Private chef in San Diego
A private chef in San Diego treats you to incredible Californian flavors. Chat with one of our 414 chefs to craft your menu the way you want it.





















Hire a personal chef in San Diego
Have a taste of San Diego's farm-to-table" experience, where local dishes meet cuisines from around the world. Trust our personal chefs to bring the talent of America's Finest City to your doorstep and impress your guests.
Since 2016, over 23,927 guests have enjoyed the private chef experience in San Diego. With Take A Chef, booking a personal chef is easy. Whether you're planning birthday parties, dinner parties, or just quality time with friends, we promise you a memorable dining experience.
Find a personal chef in San Diego, CA, who matches your preferences and budget. Let them create a unique dining experience for you and your guests so you can focus on what truly matters: enjoying time with your loved ones.












How it works
Submit your request
Tell us about your ideal meal, event date, and budget. No commitment needed.
Chat with chefs
Chat with private chefs to discuss preferences and food allergies. Get multiple proposals.
Customize Your Menu
Personalize everything you want. From the number of courses to the ingredients in every dish.
Book your chef
Finish your booking, make your payment, and prepare for an incredible moment!
Enjoy the experience
Welcome your chef and relax while your chef prepares fantastic meals in your kitchen.
Ready to book?
Chat with private chefs and start crafting the perfect meal.
414 Private chefs in San Diego
The ideal private chef in San Diego, CA, is closer than you think.












Over 23,900 guests have enjoyed the private chef experience in San Diego
4.59 Chef
Guests in San Diego have given their private chef experience a 4.59.
4.83 Food quality
Our private chef's menus in San Diego have received a strong 4.83.
4.71 Presentation
Apart from tasty, our chefs' dishes also look incredible, earning a score of 4.71 in San Diego.
4.87 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in San Diego has been scored with a 4.87 on average.
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More than 9,742 menus personalized by our private chefs in San Diego
Rent a chef for your home in San Diego. Ask for sample menus to get inspiration. You make all the decisions.








