Let me share something that's changing how San Jose residents celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and special gatherings. Instead of fighting downtown traffic, waiting for tables at crowded restaurants, or dealing with rushed service, families throughout the South Bay are bringing the full Japanese steakhouse experience straight to their homes. And honestly? Once you've experienced mobile hibachi in your own backyard with the people you care about most, you'll never look at dining out the same way again.
I'm Rumla, and I've been coordinating hibachi experiences across the Bay Area for years now. What started as a simple idea—bringing authentic teppanyaki entertainment to people's homes—has grown into something special here in San Jose. There's something magical about watching your guests' faces light up when our chef arrives with that distinctive hibachi grill, ready to transform fresh ingredients into an unforgettable culinary show. If you're curious about what makes Love Hibachi different from the typical restaurant experience, stick with me—I'm going to walk you through everything.
So what exactly is mobile hibachi in San Jose ? Think of it as having a premium Japanese steakhouse come directly to your location—whether that's your backyard in Willow Glen, your apartment complex clubhouse in Santana Row, or your corporate office space in North San Jose. We're talking about professional hibachi chefs who bring all the equipment, premium ingredients, entertaining knife skills, and theatrical cooking techniques that make teppanyaki dining so memorable.
Here's what sets us apart from standard catering: we don't just drop off food. Our chefs create a full interactive cooking experience where your guests become part of the show. The sizzling sounds, the aromatic garlic butter, the flying shrimp toss, the signature onion volcano—all the elements that make hibachi dining exciting happen right in front of your guests. But unlike cramped restaurant seating where you're sharing your chef with strangers at a communal table, this experience is completely private and tailored to your group.
Ready to book your event ? The process is easier than you might think, and we handle absolutely everything from equipment setup to final cleanup.
After coordinating hundreds of events throughout Santa Clara County, I can tell you exactly what makes Love Hibachi the premier choice for San Jose award-winning professional chefs residents. First, we're talking about who've trained in authentic teppanyaki techniques. These aren't just cooks—they're entertainers who know how to read a room, engage with different age groups, and adjust the show based on your crowd's energy.
We serve the entire San Jose metro area, from East San Jose to Almaden Valley, from Berryessa to Cambrian Park. Check our service areas to confirm we cover your specific neighborhood, though chances are excellent we do. We've cooked for families in everything from downtown condos to sprawling Los Gatos hillside estates.
The convenience factor alone is huge. Your guests don't need to coordinate transportation, deal with parking, or worry about drinking and driving. Everyone can relax completely in a familiar, comfortable environment. Plus, you have complete control over the atmosphere—play your own music, set up the seating how you want it, and let kids run around freely between courses without worrying about disturbing other diners.
Cost-wise, when you break it down per person for premium protein options, professional entertainment, and zero-hassle service, Love Hibachi typically costs the same or less than taking a large group to a traditional hibachi restaurant—with a significantly better experience.
What exactly comes with your mobile hibachi experience? Let me break this down because the value proposition is pretty remarkable. When you visit our website and book with us, you're getting a complete package that includes:
Professional Equipment & Setup: portable hibachi grills, all cooking utensils, serving platters, and everything needed We bring our for the show. You don't buy anything or rent anything—it's all included. Setup takes about 30-45 minutes, and we're typically ready to start cooking within an hour of arrival.
Premium Fresh Ingredients: restaurant-quality proteins We're talking about —USDA Choice steak, jumbo shrimp, fresh chicken breast, tender scallops, and premium vegetable selections. Everything arrives fresh the day of your event. You choose the menu ahead of time, and we handle all the shopping and preparation.
Full Teppanyaki Entertainment: This is where the magic happens. Our chefs perform all the classic hibachi showmanship—the egg roll, the knife tricks, the flaming onion volcano, the shrimp tail flip. It's interactive, it's engaging, and it creates those memorable moments your guests will talk about for months.
Complete Cleanup Service: Once everyone's satisfied and the last plate is cleared, we handle everything. The grill gets cleaned, all equipment gets packed up, and we leave your space exactly as we found it. You get to enjoy your guests rather than stress about kitchen duty afterward.
Flexible Customization: Got a vegetarian guest? Someone with shellfish allergies? A kid who only eats chicken? We accommodate all dietary preferences and restrictions without hassle. Just let us know ahead of time.
I've seen Love Hibachi transform so many different types of events in San Jose. Birthday celebrations are probably our most popular booking—whether it's a 10-year-old's party where the kids go absolutely wild for the tricks, or a sophisticated 50th birthday dinner with close friends and family. There's something universally appealing about live cooking entertainment.
Corporate events and team building have become huge for us, especially with San Jose's concentration of tech companies. Hosting a hibachi experience at your office creates memorable bonding moments way beyond typical catered lunches. We've done everything from product launch celebrations to quarterly team outings for companies throughout Silicon Valley.
Engagement parties, anniversary dinners, graduation celebrations, holiday gatherings gender reveal parties—honestly, if there's a reason to bring people together, mobile hibachi makes it special. We've even done where the onion volcano erupts with pink or blue flames.
