Planning a hibachi party at home is easier than most people think — especially when you hire a private chef who handles the cooking. But a little planning goes a long way to making sure the evening runs smoothly and everyone has a great time. Here's your complete guide.
Step 1: Pick Your Date and Book Early
The first thing to do is lock in your date. Popular weekend dates — especially in May, June, and December — can book out weeks in advance. For most events, booking 2–3 weeks ahead is sufficient. For weddings and holiday parties, aim for 4–8 weeks.
Book your private hibachi chef here or call us to check availability for your date.
Step 2: Choose Indoor or Outdoor
Hibachi works both indoors and outdoors — here's how to decide:
- Outdoor: Backyard, patio, or deck is ideal. Open air means no ventilation concerns and the fire show looks spectacular at night.
- Indoor: Works great in a garage with the door open, a covered patio, or a well-ventilated room. Banquet halls and event venues also work.
The main requirement for indoor setups is good airflow. If you're unsure about your space, share a description with us when booking and we'll advise.
Step 3: Plan Your Guest Count
Know your headcount before booking — this determines how many chefs we bring and your total food cost. A rough number is fine at booking time; you can adjust the final count closer to the date.
Our pricing: $55/adult, $30/child (12 and under), $550 minimum. Use our estimate calculator to see your total.
Step 4: Set Up the Space
Each grill station needs roughly a 10×10 foot flat area. Before your chef arrives:
- Clear a flat area of that size — grass, concrete, or deck all work
- Set up seating in a semicircle or U-shape around where the grill will go
- Make sure guests can see the chef perform — that's half the fun
- Set up a table nearby for drinks, plates, and napkins (bring your own plates and napkins)
Step 5: Choose Your Proteins
Each adult gets to choose 2 proteins from our standard menu. Think about your crowd:
- Crowd-pleasers: Chicken and shrimp are the most universally popular
- Meat lovers: Steak and filet mignon upgrades are a big hit
- Seafood fans: Salmon, shrimp, and scallops are all excellent
- Vegetarians: Tofu is a standard protein option — let us know in advance
You can also add premium upgrades (filet mignon +$5/serving, lobster tail +$10/serving) and extras like gyoza ($8) or edamame ($5) for the group.
Step 6: Tell Your Guests What to Expect
First-time hibachi guests are always surprised by how much fun it is. Let them know:
- There will be a live fire show — kids and adults love it
- Food is cooked fresh in front of them — not passed around family style
- They'll sit around the grill, almost like a performance dinner
- They should bring their appetite — portions are generous
Step 7: Plan Around the Timing
A typical hibachi event runs like this:
- ~15 min before: Chef arrives and sets up the grill
- ~90 min: Chef cooks and performs for your guests
- After: Chef packs up equipment
Plan your party schedule so guests arrive 15–20 minutes before you want cooking to start. Don't worry about rushing — the chef handles the timing.
What You Need to Provide
- Seating for all guests around the grill area
- Plates, napkins, and utensils for your guests
- Drinks (we don't provide beverages)
- Any extra decorations or birthday/event setup you want
We bring everything else — the grill, all ingredients, proteins, sauces, and cooking equipment.
Ready to Start Planning?
We serve backyard hibachi parties across 27 states including Florida, Georgia, New York, Maryland, Texas, and more. Book your chef today and we'll take it from there.