Restaurant-Quality Dining.

Private Chef Experiences Throughout San Diego

Customized Menus • Full Service • Dietary Accommodations

Starting at $65 Per Guest

Custom menus, premium ingredients, and full-service private dining experiences prepared in your home. From intimate dinners to sushi nights and tasting menus, every event is designed to deliver restaurant-quality cuisine without the restaurant.

Perfectly seared scallops nestled in a vibrant Serrano-Cilantro sauce, accented with pickled shallots, crisp microgreens, and delicate radish rounds to create depth and visual drama.

Thinly sliced salmon crudo served with a bright orange-lemon ponzu, layered with citrus segments and crisp cucumber for freshness. Finished with shaved radish, Serrano chile, toasted sesame seeds, and fried capers for salt and crunch, then lifted wit

Yellowtail Crudo topped with crisp cucumber, fresh micro-greens, and a savory toasted garlic crunch. Finished with a splash of spicy ponzu, lime zest, and radish for a bright, acid-forward finish.

Shrimp Cocktail featuring poached tiger shrimp over crisp leaf lettuce and refreshing radish. Served with a bold, house-made cocktail sauce and a side of horseradish, finished with fresh lime zest for a bright, coastal finish.

Precision-carved Atlantic salmon petals arranged in a stunning rose presentation, marinated in a citrus-ponzu. Accompanied by cucumber ribbons and wafer-thin radish for an elegant, garden-inspired masterpiece.

Thick-cut cucumber coins tossed in a spicy garlic ponzu sauce. Topped with sesame seeds, crispy aromatics, and fresh micro-greens, served alongside thinly shaved radish rounds.

Cucumber Wrapped Citrus Salad featuring fresh arugula and bright orange segments, all encased in a crisp cucumber ribbon. Finished with toasted sesame seeds and thin radish rounds for a refreshing, high-contrast bite.

Ahi Tuna Tostada topped with a silky avocado puree, hand-diced tuna, and crisp cucumbers. Finished with toasted sesame seeds, fresh micro-greens, and a savory yuzu gel for a perfectly balanced bite.

Hand-cut steak tartare topped with pickled red onions, peppery micro-radish, and a toasted garlic crunch. Finished with a fresh lime zing and droplets of yuzu gel.

Bone-in, golden Herb Roasted Chicken Thigh served atop velvety garlic mashed potatoes and honey-roasted carrots. Finished with tangy pickled shallots and delicate microgreens for a rustic yet sophisticated presentation.

Tender scallop medallion resting on a sharp, creamy horseradish aioli, kissed with a splash of spicy ponzu, toasted garlic crunch, and bright citrus zest—an elegant, flavor-packed one-bite delight.

A vibrant tasting spoon featuring hand-pressed salmon nigiri and a hand-torn orange segment, topped with crispy aromatics and a precision cucumber ribbon.

Golden, tender Jumbo Lump Crab Cake perched over a silky lemon-garlic horseradish sauce, crowned with bright pickled red onions and peppery micro-radish for a luxurious, flavor-packed bite.

A succulent, bone-in tasting portion of herb-crusted chicken, served over a vibrant, small-batch chimichurri. Garnished with precision-shaved radish, pickled shallots, and fresh micro-greens.

Chilled jumbo shrimp resting on a crisp cucumber salad tossed in a bright chili-lime vinaigrette. Finished with toasted garlic crunch and fresh micro-greens.

A tender medallion of pan-seared salmon, finished with a rich soy glaze and set over a velvety garlic aioli. Accompanied by a precision cucumber ribbon, toasted sesame, and crispy garlic.

A tender, pan-seared Filet Mignon medallion served medium-rare over a velvety garlic potato puree. Nestled in a tasting spoon with a crisp radish round and fresh micro-greens

Pan-seared Filet Mignon, cooked to a perfect medium rare and fanned over a velvety garlic-horseradish aioli. Topped with vibrant micro-greens and pickled shallots for a savory, sophisticated bite that melts on the palate.

A one-bite tasting of my Signature Caesar salad. Crisp romaine dressed and nestled in a tasting spoon with a petite golden crouton, sharp Parmesan flake, and crispy capers.

Crisp romaine hearts lightly dressed in Caesar Dressing and draped with thick-cut shavings of aged Parmesan. Topped with golden, toasted croutons and crispy capers for a perfect balance.