For families hosting out-of-town guests, this solves the eternal "where should we go to dinner?" debate. Your visiting relatives get a uniquely Bay Area experience without navigating unfamiliar neighborhoods or making complicated reservations during peak tourist season.
Here's something I've noticed working throughout San Jose—this city has incredibly high culinary standards. Between the diverse immigrant communities, the affluent tech workforce with sophisticated palates, and the proximity to San Francisco's renowned food culture, San Jose residents know good food. You can't just show up with mediocre ingredients and generic techniques.
That's precisely why Love Hibachi has resonated so strongly here. San Jose's reputation as a serious food destination means locals appreciate authentic technique and quality ingredients. Our chefs aren't just flipping shrimp for show—they're applying legitimate teppanyaki skills developed through years of professional training. The difference shows in every perfectly seared steak, every vegetable cooked to ideal texture, every balanced bite of fried rice.
The Bay Area's celebrated farm-to-table ethos aligns perfectly with our commitment to fresh, locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. We're bringing the same quality consciousness that defines San Jose's best restaurants, just in a more intimate, personalized format.
Plus, with San Jose's large Asian American population, there's genuine appreciation for doing Japanese cuisine correctly. We're not dumbing anything down or westernizing techniques—we're honoring traditional teppanyaki preparation while making it accessible and entertaining for all backgrounds.
Let me walk you through exactly how your San Jose mobile hibachi event works, start to finish, so you know what to anticipate.
Booking & Planning (2-8 weeks before): First step is reaching out through our contact page. We'll discuss your event date, guest count, location, and menu preferences. For popular dates—especially weekends during summer—booking earlier gives you better availability. We'll send a detailed quote and lock in your date with a deposit.
Pre-Event Coordination (1 week before): Our team will confirm all details—final guest count, any dietary restrictions, setup location (backyard, patio, garage, clubhouse), and timing. We'll answer any last-minute questions you have and ensure everything's squared away.
Day of Event - Arrival & Setup (1 hour before cooking): Our chef and assistant arrive with all equipment and ingredients. They'll set up the grill in your designated area, arrange the cooking station, and prepare all ingredients. This happens efficiently and professionally—we've done this hundreds of times.
The Hibachi Show (1.5-2.5 hours): Showtime! Your guests gather around as the chef begins the interactive cooking experience. Depending on your menu, this includes appetizers, proteins cooked to each guest's preference, vegetables, fried rice, and sometimes noodles. The entertainment is woven throughout—engaging your guests, teaching a few tricks to interested kids, creating those Instagram-worthy moments.
Cleanup & Departure (30 minutes): Once everyone's satisfied, we clean the grill, pack up all equipment, and handle any food waste. We aim to leave zero trace beyond happy, well-fed guests.
Total time from arrival to departure typically runs 3-3.5 hours for a standard event with 10-15 guests.
Love Hibachi proudly serves the entire San Jose metropolitan area and surrounding communities. We regularly cater events in downtown San Jose, Willow Glen, Rose Garden, Almaden Valley, East San Jose, North San Jose, Berryessa, Evergreen, Silver Creek, and beyond.
We also extend throughout Santa Clara County to cities like Campbell, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Cupertino, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Milpitas, and Morgan Hill. Basically, if you're in the South Bay, we've got you covered. Check if we serve your specific location or just ask us directly—our coverage is extensive.
Different neighborhoods have different setup considerations. Apartment complexes might use their community clubhouse, single-family homes often prefer backyard setups, and we've adapted to everything from small patio spaces to sprawling entertainment areas. We work with your space, whatever that looks like.
One of the biggest advantages of private hibachi catering is menu flexibility. Unlike restaurants with fixed combination plates, we can tailor everything to your group's preferences.
Protein Selections: Choose from USDA Choice steak (filet mignon or New York strip), chicken breast, jumbo shrimp, scallops, salmon, lobster tail (premium option), or any combination. Want surf and turf for everyone? Done. Have half the group who wants chicken only? No problem.
Vegetarian & Vegan Options: We prepare spectacular vegetable-focused hibachi with tofu, assorted fresh vegetables, mushrooms, and all the same fried rice and noodles as omnivores enjoy. It's not an afterthought—it's delicious.
Kids' Preferences: Kids can choose simplified versions or smaller portions. Many young guests love the fried rice and chicken more than anything fancy, and that's perfectly fine.
Sides & Add-ons: Fried rice is standard, but you can add noodles, extra vegetables, salad with ginger dressing, miso soup, edamame, or gyoza as appetizers.
The beauty of mobile catering is we build the menu around your group's actual preferences rather than forcing everyone into predetermined combinations.
I know cost is always a consideration when planning events. While specific pricing varies based on guest count, menu selections, and location within the San Jose area, I can give you general guidance.
Most San Jose mobile hibachi events range from $60-$95 per person for a complete experience including professional chef service, all equipment, premium ingredients, entertainment, setup, and cleanup. That's typically comparable to dining at a quality hibachi restaurant—except you're getting a private show, customized menu, and zero hassle.
