If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
My personal chef services provide an elegant and easy way to entertain in your own home. Whether it is for a special occasion or a dinner party for friends, I will design and prepare the menu you are dreaming of. I am professional, quick to respond to clients and easy to work with and best of all I handle all aspects of your event including spotless clean up.
The best part of my job is working directly with the client to make their vision a reality. Taking the pressure off the host so they can enjoy their event as their guests do. There is no better reward than that of a job well done and happy clients.
Overview
Hired 60 times
Serves Oakland, CA
Background checked
1 employee
25 years in business
Business hours
Sun10:00 am - 11:00 pmMon10:00 am - 11:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2018
2017
2016
Services offered
Event type
Additional food/drink
Dessert
Cuisine types
American - formal
Italian
Southern
Mexican / Latin American
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and punctuality.
Exceptional 5.0
46 reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
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Read reviews that mention:
Mark N.
Oct 18, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
I've never used a private chef before, but after this experience, I wish I had. Custom Creations was beyond excellent. The level of service was wonderful, but in the end, it's the food that matters most and she was commendable in in that area. I am now hooked on the private chef experience and will definitely use her again.
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • I'm flexible • Italian • I'm flexible • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Kate D.
Apr 21, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Great, great, great. Food was delicious, she was efficient and friendly, and has good personality. Flexible on menu selection and how we manage the evening. Overall terrific and delightful!
Details: Dinner party • Dinner • Dessert • American - casual • American - formal • Italian • Mediterranean or Middle Eastern • French • Family style • Yes, full service • Home • Yes, full kitchen • Fewer than 20 guests • Premium (high end ingredients)
Wedding and Event Catering
Sherry L.
Apr 26, 2017
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Hired on Thumbtack
Laura cooked for a small dinner party (7 adults, 4 kids) at our home in Burlingame for my mother-in-law's birthday. She did a terrific job! Some highlights:
-- Planning process was very efficient and clear. Based on my budget and preferences, she provided some sample menus of appetizers, soup/salad, and main dish. We chose fish as our main and she recommended some different ways of preparing it.
-- She was flexible. Because we had our own birthday cake, she provided two appetizers instead. She also prepared simple food for the kids at a very reasonable price so we didn't have to pay for fancy food that they aren't going to eat anyway.
-- Service was great. Because the party was small, Laura cooked, served and cleaned, which she did with a calm professionalism throughout the night. She was attentive and cordial without being intrusive. The pacing of the meal was perfect, our water and wine glasses were always filled, and to my surprised by the end of the meal, the kitchen was already spick and span (cleaner than before she showed up!).
-- She was attentive to the details -- she brought her own pitchers for water and platters for the appetizers. She also printed out a menu with my mother in-law's name on it. She somehow found our tupperware and all leftovers were neatly packed away in our fridge by the time she left.
-- And last but not least, the food was excellent!
We would definitely hire Laura again for future dinner parties!
Personal Chef
Mary H.
Jul 10, 2016
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Hired on Thumbtack
i cannot recommend Chef Laura enough. I just hired Laura for a small dinner party for my mother-in-law's birthday and she was phenomenal and her dishes were delicious. This was my first time using a personalchef and Laura made the experience easy and enjoyable from start to finish. I looked at quite a few local chefs when I started thinking about a personalchef option and Laura was hands down the most responsive, helpful and offered the most menu options too. Not only did she prepare 3 amazing courses and a lovely cheese/meat platter, she printed off personalized menus, presented and served each lovely course, filled water and wine glasses throughout the night, cut and served the birthday cake (not to mention lit candles and helped my toddler bring it in to the bday girl) and left my kitchen looking spotless with dishes done and all. Oh and everything she made - including the pasta - was gluten free. Dealing with our party's dietary restrictions was no problem for Laura. It was the most stress-free dinner party I've ever hosted and my guests raved about the food. The portions were also large - such a good value. Having Laura in our kitchen was a joy - she is very nice, easy-going and personable. We will definitely be using Laura again in the future! Our guests were even asking for her contact info. Thank you, chef Laura!
Personal Chef
Chantal V.
Jun 17, 2017
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Hired on Thumbtack
Laura catered a private dinner party for 14 people, including 5 or 6 who had various food allergies/preferences that she worked around. The food - 4 courses - was unanimously declared amazing, her service was incredible and, if anything, she left my kitchen cleaner than she found it! Would not hesitate to recommend her and will certainly use her again for private parties.
Personal Chef
Credentials
Background Check
Laura Guagliano
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My pricing is based on a per person price and is dependent upon the menu chosen, however, the range is $75 per person for a basic three course with pasta as the entree to $100+ per person for 4 or 5 course dinners with hors d'ouerves. Prices for cocktail parties and lunch events generally run $45-$55 per person. There is a $500 minimum per event. Generally I do event for a minimum or 6 guests to allow for a reasonable per person price point.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
We begin with customizing a menu tailored to the host's specifications that fits their budget and vision for their event. I have the client fill out a brief event info sheet so I have all the necessary client contact, event time, location info. Once the client agrees that I am the right fit for them I take a 25% deposit at least 7 days prior to the event to cover purchasing, and the remainder is due the day of the event. Deposits can be made by Zelle or Venmo. Final payments my be by check, Zelle, Venmo, cash or credit card (credit card payments incur a 3.5% processing fee).
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been a Bay Area chef for 30 years in both large corporate and small independent restaurants.
