Private Chef in California
Rent one of our +5,000 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















A personal chef for any occasion in California
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in California in February 2017, more than 376 Private Chefs have joined our platform in California and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in .
Starting in 2017, 19,807 guests have already enjoyed a chef in California. To book your chef in California, 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 6,940 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 14,591 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.47 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 19,807 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in California usually book menus around 188 USD per person, including 4.58 courses, sharing an average of 4.7 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 California.












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!
Find your chef
Customize your request and start talking with your chefs.
376 Private Chefs in California
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in California












More than 19,800 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.18 Chef
The guests in California have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.18.
4.58 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in California received an average score of 4.58.
4.52 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.52 average score.
4.48 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in California has been scored with a 4.48 on average.
View full review
View full review
View full review
View full review
6,940 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in California
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Spinach dip
Roasted tomato bruschetta
Steak crostini
Charcuterie board
Caesar salad
Chopped salad
Garden salad
Arugula salad w/ lemon vinaigrette
Angel hair pasta and grilled shrimp, veggies or chicken
Steak & lobster w/ garlic mashed potatoes and briccolini
Bourbon salmon
Garlic & herb lamb chops
Chicken piccata & asparagus
Honey vanilla mousse
Pistachio rum cake
Kahlua chocolate cake
Cheesecake
Parmesan snap peas: grated parmesan ,breadcrumbs, snap peas olive oil
Zucchini noodle salad, zucchini, edamame, fresh, mini mozzarella balls, peanut nuts, pesto, thinly sliced zucchini into pasta shapes
Antipasto chickpea salad: artichokes, chickpeas, spinach,olives, avocado creamy dressing
Baby kale and quinoa salad tender kale leaves tossed with fluffy quinoa, dried cranberries,, and a citrus dressing
Bruschetta - toasted baguette with a topping of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and balsamic glaze
Moroccan carrot salad finley with a madeleine thin, carrots, cooked quinoa, golden, raisins, shell, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, parsley, mint dressing, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, cumin, and olive oil
Artichoke potato salad, roasted bread, peppers, halves into small little pieces, artichoke slowly braised in the oven dress with your vinaigrette and fresh arugula
Summer peach salad salad croutons, basil, vinaigrette, tomatoes, and peaches , fresh mozzarella
Crispy cauliflower bites – chipotle aioli , micros cilantro
Arancini: crispy risotto balls stuffed with cheese and served with marinara sauce
Broccoli- and cheddar-stuffed potato skins with avocado cream
Baba ganoush smoky roasted eggplant puree mixed with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice, served with fresh veggies or pita chips
Charred eggplant & tahini tartare smoky eggplant • silky tahini • pomegranate pearls • preserved lemon • micro herbs : serve in a ring mold with sumac-dusted pita crisps
Jumbo mushrooms, breadcrumbs, stuffed celery, onions, garlic with a red pepper, chipotle aïoli on top
Butternut and goat cheese, cristina’s butternut squash, diced baguette toasted spread goat cheese on cristina sprinkle with thyme leaves, flaky salt and olive oil oil
Lentil and sweet potato shepherd's pie a latin twist on the classic, featuring spiced lentils and sweet potatoes baked under a layer of mashed yucca
- cauliflower steak with kaffir lime infused thai style curry sauce
Guyanese-style vegan chow mein: a flavorful plant-based take on the traditional guyanese dish. stir-fried noodles tossed with crisp vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers, all seasoned with soy sauce, ginger, and a hint of five-spice. this veg
Mediterranean eggplant steaks with herbed couscous: thick slices of eggplant marinated in olive oil, garlic, and za'atar, grilled or roasted until tender. accompaniment: plated over herbed couscous with pomegranate arils and a dollop of vegan yogurt
Creamy tomato vegan pasta: indulge in our rich and creamy pasta dish, featuring tender cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a hint of garlic
Vegan lasagna – layers of lasagna noodles, vegan ricotta (made from tofu or cashews), marinara sauce, and sautéed vegetables
Shiitake mushroom roll marinated, sautéed shiitake strips with scallion, cucumber, and a hint of vegan teriyaki glaze on top vegan fried rice
Ricotta & spinach stuffed shells jumbo pasta shells filled with herbed ricotta and spinach, baked in a robust tomato sauce and topped with parmesan
Thai green curry with tofu fragrant coconut curry loaded with seasonal vegetables, tofu, and thai basil. served with jasmine rice
Coconut chia pudding layers of vanilla chia pudding, mango puree, and toasted coconut flakes
Sweet rice (meetha chawal) : creamy and sweet basmati rice pudding made with dairy-free milk, sugar, and a hint of cardamom, mixed with plump and juicy raisins. a classic indian dessert with a modern twist, perfect for those looking for a vegan and delici
Apple and walnut mini tarts thinly sliced local apples baked in almond flour tart shells, sweetened naturally with dates and spiced with cinnamon
