Private chef in San Jose
Hire a private chef in San Jose and elevate your dining experience at home. Choose from one of our 133 chefs to craft a menu that matches your culinary preferences.
Hire a personal chef in San Jose
Experience the vibrant flavors of San Jose, from fresh farm-to-table cuisine to creative fusion dishes. Our chefs bring the best of California's culinary scene straight to your home.
Since our first chef in 2017, more than 63,610 have enjoyed their private chef in San Jose. Take a Chef makes it simple to book for any occasion, whether you're planning a family dinner, a celebration with friends, or an intimate date night.
Discover a San Jose chef who suits your taste and budget. Let them take care of the cooking while you savor the moment with your guests.
How it works
Share your vision
Describe your dream meal, event date, and budget. No obligation.
Chat with chefs
Share your likes and dietary needs, and get multiple proposals.
Craft your menu
Customize everything from the menu to the ingredients.
Book your chef
Select your chef, confirm your booking, make your payment, and prepare for a unique experience!
Enjoy the experience
Welcome your chef and enjoy incredible meals prepared in your kitchen.
133 Private chefs in San Jose
Discover your ideal private chef in San Jose, CA, in just a few clicks.
Over 63,600 guests have enjoyed the private chef experience in San Jose
4.48 Chef
Guests in San Jose have given their private chef experience a 4.48.
4.79 Food quality
Our private chef's menus in San Jose have received a strong 4.79.
4.7 Presentation
Apart from being delicious, our chefs' dishes also look incredible, earning a score of 4.7 in San Jose.
4.78 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in San Jose has been scored with a 4.78 on average.
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More than 21,566 menus designed by our chefs in San Jose
Rent a personal chef for your home in San Jose and request sample menus for inspiration. You own the menu!
French onion soup a classic soup made with caramelized onions, beef broth, and topped with melted gruyère cheese over a toasted baguette
Tomato and goat cheese tart flaky puff pastry topped with fresh tomatoes, creamy goat cheese, and a sprinkle of herbes de provence
Mixed green salad (salade verte) crisp greens with a simple dijon vinaigrette, garnished with shaved radishes and toasted walnuts
Coq au vin traditional braised chicken with red wine, mushrooms, onions, and bacon, served with buttered noodles
Grilled steak frites juicy grilled steak with a side of crispy french fries and a dollop of herb butter
Ratatouille a hearty provençal vegetable stew of zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and tomatoes, served with a crusty baguette
Tarte tatin a caramelized upside-down apple tart with a flaky crust, served with a dollop of crème fraîche
Chocolate mousse light and airy chocolate mousse topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder
Crêpes suzette thin crêpes with a buttery orange sauce,
Dungeness crab and avocado tartine toasted sourdough with dungeness crab, smashed avocado, meyer lemon zest, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs
Caramelized onion and gruyère tart a flaky tart crust filled with caramelized onions, gruyère cheese, and a touch of thyme, served with a petite green salad
Seared scallops with cauliflower purée pan-seared scallops on a creamy cauliflower purée, drizzled with a brown butter-caper sauce and garnished with microgreens
Chilled heirloom tomato and burrata soup silky tomato soup made with heirloom tomatoes, a hint of basil, and a dollop of creamy burrata, finished with olive oil
Ratatouille salad a modern twist on ratatouille, featuring roasted zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, served warm over arugula with a dijon vinaigrette
Wild mushroom risotto creamy risotto with wild mushrooms, parmesan, and a touch of truffle oil, garnished with crispy sage leaves
Duck breast with blackberry gastrique seared duck breast with a tangy blackberry gastrique, served with potato gratin and roasted brussels sprouts
Grilled pacific salmon with beurre blanc fresh pacific salmon with a lemon beurre blanc, served with baby asparagus and herbed farro
Beef tenderloin with red wine reduction perfectly cooked beef tenderloin with a red wine reduction, served with creamy parsnip purée and sautéed spinach
Basque cheesecake with california honey creamy basque-style cheesecake drizzled with local honey and garnished with candied walnuts