Triple berry stuffed french toast (thick cut bacon, style of egg, skillet homefries)
Avocado toast w/ egg (feta, furikake, tomatoes, cucumbers, lemon evo)
Assorted fruit platter
Assorted pastry platter
Burrata & roasted tomato crostini (vegetarian)
Stuffed mushrooms (vegetarian)
Israeli salad (vegetarian)
Za’atar spiced chicken skewers with lemon-garlic dipping sauce
Branzino al limone
Filet mignon au poivre with pommes purée & haricots verts
Slow-braised moroccan chicken with apricots, olives, and preserved lemon
Roasted seasonal vegetables with olive oil and fresh herbs (vegetarian)
Chocolate fondant with raspberry coulis
Molten chocolate lava cake
Honey and pistachio baklava
Smoked salmon, sour cream, chives and lemon
Stuffed mushrooms with zucchini and thyme stuffing and herb crust
Warm goats cheese on brioche with pickled pear
Baked oyster with swiss cheese glaze
Tomato confit, basil on crispy french bread
Duck led confit on straw potato, lentils and rocket salad
Salad nicoise with seared yellow fin tuna
Ceviche of salmon and crab with chili, lime, coriander and citrus fruit
Fresh pumpkin ravioli, olive oil emulsion with toasted pine nuts and fresh sage
Country house pate with warm brioche and pickles
French vegetable soup au pistou
Seared sesame spiced crusted tuna with french dressing and snow pea salad
Classic french onion soup
Moules mariniere, cream, white wine, fresh herbs with crusty bread
Black mussels,, fresh tomato with garlic parsley croutons
Shrimp, avocado and mango salad with a mayonaise fresh herb dressing (extra costs may apply)
Pan seared sea scallops, celeriac puree and smoked bacon sesame seed crust
Warm goats cheese salad with lardons of bacon and fresh figs
Corn fed chicken, milk-poached breast with morels, slow roast leg with thyme and tomato confit
Pan seared duck breast with green pepper sauce dauphinoise potatoes and french beans
Hand dived scallop ravioli, tomato confit and champagne butter
Bouillabaisse, classic french provencal seafood dish
Oven roasted sea bass, ratatouille and basil, fondant potatoes
Roasted herb crusted rack of lamb, ratatouille, paris mash and lamb jus
Fillet of beef, sauce au poivre, gratin potatoes and french beans
Coq au vin, creamy mash, wild mushrooms and braised red wine shallots
Pan seared swordfish, provencal herb crust, confit baby tomatoes and sweet potato puree
Char grilled new york strip steaks, grilled provencal vegetables, gratin potatoes and confit tomato and chefs herb butter
Herb crusted halibut filet on fondant potatoes, cherry tomato and herb dressing and basil oil
Chocolate and pistachio tart with raspberry sorbet
Apple tarte au tan with fresh vanilla bean ice cream
Almond frangipane tart, red wine poached cherries and mascarpone cream
Tart citron with berry compote and heavy cream
Fresh vanilla bean crème brulee
Cheese garlic bread - french baguette with handmade garlic and parmesan cheese cream
Mix of grilled sausages - chicken and pork grilled sausages
Salmon ceviche
Tomato risotto
Seasoned grilled chicken
Grilled tritip with cheese sauce
Farofa - toasted yucca flour with butter, onions and bacon
Grilled garlic shrimp
Passion fruit mousse
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
Black bean chipotle lobster tostada: butter poached lobster tail, sauteed with garlic and cream on a black bean tostada, topped with imported cotija cheese, mexican sour cream, pork rinds, avocado and cilantro
Ahi poke wontons: homemade ahi poke wonton with sashimi grade tuna
Baja ceviche shooters: ensenada style with shrimp, cucumber, carrots, ginger, lime, red onion, avocado, cilantro and cherry tomato
Guacamole tatemado (charred) with pork rinds and tortilla chips and plantain chips
Fried risotto ball (arancini) with home made marinara, parmesan crisp and basil chiffonade
Hickory smoked crudo (fish or scallop) with orange, lime, mirin, ginger, cucumber, serrano, habanero and cilantro marinade topped with avocado, cherry tomato, pickled red onion and cucumber
Cheese and charcuterie board with a mix of domestic and imported cheese and meats, candied nuts, jam, pickled mustard seeds, tappenade, balsamic glaze, local honey and berries
Buttermilk fried chicken and waffles with whiskey candied bacon bits
Pure flight: assorted mix of homemade exotic purees with crackers served family style
101 anniversary tijuana cesar salad: original tijuana recipe
California caprese: panela cheese, heirloom tomatoes, cilantro, pickled red onions and spicy matcha salsa
Spring mix salad: mixed greens with balsamic, honey and mustard vinaigrette with cucumbers, carrots and cherry tomatoes
Aztec tortilla soup: homemade tortilla soup with imported panela cheese, avocado, crispy tortilla strips, mexican sour cream, cilantro and chili
California gazpacho: with roasted corn, avocado, mexican sour cream, cilantro
Caprese salad: traditional caprese salad with heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze
Chicken tom kha soup: coconut based broth with mushrooms, chicken cilantro and tomatoes
Braised short rib and grits with demi glace made with its own broth
Filet mignon with grilled asparagus and garlic parmesan mashed potatoes and red wine reduction
Macadamia, orange, parmesan and basil crusted halibut and garlic parmesan mashed potatoes with orange beurre blanc sauce
Homemade teriyaki mahi mahi with king trumpet mushrooms, green onions and grilled squash
Swordfish picatta with grilled asparagus and lemon beurre blanc sauce: with capers and dehydrated lemon slices
Blackened salmon with greek lemon rice and homemade tzatziki
Garlic shrimp skewers with honey rosemary vegetables
Harissa marinated pan seared chicken with goat cheese labneh and herbs with a cucumber side salad
Trout almondine with garlic parmesan mashed potatoes and lemon beurre blanc
Fish on lentils with honey cream and herb medley
California carbonara
Special of the week ( message me for details! )
Apple cobbler: homemade apple cobbler with salted caramel and vanilla ice cream
Assorted homemade cookies: fresh baked and homemade
Bread pudding: homemade rum bread pudding with banana foster
Carrot walnut cake: homemade carrot cake with vanilla icing and crushed walnuts
Churro waffles ice cream sandwhich: fresh handmade churro waffles with vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup
Coconut kahlua flan: homemade flan with a coconut and kahlua twist
Panacotta with brownie crumble
Creme brulee
Tiramisu: homemade with lady fingers, espresso and chocolate
Blackened shrimp - risotto, parmesan, spinach, artichokes
Lobster bisque - butter poached lobster, cognac cream
Crab and ahi tuna poki - avocado, ahi tuna, crab, chives, cilantro, lime
Shrimp cocktail - bloodymarry cocktail sauce
Poached pear salad - prosciutto, blue cheese, arugula, walnuts
Caesar salad - garlic crostini, parmesan cheese
Wedge salad - blue cheese, tomato, cucumber, red onion
Citrus avocado salad - avocado, oranges, grapefruit, radish, candied walnuts citrus vinaigrette
Seafood pasta - lobster, shrimp, scallops, crab, saffron tomato butter sauce, cappellini pasta
Beef tenderloin filet oscar with red crab- garlic roasted potatoes, asparagus, rosemary infused red wine reduction, roasted tomato hollandaise
Beef short rib style osso bucco - parmesan risotto, garlic spinach
Prime rib roast - garlic studded and herb crusted, with beef au jus, fondant potatoes, roasted onions, mushrooms, brussels sprouts
Chateaubriand - garlic confit, mushrooms, red wine reduction, roasted potatoes, brussels sprouts
Chilean sea bass - roasted fingerling potatoes, haricots verts, tomato butter sauce
Beef tenderloin filet with butter poached lobster tail - garlic roasted potatoes, asparagus, rosemary infused red wine reduction, scampi butter
Tiramisu semifreddo - sponge cake, espresso, dark chocolate, mascarpone whipped cream
Chocolate mousse trifle
Lemon zabaione - fresh berries
Creme brulee - chantilly cream
Carmel dutch apple - vanilla gelato
Scallop aguachile
Yellowtail ceviche
Blue fin tuna , olive oil toast
Grilled shrimp with chimmichurri
Oyster bone marrow mignonette
Bone marrow with scallops
Seaweed salad ,miso dressing, charred raddichio cherry blossom
Black cod, japanese pickles and mustard
Beets salad with stratchiatella
Col morada / grilled red cabbage, hibiscus honey mustard, fuji apple, red beets, queso fresco
Branzino ,herbs and polenta with roasted vegetables
Salmon , wild risotto and gold oyster mushrooms
Halibut poached with local vegetables and risotto
Chocolate cake and gelato
Baklava, rice pudding, date syrup, vanilla and lemon
Berry salad with sorbet and mint
Creme brulee with local fruit
Personalize your menu
Your personal chef is here to help you design the perfect menu for your event. They can tailor it to fit your budget, dietary needs, and preferences for your private dinner.