Berry almond tart: a tart featuring a buttery almond crust filled with fresh california berries. ingredients: crust: almond flour, butter, sugar, egg filling: assorted fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), honey or sugar, lemon juice
-mango sticky rice description: sweet and creamy coconut sticky rice paired with fresh mango slices, topped with a drizzle of coconut milk. a traditional asian dessert with a tropical twist. ( again can be gluten/ dairy free)
Vegan cheesecake – a smooth and creamy cheesecake made with cashews, coconut cream, and a dairy-free crust, often topped with fresh fruit
Banana and almond butter protein muffins: ingredients: ripe bananas almond butter whey protein powder (vanilla flavor) oats baking powder dark chocolate chunks
Chocolate panna cotta: berry colli , creamy custard topped with chocolate sauce
Bacon wrapped country pork pate with stone ground mustard, pickled vegetable salad and warm grilled bread
"os a moelle" roasted local bone marrow with local bread & sauce bordelaise
Farm lettuces with marinated onions & market vegetables with sheep's milk feta & preserved lemon and garden herb vinaigrette
Parsnip & celeriac soup with allium soubise, baby greens, garlic oil & black truffle
Steak tartare, local beef, capers, red onion, aged vinegars & olive oil, sous vide & cured egg yolk, horseradish creme & pickled vegetables served with crostini
Oysters “rockefeller” brunoise of fennel & alliums with creamed spinach & prosciutto breadcrumbs
Crispy beef sweetbreads, oak roasted wild mushrooms with a spiced fig gastrique
Roasted heirloom carrots, citrus labneh, harissa & red sumac dressing with roasted cashews, preserved meyer lemon & winter greens
Seared scallops with citrus & fennel blossom gastrique, celeriac puree, & preserved lemon salad
"cacio e pepe" handmade pasta with pecorino romano & black peppercorn toasted in cultured butter with an aerated parmesan creme anglaise (scratch pasta on site)
Red kuri squash angolotti pasta, with estero gold reserve cheese, sage & peppercorn brown butter, pistou & wilted farm greens
Oak roasted mushroom salad, sesame, walnut & shallot confit with salt blanched lacinato kale
Oak roasted mushroom risotto, carnaroli rice, parmigiano-reggiano, & shallot confit with fresh herb pistou
Moules marinière, mediterranean mussels steamed with white wine, garlic, shallots, fines herbs & white wine served with aioli & pommes frites
Spaghetti alla carbonara, handmade lacinato kale pasta, sous vide egg, pecorino romano & estero gold reserve with black peppercorn butter & lardons
Double cut porc chop roasted fall squash, red wine braised cabbage, roasted apple & cider jus
"coq au vin" chicken braised with red wine, oak roasted mushrooms, bacon lardons & onions, served with handmade buttered noodles
Pan roasted halibut, caper & olive potato puree, farmers market vegetables with preserved lemon & herb salad
Roasted fall squash with , hazelnut praline, bitter greens, pecorino romano & banyuls aged vinegar & crushed hazelnuts
Boeuf wellington, sous vide beef tenderloin, foie blonde, oak roasted mushroom duxelles, jambon de bayonne & crispy puff pastry
Whole market fish, lemon & olive oil potato puree, farmers market vegetables with preserved lemon & herb salad
Bryan flannery prime dry aged beef zabouton, with potato skordalia, farmer's market vegetables & toasted coriander chimichurri
Handmade boudin blanc sausage, huckleberry gastrique & parsnip puree, with oak roasted cabbage, fennel & maitake mushroom ragout
Liberty farms duck breast, foie blond boudin, banyuls bordelaise, with spice roasted carrots, winter greens
Caramelized meyer lemon tart with aged balsamic, chantilly creme & lavender sea salt
Chocolate souffle, with orange creme anglaise & torched italian meringue
"croquembouche", biegnets de carnival tossed in sugars & spices, with torched italian meringue all encased in spun caramel
Crispy chocolate & hazelnut "candy bar", gianduja & chocolate mousse layers with warm toasted italian meringue & salted caramel
Scratch tiramisu, ladyfingers, espresso, aged rum & italian amaro, marscapone mousse, with warm toasted italian meringue with shaved chocolate
Caprese salad
Fresh baked focaccia bread with tapenade
Breakfast scones with jam
Bruschetta with sundried tomatoes and prosciutto
Smoked salmon and cream cheese platter
Juevos rancheros
Spinach and feta fritatta
3-egg omelette with a variety of toppings
Greek yogurt, chia and fruit bowl
Buttermilk pancakes with fruit and whipped cream
Crispy chicken sandwich
Savory ancient grains and super foods bowl
Chef-made ice cream sundae (variety of flavors to choose)
Chocolate mousse
Strawberry parfait
Zucchini noodle salad, zucchini, edamame, fresh, mini mozzarella balls, peanut nuts, pesto, thinly sliced zucchini into pasta shapes
Bruschetta - toasted baguette with a topping of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and balsamic glaze
Moroccan carrot salad finley with a madeleine thin, carrots, cooked quinoa, golden, raisins, shell, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, parsley, mint dressing, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, cumin, and olive oil
Fresh spring salad — cucumber stuffed with local greens, shaved carrots, bell peppers, citrus apple vinaigrette
Crispy cauliflower bites - crispy cauliflower served with chipotle aioli, micro cilantro, and fresh lemon
Crispy brussel sprouts infused with garlic, chipotle aioli, black pepper
Smoked salmon crostini - crispy baguette slices with cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, and fresh dill
-wine-glazed pear bruschetta - on grilled sourdough with mascarpone
Brioche french toast thick-cut brioche dipped in vanilla custard and topped with seasonal berries and maple syrup
Arancini: crispy risotto balls stuffed with cheese and served with marinara sauce
Charred eggplant & tahini tartare smoky eggplant • silky tahini • pomegranate pearls • preserved lemon • micro herbs : serve in a ring mold with sumac-dusted pita crisps
