How to Choose a Private Chef for Your Event in Lisbon

justinjennings
5 days ago
9 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Hiring a private chef in Lisbon offers a stress-free way to host events with personalised, high-quality dining. To make the right choice, focus on these key steps:

Define Your Event Needs: Be clear about the type of event, menu preferences, dietary requirements, and dining format (e.g., plated dinners or buffets).
Check Chef Credentials: Look for culinary training, client reviews, and past event portfolios. Certifications like food safety and allergen awareness are a plus.
Review Costs: Prices typically range from €49 to €93 per person, with factors like group size, menu complexity, and location affecting the total.
Prepare Your Venue: Ensure the kitchen is clean and equipped, and confirm if the chef provides tableware or if you need to arrange it.

For a standout experience, consider chefs like Justin Jennings, a Michelin-recommended professional with over 25 years of experience. His services include bespoke menus, on-site cooking, and post-event cleanup. Pricing starts at €65 per person, with a minimum spend of €500.

Plan ahead, communicate clearly with your chef, and review all contract terms to ensure your event runs smoothly.

Define Your Event Requirements

Getting clear on your event requirements is key. The more specific you are about the details, the easier it becomes for the chef to create a personalised culinary experience. Once you’ve outlined the specifics of your event, you’ll be ready to assess the chef’s qualifications.

Determine Event Type and Dining Format

The type of event you’re hosting will shape the menu and service style. Private chefs in Lisbon cater to a variety of occasions, such as intimate dinners, romantic evenings, family celebrations, bachelor and hen parties, weddings, and corporate events. The dining format you choose also plays a big role. For instance, a multi-course plated dinner demands precise timing and may require extra serving staff, while a buffet-style arrangement offers a more relaxed, self-service approach. By clarifying your preferred dining format, you’ll help streamline menu planning, ingredient sourcing, and staffing needs.

Specify Cuisine Preferences and Dietary Requirements

Discussing your cuisine preferences and dietary needs upfront allows the chef to craft a menu that suits everyone at the table. Private chefs are skilled at accommodating a range of dietary requirements - whether vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or tailored to other specific needs. They can even prepare special dishes for children.

"We customize every detail to your preferences", says Chef Bruno Kaizen.

Be sure to share your preferred cuisine styles - whether it’s Portuguese, Mediterranean, or fusion - along with any ingredient preferences or allergy details. Menus are designed uniquely for each event and can be fine-tuned through discussions with the chef. For example, in July 2019, Chef Bruno Kaizen catered a dinner party in Lisbon for a mixed group of vegetarians, vegans, children, and meat-eaters, showing his ability to handle a variety of dietary requests.

Review Location and Kitchen Setup

Take a close look at your venue’s kitchen facilities, as these can influence the complexity of the menu and the flow of service. When booking, provide details about the kitchen setup, as smaller residential kitchens often work best for gatherings of around 15 people. For larger events - especially those with more than 12 guests - you might need to arrange additional staff, such as servers or bartenders, separately.

Keep in mind that tableware and glassware are typically not included in the service, so you’ll need to provide these. Additionally, if your venue is far from the chef’s base, travel costs may be added to your bill. Chefs usually bring the necessary ingredients and equipment, managing both the preparation and cleanup of the kitchen and dining area.

With your venue details and event requirements clearly defined, you’ll be in a strong position to evaluate and select a chef whose skills align with your vision.

Assess Chef Qualifications and Experience

Once your event details are sorted, it’s time to evaluate potential chefs. Matching a chef's experience to your event needs is crucial to ensure they can deliver the quality and service you’re after. Their professional background and track record will help you gauge whether they can craft a dining experience that aligns with your expectations.

Verify Professional Background and Training

Look for chefs with strong culinary training from reputable hospitality schools or experience in Michelin-starred kitchens. For example, Chef Justin Jennings, the owner of the Michelin-recognised Lisbon restaurant "Downunder by Justin Jennings", is a standout figure. He won the 2022/23 "The World Cook" championship, a global TV cooking competition, and boasts over 25 years of international experience, including high-profile openings in Australia, Hong Kong, and Europe. He has also catered for exclusive diplomatic events.

