Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Private Chef in Lisbon

Not all private chefs are created equal. Some have decades of restaurant-level experience. Some learned to cook on YouTube last year and decided to call themselves chefs.

The difference matters when you're entrusting someone with your celebration, your guests, and your home.

Here are the questions to ask before hiring a private chef in Lisbon the ones that separate professionals from pretenders.

What's Your Professional Background?

This is where you learn whether you're hiring a chef or someone who cooks well at home.

Ask where they trained, how long they've worked professionally, and what kind of kitchens they've been in. Justin specialises in events for 8 to 100 guests, with larger groups welcome and scoped individually. Eight guests is the hard booking minimum.

Justin owns Downunder by Justin Jennings, selected for the MICHELIN Guide in 2024, 2025 and 2026.

If a chef can't articulate their background confidently, that's your first red flag.

Payment and agreement terms

The deposit is tailored to the event type. Current payment and private cancellation terms are supplied in the event quote or agreement.

If they can't show proof, walk away. The deposit is tailored to the event type. Current payment and private cancellation terms are supplied in the event quote or agreement.

The deposit is tailored to the event type. Current payment and private cancellation terms are supplied in the event quote or agreement.

Are You Insured?

This question makes some chefs uncomfortable, which tells you everything.

The deposit is tailored to the event type. Current payment and private cancellation terms are supplied in the event quote or agreement. The deposit is tailored to the event type. Current payment and private cancellation terms are supplied in the event quote or agreement.

The deposit is tailored to the event type. Current payment and private cancellation terms are supplied in the event quote or agreement.

Can You Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?

This question reveals two things: experience and honesty.

An experienced chef can handle the common ones easily Justin has extensive experience in allergy and cross-contamination avoidance. During consultation, he discusses allergies and preferences directly with the client and caters accordingly. An allergen-free environment is not promised.

A good chef will tell you honestly if something is beyond their capability or if it requires significant menu adjustments. A bad chef will say yes to everything, then improvise poorly on the night.

Justin has extensive experience in allergy and cross-contamination avoidance. During consultation, he discusses allergies and preferences directly with the client and caters accordingly. An allergen-free environment is not promised.

What's Included in Your Price?

Pricing transparency separates professionals from amateurs.

A legitimate quote should include everything: chef labour, all groceries and ingredients, cooking equipment, serving ware, setup, and cleanup. If the price seems suspiciously low, start asking what's NOT included. Some chefs quote labour only, then hand you a grocery bill that doubles the cost.

There is no travel charge in Lisbon or Cascais. Other approved locations may have a custom travel charge confirmed in the quote.

Single-event service includes custom menu design, ingredients, cooking at the client location, plating and service, and cleanup.

Can I See a Sample Menu?

Every private chef should be able to show you examples of past menus or suggest dishes based on your preferences.

This isn't about locking you into a fixed menu it's about seeing whether their style matches what you're after. If you want refined modern European and they show you pub food, that's a mismatch. If you're hoping for Asian fusion and they only do traditional Portuguese, speak up now.

I don't work from a fixed menu list. Every event gets a custom menu based on the client's preferences, dietary needs, seasonality, and budget. But I can show you dozens of past menus to give you a sense of what's possible from casual BBQs to seven-course tasting menus with wine pairings.

How Flexible Are You With Menu Changes?

Justin has extensive experience in allergy and cross-contamination avoidance. During consultation, he discusses allergies and preferences directly with the client and caters accordingly. An allergen-free environment is not promised.

Ask how the chef handles changes both before the event and on the day. Minor tweaks (swapping a protein, adjusting a sauce) should be manageable up to a few days before. Major overhauls (changing the entire concept, doubling the guest count) will affect pricing and availability.

The key is finding a chef who's flexible but not a pushover. If they say yes to everything without asking questions, they're either inexperienced or not thinking through the logistics.

I work collaboratively with clients during the planning phase. If something doesn't feel right, say so better to adjust the menu early than serve food that misses the mark. Once we lock in the final menu (typically 5-7 days before the event), I source everything and prep accordingly.

What Happens If You Cancel?

Nobody wants to think about this, but it's worth asking.

The deposit is tailored to the event type. Current payment and private cancellation terms are supplied in the event quote or agreement. The deposit is tailored to the event type. Current payment and private cancellation terms are supplied in the event quote or agreement.

The deposit is tailored to the event type. Current payment and private cancellation terms are supplied in the event quote or agreement.

Have You Worked in Venues Like Mine Before?

Villa kitchens, yacht galleys, Airbnb apartments, outdoor terraces every venue presents different challenges.

A chef with experience in similar spaces will know what to expect and what to bring. If you're hosting at a beach villa with a tiny kitchen and they've only ever worked in full-service restaurant kitchens, they might struggle to adapt.

Any examples in this guide are hypothetical and show how a service could be planned for an eligible booking.

Can You Provide References?

If you're booking a private chef for a wedding, corporate event, or milestone birthday, ask for references.

A chef with a solid track record will happily provide 2-3 recent client contacts or point you to online reviews. Any examples in this guide are hypothetical and show how a service could be planned for an eligible booking.

If a chef refuses or becomes defensive, that's a warning sign. Either they don't have happy clients to reference, or they're not operating professionally enough to track testimonials.

The verified testimonials published on this site are displayed with client permission.

What Happens on the Day?

Walk through the logistics so you know what to expect.

When does the chef arrive? How much time do they need to set up? Will they stay for the entire meal or leave after plating? Who handles cleanup and how thorough is it?

I typically arrive 2-4 hours before service (depending on menu complexity). I set up, prep, cook, plate each course, and explain dishes to guests if requested. After the meal, I clean the kitchen thoroughly often cleaner than I found it pack up, and leave you to enjoy the rest of your evening.

You should never have to lift a finger. That's the point of hiring a private chef.

Why These Questions Matter

Hiring a private chef isn't just about the food. It's about trusting someone in your home, with your guests, on a night that matters.

The right questions reveal professionalism, experience, and integrity. If a chef can't answer these confidently and clearly, keep looking.

If they can and if their answers align with what you need you've found someone worth booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What questions should I ask a private chef before booking?

The deposit is tailored to the event type. Current payment and private cancellation terms are supplied in the event quote or agreement.

How do I know if a private chef is legitimate?

The deposit is tailored to the event type. Current payment and private cancellation terms are supplied in the event quote or agreement.

Payment and agreement terms

The deposit is tailored to the event type. Current payment and private cancellation terms are supplied in the event quote or agreement.

What should be included in a private chef's price?

Single-event service includes custom menu design, ingredients, cooking at the client location, plating and service, and cleanup.

Can a private chef accommodate dietary restrictions?

Justin has extensive experience in allergy and cross-contamination avoidance. During consultation, he discusses allergies and preferences directly with the client and caters accordingly. An allergen-free environment is not promised.

How far in advance should I book a private chef in Lisbon?

Justin provides an initial personal reply, availability confirmation, custom menu and quote within 24 hours, often sooner, including weekends and holidays.

Should I ask for references before hiring a private chef?

Yes, especially if booking for a high-stakes event (wedding, corporate, milestone birthday). Ask for 2-3 recent client references or check online reviews (Google, TripAdvisor, social media). A chef with nothing to hide will provide references gladly. If a chef refuses or becomes defensive, that's a red flag. The verified testimonials published on this site are displayed with client permission.

Related Reading

• → How to Plan the Perfect Private Chef Experience
• → Private Chef Cost Breakdown Lisbon
• → Best Private Chef in Lisbon