Qfire Catering — Live-Fire BBQ & Steakhouse Catering in Phoenix, Scottsdale & San Diego County
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Qfire Catering — Live-Fire BBQ & Steakhouse Catering in Phoenix, Scottsdale & San Diego County
Luxury private party catering in San Diego by Qfire
San Diego County Private Party Catering

You're hosting. Let's make it the party they never forget.

Planning a private party is a lot. The food shouldn't be the part that stresses you out. We've catered over 2,000 private parties across San Diego County — and we'd love to make yours one of them.

You'll get a real chef, honest pricing, a team that shows up on time, and a party where dinner is the thing your guests won't stop talking about.

See Real Party Pricing Usually responds within 4 business hours
15+ Years Doing This
2,500+ Private Parties
4.9★ Host-Rated
Food Network Featured Chef
Your Local San Diego Team · (877) 848-7211
Quick Answer

Who caters private parties and backyard events in San Diego?

Qfire Catering is a 100% dedicated full-service private-event catering company serving San Diego since 2012. Chef Terry Matthews — two-time Food Network champion — brings live wood-fire grilling, steakhouse plating, and licensed bartending to your backyard, estate, or private venue. 2,500+ events catered · 4.9 / 5 · 156 Google reviews.

  • Serving San Diego, La Jolla, Del Mar, Carlsbad and greater San Diego County
  • Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, retirements, celebrations of life
  • Wood-Fire BBQ from $13.99/guest · Steakhouse Experience from $74/guest
  • 4-hour quote response · custom menus locked up to 15 days out

This is Menu 1 of 2 — our Wood-Fired BBQ pricing. Keep scrolling to see our Steakhouse Experience pricing just below.

Wood-Fire/BBQ Catering — Pricing

Wood-fire/BBQ catering starting at $16.99/guest.

Pick your package. Pick your meats. We bring the fire, the food, and the team — award-winning San Diego BBQ catering for weddings, corporate events, private parties, backyard celebrations and holiday gatherings.

San Diego — 50 guest minimum

1 Meat Package
$16.99per person

Includes:

  • 1 meat for each guest, or your guests can choose between 2 meat options
  • 2 side dishes

Example: Choose Tri-Tip only, or let your guests choose between Tri-Tip and Grilled Chicken.

2 Meat Package
$22.99per person

Includes:

  • 2 meats for each guest, or 1 meat for everyone plus a choice between 2 additional meats
  • 3 side dishes

Example: Everyone gets Pulled Pork, then each guest chooses either Brisket or Chicken.

Premium Package
$34.99per person

Includes everything in the 2 Meat Package, plus:

  • Any salad option
  • 2 appetizers

This is our most popular package for weddings, corporate events, and larger celebrations.

Prices above reflect "food only" rates — delivery and pick-up. Full-service Buffet, Family Style and Plated service are also available for an additional service charge.

Steakhouse Experience — Pricing

Surf & Turf Steakhouse Experience starting at $79/guest.

Live charcoal grilling, white-glove service, and restaurant-quality presentation at your San Diego home or venue.

Buffet Style
$79/ person

Smooth. Efficient. Elegant. Restaurant-quality buffet presentation. Ideal for San Diego backyards and estates.

Family Style
$94/ person

Shared dining. Passed platters. Connected guest experience. Luxury presentation, end to end.

Plated Service
$133/ person

Restaurant-style service. Each course individually served. Our most luxurious private dining experience.

Pricing varies by guest count, menu selections and venue specifics. Final proposals are built one-to-one.

How We Compare

Qfire vs. the other private party catering options.

Most hosts get quotes from a personal chef, a local BBQ shop, and a full-service caterer like us. Here's the honest side-by-side.

What matters to you
Qfire Catering
Chef-led, live-fire
Personal Chef
Solo operator
Local BBQ Shop
Drop-off + serve
Chef personally designs your menuYes — Chef TerryYes, but limited scaleNo — set menu
Live-fire grilling at your homeYes — hardwood charcoalSometimesOccasionally
Real steakhouse plates (ribeye, filet, picanha)YesYes (extra $)No
Professional uniformed service staffYes — included1–2 helpers maxUsually not
Full setup, refresh, and breakdownYes — includedSometimesNo — you handle it
Custom menu (change it as you plan)Yes, up to 7 days outFlexibleMenu only
Real photographable presentationYes — styled buffetsSimple platingAluminum trays
Featured on Food NetworkYes — BBQ Brawl + moreRarelyNo
Bartenders and full bar serviceYes — licensed & insuredNoNo
Typical per-guest range for BBQ$35 - $54$120–$300+$18–$40
Typical per-guest range for Steakhouse$84 - $100$120–$300+$40–$80

Note: We're happy to be compared. Get quotes from anyone — then call us. Most hosts come back after they see the difference in what's actually included.