While formal qualifications aren’t mandatory, certifications can demonstrate a chef’s professionalism and commitment to high standards. Certifications like Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene, Allergen Awareness, and comprehensive insurance coverage are good indicators. For events involving children or vulnerable guests, a DBS Check offers additional reassurance. For upscale events, look for chefs with advanced credentials, such as a Professional Cookery Diploma (Level 2 or 3) or a Grand Diplôme® Professional Chef Diploma.

"While there are no formal qualifications or training required to be a private or personal chef, there are some that are highly recommended. Many others in the field have them, and clients see them as indications of high-quality cooking, so they can be helpful when it comes to attracting customers", says Jonathan White, Marketing Manager at Mitchell & Cooper Insights.

Examine Previous Work and Client Reviews

Beyond qualifications, a chef’s portfolio and client feedback can tell you a lot about their expertise. Reviews and ratings provide a window into their reliability, style, and ability to meet diverse event needs. Look for detailed testimonials that highlight aspects like food quality, presentation, attentiveness, and punctuality. A robust portfolio showcasing past events can further confirm their ability to deliver on your specific requirements.

The ability to create tailored menus is a must for a personalised event. Check if the chef has experience in crafting bespoke menus and review examples of their previous work. Specialised skills in areas like plant-based, keto, or allergen-free cooking show that they can adapt to unique dietary needs. If your event requires specific considerations - such as gluten-free, vegan, kosher, or low FODMAP options - seek chefs with a Nutrition Diploma or proven experience in accommodating these preferences.

Discuss your menu ideas directly with potential chefs to understand their approach to customisation and their commitment to using seasonal ingredients. Their responsiveness and enthusiasm in tailoring the menu will give you confidence in their ability to create a memorable culinary experience.

Example: Justin Jennings Private Chef

Background and Culinary Training

Justin Jennings brings over 25 years of global culinary expertise to Lisbon. His career highlights include winning "Young Chef of the Year" and being crowned the first-ever "The World Cook" Champion in 2022/23, a competition that saw him outperform 15 chefs from the UK, Europe, and Mexico. Over the years, he has held head chef positions across multiple continents, served as a commercial cooking instructor, and, in 2015, played a pivotal role as a consultant in launching five restaurants in Hong Kong. In February 2017, he founded "Downunder by Justin Jennings", an Australian contemporary restaurant in Lisbon that earned a MICHELIN Guide recommendation. Jennings' passion for sustainable farming, fishing, hunting, and foraging - cultivated from a young age - has shaped his commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This philosophy is at the heart of his personalised culinary services.

Service Offerings and Event Types

Justin Jennings Private Chef specialises in hosting intimate events for 10 to 50 guests across Lisbon and Cascais. From sunset wedding menus in Sintra featuring fresh Atlantic seafood to bachelor parties with international dishes, intimate multi-course dinners in Cascais, family celebrations, corporate retreats, and elegant soirées, his services cater to a wide variety of occasions.

Guests can select from several menu options:

3-course menu: €65 per person
5-course degustation menu: €87 per person
8-course experience: €135 per person Additionally, canapés and hors d'oeuvres are available, starting at €125 for 50 pieces. Menus are fully customisable to accommodate dietary needs, including vegan, gluten-free, and child-friendly options, all at no additional cost.

"I requested one of the menus but with 2 different mains. This was not a problem. Justin could not have been more personable or easier to deal with. A wonderful experience." - Jacky D, Client

These offerings are designed to create memorable dining experiences, tailored to each client's vision.

Pricing Structure and Service Details

Pricing begins at €65 per person, with a minimum spend of €500 per event (excluding VAT and drinks). Clients can expect a customised proposal within 24 hours of inquiry. The service includes bespoke menu creation, sourcing premium ingredients, on-site cooking (whether at a villa, yacht, or Airbnb), and post-event cleanup.

Known for his professional yet approachable style, Justin Jennings is a trusted name for high-profile events, including those hosted by the Australian Embassy in Portugal. His reliability, timeliness, and dedication to guest satisfaction have earned him a stellar reputation. As noted by the MICHELIN Guide, "His somewhat unusual cuisine, available on an à la carte and two set menus, shines a light on Australian cuisine and its exotic meats".

Complete Booking and Event Preparation

Now that you've chosen your chef, it's time to focus on the logistics of booking and preparing for your event.

