Private chef in San Jose
Hire a private chef in San Jose and elevate your dining experience at home. Choose from one of our 129 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 66,873 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.
129 Private chefs in San Jose
Discover your ideal private chef in San Jose, CA, in just a few clicks.
Over 66,800 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.
4.78 Food quality
Our private chef's menus in San Jose have received a strong 4.78.
4.69 Presentation
Apart from being delicious, our chefs' dishes also look incredible, earning a score of 4.69 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 20,691 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!
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
Grilled sea bass with mango salsa - 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
Heirloom tomato tartare diced heirloom tomatoes, shallots, capers, and fresh herbs, drizzled with a balsamic reduction, served with toasted sourdough crostini
Sonoma cheese board a selection of local cheeses including point reyes blue, cypress grove humboldt fog, and cowgirl creamery mt. tam, served with honeycomb, fig jam, and assorted nuts
Dungeness crab and avocado stack layers of fresh dungeness crab, creamy avocado, mango, and microgreens, finished with a citrus vinaigrette
Wild mushroom bruschetta sautéed local wild mushrooms on a bed of ricotta spread, topped with arugula and a drizzle of truffle oil, served on toasted artisan bread
Grilled peach and burrata salad grilled local peaches, creamy burrata, arugula, and toasted almonds, drizzled with a honey-lavender vinaigrette
Roasted beet and goat cheese salad mixed greens with roasted beets, sonoma goat cheese, candied walnuts, and a citrus vinaigrette
Butternut squash soup creamy butternut squash soup with a hint of sage, garnished with toasted pumpkin seeds and a swirl of crème fraîche
Chilled cucumber and avocado soup a refreshing blend of cucumber and avocado with a hint of lime, garnished with fresh mint and a dollop of greek yogurt
Pan-seared sonoma duck breast crispy-skinned duck breast served with a cherry-port reduction, wild rice pilaf, and roasted seasonal vegetables
Grilled pacific salmon fresh pacific salmon grilled to perfection, served with a lemon-dill sauce, quinoa tabbouleh, and steamed asparagus
Herb-crusted lamb chops local lamb chops crusted with rosemary and thyme, served with garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed broccolini
Wild mushroom risotto creamy risotto with a medley of local wild mushrooms, finished with parmesan cheese and a drizzle of truffle oil
Meyer lemon cheesecake a rich and creamy cheesecake made with local meyer lemons, topped with a blueberry compote and a graham cracker crust
Chocolate almond torte flourless chocolate torte with a hint of almond, served with a raspberry coulis and whipped cream
Strawberry basil shortcake fresh strawberries macerated with basil, served on a flaky shortcake with whipped cream
Olive oil citrus cake moist olive oil cake infused with orange and lemon zest, topped with a light citrus glaze and a dollop of mascarpone cream
New season slow roasted & fresh tomatoes salad, pickled shallots, italian stracciatella cheese, herb oil, toasted herbed focaccia
Char siu bacon, eggs on your way, chilli crisp, truffle mayo
Special turkish eggs on herbed labne, crispy chili oil, pickled shallots, cucumber salad, herbs, tomato salad,fresh baked flat bread
French pea and mint bruschetta, poached egg, italian prosciutto, hollandaise sauce
Miso, mushroom and kale oatmeal congee
Asian breakfast skillet
Roasted kale & broccolini salad with quinoa, butternut hummus, dukkah crumb, poached egg
Slow roasted victorian pork belly, chilli caramel, heirloom carrot, pear salad
Fresh made toasted pretzel, topped with avocado salad, whipped ricotta, poached egg, lime dressing, seed cracke
Roasted branzino, saffron cauliflower rice, apple and shallot vinaigrette
Special housemade beef pastrami, potato hash, charred cabbage, smoked crema, roasted mushrooms, pickled shallots
Roasted harissa lamb shoulder, crushed green peas, potato rosti, mint labneh
Spicy truffle fried chicken, potato salad, paprika and black garlic cream, pickles, steamed bao bun
Roasted sweet potato toast, tandoori chicken and lentils
Pea fritters, cured pink salmon, salad, poached egg, truffle aioli
Fresh fruit board with mix of chef choice baby dessserts
Tiramisu french toast, espresso & bourbon whipped cream, mascarpone cheese, strawberries, chocolate soil & candied orange
Chia, flax & almond granola, whipped coconut yoghurt, mango, pineapple, passionfruit, summer berries
Bread pudding-cannoli croissants
Eton mess, crushed merengue, citrus mousse, marinated red fruits
Handmade falafel, spicy tomatoes relish, special salad, yogurt dressing
Charcuterie board, special selection of cheeses, crackers, nuts, fruits, honey, marmalade
Grilled eggplant topped with special char pepper and walnut dip, mediterranean chopped salad, flat bread
Special mediterranean platter, mix of dips, pitas and pites, veggies, olives, cheeses
Crispy brussel sprouts, creamy sweet corn, date and pomegranate dressing, nigella seeds
Special whipped labne, dill cucumber salad, pickled red onion, crispy garlic, za'atar flat bread
Grilled scallops with chermoula butter and buttered almonds
Grilled cheese, special warm chickpeas mousse, spicy chickpeas, burnt lemon, herbed flatbread
Herbed roasted beetroot carpaccio, herbed garlic dressing, crumbled goat cheese, garlic baguette
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 129 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 66,873 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 42.
40% of our chefs in San Jose are women.
It takes only 4 hours from your request to get the first menu.
We started our private chef service in San Jose in 2017-02-12.
15% of our personal chef services in San Jose include kids.
One client has booked the same private chef in San Jose 14 times.
44% 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 1,421 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 129 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.