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(3)
2 hires on Fash
12+ years in business
Serves San Diego, CA
Johnny S. says, "We cannot say enough about Kathy and her delicious food! As a person, Kathy is as kind and warm as they come! As a chef and entrepreneur, she's the best! We first met Kathy on Kauai 10 years ago when she catered our besties' wedding. Kathy then moved to San Diego and we have worked with her on many occasions including big family celebrations and office lunches. We are so grateful that in November 2024, she is joining us on Kauai for our destination wedding where she will be with our family to delight us with her culinary skills . You cannot ask for a better human to work with to cater your special occasion." Read more
Private Chef

Private Chef

New on Fash
2 hires on Fash
6+ years in business
Serves San Diego, CA
Welcome to Chef Steph’s page, your premier destination for personalized culinary and event planning experiences in San Diego and Orange County. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner or a grand wedding, we provide bespoke services including personal chef offerings, expert wedding and event planning, and innovative food truck or cart services. With a focus on creating memorable experiences you and your loved ones will enjoy. We provide unparalleled service and attention to detail as we bring your vision to life.
Pacific Coast Palate

Pacific Coast Palate

New on Fash
3 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.
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.
Michae Rodriguez

Michae Rodriguez

New on Fash
1 hire on Fash
Serves San Diego, CA
Got a special event? Look no further! With over 12 years of experience as a Chef in professional kitchens, I have a vast knowledge in different cooking styles and methods. I am flexible and can adjust according to your event needs.
Dinner With A Chef

Dinner With A Chef

5.0(1)
9+ years in business
Serves San Diego, CA
Beau S. says, "Dinner with a Chef is a world-class personal chef organization. I've known their team for a long time and they are true professionals and masters of their craft. They treat their clients with care, love, and integrity. And they take pride in their work and in providing the highest standard of customer service. Highly recommended." Read more
Cook4U

Cook4U

4.8Excellent(5)
2 hires on Fash
4+ years in business
Serves San Diego, CA
Laurie N. says, "Obed came prepared and excited to create dishes. He went beyond the usual catering service, dishes were authentic and well crafted. Our guests were pleased and impressed. Prices were reasonable. " Read more
Cape Fire Grill - Hand Crafted Food

Cape Fire Grill - Hand Crafted Food

New on Fash
9+ years in business
Serves San Diego, CA
We specialize in hand crafted cuisine for all over the world. Wether you looking for Italian, Mediterranean, South African, BBQ, America, Asian or any other fusion we are able to prepare it all from scratch. We focus on local clean healthy ingredients and hand-craft them into your delicious meals.
Paradise Creations S.D. Catering

Paradise Creations S.D. Catering

5.0Exceptional(10)
1 hire on Fash
11+ years in business
Serves San Diego, CA
Karla L. says, "Chef Chuey is amazing! With an overflowing work load and super pressed with time, I luckily found Paradise Catering who made my 2-day meeting SO MUCH EASIER! I needed breakfast for 2 days to start our business meeting. I didn’t have much time to think about the menu so Chef Chuey provided a fantastic list of options — not your standard breakfast fare, but lovely-sounding dishes with unique twists. After a little adjustment, the menu was set and I knew, even though I had never met Chef face to face, eaten any of his food, seen his presentation, or even had a recommendation for him, I JUST KNEW I was not going to be disappointed. I WAS NOT! And neither were any of the attendees! I think all of the attendees commented to me about how wonderful breakflast was before our meeting concluded. Perhaps they were all secretly hoping everything was to be catered for our event by Paradise. Me too. I‘m sharing Chef Chuey’s contact info to everyone I know who plans meetings and events, or needs catering. And clearly I’ll be using Paradise Catering again and again! - Executive Director of a professional medical association" Read more

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.
Alexis T.
Thank you Kathy for an amazing dinner! Our girls absolutely enjoyed every bit of it for our bachelorette party — would highly recommend!
Fruitcakes Chef Services
Aureny
Excellent customer service, communication and his service is outstanding.
Cook4U
Thania G.
Paradise Creations have done a fantastic catering service at our wedding, their presentation was amazing, every detail they put to decorate the tables left us impressed with how they set up. The food was delicious. They are very punctual and professional. They are the best Catering service since the beginning of our planning to the day of the wedding they were cooperative and helped us a ton. I highly recommend them for your next event.
Paradise Creations S.D. Catering
Eric G.
Tainos was an experience everyone should enjoy. Attending the popup was the perfect night. The food was amazing, high quality and well plated. Frank is an excellent chef and his attention to detail was perfect. I would highly recommend.
Tainos Popup and Private Chef
Jessica C.
had the pleasure of experiencing an exceptional culinary journey thanks to Chef Julia Shelley. Her expertise and talent shone brightly as she curated a delightful menu for my anniversary party. Chef Julia's creations were the highlight of the evening, impressing guests with their flavors and presentation. Each dish was expertly crafted and beautifully arranged, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. Her culinary talents transformed my event into an unforgettable experience, and I highly recommend Chef Julia Shelley for anyone seeking exceptional dining. She is so kind, professional and wonderful to have a part of any event that you're planning to have! I highly recommend her!
French chef at Home
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San Diego personal chefs for hire by service