As Seen On
As seen on Food Network — Chef Terry Matthews of Qfire Catering, wood-fired BBQ & steakhouse caterer serving Phoenix, Scottsdale & San Diego
Featured
Camp Cutthroat
Cutthroat Kitchen Champion
BBQ Crawl w/ Bobby Flay
Reputation
4.9★ Average
Across hundreds of reviews
Experience
2,500+ Events
13+ years professional
San Diego Private Party Catering FAQ

All the questions you're already thinking — answered.

You shouldn't have to email us to find out the basics. Here's what hosts ask us most — pricing, tastings, allergies, guest counts, timing, and yes, the "what if it rains" question.

About how much should we expect to spend on private party catering?

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Most Qfire private parties land between $48 and $165 per guest depending on menu (Wood-Fire buffet vs. plated Steakhouse Experience vs. surf & turf), staffing, live-fire grilling, bar service, and rentals. See the 'Average Cost for Catering' example above for a realistic 100-guest budget. Every proposal is itemized — no hidden fees, no surprise gratuities.

Can our menu be fully customized?

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Yes. Every Qfire private party menu is built from scratch around your guests, your dietary needs, your budget, and the vibe you want. Chef Terry will design a custom proposal — passed apps, entrees, sides, dessert — and you can refine it right up until roughly 14 days out.

Can we schedule a private tasting?

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Absolutely. As long as your date is still available, you're welcome to schedule a tasting before booking. You'll sample 3 meats, 3 sides, and 2 appetizers for 5–7 guests ($200) — then decide if we're the right fit.

How does the 35% Date Retainer work?

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Your date is reserved with a 35% Date Retainer that applies 100% to your final invoice. It locks in your date and our team — NOT your menu, guest count, or service style. Those all stay flexible as your planning evolves.

Do you grill onsite at our home or venue?

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Yes — live charcoal grilling is our signature. We roll in the wood-fired grill and cook ribeyes, picanha, brisket, salmon, and chicken right in your backyard, pool deck, estate, park, or rooftop. The aroma, the visual, the freshness — it's the moment your guests remember.

Can we update our guest count later?

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Yes. The final guest count locks in about 7 days before the party. Until then, you can scale up or down as RSVPs come in without any rebooking penalty.

What's the plan if it rains — or if it's 110° in July?

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We plan for weather from day one. Our live-fire grills operate under a canopy in rain, wind, and heat. For extreme conditions we can shift to a covered patio, garage, or interior space without changing your menu. Every proposal includes a weather contingency.

Do you accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions?

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Always. Every proposal includes vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. For peanut, tree-nut, shellfish, and other serious allergies we run a dedicated prep line and label every plate at the pass.

Why Hosts Choose Qfire

The caterer you'll stop searching for.

Most hosts meet three to five caterers before they find us. Then the search is over. Here's what makes the difference — and why you'll feel it on your very first call.

You're hiring a real chef

13+ years professional. 2,500+ private parties. Featured on Food Network. Chef Terry personally designs every menu we serve — you're not getting a sales rep and a line cook.

We show up on time. Every time.

In 25+ years we've never missed a party, never been late for setup, never made a host apologize to guests. That's the promise, and your neighbors will confirm it.

Live fire. Real food. Hot plates.

No sad chafing-dish reheats. Steaks, chops, chicken, and seafood grilled over hardwood charcoal right in your backyard — the moment your guests remember.

You'll always know what's happening next

Emails answered the same day. Timelines shared early. Changes handled without a sigh. You'll never feel like you're chasing us for an update.

Stress-free hosting

Setup, service, live-fire cooking, buffet refresh, bartending, breakdown — all handled. You won't touch a chafer, a trash bag, or a cocktail shaker.

You get to actually enjoy your party

Hug your guests. Refill your own glass. Take a photo you're actually in. Show up, host, and let us handle every plate that hits the table.

