Private chef in San Diego
A private chef in San Diego treats you to incredible Californian flavors. Chat with one of our 400 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 23,346 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.
400 Private chefs in San Diego
The ideal private chef in San Diego, CA, is closer than you think.












Over 23,300 guests have enjoyed the private chef experience in San Diego
4.58 Chef
Guests in San Diego have given their private chef experience a 4.58.
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.
4.88 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in San Diego has been scored with a 4.88 on average.
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More than 9,468 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.








Yakitori chicken soy glazed
Assorted nigiri
Mixed baos and dumplings
Steamed or fried gyoza
Soy charred bavette steak oyster mushrooms sushi rice
Miso glazed chicken and vegetables and sushi risotto
Miso glazed salmon dish sauce vegetables and yakisoba
Matcha caramel.apple cake miso vanilla gelato
Japanese cheesecake and plum sorbet
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
Oyster rockafeller
Cheese and charcuterie board
Gougeres
Salmon tartare
Foie gras
Seared scallops with herbed veloute sauce
Niçoise salad
Mussels with white in white wine
French onion soup
Creamy mushroom soup
Lobster bisque
Pan seared chicken with herb citrus marinade, seasonal mushrooms and goat cheese
Pan fried white fish in browned butter with lemon beurre blanc sauce and blanched vegetables
Filet mignon with grilled asparagus and garlic parmesan mashed potatoes and red wine bordelaise
New orleans style bbq shrimp with white rice
Beef bourguignon
Seared salmon with lemon dill beurre blanc and sauteed spinach
Special of the week ( message me for details! )
Creme brulee
Mini chocolate cheesecake
Parfait
Seasonal tarts
Ile flottante
Opera cake
Filet crostini - blue cheese, red wine reduction, garlic
Grilled vegetable bruschetta - zucchini, squash, onion, tomato, balsamic, garlic, basil
Crab and srimp bisque - crab cake, jumbo shrimp
French onion soup - gruyere, fried onion
Stuffed mushrooms - beef bourguignon, red wine, blue cheese
Poached pear salad - prosciutto, blue cheese, arugula, walnuts
French bistro salad - tarragon, chives, lemon, pickled onion, walnuts
Caesar salad - garlic crostini, parmesan cheese
Wedge salad - blue cheese, tomato, cucumber, red onion
Ratatouille - tomato, squash, zucchini, onion, eggplant, roasted garlic
Duck - seared duck breast, candied orange peel, duck confit, cassoulet, haricots verts
Coq-au-vin - chicken thigh, bacon, mushrooms, ratatouille
Chateaubriand - garlic confit, mushrooms, red wine reduction, roasted potatoes
Seared salmon beurre blanc - asparagus, pommes frites,tomato beurre blanc
Bourbon pecan pie
Cheese cake - seasonal flavor of your choice with chantilly cream and anglaise
Crepes a l'orange - orange peel, grand marnier
Creme brulee - chantilly cream
Peach tarte tatin - grilled peaches, chantilly cream, cinnamon tuile
Cheese and charcuterie board
Ahi poke wonton
Black bean chipotle lobster tostada
Baja ceviche shooters
Guacamole tatemado with pork rinds and tortilla chips and plantain chips
Fried risotto ball with marinara
Hickory smoked crudo
Chicken and waffles with candied bacon bits
100 anniversary tijuana cesar salad
Asian papaya salad
Spring mix salad
Caprese salad
California caprese
Pork chashu ramen
Aztec tortilla soup
Chicken tom kha soup
California gazpacho
Filet mignon with grilled asparagus and garlic parmesan mashed potatoes and red wine reduction
Braised short rib and grits with red wine reduction
Macadamia, orange and basil crusted halibut and garlic parmesan mashed potatoes with orange beurre blanc sauce
Sesame seared tuna with mango, pineapple, habanero salsa, ponzu and white jazmine rice
Teriyaki mahi mahi with king trumpet mushrooms, green onions and grilled squash
Blackened salmon with greek lemon rice and grilled squash
Swordfish picatta with grilled asparagus and lemon beurre blanc sauce
Garlic shrimp skewers with honey rosemary vegetables
Fish on lentils with honey cream and herb medley
Trout almondine with garlic parmesan mashed potatoes and lemon beurre blanc
Harissa marinated pan seared chicken with arugula salad and honey rosemary potatoes
Special of the week ( message me for details! )
Apple cobbler
Assorted homemade cookies
Bread pudding
Coconut kahlua flan
Tiramisu
Creme brulee
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
Gougères with truffle honey (vegetarian)
Seafood carpaccio
Israeli salad (vegetarian)
Burrata & roasted tomato crostini (vegetarian)
Filet mignon au poivre with pommes purée & haricots verts
Branzino al limone
Golden turmeric rice pilaf with toasted almonds and raisins (vegetarian)
Slow-braised moroccan chicken with apricots, olives, and preserved lemon
Molten chocolate lava cake
Honey and pistachio baklava
Chocolate fondant with raspberry coulis
Burrata & roasted tomato crostini (vegetarian)
Camarones de baja
Chef’s seasonal salad
Branzino al limone
Grilled salmon with chermoula sauce
Seared chilean seabass- saffron couscous, roasted fennel, citrus beurre blanc
Chocolate fondant with raspberry coulis
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 400 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.
56% of our chefs in San Diego are women.
First menus are typically received within 6 hours after a request.
Our private chef services in San Diego started in 2016-04-14.
10.5% of our personal chef services in San Diego include kids.
One client has hired the same personal chef in San Diego 7 times.
Private chef bookings in San Diego have increased by 31% 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 5 days in San Diego.
We have over 3,356 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.