Lavender crème brûlée silky crème brûlée infused with lavender, topped with a crisp caramelized sugar crust
Chocolate fondant with citrus chantilly warm chocolate fondant cake with a zesty orange chantilly cream and a dusting of cocoa powder
Tuna crudo: tomato concasse, kalamata olives, caper, basil oil, avacado puree
Avocado and mango salad: creamy avocado and sweet mango tossed in lime vinaigrette, garnished with cilantro
Hamachi crudo with kaffir lime and passionfruit gelée: thinly sliced yellowtail dressed with kaffir lime-infused oil, passionfruit gelée, and shiso leaves, garnished with puffed wild rice for crunch
Heirloom tomato and shiso gazpacho: a refreshing take on gazpacho with heirloom tomatoes, infused with shiso and ginger, served cold with a drizzle of sesame oil and cucumber ribbon
Chilled prawns salad with wasabi aioli: butter-poached prawns, served cold with wasabi aioli, avocado, and lightly pickled daikon ribbons
Miso glazed eggplant with honey and sesame: roasted japanese eggplant brushed with a miso-honey glaze, garnished with toasted sesame seeds, scallions, and micro cilantro
Spicy shrimp and avocado tempura bites: lightly battered shrimp and avocado tempura served with a spicy gochujang aioli and a drizzle of yuzu kosho
Charred octopus with soy-ginger butter: tender octopus charred and glazed with soy-ginger butter, served with a side of grilled shishito peppers and pickled radish
Sesame-crusted scallops with dashi broth: pan-seared scallops with a sesame crust, served over a warm, light dashi broth with enoki mushrooms and seaweed
Shrimp and lemongrass gyoza: lime-coconut sauce with a hint of chili oil, clientro,
Spicy pork and kimchi gyoza: kimchi, sasame soy souce,scallion
Miso black cod with sesame spinach and pickled daikon: buttery miso-marinated black cod served with sautéed sesame spinach, pickled daikon, and a drizzle of soy-mirin reduction
Teriyaki glazed halibut with mango salsa: flaky teriyaki-glazed halibut topped with a bright mango salsa, served with ginger-infused quinoa and roasted broccolini
King prawns: champagne cream sauce, maitake mushrooms, urfa chili oil, parmesan
Pistachio crusted lamb chops: potato mille-feuille, lamb jus, kimchi, maitake mushroom
Korean bbq ribye steak: smoky gochujang bbq sauce, herbs cheese golden potato purée, sautee broccolini, smoked aleppo pepper oil, beef jus,
Yuzu cheesecake with almond crust : a light yuzu-flavored cheesecake with a toasted almond crust, garnished with candied citrus peel and a yuzu caramel drizzle
Burnt rice pudding: mango sorbet, salted caramel, date, rice granola (df, gf
Chocolate lava cake: cinnamon ice cream, hazelnut, tahini, salted carame
Miso caramel chocolate lava cake: sasame ice cream, hazelnut, tahini, salted carame
Mini ahi tuna tacos: crispy tortilla filled with ahi tuna tartare, avocado, and a drizzle of spicy aioli
Goat cheese and fig crostini: toasted baguette topped with whipped goat cheese, fig jam, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze
Dungeness crab cakes: bite-sized crab cakes served with a lemon aioli
Avocado and shrimp ceviche cups: fresh shrimp ceviche served in mini avocado cups with cilantro and lime
Mini caprese skewers: cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with olive oil and balsamic reduction
Grilled artichoke hearts with lemon aioli: charred artichoke hearts served with a zesty dipping sauce
Seared scallops with mango salsa: perfectly seared scallops topped with a refreshing mango salsa
Duck confit lettuce wraps: shredded duck confit wrapped in butter lettuce with a light orange and fennel salad
Mushroom and truffle arancini: crispy risotto balls infused with truffle oil and served with a light herb dip
Mini lemon curd tartlets: crisp tart shells filled with tangy lemon curd, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh berry
Almond cake bites with fresh berries: small, soft almond cake squares topped with a mix of fresh raspberries and blueberries, and a dusting of powdered sugar
Chocolate-dipped strawberries: fresh california strawberries dipped in dark chocolate and sprinkled with a touch of sea salt for balance
Cheese board: featuring local california cheeses with honeycomb, fresh fruits, and artisanal bread
Salade niçoise: a classic niçoise with fresh california produce, seared ahi tuna, heirloom tomatoes, haricot verts, and a citrus vinaigrette
Grilled artichokes with lemon aioli: local california artichokes char-grilled, served with a bright, tangy aioli
Herb butter green beans: lightly sautéed in butter and fresh herbs
Moules frites: steamed mussels in white wine, garlic, shallots, and herbs, served with crispy pommes frites
