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Private cooking instructors near Newport Beach, CA

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These pros consistently receive high praise in customer reviews.These popular pros are highly sought after for their quality and expertise.These pros recognize that your time is important, and are the fastest to respond to requests.These highly recommended pros are experts, ready to help with your project.

These pros consistently receive high praise in customer reviews.These popular pros are highly sought after for their quality and expertise.These pros recognize that your time is important, and are the fastest to respond to requests.These highly recommended pros are experts, ready to help with your project.

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Avatar for Chef Steph's Events
Avatar for Chef Steph's Events
Chef Steph's Events
Chef Steph's Events

Top Pro

Excellent 4.9

(9)

Excellent 4.9

(9)

Great value
  • 8 hires on Thumbtack
  • Serves Newport Beach, CA
  • 8 hires on Thumbtack
  • Serves Newport Beach, CA
Ryan T. says, "Y'all... if you're on the fence about hiring Chef Stef, let me save you some time. Do it. Chef Stef and her sous chef, Mike, catered my dear friend's 50th birthday, and from start to finish they absolutely knocked it out of the park. I always host elaborate dinners, but my friend asked for her bday I hire a caterer instead of cook, so I could be present and enjoy myself.. I may never cook again. We hosted a plated dinner for 40 guests with passed hors d'oeuvres, and everything felt polished, effortless and genuinely special! The food was incredible. I'm still getting texts days later from guests asking about the crab cakes and those melt-in-your-mouth short ribs. They were that good. Every course was beautifully presented, perfectly timed and absolutely delicious. What impressed me even more was how thoughtful they were behind the scenes. They worked with every food allergy and dietary restriction without making anyone feel like an afterthought. They even prepared extra vegetarian portions just in case someone changed their mind. That's the kind of foresight you don't think about until you need it. Service was flawless. Stef and Mike passed appetizers, served every plated course, cleared dishes, kept the kitchen spotless and somehow managed to make the entire evening feel relaxed. I never had to wonder if something was getting done because they were already on it. And then... the cake. The bakery decided it was a brilliant idea to send a beautiful two-tier birthday cake via Uber Courier. It arrived, as predicted, on its side. I was somewhere between anger and tears, and without hesitation Stef rolled up her sleeves, stood beside me and helped save the cake. Both of us cook but neither of us are cake decorators, together we pieced it back together well enough that nobody at the party had a clue anything had happened. She didn't have to do that. It wasn't her responsibility. But that's exactly the kind of person she is. Chef Stef and Mike genuinely cares about making your event successful. Five stars isn't enough. ❤️"See more
Ryan T. says, "Y'all... if you're on the fence about hiring Chef Stef, let me save you some time. Do it. Chef Stef and her sous chef, Mike, catered my dear friend's 50th birthday, and from start to finish they absolutely knocked it out of the park. I always host elaborate dinners, but my friend asked for her bday I hire a caterer instead of cook, so I could be present and enjoy myself.. I may never cook again. We hosted a plated dinner for 40 guests with passed hors d'oeuvres, and everything felt polished, effortless and genuinely special! The food was incredible. I'm still getting texts days later from guests asking about the crab cakes and those melt-in-your-mouth short ribs. They were that good. Every course was beautifully presented, perfectly timed and absolutely delicious. What impressed me even more was how thoughtful they were behind the scenes. They worked with every food allergy and dietary restriction without making anyone feel like an afterthought. They even prepared extra vegetarian portions just in case someone changed their mind. That's the kind of foresight you don't think about until you need it. Service was flawless. Stef and Mike passed appetizers, served every plated course, cleared dishes, kept the kitchen spotless and somehow managed to make the entire evening feel relaxed. I never had to wonder if something was getting done because they were already on it. And then... the cake. The bakery decided it was a brilliant idea to send a beautiful two-tier birthday cake via Uber Courier. It arrived, as predicted, on its side. I was somewhere between anger and tears, and without hesitation Stef rolled up her sleeves, stood beside me and helped save the cake. Both of us cook but neither of us are cake decorators, together we pieced it back together well enough that nobody at the party had a clue anything had happened. She didn't have to do that. It wasn't her responsibility. But that's exactly the kind of person she is. Chef Stef and Mike genuinely cares about making your event successful. Five stars isn't enough. ❤️"
Avatar for Chef Julie and Mathias
Avatar for Chef Julie and Mathias
Chef Julie and Mathias
Chef Julie and Mathias

Exceptional 5.0

(8)

Exceptional 5.0

(8)

