Private Chef in La Mesa
Rent one of our 417 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















A personal chef for any occasion in La Mesa
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in La Mesa in April 2016, more than 417 Private Chefs have joined our platform in La Mesa and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in San Diego County.
Starting in 2016, 23,998 guests have already enjoyed a chef in La Mesa. To book your chef in La Mesa, 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 9,789 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 17,217 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.77 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 23,998 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in La Mesa usually book menus around 170 USD per person, including 3.48 courses, sharing an average of 4.59 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 La Mesa.












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.
417 Private Chefs in La Mesa
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in La Mesa












More than 23,900 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.59 Chef
The guests in La Mesa have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.59.
4.83 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in La Mesa received an average score of 4.83.
4.71 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.71 average score.
4.87 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in La Mesa has been scored with a 4.87 on average.
View full review
View full review
View full review
View full review
9,789 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in La Mesa
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Burrata & roasted tomato crostini (vegetarian)
Hummus trio with pita and crudités (vegetarian)
Israeli salad (vegetarian)
Za’atar spiced chicken skewers with lemon-garlic dipping sauce
Branzino al limone – mediterranean sea bass, pan-seared with lemon butter and capers, served with roasted garlic potatoes
Slow-braised moroccan chicken with apricots, olives, and preserved lemon
Golden turmeric rice pilaf with toasted almonds and raisins (vegetarian)
Roasted seasonal vegetables with olive oil and fresh herbs (vegetarian)
Honey and pistachio baklava
Chocolate fondant with raspberry coulis
Molten chocolate lava cake
Homemade hummus
Pita bread
Baba ghanoush
Homemade tzatziki
Tabbouli
Crab cakes
Greek yogurt salad and roasted beets salad
Fattoush salad
Stuffed grape leaves
Kibbeh
Macadamia, orange and basil crusted halibut and garlic parmesan mashed potatoes with orange beurre blanc sauce
Harissa marinated pan seared chicken with goat cheese labneh and herbs with a cucumber side salad
Garlic shrimp skewers with honey rosemary vegetables
Blackened salmon with greek lemon rice and homemade tzatziki
Filet mignon with grilled asparagus and garlic parmesan mashed potatoes and red wine reduction
Special of the week ( message me for details! )
Baklava
Tiramisu
Mini chocolate cheesecake
Creme brulee
Coconut kahlua flan
Grilled octopus - lemon, garlic, oregano
Classic bruschetta - tomato, garlic, basil, balsamic
Grilled vegetable bruschetta - zucchini, squash, onion, tomato, balsamic, garlic, basil
Crab and srimp bisque - crab cake, jumbo shrimp
French onion soup - gruyere, fried onion
Calamari steak - sundried tomatoes, kalamata olives, roasted garlic
Panzanella salad - heirloom tomatoes, onions, arugula, focaccia
Caprese salad - fresh mozzarella, basil, heirloom tomato, arugula
Greek salad - tomato, feta, arugula, oregano pesto, red onion
Caesar salad - garlic crostini, parmesan cheese
Citrus avocado salad - avocado, oranges, grapefruit, manchego cheese, citrus vinaigrette
Stuffed pork tenderloin vesuvio style - rosemary, lemon, fried potato, spinach, wild mushroom risotto
Mini cheese lasagna - alfredo sauce, garlic scented spinach, asiago, fresh mozzarella
Stuffed chicken alfredo - kale, parmesan, garlic, fettuccini pasta,
Beef short rib rigatoni pasta - portobello alfredo sauce, asparagus tips, sundried tomatoes
Seared salmon - roasted potatoes, chimichurri, tomato relish
Lemon zabaione - fresh berries
Cheese cake - seasonal flavor of your choice with chantilly cream and anglaise
Chocolate mousse - fresh berries
Lemon olive oil cake - fresh berries
Creme brulee - chantilly cream
Beef empanadas with finely chopped onions, carrots, parsley and eggs, seasoned with spanish paprika
Vegetarian empanadas of spinach, ricotta cheese, parmesan and finely chopped onion, bell peppers, zucchini and parsley
Big salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, avocado, carrots, cucumber and radish, seasoned with balsamic glaze and evoo
Citric salad of arugula, avocado, navel orange, blood orange and grapefruit, seasoned with balsamic glaze and lemon
Italian bruschetta with oven-caramelized cherry tomatoes, on a bed of mozzarella and finished with a slice of italian prosciutto
Fresh tagliatelle with bolognese of beef, tomato sauce, and finely chopped onions, carrots and parsley
Fresh linguine with pesto genovese with basil, parmesan, almonds (removable), garlic and evoo
Penne all’arrabbiata with tomato sauce, parmesan, fresh tomato, garlic, onion, italian peperoncino (chile), parsley and evoo
Penne alla vodka, with tomato sauce, fresh tomato, basil, heavy cream and parmesan cheese
Beef filet mignon topped with a delicious mushroom and cream sauce
Boneless chicken thigh marinated in orange juice
Salmon filet with spanish sweet paprika
Eggplant napolitana covered in breadcrumbs, topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese
Classic chocolate mousse
Italian tiramisú with mascarpone, eggs and sugar cream, layered with coffee dipped lady fingers and topped with grated dark chocolate
Chocolate and walnut brownie with vanilla ice cream
Spanish flan with dulce de leche
Hickory smoked scallop crudo
Guacamole tatemado with pork rinds and tortilla chips and plantain chips
Black bean chipotle lobster tostada
Baja ceviche shooters
Ahi poke wontons
Fried risotto ball with marinara
California gazpacho
Aztec tortilla soup
Chicken tom kha soup
Pork chashu ramen
100 anniversary tijuana cesar salad
Spring mix salad
Asian papaya salad
Caprese salad
California caprese
Chicken and waffles with candied bacon bits
Braised short rib and grits with red wine reduction
Blackened salmon with greek lemon rice and homemade tzatziki
Teriyaki mahi mahi with king trumpet mushrooms, green onions and grilled squash
Harissa marinated pan seared chicken with goat cheese labneh and herbs with a cucumber side salad
Macadamia, orange and basil crusted halibut and garlic parmesan mashed potatoes with orange beurre blanc sauce
Filet mignon with grilled asparagus and garlic parmesan mashed potatoes and red wine reduction
Garlic shrimp skewers with honey rosemary vegetables
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
Special of the week ( message me for details! )
Apple cobbler
Assorted homemade cookies
Bread pudding
Carrot walnut cake
Churro waffles ice cream sandwhich
Churros (fresh handmade )
Coconut kahlua flan
Mini chocolate cheesecake
Tiramisu
Triple chocolate layer cake
Cornbread with salted caramel and whipped cream cheese
Creme brulee
Grilled corn dip - street style corn, blue corn tortillas, tajin,
Stuffed paccheri pasta - three cheese, basil, blistered tomato, balsamic, green onion
Stuffed mushrooms - spinach, artichoke, goat cheese
Classic bruschetta - tomato, garlic, basil, balsamic
Grilled vegetable bruschetta - zucchini, squash, onion, tomato, balsamic, garlic, basil
Fried polenta - goat cheese, spinach, charred tomato marinara
Roasted tomato bisque - parmesan cheese, basil cream
Caprese salad - fresh mozzarella, basil, heirloom tomato, arugula
Berry salad - spring mix greens, blueberry, raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, candied pecan
Roasted corn chowder - corn, cilantro, heirloom tomato
Citrus avocado salad - avocado, oranges, grape fruit, manchego cheese, citrus vinaigrette
Poached pear salad - blue cheese, arugula, walnuts
Mini cheese lasagna - alfredo sauce, garlic scented spinach, asiago, fresh mozzarella
Stuffed chicken alfredo - kale, parmesan, garlic, fettuccini pasta,
Grilled vegetable tower - portobello mushroom, red pepper, onion, squash, zucchini, basil, balsamic, charred tomato marinara
Seared salmon - roasted potatoes, chimichurri, tomato relish
Beef tenderloin filet - garlic roasted potatoes, asparagus, rosemary infused red wine reduction
White bean cassoulet - tomato, garlic, onion, roasted fennel
Root vegetable au vin - turnip, rutabaga, carrot, parsnip, white wine
Pasta primavera- asparagus, tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, garlic cream
Braised mushroom - parmesan risotto, grilled char
Chocolate mousse trifle
Croisant bread pudding - carmel, chocolate,
Creme brulee - chantilly cream
Carmel dutch apple - vanilla gelato
Classic tiramisu - espresso, chantilly cream, chocolate
Grilled corn dip - street style corn, blue corn tortillas, tajin,
Stuffed paccheri pasta - three cheese, basil, blistered tomato, balsamic, green onion
Classic bruschetta - tomato, garlic, basil, balsamic
Grilled vegetable bruschetta - zucchini, squash, onion, tomato, balsamic, garlic, basil
French onion soup - gruyere, fried onion
Chicken saty - sweet soy, chilies, cilantro
Panzanella salad - heirloom tomatoes, onions, arugula, focaccia
Caprese salad - fresh mozzarella, basil, heirloom tomato, arugula
Caesar salad - garlic crostini, parmesan cheese
Wedge salad - blue cheese, tomato, cucumber, red onion
Roasted corn chowder - corn, cilantro, heirloom tomato
Citrus salad - oranges, grapefruit, radish, candied walnuts, manchego cheese, citrus vinaigrette
Orange salad - ginger dressing, carrots, romaine lettuce, onion, wonton, oranges, radish
Mini cheese lasagna - alfredo sauce, garlic scented spinach, asiago, fresh mozzarella
Stuffed chicken alfredo - kale, parmesan, garlic, fettuccini pasta,
Seared salmon - roasted potatoes, asparagus, citrus fennel salad,
Beef short rib rigatoni pasta - portobello ragu sauce, asparagus tips, sundried tomatoes
Beef bourguignon - burgundy, root vegetables, mushrooms, roasted potatoes
Beef tenderloin filet with butter poached lobster tail - garlic roasted potatoes, asparagus, rosemary infused red wine reduction, scampi butter
Stuffed chicken mole - chilies, cilantro
Chateaubriand - garlic confit, mushrooms, red wine reduction, roasted potatoes, brussels sprouts
Chocolate mousse trifle
Croisant bread pudding - carmel, chocolate,
Lemon zabaione - fresh berries
Cheese cake - seasonal flavor of your choice with chantilly cream and anglaise
Creme brulee - chantilly cream
- prawns with prosciutto: shrimp seasoned with sweet paprika wrapped in prosciutto
- big salad "insalatona": fresh combination of lettuce, arugula, tomato, carrots, radishes, cucumber and avocado, seasoned with balsamic cream
- spinach frittata: italian appetizer, perfect fried mixture of egg, spinach, vegetables. possible version with mozzarella cheese
- spring brochette, caprese style: tomato, mozzarella and basil, a classic! crowned with parmesan covered with balsamic cream
- stuffed eggs: tuna or avocado, egg yolk and mayonnaise come together in an explosion of flavors. topped with bell peppers and onions