Ratatouille: layered roasted vegetables in a light provençal sauce, finished with fresh herbs and olive oil from california
Grilled lemon-herb chicken: california chicken marinated in fresh herbs and lemon, served with a light beurre blanc and seasonal roasted vegetables
Basque cheesecake: creamy with a caramelized top, served with seasonal berry compote
Tarte tatin: a delicate french apple tart with caramelized apples and puff pastry, served with a dollop of crème fraîche
Lemon verbena sorbet: a refreshing and zesty palate cleanser made from california lemon verbena
Tuna tartare tostada - fresh tuna, avocado, mango salsa, crispy corn tostada, microgreens, and a drizzle of chipotle-lime aioli
Elote skillet cornbread - warm cornbread with roasted corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, and a dollop of jalapeño-honey butter
Ceviche trio - trio of ceviche featuring shrimp, scallop, and octopus, each with unique flavors of lime, cilantro, avocado, and mango, served with crispy plantain chips
Milpa salad
Sopa de frijoles creamy black bean soup with queso fresco, avocado slices, crispy chorizo bits, and a touch of epazote
Sopa de tortilla classic tortilla soup with a rich tomato and chili broth, crispy tortilla strips, avocado, crema, cheese, and a touch of lime
Grilled sea bass with mango salsa and chorizo - grilled sea bass, mango-pineapple salsa, cilantro-lime rice, and a side of sautéed seasonal vegetables
Braised short ribs with mole sauce - slow-braised short ribs in a rich mole sauce, served with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and a side of sautéed green beans
Vegetarian enchiladas - spinach, mushroom, and cheese enchiladas topped with a creamy tomatillo sauce, served with black beans and mexican-style rice
Churro ice cream sandwich - crispy churro sandwich filled with vanilla bean ice cream, drizzled with warm chocolate sauce and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar
Tequila lime cheesecake - creamy cheesecake infused with tequila and lime, with a graham cracker crust, served with a berry compote
Flan with caramelized pineapple - traditional mexican flan topped with caramelized pineapple and a hint of coconut, garnished with fresh mint
Mediterranean mezze platter hummus, baba ghanoush, tzatziki, marinated olives, stuffed grape leaves, and pita bread
Grilled halloumi cheese with pomegranate molasses served with a side of fresh arugula and cherry tomatoes
Octopus carpaccio thinly sliced octopus with lemon zest, capers, and olive oil, garnished with microgreens
Stuffed zucchini flowers filled with ricotta, herbs, and a hint of lemon zest, lightly fried and drizzled with honey
Chilled cucumber and yogurt soup with fresh dill, mint, and a drizzle of olive oil
Roasted red pepper and tomato soup topped with a dollop of greek yogurt and basil oil
Fregola sarda salad mixed with sun-dried tomatoes, roasted vegetables, and a lemon-oregano vinaigrette
Quinoa tabbouleh with parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon-tahini dressing
Grilled lamb chops with rosemary and garlic, served with a side of roasted vegetables and tzatziki
Seafood paella featuring saffron-infused rice, mussels, shrimp, and calamari, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges
Stuffed eggplant (imam bayildi) filled with a mixture of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices, served with a side of herbed couscous
Chicken souvlaki marinated chicken skewers with a side of greek salad and pita bread
Baklava layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts and honey syrup, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Pistachio and rosewater panna cotta topped with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios and rose petals
Lemon and olive oil cake with a side of greek yogurt and fresh berries
Fig and honey tart a flaky crust filled with fresh figs and a drizzle of honey, served with whipped cream
Burrata and roasted cherry tomatoes creamy burrata cheese served with roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic reduction, accompanied by grilled crostini
Prosciutto-wrapped figs fresh figs wrapped in thin slices of prosciutto, drizzled with honey and balsamic glaze, and garnished with arugula and toasted pine nuts
Dungeness crab arancini crispy risotto balls filled with dungeness crab and mozzarella, served with a spicy marinara sauce
Polenta fries with truffle aioli crispy polenta fries dusted with parmesan cheese, served with a side of truffle aioli
