A party of 20 is one of the most popular sizes for private hibachi catering — big enough to feel like a real event, small enough to fit comfortably in most backyards. If you're wondering exactly what hibachi catering costs for 20 people, here's the complete breakdown.
The Base Food Cost for 20 People
Our pricing is $55 per adult and $30 per child (ages 4–12). For a party of 20 adults:
- 20 adults × $55 = $1,100 food total
That covers everything — the professional chef, the hibachi grill, 2 protein choices per person (chicken, steak, shrimp, salmon, tofu, or scallops), fried rice, hibachi vegetables, garden salad, and all sauces.
What If Some Guests Are Kids?
If your party of 20 includes children:
- 15 adults + 5 kids: (15 × $55) + (5 × $30) = $825 + $150 = $975
- 18 adults + 2 kids: (18 × $55) + (2 × $30) = $990 + $60 = $1,050
- Children 3 and under are always free
Travel Fee
Travel fees are not included in the per-person price and vary based on your location. In most metro areas, travel fees typically range from $30–$100. You'll get the exact travel fee confirmed before you finalize your booking.
Premium Upgrades (Optional)
Want to elevate the menu for some or all guests?
- Filet Mignon upgrade: +$5 per serving — if all 20 guests want filet, that's $100 extra
- Lobster Tail upgrade: +$10 per serving — if all 20 guests want lobster, that's $200 extra
You can also upgrade just a few guests — these are per-serving, not per-party.
Full Cost Example — Party of 20
- Food (20 adults): $1,100
- Travel fee (estimate): $50
- Total before tip: ~$1,150
- Tip (15–20%): $165–$220
- All-in estimate: ~$1,315–$1,370
Is 20 People a Good Size for Hibachi?
Yes — 20 guests is an ideal size. The chef can cook efficiently and still put on a great show. Cooking time for 20 people runs about 90 minutes from start to finish. Everyone gets hot, freshly cooked food without a long wait.
Use our instant estimate calculator to get the exact number for your specific guest mix, or book your private chef today. Also see our full pricing and packages page for the complete breakdown.