Chicken & waffle bites with hot honey
Coconut shrimp crispy coconut-cruste jumbo prawns served with sweet chili sauce
Smashed crispy potatoes – crispy fried yukon golds, soft inside, served with smoky chipotle-lime aioli
Ahi tuna bites: cooked fresh ahi tuna diced and mixed with ,shallots, bellpepper, and mayo, on top of wonton chips
-savory mushroom tartlets – featuring local chanterelles and caramelized shallots
Shakshuka with grilled bread-eggs gently poached in a rich tomato and roasted pepper sauce infused with garlic, onions
Steak & eggs with chimichurri potatoes
Smoked salmon benedict – poached eggs and cold-smoked salmon over a toasted english muffin, topped with dill hollandaise and capers
Ciabatta tuna melt – flaked white tuna, lemon-herb aioli, and sharp white cheddar, broiled open-faced on toasted garlic ciabatta w/arugula citrus salad
Jerk chicken & sweet potato hash
Baked salmon with herb pistachio crust – topped with a crispy breadcrumb and herb mix
Coconut chia pudding layers of vanilla chia pudding, mango puree, and toasted coconut flakes
Apple and walnut mini tarts thinly sliced local apples baked in almond flour tart shells, sweetened naturally with dates and spiced with cinnamon
Berry almond tart: a tart featuring a buttery almond crust filled with fresh california berries. ingredients: crust: almond flour, butter, sugar, egg filling: assorted fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), honey or sugar, lemon juice
-mango sticky rice: sweet and creamy coconut sticky rice paired with fresh mango slices, topped with a drizzle of coconut milk
Spring strawberry shortcake - vanilla bean cake, whipped cream, brown butter cake, mint
Flourless chocolate cake , rich chocolate cake finished with a red wine reduction and fresh berries
Loaded potato skins
Cheesy spicy nachos
Garlic fries
Antipasti - selection of artisan cheeses, fruit and dips
Pulled chicken taquitos
Classic beef burger with potato wedges
Jumbo dawg with all the fixings
Deep dish chicago style pizza with all the fixings
Red hot fried chicken
Chilli your way
Beignets woth a side of ice cream
Black forest trifle cups
Cherry bomb mega-sundae
Chocolate chilli lava cake
.bruscheta, avocado, goat cheese, fresh dill and organic cherries tomatoes & grapes
.organic farm to table salad, mix greens, radish & olive oil
. organic mix salad, sesame , orange with olive oil & thyme sea salt
_ grill salmon with chimichurri sauce with mashed organic potatoes & lavender sea salt
- bruschetta, asparagus, vegan alioli, fresh basil and organic grapes. (veggie)
. grill lamb, chimichurri sauce, with mashed sweet potatoes & lavender sea salt
. chocolate lava cake & vanilla ice cream, fresh mint
. chocolate lava cake & macarons
. vanilla ice cream with fresh mint
Burrata and roasted pepper crostinis
Sonoma lamb and pistachio meatballs with labneh cheese dipping sauce and sumac
Butternut squash soup with goat kefir-pea shoots and toasted pumpkin seeds
Artichoke caesar salad with parmigiano reggiano and roasted lemon slices
Classic wedge salad with blue cheese, bacon, sweet tomatoes and pickled onions
Clam chowder in bread bowl
San francisco style cioppino with local mussels, clams, california black cod, gulf shrimp and warm crusty bread
Grilled flank steak "tagliata" with napa valley herb chimichurri sauce, autumn succotash and spinach
Seared loch duart salmon cauliflower puree wild mix of california mushrooms, roasted potatoes, spinach, citrus sauce
Baked airline chicken breast cog au vin style with mushrooms, wine, carrots, leeks and creamed potatoes
Warm chocolate chip cookies and strauss vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce
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 California.
What does a private chef service include in California?
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 California?
The price of renting a chef in California 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 113 USD to 137 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 113 USD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 114 USD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 129 USD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 137 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 California?
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 376 chefs available in California. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in California 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 California?
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 California
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in California
Percentage of our women chefs in California.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in California.
Percentage of services with kids in California.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in California.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in California.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in California.
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 California.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in California each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In California, 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 California.
Cost of a private chef in California
The cost of hiring a private chef in California 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 113 USD to 137 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 113 USD
For 7 to 12 people: 114 USD
For 3 to 6 people: 129 USD
For 2 people: 137 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 California!
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 California?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in California: Mediterranean, Italian, French, Japanese, Mexican, and surprise. The type of cuisine with the highest number of bookings is the Chef's special, 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 California!

