Chef Quiel Mallari

We had never booked a private chef before but decided to splurge for our 10 year wedding anniversary. And what an incredible experience it was. Chef Q and his team created magic in the Airbnb kitchen. From discussing the menu prior, to all the incredible dishes, this was absolutely a meal we will remember forever. What we loved in addition to the food was the team’s style: friendly, but also unobtrusive. We learned with each course a bit abojt the Chef’s approach and choices, even some local ingredients, but we did not feel lectured. Chef and his team made this special occasion magical for us and our friends. We are unlikely to be in queens town again anytime soon, but would highly recommend for anyone who may be looking into a private chef experience.

Quiel was so helpful and easy to deal with from the start! Nothing was too hard and he accommodated whatever we needed. On the day he was very friendly and the presentation was beautiful. The food itself was incredible, every course was a highlight and it’s hard to pick a favourite. I would highly recommend Quiel to anyone needing a private chef in Queenstown!!

Chef Quiel was amazing in every detail. From the first contact to finalising the menu, to the ease of contact and speed of replies he was so easy and quick to deal with. The food he presented/cooked was more than we expected. The flavours absolutely blew us away and the whole family loved every single dish that we were given. The kitchen was even cleaner that what we left for him. Such a memorable night.

Our expectations when it comes to great food and service are pretty high and I am so pleased to report that Chef Q met and exceeded all of them. There was good communication about the menu and Chef Q worked with us to explore additions to our menu that were hard to source. He was punctual with arrival and all prep and the whole dining process was seamless. All dishes were incredible and the presentation and service were just excellent. Highly recommend engaging Chef Q if you are in Queenstown and are looking for a unique and memorable experience.

We had the absolute pleasure of hiring Chef Quiel as a private chef during a family trip to Queenstown for my dad’s 60th, and it was a standout experience from start to finish. He curated an incredible menu that felt thoughtful and perfectly suited to the occasion, and the sheer amount of food was so generous. Every dish was of exceptional quality, beautifully prepared, and genuinely delicious. It made the celebration feel really special and effortless. Couldn’t recommend him more highly.

Chef Q, thank you for an unforgettable evening. You and Marie created something truly special for us, an experience we’ll be talking about for years to come. We would go as far as saying it was the best meal we’ve ever had in our lives! Every dish was perfect in its own way. Familiar favourites elevated with incredible care, balance, and flavour. From the risotto and arancini balls to the bruschetta and chimichurri, everything felt close to home yet executed at such a high level. Even the oysters, which we would normally never eat raw, were a delightful surprise and a real highlight of the evening. With seven beautifully prepared dishes, each thoughtfully portioned, we were left completely full and more than satisfied. It was clear how much attention and passion went into every element of the meal. This dinner meant even more to us as it was a celebration of our marriage, and you both made it an extra special night we’ll always cherish. We truly hope to return and do it all again for a future anniversary. Thank you again for such an incredible experience, Nick & Vic ????

ChefQ did a fantastic job for our private dinner at home. It was a special occasion for our family and not only did he recognise that, he delivered a fabulous experience. It was a wonderful evening for us and he did an excellent job of bringing both great food and non-intrusive service. Thoroughly recommend ChefQ

We had Chef Q come to a house we rented and make dinner for 6 of us. 5 stars is not enough! Q was amazing!! From creating the menu all the way thru to the clean up, Q was a pleasure to work with. But what stands out the most is the quality and flavor of the food he created.

Outstanding Experience! We had the absolute pleasure of hiring Quiel and his team for Greg’s epic birthday celebration in New Zealand, and it truly made the night unforgettable. From the very first dish (oysters) to the final course, every plate was a masterpiece—beautifully presented, perfectly balanced, and bursting with flavor. The professionalism and passion his team brought into our home was second to none. Not only was the food exceptional, but the warmth, attention to detail, and seamless service created such a relaxed and celebratory atmosphere for all of us. Guests are still raving about the menu and how special the evening felt. Quiel turned a milestone birthday into an extraordinary culinary experience that we’ll be talking about for years. If you’re considering hiring a private chef in NZ, don’t hesitate—this is five-star dining at its finest, right in the comfort of your own space.

Chef Quiel was fantastic. All the food was delicious, especially the Pork Hock and oysters! He was friendly, and incredibly accommodating. He made it a truly memorable start to our holiday in Queenstown.