  • 3 hires on Thumbtack
  • Serves Newport Beach, CA
  • 3 hires on Thumbtack
  • Serves Newport Beach, CA
Anne I. says, "⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Julie is truly one of the top French chefs in the South Bay. She brings authentic French culture to life through her cooking and exceptional pastry skills. What makes her stand out even more is the emotion you can feel in her work — and actually taste in every bite. Her consistency and professionalism are outstanding. Julie gives everything she has to make her clients happy, always going above and beyond expectations. She is also incredibly innovative and brings fresh, exciting creations that elevate the local culinary scene. The South Bay is very lucky to have her. Don’t miss her latest creation, the Melt’z — an absolutely amazing dessert that satisfies every taste and leaves you wanting more. Highly recommended!"See more
Anne I. says, "⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Julie is truly one of the top French chefs in the South Bay. She brings authentic French culture to life through her cooking and exceptional pastry skills. What makes her stand out even more is the emotion you can feel in her work — and actually taste in every bite. Her consistency and professionalism are outstanding. Julie gives everything she has to make her clients happy, always going above and beyond expectations. She is also incredibly innovative and brings fresh, exciting creations that elevate the local culinary scene. The South Bay is very lucky to have her. Don’t miss her latest creation, the Melt’z — an absolutely amazing dessert that satisfies every taste and leaves you wanting more. Highly recommended!"
Avatar for Thomas Jamison Personal Chef
Avatar for Thomas Jamison Personal Chef
Thomas Jamison Personal Chef
Thomas Jamison Personal Chef

5.0

(1)

5.0

(1)

  • Serves Newport Beach, CA
  • Serves Newport Beach, CA
Melanie M. says, "I have hired Chef Tom for a number of things; weekly meal prep, small private dinner, and large parties. His food is always incredible! Not only does he use my preference of sustainable, organic ingredients but his menu options are SO wide! He can prepare any ethnicity of food and only uses ingredients and spices specific to those dishes. Additionally, he has always accommodated all food allergies and preferences my family & guests have without issue. His hourly rate is lower than other personal chefs I considered, without compromising efficiency and quality. He communicated with me throughout each process to ensure his menu fit what I wanted. He shops wherever your preference is, so you are for sure getting the quality of ingredients you want. I have hired him many times and will continue to hire him for any and all food-related needs my family has! Chef Tom is definitely the way to go for your family and special events!"See more
Melanie M. says, "I have hired Chef Tom for a number of things; weekly meal prep, small private dinner, and large parties. His food is always incredible! Not only does he use my preference of sustainable, organic ingredients but his menu options are SO wide! He can prepare any ethnicity of food and only uses ingredients and spices specific to those dishes. Additionally, he has always accommodated all food allergies and preferences my family & guests have without issue. His hourly rate is lower than other personal chefs I considered, without compromising efficiency and quality. He communicated with me throughout each process to ensure his menu fit what I wanted. He shops wherever your preference is, so you are for sure getting the quality of ingredients you want. I have hired him many times and will continue to hire him for any and all food-related needs my family has! Chef Tom is definitely the way to go for your family and special events!"
Avatar for L.O.V.E. Premier Catering & Events
Avatar for L.O.V.E. Premier Catering & Events
L.O.V.E. Premier Catering & Events
L.O.V.E. Premier Catering & Events

Top Pro

Exceptional 5.0

(62)

Exceptional 5.0

(62)

In high demand
  • 120 hires on Thumbtack
  • Serves Newport Beach, CA
  • 120 hires on Thumbtack
  • Serves Newport Beach, CA

Online now

Kelli V. says, "My line sisters and I celebrated 25 years of membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc this year and decided to travel to wine country in Temecula, CA to celebrate. I contacted Chef Shi to be our private chef for a day. The excitement in Chef’s voice each time we spoke (leading up to our trip) let me know that we were in for a treat. She and her assistant Jessica were amazing from start to finish! They were personable, lighthearted and fun. We decided on doing a brunch and a dinner. She created custom menus to fit all of our dietary restrictions/preferences and the food was WONDERFUL!! She created a full experience for us from the table decor to custom cocktails/mocktails. The attention to detail was appreciated and the best part of it all is we didn’t have to lift a finger. She did everything for us and left the kitchen spotless, just as she found it. I highly recommend her any event."See more
Kelli V. says, "My line sisters and I celebrated 25 years of membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc this year and decided to travel to wine country in Temecula, CA to celebrate. I contacted Chef Shi to be our private chef for a day. The excitement in Chef’s voice each time we spoke (leading up to our trip) let me know that we were in for a treat. She and her assistant Jessica were amazing from start to finish! They were personable, lighthearted and fun. We decided on doing a brunch and a dinner. She created custom menus to fit all of our dietary restrictions/preferences and the food was WONDERFUL!! She created a full experience for us from the table decor to custom cocktails/mocktails. The attention to detail was appreciated and the best part of it all is we didn’t have to lift a finger. She did everything for us and left the kitchen spotless, just as she found it. I highly recommend her any event."

FAQs

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thumbtack.

You can take private cooking classes to have fun, to learn a new skill, to improve your health, to bond with your partner, to enjoy a playful first date or to have a unique birthday party experience. Nationally the average cost of private cooking lessons ranges between $100 and $150. Prices can vary, depending on where you live, the type of cooking class you’re taking, the ingredients the chef provides, and the reputation of the chef. Cooking classes with Anthony Bourdain will clearly cost more than classes with a local restaurant owner. The number of people in the class will also affect the cost, with group lessons often priced per person to account for the cost of ingredients. For example, for group lessons, a brunch workshop may cost an average of $70 per person, a steak dinner with sides could cost an average of $80-$85 per person, and a sushi lesson could cost an average of $100 per person. Ingredients play a major role in cost, as the chef will pre-purchase the food you will be working with. Weekday classes will usually cost less than weekend classes.

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