Enjoy the luxury of a Private Chef
Treat yourself to a private Chef service in the comfort of your own home. Organize a private chef service with Take a Chef and enjoy a unique culinary experience, perfect for important occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. It’s also a great way to add a romantic twist to a dinner or to try out something different with friends. Take a Chef personalizes your service so you can enjoy your favorite foods. Just let us know your food preferences and our expert chefs in your area will send you custom menus to choose from. As for the ingredients, your chosen chef will buy fresh local produce on the day of the service. Your chef will prepare the meal right in your kitchen and provide table service for you and your guests. They will do all the cleaning up, making sure your kitchen is spotless before leaving! A relaxing way to dine at home.

Invite one of California’s best Private Chefs into your home
We work with many chefs who have experience in top restaurants, gastronomic bars, luxury hotels and more. You’ll be able to view the details of each chef’s training and experience once they send you a menu proposal. However, no matter which chef you choose, we guarantee that you’re in good hands: all of our chefs have at least a decade of experience under their belt and have been trained in top culinary schools. As soon as you receive a menu, we’ll put you in touch with the chef so that you can sort out all the details and make sure everything is to your liking!

Try something different! Try a Private Chef service in California.
The best and most original experiences are those that surprise you from the very beginning and do not stop until the end. These are the experiences that make the best memories. This is Take a Chef’s philosophy. We offer a completely personalized service, show cooking, gastronomic advice and the chance to understand how the dishes on your menu are made. Any American, Asian or Mediterranean dishes can be showstoppers on your dining table with the expertise of one of our Private Chefs.






Talk to our chefs in California
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 California? You’ll get it. Tell us about your event in California, and discover the best chefs who will customize every detail of your experience.









