Luxury Private Chef Experiences in Charleston.
Michelin-inspired in-home dining, weddings, chef’s tables, and curated hospitality by Chef Juan Acevedo.
Meet Chef Juan
Born in New York and raised in Florida with Puerto Rican and African American roots, Chef Juan Acevedo brings together Southern hospitality, Latin influence, French technique, and modern culinary artistry to create experiences that feel both refined and deeply personal.
Every Plates & Thyme dinner is designed to feel warm, intentional, elevated, and unforgettable.
Client Testimonials
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Google
We hired chef Juan with Plates and Thyme for my 40th birthday dinner celebration and it was the best dinner of my life! Incredible experience, flavor, high quality food, and all at the convenient location of our beach condo. Incredible value for what you get and if we lived closer to SC, we would make this a yearly experience, it was that incredible!
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Airbnb Review
“Juan created an amazing, customized, 4-course Thanksgiving meal for our family while we were in town visiting our son. The food was so delicious! He was professional, kind and is very passionate about cooking! He arrived on time and came fully prepared.If you are looking for someone to come and make you an amazing meal for your family or guests, Juan is the perfect addition to your get together. I cannot recommend him enough. The next time we are in Charleston, we will most certainly use him again!”
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Google Review
Chef Juan popped into our office to bring us lunch and let us just tell you! It was amazing!!! Even after traveling to us the food was still hot, tasty and such a great take on a southern classic Shrimp and Grits! Super professional, kind and very knowledgeable! The food is phenomenal. We are happy to add Plates and Thyme to our tried and true catering options for our guests!
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Airbnb Review
Working with Juan was liking meeting up with an old friend who just wanted to make sure he was giving you what you wanted. In just a short call he asked questions to ensure we had a wonderful evening. The food was perfect. On time, beautifully presented and most importantly delicious. The portions were generous. Everything was so great that I went and bought a cooler so I could bring leftovers on the plane!
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Google
Chef Juan was an absolute delight. His food and service were impeccable. He exceeded all of our expectations for our private dinner and we couldn’t be happier. I can’t recommend his services enough.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Airbnb
The food was delicious and chef Juan was so nice and lively. It was a perfect way to end the trip. We were stuffed and absolutely loved the oysters, but each dish was better than the last set before us.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Airbnb
Chef Juan delivered an exceptional experience from start to finish. The thoughtfully curated menu, shared with us well in advance, built anticipation for what turned out to be a truly memorable meal. Every course was beautifully presented, and all six of us thoroughly enjoyed the flavors, with the sauces standing out as especially creative and delicious. Chef Juan introduced each course with just the right level of detail and maintained a relaxed, personable presence throughout the evening. He struck a perfect balance between engaging with our group and giving us space to enjoy our conversations between courses. From seamless setup to effortless cleanup, the entire experience felt refined and stress-free. We would highly recommend Chef Juan and are already looking forward to booking him again. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy this outstanding dining experience!
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Google
Juan catered my New Year’s party for 18. His dishes are delicious. He is very professional, and presented everything beautifully. And to top it off, he did an awesome job of packing leftovers and cleaning up. My guests raved about him! I’m hiring Juan again soon!
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Airbnb
I highly recommend Juan for your personal chef! My brother, best friend & I were given the best experience! From the moment he arrived till he left. He made us feel like family. The food & experience was PHENOMENAL!! We thoroughly ENJOYED our evening!!!!!😁
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Airbnb
Chef Juan catered my aunt’s private birthday dinner, and the entire experience was absolutely amazing. The Mediterranean themed menu was exquisite, the presentation was beautiful, and every dish was prepared with excellence and flavor. Beyond the food itself, the conversation, professionalism, and overall atmosphere made the evening feel even more special and personal. It was truly a pleasurable experience from beginning to end. If you are in the valley of decision trying to determine who to book, come out of it. Chef Juan is definitely the route to go. You will not be disappointed.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Airbnb
Juan made our Mothers Day dinner so memorable. We worked through the menu ahead of time and he accommodated the dietary restrictions of our guests. But the highlight was the meal. Wow. The meal. We are still talking about it today (the next day). If you are wanting to be pampered and experience low country in home dining you should consider hiring Juan.
