Find a personal chef for hire in San Diego, CA

Find personal chefs for hire in San Diego, CA

Find personal chefs for hire in San Diego, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best personal chefs for hire in your area.
Zip code

Budget per person

Find personal chefs for hire in San Diego, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best personal chefs for hire in your area.
Zip code

Budget per person

Top 10 personal chefs for hire in San Diego, CA

Clients agree: these San Diego personal chefs for hire are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
The Soul Bistro

The Soul Bistro

5.0(1)
3 hires on Fash
19+ years in business
Serves San Diego, CA
Bonny S M. says, "Soul Bistro came forward and is willing to donate his time to cook for 6 people at their home to be auctioned off at our Big-Table San Diego fund raiser. We are so blessed and looking forward to him sharing his cooking expertise with others. Bonny Morano - Big Table- San Diego" Read more
Fruitcakes Chef Services

Fruitcakes Chef Services

5.0(2)
12+ years in business
Serves San Diego, CA
Alexis T. says, "Thank you Kathy for an amazing dinner! Our girls absolutely enjoyed every bit of it for our bachelorette party — would highly recommend!" Read more
Chef Caley

Chef Caley

New on Fash
3+ years in business
Serves San Diego, CA
I have been a chef working in restaurants since 2011. With a burning passion for food, and never ending ideas for new dishes, venturing into the world of being a private chef just felt right in 2021. Formal training has taught me how to maintain quality throughout your dining experience, while taking your taste buds on a ride and presenting each dish thier own unique way. Weather you are planning a formal dinner party, casual brunch, or a Sunday BBQ with the family, you won't regret choosing Chef Caley.
Pacific Coast Palate

Pacific Coast Palate

New on Fash
2 hires on Fash
3+ years in business
Serves San Diego, CA
Not your average caterer but your culinary experience. We have several highly trained chefs on the team, fine dining trained servers, mixologists to bartend, a creative director to assure the food syncs with your overall theme, and an event coordinator to make sure your event goes smooth as butter. We will work with you to customize a menu, assist you with table settings and all of your staffing needs. We bring the 5 star dinning to you and your guests.
Raj Shankar

Raj Shankar

New on Fash
Serves San Diego, CA
Providing healthy, delicious and exciting meals for you and your loved ones! I put a lot of thought into every meal, using only the freshest ingredients I can find. I don’t have ass meals either, so if you want a specific cuisine that I haven’t made before I spend time researching how to authentically make it. I promise you will enjoy each bite!
Luis Camacho.

Luis Camacho.

New on Fash
24+ years in business
Serves San Diego, CA
I’m passionate, confident, and creative. I plan menus, prepare outstanding food, manage budgets, and l delivery quality of service to my customers.

Your Personal Chef questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Fash.

How much does a personal chef cost?

On average, a personal chef costs $40 to $100 per hour or $50 to $130 per person. Some personal chefs charge per year, month, or day. Many charge $200 to $750 per week to prepare meals that you can reheat during the week. A personal chef's fee for a one-time dinner party is $300 to $1,600.

On the other hand, a private chef costs $5,000 to $10,000 per month or $60,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on their experience and how many hours they work. They usually work full time, up to 60 hours per week. Some private chefs charge per hour or day to create food for a one-time dinner party, but most work receive a regular salary from a single client.

What does a personal chef do?

A personal chef prepares meals for a family or client, either for a one-time dinner or on a regular basis. Many personal chefs will make a fresh meal once per week for clients and prepare reheat-able meals that their clients can heat up on their own later.

Is a personal chef worth it?

Personal chefs are worth it if you don’t have the time or ability to cook and have enough money to pay someone to cook for you. A personal chef can help you:

  • Save time on grocery shopping and cooking
  • Eat healthier foods and avoid fast food
  • Try different kinds of foods and expand your palette
  • Throw a dinner party or holiday dinner

How is a personal chef different from a private chef?

A personal chef is a cook that prepares food for one or more families, typically on a weekly or one-time basis. They may have several clients at a time and usually charge less than private chefs.

In contrast, private chefs typically prepare meals full-time for one family at a time which pays them a yearly salary. Private chefs charge more than personal chefs because they often have more experience and prepare more fresh meals instead of packaged meals made in advance.

How do I choose a personal chef?

You can follow these steps to make sure you hire the best possible personal chef:

  • Compare multiple quotes from reputable chefs near you.
  • Read chefs' reviews on Fash and Google.
  • Ask for a detailed quote and contract in writing.
  • Ask about their training and experience.
  • Ask what fees they charge and how they handle paying for groceries.
  • Make sure they have experience with any dietary needs you may have.

What questions should I ask personal or private chefs?

To make sure you find the candidate that will work best with your family, ask these questions:

  • What are your rates? Do you charge per person, per hour, per week, or something else?
  • Where did you receive your training or culinary education?
  • How many years of relevant experience do you have?
  • Where will be preparing the food?
  • Do you charge extra for groceries, or will I reimburse you after you shop?
  • Do you have experience with any specific dietary restrictions?
  • How soon can you start if we decide you're a good fit?
  • Do you charge extra for food delivery?
  • Do you have a set menu with rotating recipes, or could we make a customized meal plan?

Reviews for San Diego personal chefs for hire

Recent success stories from people in the San Diego area.
Nicole N.
Kathy is amazing. I can pick any recipe, out of any book, ask her to accomodate dietary preferences, and she delivers WORLD CLASS CUISINE! I have worked with Kathy at least 50-100 times; she's my go-to chef for cooking for my family and cooking for events. I just love her. She's also reliable, timely, and just an exquisite chef. Big or small, Kathy is awesome!
Fruitcakes Chef Services
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San Diego personal chefs for hire by service