Private chef in San Diego
A private chef in San Diego treats you to incredible Californian flavors. Chat with one of our 351 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 16,819 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.
351 Private chefs in San Diego
The ideal private chef in San Diego, CA, is closer than you think.












Over 16,800 guests have enjoyed the private chef experience in San Diego
4.64 Chef
Guests in San Diego have given their private chef experience a 4.64.
4.89 Food quality
Our private chef's menus in San Diego have received a strong 4.89.
4.76 Presentation
Apart from tasty, our chefs' dishes also look incredible, earning a score of 4.76 in San Diego.
4.89 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in San Diego has been scored with a 4.89 on average.
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More than 8,544 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.








Hickory smoked crudo
Guacamole tatemado with pork rinds and tortilla chips and plantain chips
Baja ceviche shooters
Black bean chipotle lobster tostada
Fried risotto ball with marinara
Ahi poke wonton
Chicken and waffles with candied bacon bits
100 anniversary tijuana cesar salad
Chicken tom kha soup
Caprese salad
California caprese
California gazpacho
Aztec tortilla soup
Spring mix salad
Pork chashu ramen
Asian papaya salad
Berry balsamic salad with candied nuts
Braised short rib and grits with red wine reduction
Filet mignon with grilled asparagus and garlic parmesan mashed potatoes
Macadamia, orange and basil crusted halibut and garlic parmesan mashed potatoes with orange beurre blanc sauce
Teriyaki mahi mahi with king trumpet mushrooms, green onions and grilled squash
Swordfish picatta with grilled asparagus and lemon beurre blanc sauce
Blackened salmon with greek lemon rice and homemade tzatziki
Harissa marinated pan seared chicken with goat cheese labneh and herbs with a cucumber side salad
Sesame seared tuna with mango, pineapple, habanero salsa, ponzu and white jazmine rice
Fish on lentils with honey cream and herb medley
Trout almondine with garlic parmesan mashed potatoes and lemon beurre blanc
California carbonara
Apple cobbler
Apple pie
Assorted homemade cookies
Baklava
Bread pudding
Carrot walnut cake
Churro waffle ice cream sandwich
Churros (fresh handmade )
Coconut kahlua flan
Cornbread with salted caramel and whipped cream cheese
Creme brulee
Triple chocolate layer cake
Tiramisu
Mini chocolate cheesecake
Panacotta
Blackened shrimp scampi
Lobster bisque - butter poached lobster, cognac cream
Crab and srimp bisque - crab cake, jumbo shrimp
Calamari steak - sundried tomatoes, kalamata olives, roasted garlic
Seared scallops - avocado puree, radish
Crab cake - old bay aloi, tomato relish
Poached pear salad - prosciutto, blue cheese, arugula, walnuts
Caesar salad - garlic crostini, parmesan cheese
Wedge salad - blue cheese, tomato, cucumber, red onion
Citrus avocado salad - avocado, oranges, grapefruit, manchego cheese, citrus vinaigrette
Paella - clams, mussels, crab. lobster, shrimp, saffron rice
Seafood pasta - lobster, shrimp, scallops, crab, saffron tomato butter sauce, cappellini pasta
Seared salmon - roasted potatoes, asparagus, citrus fennel salad,
Blackened swordfish - mango salsa
Chilean sea bass - roasted fingerling potatoes, haricots verts, tomato butter sauce
Chile lime shrimp and lobster scampi - roasted corn, nopales, cilantro
Beef tenderloin filet with butter poached lobster tail - fondant potatoes, brussels sprouts, lobster cream
Bourbon pecan pie
Croisant bread pudding - carmel, chocolate,
Cheese cake - seasonal flavor of your choice with chantilly cream and anglaise
Tequila lime zabaione - fresh berries
Scallop aguachile
Yellowtail ceviche
Blue fin tuna , olive oil toast
Grilled shrimp with chimmichurri
Oyster bone marrow mignonette
Corn, calabrian chile butter and focaccia
Charcuterie board with cheeses and pickles
Octopus with calabrian chili jam and beans
Bone marrow with scallops
Black cod, japanese pickles and mustard
Honey glazed carrots and walnut dukkha
Broccolini with cacio pepe burrata
Lamb with spring vegetables and roast potatoes
Col morada / grilled red cabbage, hibiscus honey mustard, fuji apple, red beets, queso fresco
Branzino ,herbs and polenta with roasted vegetables
Salmon , wild risotto and gold oyster mushrooms
Halibut poached with local vegetables and risotto
Aged bavette , wild risotto and gold oyster mushrooms
New york steak with truffles asparagus and lardo
Chocolate cake and gelato
Baklava, rice pudding, date syrup, vanilla and lemon
Berry salad with sorbet and mint
Creme brulee with local fruit
Tiramisu and gelato
- italian bruschetta: crispy toast crowned with a sautéed vegetable mix, mozzarella, prosciutto and parmesan. vegetarian version with avocado
- empanadas: delicious puff pastry with a filling of ground meat, egg, veggies and lots of flavor. vegetarian option: spinach, ricotta and corn
- prawns with prosciutto: shrimp seasoned with sweet paprika wrapped in prosciutto
- salty crepe with salmon: popular french dish. homemade tortillas, filled with fresh vegetables, salmon or avocado and cheeses
- spring brochette, caprese style: tomato, mozzarella and basil, a classic! crowned with parmesan covered with balsamic cream
- marinara mussels: tasty recipe for mussels sautéed in italian vegetable pesto
- big salad "insalatona": fresh combination of lettuce, arugula, tomato, carrots, radishes, cucumber and avocado, seasoned with balsamic cream
- citrus salad: unique explosion of flavors between arugula, cherry tomatoes, grapefruit, orange and tangerine, seasoned with balsamic cream
- garlic prawns: tasty shrimp in fine garlic sauce, vegetables and fine herbs
-.gnocco fritto: fried bread, typical of emilia, served hot and together with cheeses and cold cuts. possible version with provolone cheese
-.stuffed bell pepper: slow-temperature roasted bell pepper, filled with ricotta, veggies and ground beef filling. vegetarian option available!