Experience restaurant-level dining in the comfort of your home with Plates & Thyme Charleston’s premier luxury private chef service specializing in elevated in home dining, intimate gatherings, vacation dining, and curated culinary experiences.
Led by Chef Juan Acevedo, Plates & Thyme blends Michelin-inspired technique with Southern hospitality, Latin influence, coastal ingredients, and modern culinary artistry to create dining experiences that feel refined, intentional, and deeply personal.
Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner, celebrating a special occasion, hosting a sophisticated gathering, or simply looking to enjoy exceptional cuisine without leaving home, every experience is thoughtfully tailored to your guests, preferences, and occasion.
What’s Included
• Customized menu curation
• Seasonal and locally sourced ingredients
• In home culinary preparation and service
• Elegant plating and elevated presentation
• Dietary accommodations upon request
• Full kitchen cleanup following service
Signature Experiences:
The Charleston Tasting Experience
5-Course Seasonal Tasting Menu
Starting at $185 per guest
Perfect for intimate gatherings, anniversaries, and elevated evenings at home.
The Chef’s Table Experience
7-Course Immersive Fine Dining
Starting at $250 per guest
A multi-course culinary journey showcasing refined technique, storytelling, and luxury hospitality.
Coastal Gathering Experience
Cocktail Hour + Dinner Service
Designed for celebrations, birthdays, and sophisticated social gatherings.
Vacation Chef Experience
Luxury multi-day private dining designed for Charleston visitors, vacation homes, and elevated coastal entertaining.
Weekly Personal Chef Service
Customized recurring meal preparation tailored to your lifestyle, dietary preferences, and weekly needs.
At Plates & Thyme, we believe dining should feel warm, memorable, and effortless. Every experience is designed to create meaningful moments your guests will talk about long after the final course.
Limited availability each month to ensure every experience receives our full attention and care.
Choose Your Experience
Unleash Your Inner Chef at Plates & Thyme Cooking Classes!
Are you ready to elevate your culinary skills and learn the secrets of the trade? Join us for an intimate cooking experience where you’ll unlock the professional techniques used by chefs!
What to Expect:
- Hands-on instruction from our expert chefs
- Discover tips and tricks that will transform your home cooking
- Enjoy a delicious meal prepared by you and your classmates
- Create lasting memories in a fun, friendly environment!
Class Size:
With a maximum of 10 guests, you’ll receive personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to ask questions and hone your skills.
Reserve Your Spot Today!
Spaces are limited, and they fill up fast! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, our classes will inspire and delight.
Join us for a culinary adventure—because every great dish starts with good company and expert guidance!
Let’s turn your cooking dreams into reality!
Luxury Meal Prep Made Effortless
Stop spending time shopping, cooking, and cleaning — and start enjoying professionally prepared meals tailored to your lifestyle.
Plates & Thyme provides fully customized chef-prepared meals for busy individuals, families, and wellness-focused clients throughout Charleston. Every meal is crafted using fresh ingredients, premium proteins, and bold seasonal flavors designed to keep you feeling your best without sacrificing convenience or quality.
Whether your goals are performance, clean eating, weight management, or simply eating better during a busy week, we build your meals around what works best for you.
Choose from: • High Protein
• Mediterranean
• Keto
• Paleo
• Whole30
• Vegetarian
• Custom Meal Plans
Your meals arrive fresh, portioned, and ready to enjoy.
No shopping. No prep. No cleanup.
Just elevated meals prepared by a professional chef.
Perfect for: • Busy professionals
• Families
• Athletes & fitness clients
• Recovery nutrition
• Vacation guests
• Luxury convenience dining
Healthy eating should feel simple, satisfying, and exceptional.
