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If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
I believe in superb hospitality and creating a memorable culinary experience for every client. As a personal chef, I focus on sourcing high-quality ingredients and presenting them beautifully so you and your guests can relax and enjoy the moment. With over 12 years in business, my passion for cooking still drives everything I do, from intimate at-home dinners to special events. My small team and I are dedicated to making your event seamless, delicious, and stress-free from start to finish.
Please note: I have a $750 minimum plus groceries for drop-offs and meal delivery, and a $1500 minimum for at-home dinners. If this sounds like the experience you’re looking for, I’d love to discuss your event.
Overview
Hired 339 times
Serves Oakland, CA
Background checked
4 employees
12 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, Google Pay, PayPal, Square cash app, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2025
2024
2023
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2021
2019
2018
2017
Services offered
Event type
Additional food/drink
Dessert
Cold beverages (non-alcoholic)
Cold beverages (alcoholic)
Hot beverages (coffee, tea, etc.)
Cuisine types
American - casual
American - formal
Italian
Southern
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.
Great 4.8
198 reviews
5
93%
4
3%
3
2%
2
0%
1
2%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Mischelle F.
5 days ago
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Hired on Thumbtack
Our experience with Daniella and her team was absolutely wonderful. From the moment they arrived, the chef and servers were professional, caring, and incredibly kind. They made every one of our guests feel comfortable and welcomed, and by the end of the evening, it truly felt as though Daniella was part of the party rather than simply there working.
The food was out of this world. Every course was beautifully presented, elegant, and absolutely delicious. Our home smelled amazing as they prepared the meal, and I especially appreciated how Daniella took the time to answer my son’s questions about the cooking techniques. That personal touch made the experience even more special.
Our schedule was running a little behind, and the entire team was so gracious and flexible. They adjusted to our timing without making us feel rushed and made sure the evening continued seamlessly.
When everything was finished, our kitchen was left spotless, and they even thoughtfully left us a few extras to enjoy later, which we happily devoured!
I cannot recommend Daniella and her team highly enough. They helped make our celebration incredibly special and gave us an experience we will remember for a long time. If you are considering having Daniella cook for your event, you will not be disappointed!
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 11 - 20 guests • Dinner • I'm flexible • Dessert • Cold beverages (alcoholic) • American - casual • American - formal • Asian • French • Barbecue • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Indian • I'm flexible • Only once • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
REGINA B.
Mar 15, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Chef Daniella and her staff were fantastic. She worked closely with me to curate the perfect menu and was thoughtful about every detail along the way. The food was absolutely delicious, beautifully prepared, and made with high-quality ingredients — our guests loved everything.
What I appreciated most was how she and her team completely took the stress out of the evening. For once I was actually able to enjoy hosting instead of worrying about what was happening in the kitchen. They were professional, organized, and incredibly easy to work with from start to finish.
They also left the kitchen spotless, which I truly appreciated. If you’re considering hiring a private chef for a dinner or gathering, I would absolutely recommend Chef Daniella and her team. They made the whole evening seamless and memorable
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 11 - 20 guests • Dinner • I'm flexible • American - casual • American - formal • Italian • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Indian • I'm flexible • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Richard S.
Apr 21, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Chef Daniella is a wealth of knowledge about cooking and preparation. She’s easy to work with, and patient with us Sous cooks! We cooked three dishes, and I enjoyed every minute of my tutorial. We’ll continue more lessons in the future.
Details: 1 person • Southeast Asian • Italian • French • Mediterranean • Mexican / Latin • I'm flexible • No dietary restrictions • Adult (over 18) • Intermediate • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Private Cooking Lessons
Brienne B.
Mar 16, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Daniella was fantastic to work with and helped make our event truly special. She catered a work gathering at one of our senior leader’s homes and created a completely custom experience for us. This included a taco bar that was absolutely delicious and a cocktail-making demonstration that was a huge hit with our guests.
From the start, Daniella was flexible, responsive, and incredibly accommodating. She handled everything from rentals to additional staff and full setup, which made the planning process seamless. She was punctual, professional, and went out of her way to bring our vision for the event to life. We even had issues with a beverage delivery I arranged and she drove to the store to pick up our items in person.
I highly recommend Daniella if you’re planning a special event and want a thoughtful, high-quality catering experience.
Details: 11+ people • Mexican / Latin • I'm flexible • Adult (over 18) • Beginner • My home, venue, etc.
Private Cooking Lessons
Ashley S.
3 weeks ago
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Hired on Thumbtack
Chef Dani was so great and easy to work with. She was so responsive and flexible with accommodating all the dietary needs we had in our group. The food was amazing from start to end and the timing of everything was perfect, not too slow and not too fast. Highly recommend working with Chef Dai, she's the best!
Details: Brunch / dinner party • 11 - 20 guests • Dinner • I'm flexible • American - casual • American - formal • Gluten free or celiac • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Credentials
Background Check
Daniella Bensimon
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Pricing covers commercial kitchen rental, menu planning, groceries, shopping time, prep, cooking, clean up, packaging.
I use organic and locally sourced meat, poultry, seafood and produce. Only the best for my clients! I pay my staff a generous wage.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Dining at the very best, most quality restaurants in town, cooking classes, reading culinary magazines, trying out new recipes at home for loved ones, blog subscriptions, visits to eclectic food markets, TRAVEL!!!
How did you get started doing this type of work?
After numerous years of unsatisfying job experiences, I decided to pursue my passion for cooking & creating personalized menus as well as event management; it's been nonstop busy ever since and I do not look back! I couldn't imagine returning to a 9-5 and I absolutely love being my own boss. I also love that I work for my customers, always able to put my customers first!