-.mexican volcano: delicious open taco with tortilla, vegetables, shrimp or avocado
- tagliatelle al ragù: homemade pasta, with a delicious italian bolognese sauce
- potato gnocchi with asparagus: delicious gnocchetti topped with delicious asparagus cream sauce, vegetables and selected herbs
- spaghetti alla carbonara: classic roman pasta with egg yolk, parmesan and bacon, a perfect mix! that will blow your mind
- linguine al pesto: homemade pasta, garnished with a tasty ligurian pesto with fresh basil, parmesan and olives
- pasta alla vodka: a little parmesan, tomato, heavy cream, onion, garlic, basil and vodka. yes, vodka!
- riso ai funghi: scented rice with mushrooms and typical italian vegetables
- filet mignon with patate al cartoccio: mythical beef steak with intense flavor, crispy crust, juicy interior finished with roasted vegetables
- t-bone steak with patate: classic t-bone steak, prepared at your will. juicy, delicious and full flavor topped with baked potatoes
- tilapia with noisette potatoes: classic white fish, topped with a delicious green sauce and particular french noisette potatoes
- boneless chicken leg with orange juice: chicken with an explosion of flavors, marinated with orange, paprika and along with fine vegetables
- roasted pork with egg and plums: baked ham stuffed with plums and egg, along with a fresh salad
- prawns skewer with boiled vegetables (potato, carrot, bell pepper, onion, presley, sage, oregano, olive oil, salt and pepper) gf,df
- napolitana fette of aubergines with potatoes (mozzarella or avocado, tomato sauce, sage, oregano, olive oil, salt and pepper) v,gf,df
- tiramisú: our signature dessert. mascarpone cheese, coffee, lady fingers cookie, dark chocolate, eggs and sugar
- chocolate mousse: popular creamy dessert loved by children and adults based on chocolate and eggs
- nutella crepe: delicious french crepe, the original recipe. nutella will take you to italy
- strawberry sorbet: classic white fish, topped with a delicious green sauce and particular french noisette potatoes
- chocolate cake with nutella: dark chocolate cake filled with blueberry jam and fresh strawberries, topped with nutella cream
- macedonia: seasonal fruits, put together to enjoy a healthy dessert
Black bean chipotle lobster tostada
Ahi poke wontons
Baja ceviche shooters
Guacamole tatemado with pork rinds and tortilla chips and plantain chips
Fried risotto ball with marinara
Hickory smoked crudo
Cheese and charcuterie board
Chicken and waffles with candied bacon bits
100 anniversary tijuana cesar salad
Asian papaya salad
California caprese
Spring mix salad
Aztec tortilla soup
California gazpacho
Chicken tom kha soup
Pork chashu ramen
Caprese salad
Braised short rib and grits with red wine reduction
Filet mignon with grilled asparagus and garlic parmesan mashed potatoes and red wine reduction
Macadamia, orange and basil crusted halibut and garlic parmesan mashed potatoes with orange beurre blanc sauce
Teriyaki mahi mahi with king trumpet mushrooms, green onions and grilled squash
Swordfish picatta with grilled asparagus and lemon beurre blanc sauce
Blackened salmon with greek lemon rice and homemade tzatziki
Garlic shrimp skewers with honey rosemary vegetables
Harissa marinated pan seared chicken with goat cheese labneh and herbs with a cucumber side salad
Trout almondine with garlic parmesan mashed potatoes and lemon beurre blanc
Fish on lentils with honey cream and herb medley
California carbonara
Apple cobbler
Assorted homemade cookies
Bread pudding
Carrot walnut cake
Churro waffles ice cream sandwhich
Coconut kahlua flan
Panacotta with brownie crumble
Creme brulee
Tiramisu
Cheese garlic bread - french baguette with handmade garlic and parmesan cheese cream
Mix of sausages - grilled pork argentinean sausages
Salmon ceviche
Mix green salad, cherry tomatoes and dressing
Seasoned grilled chicken with chimichurri sauce
Grilled picanha (brazilian cut) with cheese sauce
Grilled garlic shrimp