Atlantic Cod cured for 24 hours in a traditional miso-mirin glaze, pan-seared to achieve a deep, caramelized finish. Served with toasted sesame, fresh scallion curls, and a charred lemon wheel for a smoky-citrus edge.

A trusted private dining experience

★★★★★ Google Reviews | ★★★★★ Yelp |

Private Chef Experiences

Why Guests Choose Chris Prael

The difference between dining out and inviting a private chef into your home isn’t just the food—it’s the experience that surrounds it.

Customized Dining, Designed Around You

Every menu is thoughtfully tailored to your event, preferences, and dietary needs. Whether you're planning an intimate dinner, celebration, or special occasion, your experience is designed specifically for you and your guests.

Full-Service Private Chef Experience

From planning and sourcing ingredients to cooking, service, and cleanup, everything is handled for you. You enjoy your guests while I deliver a restaurant-level experience in the comfort of your home.

Refined Culinary Experience

With years of professional kitchen experience, I focus on precise technique, high-quality ingredients, and thoughtful execution to create meals that feel both elevated and personal.

Restaurant-quality cuisine. Personalized hospitality. Complete peace of mind.

How this Works

Step 1 Submit Your Inquiry

Fill out the brief booking form with your date, estimated guest count, and the culinary direction you're envisioning.

Step 2 Menu Consultation

I will provide a transparent, detailed breakdown of pricing and menu options tailored to your specific event, taste profile, and dietary boundaries.

Step 3 Reserve Your Date

Lock in your calendar date with a secure $150 deposit. This officially initiates ingredient sourcing and prep coordination.

Step 4 Customization & Final Polish

I finalize every plate detail, coordinate allergy modifications, and map out your kitchen's specific layout.

Step 5 The Experience

I arrive with premium, seasonal ingredients. Everything is cooked, plated, and narrated to your guests right at your table.

Step 6 Impeccable Cleanup

Your kitchen is meticulously cleaned and returned to its original, spotless condition before I leave. You don't wash a single dish.

From intimate dinners to interactive culinary events, each experience is thoughtfully designed to bring restaurant-quality dining directly to your home.

Featured Private Chef Experiences

Coursed Tasting Experience

A curated coursed tasting experience featuring 5–10 small plates highlighting seasonal ingredients and technique. A more expansive, exploratory dining experience than a traditional five-course menu, served in your home for a deeper culinary journey.

Starting at $85 per guest

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Private Dinner Experience

A curated five-course dining experience featuring a small bite starter, soup or salad, appetizer, entrée, and dessert. Thoughtfully prepared and served in your home, perfect for date nights, birthdays, anniversaries, and special celebrations.

Starting at $65 per guest

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Omakase Sushi Experience

A curated omakase experience featuring courses of seasonal fish, premium ingredients, and precise technique. Each course is chef-selected and served piece by piece for a highly personal, elevated tasting experience in your home.

Starting at $85 per guest

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Romantic Date Night Experience

A private romantic dining experience designed for two, featuring a curated multi-course menu, intimate pacing, and personalized service. Perfect for anniversaries, proposals, or a memorable night in your home.

Starting at $85 Per Guest

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Dairy-Free Dining Experience

A curated dairy-free dining experience featuring a multi-course menu crafted without dairy, focusing on seasonal ingredients, bold flavors, and refined technique. Fully tailored and served in your home without compromising on creativity or depth.

Starting at $85 Per Guest

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Reviews

Alexis White

4/24/26 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ BBQ Private Dinner
The highlight for me was that Chris made a special dairy free cornbread for me and it was so delicious! Amazing and well done dinner by Chris! I liked that he took the time to create a menu and share it in advance. I appreciate that Chris was able to make modifications for my dietary restrictions without compromising the flavor of the food. Everything he prepared was delicious. I am impressed with Chris' professionalism, skills and attention to detail. Would recommend him to everyone and will be coming back! :)
Clayton Cosby

3/28/26 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Steakhouse Tasting Menu
Had an amazing experience with our personal chef. The highlight of the night was definitely the steak tartare easily my favorite dish. Everything was prepared perfectly, and you could tell a lot of care went into the details. Chris was super friendly, professional, and made the whole experience feel relaxed and seamless. He was great to have around and really elevated the night for me and my friends. Would 100% book again.
Renee Mizuhara

4/11/26 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 8 Course Surf and Turf
Everything was so well put together—each dish came out at the perfect time and looked amazing. The presentation was beautiful, and we really appreciated the thoughtful explanations of each course.
Tayler Rodenburg

