lime
Shrimp ceviche - jalapeño, cilantro, lemmon, lime
Lobster cocktail- lemon confit, bloody maria cocktail sauce
Chicken tostadas - chipotle, chicken, pickled vegetables, mini tostada chip
Grilled corn dip - street style corn, blue corn tortillas, tajin,
Chipotle wedge - chipotle ranch, roasted corn, cherry tomato, avocado
Caesar salad - garlic crostini, parmesan cheese
Roasted corn chowder - corn, cilantro, heirloom tomato
Citrus avocado salad - avocado, oranges, grapefruit, manchego cheese, citrus vinaigrette
Port poached pear salad - iberico ham, blue cheese, arugula, marcona almonds
Seafood diablo - lobster, shrimp, crab, spicy marinara
Short rib mole - polenta, pickled radish
Chile lime shrimp and lobster scampi - roasted corn, nopales, cilantro
Paella - clams, mussels, crab. lobster, shrimp, saffron rice
Chili dusted filet - blackened shrimp, polenta cake, nopales
Rockfish veracruz style - olives, chilies, tomato, vegetable slaw
Beef tenderloin filet with butter poached lobster tail - garlic roasted potatoes, asparagus, rosemary infused red wine reduction, scampi butter
Tequila lime zabaione - fresh berries
Croisant bread pudding - carmel, chocolate,
Carmel flan - whipped cream
Creme brulee - chantilly cream
Personalize your menu
Your personal chef is here to help you design the perfect menu for your event. They can tailor it to fit your budget, dietary needs, and preferences for your private dinner.
Frequently asked questions
Below, you can find the most common questions about private chefs in San Diego.
What's included in a private chef service in San Diego?
Your personal chef service in San Diego includes menu planning, grocery shopping, cooking at your place, serving the meals, and cleaning up afterward. Tableware and glassware are not provided, and tipping is up to you.
How much does a personal chef in San Diego cost?
The cost varies depending on the group size. For groups of 13 or more, the average rate is 99 USD per person. For 7 to 10 people, it's 98 USD per person; for 3 to 6 people, it's 122 USD per person. Couples pay 163 USD per person on average. Please note that prices may vary due to season, location, or last-minute bookings.
How to book a personal chef in San Diego, CA?
To book a private chef in San Diego, choose your date and guest count, and share your food preferences, dietary restrictions, and kitchen details. You'll get three customized menus and chef profiles with their dish photos. Chat with the chefs to make adjustments or ask questions. Once you've selected your chef and menu, finalize the booking online and receive their contact details.
How can I find a personal chef in San Diego?
With 319 chefs available, fill out a form to get menu proposals from the top 3 chefs for your date. Review their profiles and select your favorite. If none meet your expectations, we’ll keep sending you more options until you’re happy with your choice.
Is there a maximum number of guests for a private chef service in San Diego?
No, there's no maximum number. However, while there's no hard limit, groups generally don’t exceed 15 people to ensure a more intimate and personalized experience.
Does the private 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 private 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 for a private chef service fresh?
Yes, one of the hallmarks of a private chef service is the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Your chef for hire in San Diego will carefully select the freshest produce, meats, and seafood to create delicious and memorable dishes for your event.
Are drinks included in a private chef service?
No, drinks are not included in the private chef service. However, your chef can help you find beverage options to complement your meal. Just talk with your private chef to include the cost as an "extra" on the menu proposals they craft for your special occasion.
How much should I tip a private chef in San Diego?
Tipping is up to you. If you received exceptional service, it’s a nice way to show your appreciation. On average, guests in San Diego tip around 14.72% of the total bill. But feel free to tip what you feel is appropriate based on your experience.
Key information about private chefs in San Diego
Find out more about our personal chefs in San Diego and what they do.
Our private chefs in San Diego, CA, have an average age of 41, bringing a lot of cooking experience.
57% of our chefs in San Diego are women.