Tomato and basil risotto
Baked vegetables - eggplants, zucchini, onions, garlic and seasoning
Passion fruit mousse
Hickory smoked crudo
Guacamole tatemado with pork rinds and tortilla chips and plantain chips
Ahi poke wonton
Baja ceviche shooters
Black bean chipotle lobster tostada
Fried risotto ball with marinara
Chicken and waffles with candied bacon bits
100 anniversary tijuana cesar salad
Asian papaya salad
Spring mix salad
Caprese salad
California caprese
Aztec tortilla soup
Chicken tom kha soup
California gazpacho
Pork chashu ramen
Braised short rib and grits with red wine reduction
Filet mignon with grilled asparagus and garlic parmesan mashed potatoes
Harissa marinated pan seared chicken with goat cheese labneh and herbs with a cucumber side salad
Garlic shrimp skewers with honey rosemary vegetables
Teriyaki mahi mahi with king trumpet mushrooms, green onions and grilled squash
Blackened salmon with greek lemon rice and homemade tzatziki
Swordfish picatta with grilled asparagus and lemon beurre blanc sauce
Macadamia, orange and basil crusted halibut and garlic parmesan mashed potatoes with orange beurre blanc sauce
Fish on lentils with honey cream and herb medley
Trout almondine with garlic parmesan mashed potatoes and lemon beurre blanc
California carbonara
Apple cobbler
Apple pie
Assorted homemade cookies
Baklava
Bread pudding
Carrot walnut cake
Churro waffle ice cream sandwich
Churros
Coconut kahlua flan
Creme brulee
Triple chocolate layer cake
Cornbread with salted caramel and whipped cream cheese
Panacotta with brownie crumble
Mini chocolate cheesecake
Tiramisu
Beef short rib style osso bucco - parmesan gnocchi, garlic spinach
Crab and ahi tuna tar-tar - avocado, ahi tuna, crab, chives, cilantro, lime, wontons
Lobster bisque - butter poached lobster, cognac cream
Crab and srimp bisque - crab cake, jumbo shrimp
French onion soup - gruyere, fried onion
Lobster cocktail- lemon confit, bloody mary cocktail sauce
Berry salad - spring mix greens, blueberry, raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, candied pecan, manchego cheese
Citrus avocado salad - avocado, oranges, grape fruit, radish, candied walnuts, manchego cheese, citrus vinaigrette
Caesar salad - garlic crostini, parmesan cheese
Blood poached pear salad - prosciutto, blue cheese, arugula, walnuts
Wedge salad - blue cheese, tomato, cucumber, red onion
Stuffed chicken alfredo - kale, parmesan, garlic, fettuccini pasta,
Seared salmon - roasted potatoes, chimichurri, tomato relish
Braised short rib - asparagus, roasted potatoes, crispy onion,
Beef tenderloin filet with butter poached lobster tail - garlic roasted potatoes, asparagus, rosemary infused red wine reduction, roasted tomato hollandaise
Prime rib roast - garlic studded and herb crusted, with beef au jus
Beef tenderloin filet oscar with red crab- garlic roasted potatoes, asparagus, rosemary infused red wine reduction, roasted tomato hollandaise
Seared ribeye - garlic mushrooms, buttermilk mashed potatoes
Tiramisu semifreddo - sponge cake, espresso, dark chocolate, mascarpone whipped cream
Bourbon pecan pie
Carmel dutch apple pie
Croisant bread pudding - carmel, chocolate,
Lemon zabaione - fresh berries
Godiva creme brulee - chantilly cream
Tiramisu cheesecake - sponge cake, espresso, dark chocolate, mascarpone whipped 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 351 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 42, bringing a lot of cooking experience.
62% 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% of our personal chef services in San Diego include kids.
One client has hired the same personal chef in San Diego 19 times.
Private chef bookings in San Diego have increased by 38% in the past year.
Our chefs can speak up to 5 languages.
More than 60.6% of our guests book a chef more than once.
On average, multiple services hire a chef for 3 days in San Diego.
We have over 2,707 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.