Frequently asked questions
Below, you can find the most common questions about private chefs in San Diego.
What's included in a private chef service in San Diego?
Your personal chef service in San Diego includes menu planning, grocery shopping, cooking at your place, serving the meals, and cleaning up afterward. Tableware and glassware are not provided, and tipping is up to you.
How much does a personal chef in San Diego cost?
The cost varies depending on the group size. For groups of 13 or more, the average rate is 99 USD per person. For 7 to 10 people, it's 98 USD per person; for 3 to 6 people, it's 122 USD per person. Couples pay 163 USD per person on average. Please note that prices may vary due to season, location, or last-minute bookings.
How to book a personal chef in San Diego, CA?
To book a private chef in San Diego, choose your date and guest count, and share your food preferences, dietary restrictions, and kitchen details. You'll get three customized menus and chef profiles with their dish photos. Chat with the chefs to make adjustments or ask questions. Once you've selected your chef and menu, finalize the booking online and receive their contact details.
How can I find a personal chef in San Diego?
With 414 chefs available, fill out a form to get menu proposals from the top 3 chefs for your date. Review their profiles and select your favorite. If none meet your expectations, we’ll keep sending you more options until you’re happy with your choice.
Is there a maximum number of guests for a private chef service in San Diego?
No, there's no maximum number. However, while there's no hard limit, groups generally don’t exceed 15 people to ensure a more intimate and personalized experience.
Does the private 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 private 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 for a private chef service fresh?
Yes, one of the hallmarks of a private chef service is the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Your chef for hire in San Diego will carefully select the freshest produce, meats, and seafood to create delicious and memorable dishes for your event.
Are drinks included in a private chef service?
No, drinks are not included in the private chef service. However, your chef can help you find beverage options to complement your meal. Just talk with your private chef to include the cost as an "extra" on the menu proposals they craft for your special occasion.
How much should I tip a private chef in San Diego?
Tipping is up to you. If you received exceptional service, it’s a nice way to show your appreciation. On average, guests in San Diego tip around 14.72% of the total bill. But feel free to tip what you feel is appropriate based on your experience.
Key information about private chefs in San Diego
Find out more about our personal chefs in San Diego and what they do.
Our private chefs in San Diego, CA, have an average age of 38, bringing a lot of cooking experience.
52% of our chefs in San Diego are women.
First menus are typically received within 4 hours after a request.
Our private chef services in San Diego started in 2016-04-14.
16.7% of our personal chef services in San Diego include kids.
One client has hired the same personal chef in San Diego 20 times.
Private chef bookings in San Diego have increased by 43% in the past year.
Our chefs can speak up to 3 languages.
More than 60% of our guests book a chef more than once.
On average, multiple services hire a chef for 3 days in San Diego.
We have over 3,486 pictures from San Diego chef experiences.
It usually takes just 2 days to book a personal chef in San Diego.
How much does a personal chef cost in San Diego, CA?
The cost of hiring a personal chef in San Diego varies with the number of guests. Here’s a quick breakdown: 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.
Prices can change with the seasons and locations. For the best rates, it’s a good idea to book early. Ready to enjoy a unique dining experience at home with a personal chef from San Diego? Book now!
How many private chef services are booked in San Diego each month?
Private chef reservations may vary seasonally depending on the destination. To view monthly fluctuations of San Diego personal chefs, check this table.
The number of private chef bookings in San Diego can vary by season. Having dinner with a chef in San Diego is always a great idea, but demand can drive up prices, so early booking is recommended.
How many personal chefs sign up in San Diego each month?
We've been working with private chefs in San Diego for many years, gaining the trust of many local chefs who continue to join us each month. Besides, as our guests highly recommend their experience, we're always growing.
We’re always adding new talent to our team. Each month, we welcome 3 new personal chefs in San Diego, CA. Our team carefully reviews and classifies their profiles so you can discover exciting new chefs regularly.
What is the most frequent type of food booked in San Diego?
Our main six types of cuisine in San Diego are: Mediterranean, Italian, French, Japanese, Mexican, and Latin American. However, the most requested cuisine in San Diego is Chef's special.
Our private chefs craft personalized menus based on your preferences and dietary needs. Ready to explore the culinary possibilities? Submit your request today!