Panzanella salad a classic tuscan bread salad with heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, basil, and toasted bread cubes, tossed in a red wine vinaigrette
Tuscan kale caesar salad chopped tuscan kale with house-made caesar dressing, topped with garlic croutons, parmesan shavings, and a sprinkle of lemon zest
Roasted tomato basil soup a rich and creamy soup made from roasted tomatoes and fresh basil, garnished with a swirl of pesto and served with parmesan crisps
Minestrone verde a light and fresh minestrone soup with seasonal green vegetables, cannellini beans, and a touch of pesto, served with a slice of rustic bread
Pan-seared branzino with caponata pan-seared branzino fillet served with a sicilian caponata of eggplant, tomatoes, olives, and capers, finished with a drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil
Osso buco with gremolata slow-braised veal shanks in a rich tomato and wine sauce, served with saffron risotto and topped with a bright gremolata of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley
Porcini mushroom tagliatelle fresh tagliatelle pasta tossed with a creamy porcini mushroom sauce, finished with parmesan cheese and truffle oil
Chicken piccata lightly breaded chicken breast cooked in a lemon-caper sauce, served with garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed green beans
Tiramisu cheesecake a decadent fusion of tiramisu and cheesecake, featuring layers of mascarpone, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and cocoa powder
Limoncello panna cotta a silky panna cotta infused with limoncello, topped with fresh raspberries and a mint sprig
Affogato al caffè vanilla gelato served with a shot of hot espresso and a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings
Ricotta cannoli crisp cannoli shells filled with a sweet ricotta and orange zest filling, garnished with pistachios and a dusting of powdered sugar
Design your own menu
Work with your personal chef to customize the perfect menu for your event, accommodating your budget, food allergies, and any unique requests for a tailored private dinner.
Frequently asked questions
Below, you can find the most common questions about private chefs in San Jose.
What's included in a private chef service in San Jose?
Your private chef experience in San Jose covers menu planning, grocery shopping, meal preparation in your kitchen, serving the dishes, and cleaning up afterward. Please note that tableware and glassware aren't provided, and tipping is optional.
How much does a private chef cost in San Jose, CA?
The cost of hiring a private chef in San Jose varies based on group size. For groups of 13 or more, expect to pay an average of 163 USD per person. For 7 to 12 people, the cost is around 178 USD, while smaller groups of 3 to 6 people pay approximately 112 USD per person. Couples typically pay 327 USD. Factors like season, location, and last-minute bookings can influence prices.
How to book a personal chef in San Jose, CA?
Select your date and number of guests, and provide your preferences, dietary restrictions, and kitchen setup. You'll receive tailored menu proposals and chef profiles, including pictures of their dishes. Communicate directly with the chefs to make adjustments and finalize your choice. Complete your booking online and access the chef's contact information.
How can I find a personal chef in San Jose?
Choose from our pool of 133 skilled chefs by filling out a form. You'll receive menu proposals from the top three available chefs for your event. Review their profiles and select your favorite chef. If none are suitable, we'll provide more options until you find the perfect match.
Is there a maximum number of guests for a private chef service in San Jose?
Private chef services in San Jose are designed for intimate gatherings. While there's no strict maximum, most groups stay below 15 guests to ensure a smooth experience.
Does the private chef cook at my house?
Yes, the private chef will prepare the meal in your kitchen. Depending on the complexity of the menu, the chef may do some prep work in advance to ensure your event runs smoothly.
Can I cook alongside the private chef?
Absolutely! Many clients enjoy the experience of cooking alongside their chef, picking up tips and tricks along the way. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned home chef, your chef will happily involve you in the process.
Are the ingredients for a private chef service in San Jose fresh?
Yes, all ingredients are sourced fresh for your event. Your chef selects the finest produce, meats, and seafood to ensure a top-quality meal.
Are drinks included in a private chef service?