Larger guest counts (15-20+ people) often get better per-person rates. Simpler menus lean toward the lower end of that range, while premium proteins like lobster tail or multiple surf-and-turf options push toward the higher end.
What's definitively NOT included in the base price: The gratuity for your chef (typically 15-20% like you'd tip restaurant servers), any alcohol service (you provide drinks for your guests), and venue rental if you're using a third-party space rather than your home.
For exact pricing tailored to your specific event, the best approach is to request a quote. We can usually provide numbers within 24 hours and discuss package options that fit your budget.
How far in advance should I book Love Hibachi for my San Jose event? Great question, and it really depends on the season and your flexibility. For weekends between May and October—our busiest period in San Jose—I'd recommend booking 4-8 weeks ahead, especially if you're particular about evening time slots. Weekend dates during summer book up fast because outdoor weather is perfect. That said, we do accommodate last-minute requests when possible. Weekday events or winter dates typically have more availability with 2-3 weeks notice. Pro tip: if you're planning around a specific date like a birthday or anniversary, reach out as soon as you know—we'll do everything possible to make it happen. Visit our FAQ page for more detailed information about booking and availability.
What space requirements do I need for mobile hibachi setup? You need less space than most people think! The hibachi grill itself is portable and relatively compact—think about 6 feet by 3 feet for the cooking surface and equipment. What matters more is guest seating arrangement around the grill. Ideally, you want enough room for your guests to gather around three sides of the grill (the fourth side is where the chef stands and works). Most standard patios, decks, driveways, or backyards work perfectly. We've set up successfully in apartment complex clubhouses, community center patios, even spacious garages when weather's not cooperating. For indoor setups, we just need adequate ventilation and proximity to an outdoor door for heat management. If you're concerned about your specific space, send us photos or measurements when you contact us, and we'll confirm feasibility.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies? Absolutely, yes. This is one of the major advantages of private catering versus restaurants. When you book with Love Hibachi, we discuss all dietary needs upfront—vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, shellfish allergies, nut allergies, you name it. We prepare these meals with separate equipment when necessary to avoid cross-contamination. We've successfully catered to groups with multiple different dietary requirements simultaneously. Common accommodations include vegetarian hibachi with tofu and extra vegetables, shellfish-free preparations for allergic guests, and gluten-free options using tamari instead of soy sauce. Just be specific about needs when you book your event, and we handle the rest. Your guests' safety and enjoyment are non-negotiable priorities.
Does Love Hibachi serve my specific area within San Jose?Almost certainly yes! We serve the entire San Jose metropolitan area including downtown, Willow Glen, Almaden Valley, Evergreen, Berryessa, Rose Garden, Cambrian Park, Silver Creek, North San Jose, and East San Jose. We also extend throughout Santa Clara County to surrounding cities like Campbell, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Santa Clara, and Milpitas. We've catered events from the foothills of Almaden all the way to tech campuses in North San Jose. To confirm coverage for your specific address, check our service area page or simply ask us directly when you inquire. Travel distance within the South Bay doesn't typically affect pricing unless you're in a particularly remote area.
What makes Love Hibachi different from going to a hibachi restaurant? privacy and intimacy convenience and comfort customization atmosphere control valueThis is the question I get most often, so let me break down the key differences. First,—you're not sharing your chef with strangers or competing for attention at a communal table. The entire experience is focused on your group. Second, —no parking hassles, no waiting for tables, no rushing home after dinner, and guests can drink freely without transportation concerns. Third, —we build the menu around your preferences rather than fixed offering combinations. per-person cost including premium food, professional entertainment, and zero hassle, it's typically comparable to restaurant pricing but with a significantly elevated experience. Plus, your kids (if applicable) can be themselves in your own space rather than needing to maintain restaurant behavior for two hours. It's all the fun and food quality of hibachi dining with none of the typical restaurant drawbacks.
Here's what I've learned coordinating mobile hibachi experiences throughout the South Bay: the events that people remember years later aren't usually the fancy restaurant dinners or the conventional parties. They're the unique experiences that bring people together in unexpected ways. Watching a master hibachi chef transform fresh ingredients into a culinary show in your own backyard? That creates memories.
San Jose residents have access to incredible dining options throughout the Bay Area. But there's something special about bringing that elevated experience to your own space, on your own terms, with the people you care about most. No traffic, no crowds, no compromises—just exceptional food, entertaining showmanship, and genuine connection.
Whether you're planning a milestone birthday, celebrating a promotion, hosting out-of-town visitors, or just want to do something different for your next gathering, Love Hibachi brings the full Japanese steakhouse experience directly to your San Jose location.
Ready to get started? Contact us today to check availability for your date and discuss menu options. Our team typically responds within 24 hours with a detailed quote and answers to any questions. Don't wait too long on those popular weekend dates—spaces fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
Transform your next celebration with Love Hibachi. Because the best meals aren't just about food—they're about the experience, the entertainment, and the memories you create together. Let's make your San Jose event unforgettable.