Let's Plan My San Diego Private Party
"Best 50th Birthday Dinner EVER! HUGE shoutout to Chef Terry and his amazing assistant, Leslie! They literally brought the steakhouse to my backyard — he brought his own grill! Every New York Strip, chicken, and salmon was grilled perfectly to temperature. What a FEAST!"
Tangy Robinson·50th Birthday · 1/20/2026 · Google Review
How Dinner Is Served

Three ways to serve dinner at your San Diego private party.

Not sure which style fits? Most hosts don't at first — and that's completely okay. Here's a quick look at the three, and Chef Terry will help you decide once we know your venue and guest count.

Most Popular

Full-Service Buffet

  • Feels elegant without feeling stiff
  • Guests pick exactly what they love
  • Fast service — no long lines
  • Beautiful presentation, styled for photos
  • Our staff keeps it hot and refreshed all night
  • Perfect for most backyards and estates (30–200 guests)
Get a Quote
Most Intimate

Family Style

  • Big shared platters brought right to each table
  • Everyone talks, everyone eats together
  • Feels warm and celebratory — like a big family dinner
  • No lines, no buffet traffic
  • Great for milestone birthdays and anniversaries
  • The style guests remember for the vibe alone
Get a Quote
Most Formal

Plated Dinner Service

  • Restaurant-style, coursed and synchronized
  • Every guest served at the same moment
  • The most polished, elegant dining experience
  • Ideal for engagement parties and milestone celebrations
  • Menu cards, wine pairings, white-glove service
  • The private party your guests describe as 'unreal'
Get a Quote
"Terry cooked up a feast for my bachelor party and delivered it right to our backyard of the Airbnb. Food was amazing!!! We got the brisket, the BBQ chicken, mac n cheese, broccoli, and baked beans. The brisket was cooked perfectly."
Michael C.·Bachelor Party · 5/25/2022 · Google Review
Live charcoal grilling at a San Diego private party
The Moment Guests Remember

Real fire. Real steak. Right in the middle of your party.

Most caterers reheat everything in a back kitchen. We don't. Your steaks, chops, and chicken are grilled over real hardwood charcoal right in your backyard — the way great food is supposed to be cooked.

Ribeyes. New York strips. Picanha. Brick chicken. Fresh seafood. Burgers seared to order. The aroma drifts across the yard. Guests wander over. Photos happen. The whole night just… levels up.

"The live-fire station stopped the party. Guests are still texting us about it." — that's the note we get most often.

  • Grilled fresh in front of your guests
  • Steakhouse-quality steaks & chops
  • Wood-fired chicken & seafood
  • Live-action carving stations
  • A stunning visual centerpiece
  • Restaurant-quality char every time
Bring the Fire to My Private Party
Real questions we hear all the time

What if it rains — or hits 110° in the afternoon?

We plan for weather from day one. The live-fire grills operate under a canopy in rain, wind, and heat, and we can shift to a covered patio, garage, or interior space if conditions change — same menu, same timing. Every proposal includes a weather contingency baked in.

Can you handle allergies and dietary restrictions?

Absolutely. Every party gets vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options as part of the menu. For peanut, tree-nut, shellfish, and other serious allergies, we run a dedicated prep line and label every plate at the pass. Just tell us who needs what.

The Steakhouse Experience

Want your private party to feel like a five-star steakhouse? We can do that.

Charcoal-grilled ribeye, New York strip, filet mignon, picanha, prime rib, salmon, and surf & turf — plated under candlelight, served with white-glove polish, presented like you're at the nicest steakhouse in town.

The food. The lighting. The service. The whole feeling of a great steakhouse — brought right to your home or venue. It's what most of our milestone birthdays and anniversaries pick, and it's the moment your guests will describe as "unreal."

See the Steakhouse Experience Menu
Premium steaks grilled live for a San Diego luxury private party
"We had BBQ Daddy for an 85 person wedding shower. Terry BBQ'd tenderloin, rib eye steaks, and salmon along with 2 cold and 2 hot appys (the bacon wrapped scallops were to die for). The food was awesome and so was the staff. Terry was SUPER easy to deal with and had great communication throughout."
Nanette B.·Wedding Shower · 85 guests · 8/30/2023 · Google Review
About That Date Retainer

Reserve your date without locking in anything else.

Once you're ready, we hold your date with a 35% Date Retainer — and here's the important part: it applies 100% to your final invoice. You're not paying extra. You're just protecting your date on our calendar.

