Cagla BoynakPrivate Chef in San Francisco, CA

New to HELMSan Francisco–based Private Chef with Michelin background, specializing in elevated Turkish & Mediterranean cuisine. Known for thoughtful menus, clean flavors, and bespoke private dining experiences.

The Chef

The Story

I’m a San Francisco–based chef with a background in Michelin-starred kitchens in New York. Born and raised in Istanbul, I bring the flavors and generosity I grew up with to the table. An evening with me is all about delicious, thoughtful food and creating a warm, relaxed experience where everyone can simply enjoy being together!

The Table

Gallery

Coverage

Where Cagla Boynak serves

San Francisco Bay Area, CA · 40 mi

The Menu

Services & Pricing

Family Style Dinner

$150.00 / guest

Generous shared platters served to the table — relaxed, abundant, and tailored to your group.

Grocery & ingredients from $0.00 / guest · 4–20 guests

Plated Dinner

$200.00 / guest

A multi-course plated dinner cooked in your home — menu, shopping, service, and a spotless kitchen all handled.

Grocery & ingredients from $0.00 / guest · 2–20 guests

Tasting Menu

$250.00 / guest

A seasonal multi-course tasting, plated and presented at your table — an intimate, restaurant-caliber progression at home.

Grocery & ingredients from $0.00 / guest · 2–10 guests

20 guests maximum · Books up to 6 months in advance

Work History

June 2024 - Present

Private Chef · Private Chef · San Francisco, CA

Cooking for UHNW households as a freelance private chef, planning bespoke menus around dietary restrictions and sourcing organic ingredients from local farmers markets.

December 2023 - June 2024

Chef de Partie · Sorrel · San Francisco, CA

Worked at this one-Michelin-star Californian-Italian restaurant by chef Alex Hong, learning Californian cuisine with its dynamic ingredient list and frequent menu changes.

May 2023 - November 2023

Sous Chef · Essential by Christophe · San Francisco, CA

Led quality control, mise en place line checks, and the pass to Michelin standards; the restaurant earned one Michelin star during this tenure.

October 2022 - May 2023

Chef de Tournant · Essential by Christophe · San Francisco, CA

Worked every section including Garde Manger, Fish, Meat, Pastry and Prep, covering stations as needed and knowing each dish from scratch to plating.

October 2021 - October 2022

Chef de Partie · Vestry · New York, NY

Worked Garde Manger, Pastry, Entremetier and Saucier at Shaun Hergatt's one-Michelin-star restaurant, improving skills like teppanyaki, binchotan and sous vide.

September 2019 - March 2020

Chef de Partie · L'atelier de Joel Robuchon NY · New York, NY

Worked various stations at this two-Michelin-star restaurant led by Christophe Bellanca, learning Japanese ingredients and combining them with French techniques.

Education

September 2013 - June 2018Bachelor of Science in Gastronomy and Culinary Arts, Özyeğin University, Faculty of Applied Sciences (with Le Cordon Bleu)

September 2014- June 2018Le Cordon Bleu

Skills

TurkishMediterraneanAnatolianCalifornian-ItalianSeafoodPrivate DiningFrench TechniqueMiddle Eastern

Accolades

Helped earn one Michelin Star at Essential by Christophe (2023)
WSET Level 1 Award in Wines

Every HELM Vendor Meets High Standards

We carefully evaluate chefs based on their culinary expertise, menu creativity, and proven track record for excellence.

Private dining with

Reserve Cagla Boynak

from $150.00 / guest

2–20 guests · Books up to 6 months ahead

No charge now — Cagla Boynak reviews your request first.

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