First menus are typically received within 6 hours after a request.
Our private chef services in San Diego started in 2016-04-14.
12.6% of our personal chef services in San Diego include kids.
One client has hired the same personal chef in San Diego 15 times.
Private chef bookings in San Diego have increased by 30% in the past year.
Our chefs can speak up to 3 languages.
More than 61.2% of our guests book a chef more than once.
On average, multiple services hire a chef for 7 days in San Diego.
We have over 2,434 pictures from San Diego chef experiences.
It usually takes just 2 days to book a personal chef in San Diego.
How much does a personal chef cost in San Diego, CA?
The cost of hiring a personal chef in San Diego varies with the number of guests. Here’s a quick breakdown: prices range from 99 USD to 163 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 99 USD. For 7 to 12 people: 98 USD. For 3 to 6 people: 122 USD. For 2 people: 163 USD.
Prices can change with the seasons and locations. For the best rates, it’s a good idea to book early. Ready to enjoy a unique dining experience at home with a personal chef from San Diego? Book now!
How many private chef services are booked in San Diego each month?
Private chef reservations may vary seasonally depending on the destination. To view monthly fluctuations of San Diego personal chefs, check this table.
The number of private chef bookings in San Diego can vary by season. Having dinner with a chef in San Diego is always a great idea, but demand can drive up prices, so early booking is recommended.
How many personal chefs sign up in San Diego each month?
We've been working with private chefs in San Diego for many years, gaining the trust of many local chefs who continue to join us each month. Besides, as our guests highly recommend their experience, we're always growing.
We’re always adding new talent to our team. Each month, we welcome 3 new personal chefs in San Diego, CA. Our team carefully reviews and classifies their profiles so you can discover exciting new chefs regularly.
What is the most frequent type of food booked in San Diego?
Our main six types of cuisine in San Diego are: Mediterranean, Italian, French, Japanese, Mexican, and Latin American. However, the most requested cuisine in San Diego is Surprise.
Our private chefs craft personalized menus based on your preferences and dietary needs. Ready to explore the culinary possibilities? Submit your request today!
Bring a private chef to your home in San Diego
Prepare to embrace San Diego's sunshine with a private chef! Enjoy fresh seafood, vibrant local cuisine, and innovative flavors brought to your own table. Relax and soak up California's vibes while your San Diego personal chef handles everything.
Take a Chef offers a unique dining experience for any occasion, be it holiday parties, company parties, birthdays, or family gatherings. Looking for a vegan chef or a private sushi chef in San Diego? We have the perfect match!
On the day of your event, your chosen chef will procure the freshest ingredients, prepare and serve the meal at your home, and leave your kitchen spotless afterward. Try the service of an in-home chef in San Diego now!
San Diego's best private chefs in your kitchen
All our private chefs are trained in top culinary schools and have years of experience in San Diego's best restaurants, hotels, and resorts. Browse our selection of personal chefs in San Diego to find your perfect culinary match.
San Diego, famous for its stunning beaches and the iconic Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo, also has an exciting food scene. From fresh seafood to gourmet dishes, our chefs deliver the best flavors San Diego has to offer.
Hire a San Diego private chef and make your event unforgettable. Whether it's a bachelorette party, wedding, or any special occasion, we've got the chef for you!
Your house, the city's best restaurant
San Diego offers a rich blend of local and international cuisines. Why wait to explore these flavors? Create a unique and intimate unique experience with Take a Chef.
More than just a private chef agency, we bring our passion for food to your home, allowing you to connect with your loved ones over an unforgettable meal. For your next memorable event, consider hiring a personal chef for a dinner party in San Diego.
Hear from our personal chefs in San Diego
Discover what makes each of our private chefs special. Enjoy a unique at-home culinary experience with a San Diego chef who will tailor every detail to your preferences. Whether you want a dinner party with a chef in San Diego or a healthy personal chef in San Diego, trust Take a Chef to provide the best culinary options in the city.