Frequently asked
Everything you ask before booking.
Pricing, what's included, allergies, cleanup, areas served. The honest answers — same answers we'd give you on a call.
Pricing
Pricing
- How much does a private chef cost in San Francisco?
- Meal prep starts at $95 per session for a Rising chef, $115 for two mains and two sides, and $165 for a full week's prep (3–4 mains, 2–3 sides). Skilled chefs are +30% and Seasoned chefs start at +50% over the baseline. Groceries are included.
- Are groceries included in the price?
- Yes. Your chef sources groceries the morning of the session and brings everything to your kitchen. The price you see is the price you pay.
- Do I need to tip the chef?
- Tipping is optional and never expected. Most regulars who see the same chef every week don't tip per session; one-off dinner-party clients often tip $30–$60.
- Is there a cancellation fee?
- Cancel free up to 48 hours before the session. Inside 48 hours we charge a small fee to cover the chef's lost slot and any groceries already sourced.
How it works
How it works
- How does the booking flow work?
- Pick a date, a tier, a neighborhood, and any allergies. We match you with a nearby chef within 24–48 hours. You confirm the menu, the chef shops the morning of, cooks in your kitchen, and cleans up before leaving.
- How far ahead do I need to book?
- Most weeknights are bookable 48 hours ahead. Weekends and special menus go faster — we recommend a week if you can.
- Do I need to clean my kitchen before the chef arrives?
- No. Just clear a bit of counter space so the chef has a landing zone for groceries and tools. The kitchen leaves cleaner than it started.
- Can the chef use my pantry?
- If you have staples on hand (oil, salt, basics), say so when you book and we can avoid sourcing duplicates. Otherwise the chef brings everything fresh.
Allergies & diet
Allergies & diet
- Can you handle allergies?
- Yes. Every menu can be swapped for gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, nut-free, shellfish-free, and other allergens. Tell us when you book and we confirm with the chef before prep starts.
- Can you do kosher, halal, or other religious diets?
- Yes, when we have a chef in your area who can source and prepare accordingly. Mention it at booking and we'll match you with the right chef.
Areas served
Areas served
- Where do you cook?
- Every neighborhood in San Francisco, plus the East Bay, the Peninsula, and the South Bay — 149 cities and neighborhoods total across the Bay Area.
- Do you charge extra for distance?
- No. Pricing is flat per session regardless of which Bay Area neighborhood you're in.
Cleanup & service
Cleanup & service
- Will my kitchen be left clean?
- Cleanup is part of the price. Counters wiped, dishes done, dishwasher started, trash out. We leave the kitchen cleaner than we found it.
- Does the chef serve dinner or just cook it?
- Depends on the tier. Meal prep tiers pack and label everything into containers; event tiers include plating and service through dessert.