- stuffed tomatoes: fresh and delicious tomatoes stuffed with a sautéed vegetable mixture, rice and mayonnaise
- 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
- tagliolini with speck and arugula: creamy homemade pasta from the italian alps
- tagliatelle al ragù: homemade pasta, with a delicious italian bolognese sauce
- penne all’arrabbiata: who said spicy? enjoy a touch of spicy peperoncino with tomato, parmesan, garlic and parsley sauce
- spaghetti alla carbonara: classic roman pasta with egg yolk, parmesan and bacon, a perfect mix! that will blow your mind
- pasta alla vodka: a little parmesan, tomato, heavy cream, onion, garlic, basil and vodka. yes, vodka!
- linguine al pesto: homemade pasta, garnished with a tasty ligurian pesto with fresh basil, parmesan and olives
- risotto (chicken or avocado, parmesan, bell pepper, onion, mushroom, zucchini, garlic, parsley, carrot, paprika, saffron, olive oil, salt and pepper) gf,df
- salmon with purée 3 colors: our favorite fish without a doubt. delicious portion of salmon, along with a irresistible carrot and potato puree
- boneless chicken leg with orange juice: chicken with an explosion of flavors, marinated with orange, paprika and along with fine vegetables
- filet mignon with patate al cartoccio: mythical beef steak with intense flavor, crispy crust, juicy interior finished with roasted vegetables
- new york strip with vegetables: delicious puff pastry with a filling of ground meat, egg, veggies and lots of flavor. vegetarian option: spinach, ricotta and corn
- napolitana fette of aubergines with potatoes (mozzarella or avocado, tomato sauce, sage, oregano, olive oil, salt and pepper) v,gf,df
- roasted pork with egg and plums: baked ham stuffed with plums and egg, along with a fresh salad
- lemon sorbet: sorbet with a light and refreshing texture with fresh strawberries
- nutella crepe: delicious french crepe, the original recipe. nutella will take you to italy
- chocolate mousse: popular creamy dessert loved by children and adults based on chocolate and eggs
- tiramisú: our signature dessert. mascarpone cheese, coffee, lady fingers cookie, dark chocolate, eggs and sugar
- caramel crepe: delicious french crepe with caramel (dulce de leche) will take you to latin america
- macedonia: seasonal fruits, put together to enjoy a healthy dessert
- nutella pizza: sweet italian pizza based on nutella and blueberries
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 La Mesa.
What does a private chef service include in La Mesa?
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 La Mesa?
The price of renting a chef in La Mesa 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 99 USD to 163 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 99 USD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 98 USD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 122 USD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 163 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 La Mesa?
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 417 chefs available in La Mesa. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in La Mesa 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 La Mesa?
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 La Mesa
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in La Mesa
Percentage of our women chefs in La Mesa.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in La Mesa.
Percentage of services with kids in La Mesa.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in La Mesa.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in La Mesa.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in La Mesa.
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 La Mesa.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in La Mesa each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In La Mesa, 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 La Mesa.
Cost of a private chef in La Mesa
The cost of hiring a private chef in La Mesa 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 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.
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 La Mesa!
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 La Mesa?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in La Mesa: 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 La Mesa!

Enjoy the luxury of a Private Chef
Do you want to gift your parents' dinner? Do you want to enjoy something different and fancy with your friends? Take a Chef will give you this opportunity, you can transform your home or the place of your loved ones to the best restaurant in Gadsden. So hurry up and click on the start button to make your first request!

La Mesa best Private Chefs come to your home
Let's start by letting us know your cravings and restrictions. Once we have an idea of what you are looking for, our chefs will create menus to make this experience perfect for you and your love ones. The grocery shopping, cooking, table service, and cleaning is on us! Click on the button below and enjoy your Take a Chef experience.

Try something different! Try a Private Chef service in La Mesa
Regardless of the chef you choose for your event, we guarantee that you’re in good hands: our chefs have over a decade of experience under their belt and have been trained in the most prominent Culinary Institutes of the country. As soon as you receive a menu, we’ll put you in touch with the chef to make sure everything is to your liking!






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