Establish Your Budget

The cost per person varies depending on the size of your group, ranging from €49 to €93 per person. For a small gathering of two people, expect to pay around €93 per person. Larger groups of 13 or more enjoy lower rates, averaging €49 per person. For mid-sized groups (three to six guests), the cost is approximately €67 per person, while groups of seven to twelve typically pay about €46 per person.

Several factors can influence the final price, such as the complexity of the menu, the use of seasonal ingredients, the event's location, and how far in advance you book. Booking early and carefully considering any additional services can help manage costs. Extras like wine pairings, additional staff, or specialised dietary needs might increase the total, although many chefs are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions without added fees. Keep in mind that payment is generally required upfront to secure your reservation, and gratuity is entirely optional.

Review Contract Terms and Finalise Details

Before finalising your booking, take the time to go through the contract thoroughly. Confirm exactly what services are included. Most private chefs take care of menu customisation, ingredient shopping, on-site cooking, table service, and cleaning the kitchen. However, items like tableware, glassware, and drinks are usually excluded unless specifically arranged. Be sure to confirm the final guest count, as this will directly affect both pricing and menu planning.

Pay close attention to the cancellation policy, including notice periods and any associated fees. It's also wise to discuss confidentiality agreements, liability terms, and insurance coverage to ensure everyone is on the same page. The contract should clearly outline payment schedules, termination conditions, and the governing legal jurisdiction. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or request adjustments to the menu or pricing - most chefs are open to these discussions to ensure your event goes as planned.

Prepare Your Venue for Event Day

To ensure everything runs smoothly, make sure your kitchen is clean, fully functional, and equipped with working appliances and cleared surfaces. Since tableware and glassware are not typically included, you’ll need to provide those. Share details about your kitchen setup during the booking process so the chef can plan ahead and bring any specialised equipment they might need.

On the day of the event, make sure the chef and their team have easy access to the kitchen and dining areas. They’ll arrive with all the necessary ingredients and handle everything - from shopping and cooking to plating, serving, and cleaning up. By the time they’re done, your kitchen will be spotless, leaving you free to enjoy the event and focus on your guests. These steps help ensure a seamless experience and a truly memorable gathering.

Conclusion

Selecting the perfect chef in Lisbon takes thoughtful preparation. Start by identifying the type of event you're hosting, your preferred cuisine, and any dietary considerations. From there, evaluate the chef's expertise, training, and reviews to ensure they can craft a menu that aligns with your vision.

For a truly exceptional experience, consider working with Justin Jennings. As a Michelin-recommended chef and the 2022/23 "The World Cook" champion, he brings over 25 years of global culinary expertise to the table. His approach includes creating tailored menus and managing every detail - from menu planning to post-event cleanup - so you can focus on enjoying the occasion.

To ensure everything runs smoothly, set your budget early, carefully review the contract terms, and prepare your venue in advance. A great chef does more than cook; they transform your event into a memorable experience that leaves a lasting impression on your guests.

FAQs

What should I think about when planning my event with a private chef in Lisbon?

When planning your event, focus on key details like the date and time, the guest count, and any dietary requirements or allergies among your attendees. It's also important to provide information about your kitchen setup or venue facilities, as this allows the chef to plan and prepare accordingly. The more precise you are with these details, the easier it will be to design a menu that perfectly suits your occasion.

What’s the best way to confirm a private chef’s qualifications and experience?

To ensure a private chef has the right qualifications, begin by checking their professional background. This includes their work experience and any culinary certifications they hold. Pay attention to specialised credentials from well-known institutions or organisations. It's also a good idea to ask for references from past clients and review a portfolio of their work - this might include sample menus or photos from previous events. These steps can help you better understand their expertise and cooking style.

What affects the cost of hiring a private chef in Lisbon?

Hiring a private chef in Lisbon comes with varying costs, influenced by several factors. The number of guests, the menu style you select, and the quality of ingredients all play a role in determining the price. Seasonal ingredients and specific dietary requirements can also affect the overall cost.

Other elements to consider include the chef’s level of experience, the event location, and any additional services you might want, such as table service or wine pairings. On average, prices range between €46 and €67 per person, but this can shift based on your particular needs and preferences.