Drinks are typically not included, but you can discuss beverage options with your chef during the planning phase. Drinks can be arranged as an add-on if you'd like to complement your meal.
What is the customary tip for a private chef in San Jose?
Tipping is optional and based on your satisfaction with the service. On average, tips in San Jose hover around 15%, showing appreciation for the chef's efforts in serving 63,610 guests.
Key information about San Jose's personal chefs
Find out more about our personal chefs in San Jose and what they do.
Our personal chefs in San Jose, CA, have an average age of 43.
48% of our chefs in San Jose are women.
It takes only 5 hours from your request to get the first menu.
We started our private chef service in San Jose in 2017-02-12.
19% of our personal chef services in San Jose include kids.
One client has booked the same private chef in San Jose 20 times.
49% increase in the number of private chef bookings in San Jose in the last year.
Our personal chefs can speak up to 5 languages.
More than 58.6% of our guests hire a personal chef in San Jose more than once.
On average, multiple services hire a chef for 4 days in San Jose.
We’ve uploaded over 1,578 pictures of our San Jose personal chef experiences.
It usually takes 2 days from requesting to booking a personal chef in San Jose.
How many private chef services are booked in San Jose each month?
The number of private chef bookings in San Jose fluctuates throughout the year. To view monthly trends in personal chef services in San Jose, CA, refer to the table provided.
Booking a private chef in San Jose is advantageous year-round, though prices may increase with demand. To secure your preferred chef in San Jose, we highly recommend booking early.
How much does a personal chef cost in San Jose, CA?
The cost of hiring a private chef in San Jose varies based on group size. Prices range from 163 USD per person for groups of 13 or more, to 327 USD per person for couples. Interested in booking? Enjoy a unique culinary experience with a personal chef from the greater San Jose area.
Please note prices are subject to change depending on the season and location. Below is a breakdown of typical monthly rates for our private chefs in San Jose.
How many personal chefs join in San Jose each month?
Having established long-term partnerships with private chefs in San Jose, we've gained the trust of many local culinary experts. Our network continues to grow as satisfied clients consistently recommend their outstanding experiences.
To bring exceptional culinary skills to your San Jose home, we add 1 new personal chefs monthly. Our team diligently reviews and categorizes their profiles, ensuring you always discover exciting new chef talents.
What is the most popular type of cuisine booked in San Jose?
What is the most popular type of cuisine booked in San Jose? Our diverse offerings include Mediterranean, Italian, French, Japanese, Mexican, and Latin American cuisines. However, the most requested cuisine in San Jose is Surprise. Our San Jose chefs are adept at preparing a wide variety of dishes!
Our private chefs tailor menus to accommodate your dietary preferences, including fusion cuisine options. Submit your request to explore the delights crafted by our chefs.
Bring a private chef to your home in San Jose
Bring the rich culinary heritage of San Jose into your home with dishes inspired by the Bay Area's vibrant food scene. Whether it's a birthday celebration, family reunion, or casual gathering, a private chef in San Jose will elevate your event.
Take a Chef offers exceptional dining experiences for any occasion in San Jose. From formal dinners to laid-back parties, we make sure your event is unforgettable.
On the day of your event, your chef will select the finest ingredients from local markets, prepare and serve a delicious meal, and leave your kitchen spotless.
San Jose’s top private chefs at your service
Our private chefs in San Jose are trained professionals with experience in some of the area’s best kitchens. With 133 chefs available, you’re sure to find the perfect match for your occasion.
Known for its blend of global and local flavors, San Jose’s food scene is a treasure trove of culinary innovation. Our chefs bring the best of San Jose’s cuisine directly to your home.
Your home, San Jose’s best restaurant
San Jose is a culinary hub, offering an array of flavors from around the world. Take a Chef lets you enjoy a bespoke dining experience in the comfort of your own home. Our chefs are passionate about creating memorable meals and moments with your loved ones.
Hear from our San Jose private chefs
Experience the culinary artistry our private chefs bring to your home. Enjoy a custom dining experience where your San Jose chef crafts a personalized multi-course menu just for you.
Hosting a dinner party in San Jose? Wow your guests with a gourmet twist on local favorites. With Take a Chef, you’ll find the best personal chef options for any event.