4/16/26 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 8 Course Sushi Tasting Menu
Great presentation and excellent texture and flavor on every item served. My favorite was the spicy garlic edamame but all of the rolls served and the sorbet dessert were all delicious.
Andre Siu Young

4/11/26 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 8 Course Surf and Turf Tasting Menu
I had an 8 course dinner that lasted over 2 hours with our private chef doing an excellent job. I would certainly recommend him to anyone interested in have an experience with this chefs planning and presentation and cooking prowess. We had a lot of options to choose from and was able to arrive at the conclusion menu of a surf and turf. The price is very reasonable for this 8 course dinner around and really elevated the night for me and my friends. Would 100% book again.

Occasions to Book

Dinner Parties

Host an elegant multi-course dinner for friends and family without the stress of cooking. Chef Chris Prael prepares and serves a refined private dining experience in the comfort of your home.

Birthdays

Celebrate your birthday with a custom chef-prepared menu designed to create a memorable experience for you and your guests.

Anniversaries

Enjoy a romantic candlelit multi-course dining experience thoughtfully crafted for your celebration.

Vacation Dining

Guests staying in vacation homes throughout the San Diego area can enjoy a luxury private chef experience without leaving their rental home.

Corporate or Special Events

Impress clients, celebrate company milestones, or host a meaningful gathering with a seamless and professionally curated private dining experience.

Any Occasion

Whether you are planning an intimate dinner, holiday gathering, engagement celebration, or simply want an elevated evening at home, Chef Chris Prael creates personalized dining experiences tailored to every occasion.

I’m Chris Prael

Private Chef & Business Owner — San Diego

I build complete private dining experiences that combine restaurant-level cooking with fully designed, end-to-end service. I don’t just cook in your home — I create and run the entire experience around it.

Professional Kitchen Background

Years working in professional kitchens, including a strong foundation in sushi, shaped my approach to precision, timing, and consistency. Everything I do is built around structured execution and intentional detail at every step.

What Makes My Work Different

I don’t just cook — I design and manage the entire experience.

That includes custom menu creation, printed menu design, and the backend systems that handle booking, scheduling, and payments.

On-site, I handle everything needed for service — plates, utensils, glassware, water service, full setup, and complete cleanup — so you don’t have to think about anything.

The Experience

The goal is simple: remove the stress of hosting and replace it with a fully controlled, restaurant-quality dining experience.

Whether it’s a private dinner, sushi experience, or tasting menu, everything is designed so you can stay present at the table and actually enjoy the moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Every experience includes menu planning, ingredient sourcing, on-site cooking, plating, service, and full kitchen cleanup—so you can relax and enjoy your meal.
Pricing depends on your menu choice, guest count, and level of service. Experiences range from $65+ per person. I'll provide a clear, detailed quote after you select your menu so you know exactly what to expect—no hidden fees.
My private dining experiences are designed for intimate gatherings. Most events work best for 1–20 guests, but I can accommodate larger groups with advanced planning.
Yes! Menu changes can be made during the planning process. I’ll work with you to adjust courses or accommodate new preferences, keeping your experience seamless.
I provide all necessary plates, utensils, and cookware. I make sure everything is set up for a seamless, restaurant-quality experience.
I recommend booking at least 1–2 weeks in advance. For weekends, holidays, or larger events, I suggest booking as early as possible to secure your preferred date. Last-minute bookings may also be possible and I’ll do my best to fit them in.
I can work with most standard kitchens, but ideally, a functional stove, oven, and basic prep space are helpful. If needed, I can also bring any additional equipment to ensure your experience runs smoothly.
For now, I can pair only non-alcoholic drinks with your meals, but guests are always welcome to bring any beverages they like.

Yes! I offer on-site private chef services and can travel to your home or chosen venue. Travel may be subject to a small fee depending on distance.
Absolutely, that is the best choice! You can choose from my curated menus or work with me to design a fully personalized menu tailored to your tastes, dietary needs, and event style.
Yes, of course. Dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, allergies, and more. Just let me know when planning your menu.
Yes! Rescheduling is possible with sufficient notice, depending on availability. I’ll work with you to find a new date that fits your schedule.
Most experiences last between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the number of courses and the style of service. I take the time to ensure each course is perfectly prepared and presented.
Yes! Printed menus are provided for your event, helping to create a polished and professional dining experience.
Gratuity is not included and is never required—just appreciated if you’d like to show extra thanks for your experience.