We know it can feel scary to sign anything early in planning. So here's exactly what the retainer does not do:

  • It does NOT lock in your menu — that stays flexible
  • It does NOT lock in your guest count — RSVPs happen later
  • It does NOT lock in your service style — buffet, family, plated, all still open
  • It does NOT lock in your bar package — swap or add anytime
  • It does NOT lock in your upgrades — most planning happens after you book
  • It DOES lock in your date and our team so no one else can take it
Reserve My Private Party Date
"Terry's BBQ is a crowd pleaser and the way to go! All of our guests are still talking about the BBQ. Terry provides a great personal presence and energy — people said he could have easily been the MC! He truly cares about making guests happy and holds his employees to high standards."
Mindy T.·Private Event · 11/15/2021 · Google Review
The stuff hosts always ask us

Do you provide bartenders and a full bar?

Yes — licensed and insured bartenders, signature cocktails, beer-and-wine packages, mocktail service, and full bar setup. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, engagement parties, and bachelor / bachelorette parties.

Are you licensed and fully insured?

Yes. We carry full general liability insurance, food handler licensing, and workers' compensation coverage. If your HOA or venue requires a certificate of insurance, we handle that paperwork directly.

"Terry and his crew helped make our special day magical. We did a food tasting a few weeks prior and were instantly sold. The staff arrived on time, were so professional and friendly. The food was amazing — we heard about it from our guests all night long."
Tene·Private Event · 8/20/2025 · Google Review
San Diego County Private Party Service Area

Wherever your party is in San Diego County — we're there.

From private estates and pool decks to rented venues, parks, and vacation rentals, we cater private parties all across San Diego County, including:

  • · San Diego Private Party Catering
  • · La Jolla Private Party Catering
  • · Del Mar Private Party Catering
  • · Carlsbad Private Party Catering
  • · Encinitas Private Party Catering
  • · Rancho Santa Fe Private Party Catering
  • · Poway Private Party Catering
  • · Coronado Private Party Catering
  • · Vista Private Party Catering
  • · San Marcos Private Party Catering
  • · Oceanside Private Party Catering
  • · Escondido Private Party Catering
  • · Mission Valley Private Party Catering
  • · Pacific Beach Private Party Catering
  • · Point Loma Private Party Catering
  • · North Park Private Party Catering
  • · Chula Vista Private Party Catering
  • · La Mesa Private Party Catering
  • · El Cajon Private Party Catering
One more thing hosts ask

Are there travel fees for destination venues?

Anything within roughly 30 miles of our San Diego home base is included at no additional charge. For destination venues (Sedona, Flagstaff, Temecula, wine country), travel and lodging are quoted transparently up front and shown right on your proposal — no surprise mileage line items on your final invoice.

How far in advance should we book?

Most private parties book 30–90 days out. Holidays (Nov/Dec), graduation season (May), and prime backyard weekends fill 60–180 days in advance. Call us — we'll tell you what's still open.

Chef Terry Matthews — The BBQ Daddy, Food Network chef & founder of Qfire Catering, live-fire wedding & corporate catering in Phoenix, Scottsdale & San Diego
Meet Your Chef

Chef Terry Matthews — the guy actually cooking your private party.

Twenty-five plus years behind the grill. Over 2,000 private parties and catered events. Featured on Food Network's BBQ Brawl with Bobby Flay, Camp Cutthroat, and Cutthroat Kitchen — where he actually won.

Here's the part most caterers won't tell you: when you hire Chef Terry, you get Chef Terry. He personally designs every private party menu Qfire serves. He knows your name. He knows your date. And he cares — genuinely — about making your party one of the good ones.

Food NetworkBBQ BrawlCamp CutthroatCutthroat Kitchen25+ Years
Real Hosts · Verified Reviews

Please don't just take our word for it.

Here's what real Qfire hosts are saying on the platforms other planners trust most. Read every review — the good, the honest, all of it.

Google Reviews
Read Google Reviews
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Yelp
Read Verified Reviews
View on Yelp →
Luxury San Diego private party by Qfire
Let's Plan Your San Diego Private Party

The dinner your guests will remember forever.

Send us your date. We'll check availability, put together a proposal, and set up a private tasting once you're ready. No pressure, no hard sell — just an easy conversation with a chef who wants your party to be incredible.

Start Planning My Private Party Schedule a TastingSee Pricing