Bring a private chef to your home in San Diego
Prepare to embrace San Diego's sunshine with a private chef! Enjoy fresh seafood, vibrant local cuisine, and innovative flavors brought to your own table. Relax and soak up California's vibes while your San Diego personal chef handles everything.
Take a Chef offers a unique dining experience for any occasion, be it holiday parties, company parties, birthdays, or family gatherings. Looking for a vegan chef or a private sushi chef in San Diego? We have the perfect match!
On the day of your event, your chosen chef will procure the freshest ingredients, prepare and serve the meal at your home, and leave your kitchen spotless afterward. Try the service of an in-home chef in San Diego now!

San Diego's best private chefs in your kitchen
All our private chefs are trained in top culinary schools and have years of experience in San Diego's best restaurants, hotels, and resorts. Browse our selection of personal chefs in San Diego to find your perfect culinary match.
San Diego, famous for its stunning beaches and the iconic Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo, also has an exciting food scene. From fresh seafood to gourmet dishes, our chefs deliver the best flavors San Diego has to offer.
Hire a San Diego private chef and make your event unforgettable. Whether it's a bachelorette party, wedding, or any special occasion, we've got the chef for you!

Your house, the city's best restaurant
San Diego offers a rich blend of local and international cuisines. Why wait to explore these flavors? Create a unique and intimate unique experience with Take a Chef.
More than just a private chef agency, we bring our passion for food to your home, allowing you to connect with your loved ones over an unforgettable meal. For your next memorable event, consider hiring a personal chef for a dinner party in San Diego.






Hear from our personal chefs in San Diego
Discover what makes each of our private chefs special. Enjoy a unique at-home culinary experience with a San Diego chef who will tailor every detail to your preferences. Whether you want a dinner party with a chef in San Diego or a healthy personal chef in San Diego, trust Take a Chef to provide the best culinary options in the city.









