Google reviewers rate Finest City Chefs five out of five stars based on sixty-two reviews, noting that the owner responds to ninety-eight percent of feedback. Customers consistently praise the punctuality, clear communication, and professional demeanor of the staff, who handle menu planning, food preparation, and cleanup for private events. Recurring themes highlight the quality of the food, including accommodations for dietary restrictions, and the ease of working with the team. No common criticisms appear in the provided excerpts.
Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 62 reviews (97% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 62 Google reviews (54 with written comments, 2 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 98% of reviews.
Most recent review: June 2, 2025.
Service: Home Chef serving San Diego, California.
Data from Google, last updated October 27, 2026.
Photos
Customer reviews
5.0
★★★★★
62 reviews on Google
5★60
4★2
3★0
2★0
1★0
Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).
What customers talk about
We read 54 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“I highly recommend for small weddings/large dinner parties—such fun!”
“…aking, the food itself was amazingly delicious and the chefs were so friendly and accommodating, it was a wonderful experience.…”
“they made enough for a few left overs and there was noting left over to left over the next day.”
“The team was professional, communicative, and made really really delicious food.”
“…delicious and the chefs were so friendly and accommodating, it was a wonderful experience.…”
“Hassle free, delicious and great value .”
“The details up front were also easy to make.”
People customers mention
Ron25 reviews
Pamela20 reviews
Alec4 reviews
Chris4 reviews
Pam4 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Jobs customers hired them for— from Google's service tags and the review text
Team members customers mention
Filter by topic— each topic is highlighted in the reviews in the same color
Ann Hinkley Arwin4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Ann has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The service was so fantastic! The display of the food was breathtaking, the food itself was amazingly delicious and the chefs were so friendly and accommodating, it was a wonderful experience. Thank you again! Would highly recommend!
Response from the owner · a year ago
We are so glad you found us...and trusted us with your event. Thank you so much for speaking so highly.
Chef Ron and Pamela Nugent
Owners of Finest City Chefs
(858) 342-1100
Rachael JensenLocal Guide · 17 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Rachael has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We used Finest City Chefs for our micro wedding (about 18 people total), and I can’t say enough good things. The team was professional, communicative, and made really really delicious food. Our guests couldn’t say enough good things about the reception dinner. The team who prepared our meal was so helpful and generous. I highly recommend for small weddings/large dinner parties—such fun!
Response from the owner · 3 years ago
Thank you for taking the time to write your review...Chefs Christopher and Alec always appreciate the positive feedback, and we do too. Chef Ron and Pamela Nugent, Owners of Finest City Chefs.
shelly lee3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews shelly has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
i like to wait a couple of days after an event to write a review because first impressions, be they bad or good, are not always correct. MY LORD my first 1001 impressions of Ron and Pamela!!! there are NOT enough positive adjectives in the English language to say how AMAZING they were. First, the food *chef's kiss* the petit fillets and the lobster tails were cooked to perfection! they made enough for a few left overs and there was noting left over to left over the next day. The two of them were fun without being intrusive. I would book them again in a freaking heartbeat. Thank you Chef and Pamela for making my event wonderful and for the wonderful menu. ps. so glad you did not turn us into smores.
Response from the owner · 3 years ago
Shelly, you will forever be in our hearts. Thank you for all your expressions here...they did not disappoint. We appreciate you!
Amy Baker7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Amy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I cannot say enough great things about Ron, Pamela, and their support staff!! We had a very intimate wedding in an exclusive harbor on LBI, NJ. They worked around ALL of the idiosyncrasies surrounding our venue, elevated all worries to allow us an AWESOME DAY! The menu was tailored to our specifications and every single item was ON POINT! We received rave reviews from all of our friends and family. We HIGHLY RECOMMEND our friends at FIRST CITY CHEFS! They are the utmost professionals who will cover every detail of your event. They paid attention to ever detail as if they were trying to impress their own guests. THANK YOU RON AND PAM!! ♥️♥️ - Amy and Bill
Response from the owner · 3 years ago
Thank you!!! Can't tell you how much we appreciate your review. It does feel like we made new friends. Someday soon, hopefully we will meet again.
Pamela (and the Chef;-)
Mikkol R.Local Guide · 33 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Mikkol has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Chef Tyson and Sam were incredible!! We were absolutely satisfied and the food was amazing. What a great team, we will definitely use you again. Thank you so much for making our party a success""
Response from the owner · 3 years ago
Mikkol, we appreciate your business and you leaving us this 5 star review. I must agree we have and exceptional team:-) Thanks for recognizing them.
Kristi NationLocal Guide · 19 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Kristi has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I was referred to Chef Ron for a private event I was wanting to host at our house in San Clemente. I love to cook and to entertain but I wanted to be completely free for my guests without any hassle and I desired an elegant sit down dinner for 20 people. I was reluctant because I’m a bit of a control freak and boast my food is better than any one else’s. Haha. Chef Ron and his staff which were lovely showed up looking handsome and beautiful along with amazing food and every touch of hospitality was provided to us. We started off with shrimp bisque and crabcakes followed by Steak Bernaise atop garlic mashed and asparagus!! and a chocolate mousse cake for dessert . Beautiful charcuterie and hot olives were served ahead of time and hand passed . Everything was delicious and elegant.
The entire event was easy. The details up front were also easy to make. Hassle free, delicious and great value . Can’t wait to do something again. Many thanks Chef Ron and Pamela. !!
Kristi Nation
Response from the owner · 3 years ago
Thank you Kristi for your business and your kind review of Finest City Chefs We love what we do and appreciate our clients like You!
Jacqueline Lisk9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jacqueline has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We booked Finest City Chefs for a special dinner in Cape May, where we were vacationing with family and friends. The food surpassed expectations. Chef Christopher and Alec were both talented and friendly. One person in our party is a vegan and we were blown away by the care they took with her meal. She was so impressed. We will definitely be booking again. What a special experience.
Response from the owner · 4 years ago
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate it very much!
Theresa Procher5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Theresa has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Thank you for a wonderful dinner for my daughter’s 30th anniversary. Everything was outstanding. 5 stars for the whole dinner.
It was a pleasure meeting you. You were very professional and personable. Especially enjoyed not having to clean up.😂
Theresa Procher
Response from the owner · 3 years ago
The response is so late...just wanted to say thank you for this lovely review.
NormaJean Mirabito1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews NormaJean has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Awesome dinner made by Chef Ron! The food was amazing ! From the appetizers to the main meal absolutely delicious !Great way to celebrate our 40th anniversary ! No one had to lift a finger - cooking / set up & clean up was all taken care of.
Chef Ron was very personable . We all enjoyed talking with him.
Definitely recommend Finest City Chef for your event !
Response from the owner · 3 years ago
Better late than never? We are asking ourselves this question. Sorry for our extreme delay in responding to your review. Your review is a gift and we want to say thank you!
Heather Ritz8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Heather has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Ron and Pamela were excellent caterers for my Dad's 70th birthday party. They were organized, came early to set up, and cleaned everything up before leaving. Most importantly, the food was absolutely amazing! They provided fresh, local seafood cooked to perfection. I highly recommend their services to anyone in the LBI area. They were such a pleasure to work with!
Response from the owner · 3 years ago
Not sure why we didn't give you a proper "thank you" for this review. 34 weeks ago when you wrote it. It help us and others so much when making confidant decision...Thank you for taking the time to write this review!
