Private Chef in La Jolla
Rent one of our 313 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.
A personal chef for any occasion in La Jolla
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in La Jolla in April 2016, more than 313 Private Chefs have joined our platform in La Jolla and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Orange County.
Starting in 2016, 10,562 guests have already enjoyed a chef in La Jolla. To book your chef in La Jolla, 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 7,127 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 87,065 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.82 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 10,562 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in La Jolla usually book menus around 164 USD per person, including 4.48 courses, sharing an average of 3.23 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 La Jolla.
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!
313 Private Chefs in La Jolla
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in La Jolla
More than 10,500 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.67 Chef
The guests in La Jolla have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.67.
4.89 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in La Jolla received an average score of 4.89.
4.79 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.79 average score.
4.87 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in La Jolla has been scored with a 4.87 on average.
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7,127 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in La Jolla
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!
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
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 La Jolla.
What does a private chef service include in La Jolla?
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 La Jolla?
The price of renting a chef in La Jolla 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 99 USD to 163 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 99 USD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 98 USD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 122 USD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 163 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 La Jolla?
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 313 chefs available in La Jolla. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in La Jolla 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 La Jolla?
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 La Jolla
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in La Jolla
Percentage of our women chefs in La Jolla.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in La Jolla.
Percentage of services with kids in La Jolla.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in La Jolla.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in La Jolla.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in La Jolla.
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 La Jolla.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in La Jolla each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In La Jolla, 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 La Jolla.
Cost of a private chef in La Jolla
The cost of hiring a private chef in La Jolla 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 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.
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 La Jolla!
3 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 La Jolla?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in La Jolla: 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 La Jolla!
Would you like to enjoy a Private Chef service in La Jolla?
Turn your house into a restaurant with a Private Chef who will prepare dinner in your kitchen. You will be able to personalise every detail – you choose what you want to eat and when you want to eat. Our Private Chefs in La Jolla will analyse your request and send you their proposals, adapting it to your needs. On the day of the service, the Chef will buy the ingredients, cook them at home, carry out the table service and clean up before leaving, so that you can relax and enjoy.
Experience culinary perfection in La Jolla
All of our chefs have at least ten years’ worth of experience in the industry and have graduated from the best cooking schools. So our goal is to find the perfect chef for you and to make this the best dining experience. With the quality of our chefs in La Jolla, we know we can find the right match for you! Once you receive menu proposals, you’ll be able to view the professional profiles of each chef who has contacted you and choose the one that suits you. At this point you’ll also be able to contact them directly through our messaging service to make sure that every detail is to your liking
Experience the best gastronomy of La Jolla in your villa
La Jolla boasts a vibrant and creative restaurant scene. There are plenty of intriguing restaurants in town but at Take a Chef we want to introduce you to a unique culinary experience: an intimate and personalised dining experience in your own home. Rather than working behind the scenes in a large restaurant, our chef will focus their attention on you, creating a customised variety of dishes according to your preferences. Curious to try it out? Click on the button above!
Talk to our chefs in La Jolla
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 La Jolla? You’ll get it. Tell us about your event in La Jolla, and discover the best chefs who will customize every detail of your experience.
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