Private Chef in Queenstown
Rent one of our 28 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.
A personal chef for any occasion in Queenstown
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Queenstown in January 2018, more than 28 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Queenstown and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Queenstown-Lakes District.
Starting in 2018, 2,085 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Queenstown. To book your chef in Queenstown, just share your event details in our form. Receive proposals from top chefs and chat with them until you find your match.
Up until today, our chefs have shared 214 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 1,889 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.63 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 2,085 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Queenstown usually book menus around 188 NZD per person, including 3.29 courses, sharing an average of 4.01 messages with their chefs. If you've never had a chef at home but want to add an extra spice to your next celebration, just rent a chef in Queenstown.
How it works
Personalize your request
Share with us the details of your dream meal, including type of cuisine, preferences, and intolerances.
Receive menu proposals
Our chefs will design menus based solely on your wants and needs.
Get chatty with your chefs
Don't be shy about exchanging some messages with your chefs until your perfect menu is ready!
Book your experience
Once you are happy with your choice, submit your payment to secure your experience.
Enjoy!
All there is left to do is count down the days till your culinary experience begins!
28 Private Chefs in Queenstown
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Queenstown
More than 2,000 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.29 Chef
The guests in Queenstown have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.29.
4.71 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Queenstown received an average score of 4.71.
4.71 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.71 average score.
4.71 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Queenstown has been scored with a 4.71 on average.
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214 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Queenstown
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!
Caramelised stone-fruit with whipped feta & paratha
Treacle cured salmon with cucumber & rye
Mussel fritters with chilli & yoghurt
Courgette with blackcurrant & feta
Beef fillet with tomato & anchovy
Crispy pork belly with dijon & fennel
Lamb rack withlemon & labneh
Chargrilled eggplant with miso & potata
Tempura blue cod with tartare
Milk chocolate mousse with raspberry & hazelnut
Baked cheesecake with strawberries & ginger
Pavlova with watermelon & rosewater
Nz burrata cheese with seasonal green
Aqua pazza
Signature braised beef cheek with mash potato
Classic tiramisu served with salted caramel ice cream
Aubergine fritters, red pepper confit, basil
Bacala mantecato - whipped salt cod with grilled polenta
Beef tartare with truffle caviar, fried pine nuts, crispy oregano
Tuna tartare w clam mayonnaise, mustard leaf, quail egg
Boquerones - marinated white anchovies with baguette and olive relish
Champagne baked oysters w braised leeks and truffle cream
Fresh oysters on the half shell w champagne vinaigrette
Duck liver pate, peppered pears, baguette
Eggplant and goat cheese caviar on toast points (gf toast)
Escargot grilled w garlic butter
Gougeres with gruyere and chives
Warm frizze salad w bacon lardons and hot mustard dressing, quail egg
Tuna carpaccio, fried capers, arugula
Moulles steamed w herbs and tomato confit
Antipasti platter w a selection of meats and salamis, preserved vegetables and crackers/bread
Classic french onion soup
Lobster bisque w toast points
Cheese plate w a selection of local and international cheeses, homemade quince paste, fruit and nuts and crackers/bread
French radishes w homemade butter and salt
Roasted bone marrow w parsley salad w fresh baguette
Roasted aubergine with burrata, basil and tomato confit
Spicy ahi tuna ahi tartare, avocado, rice cracker, ponzu dressing, french breakfast radish
Tomato tarte tartin, thyme lemon creme fraiche, roquette & fennel salad, shaved almonds
Lamb carpaccio and avocado salad with citrus dressing
7 vegetable couscous, harissa, rocket mandarin salad, orange blossom dressing
Beef sirloin seared w wild mushroom sauce, fried basil, crispy potatoes, ratatouille
Bouillabaisse au morue, rouix, baguette, mesculin green bean salad, cherry tomatoes
Duck leg confit served w anise poached plums, potato dauphinoise, garlic sautéed green beans
Eye fillet steak, anchovy butter, daphanoise potatoes, green beans and almonds, mushroom pate
Fish en papillot w orange, fennel, pistachio; potato gratin, walnut apple salad
Grilled lamb back straps, potato dauphine, calvados and apples, crisp sautéed greens
Grilled salmon w pan seared scallops, cauliflower cream, haricots, port wine sauce
Honey roasted duck leg confit with lyonnaise potatoes, cherry red wine sauce, warm frizze salad
Juniper, rosemary and pistachio crusted lamb cutlets, truffle oil mash, brussel sprouts and bacon lardons
Jerusalem artichoke risotto w scallops and sweet sherry caramel. braised leeks, orange marmalade (can be made vegetarian)
Okra, tomato and pepper tagine, jewelled couscous, grilled carrot, celery and herb salad with a lemon cumin dressing
Artichokes steamed and served w thyme & saffron hollandaise
Pan seared tuna w sweet tomato tapenade and creamed corn, sautéed greens
Roasted chicken, mushrooms, tarragon pan jus, endive salad
Tomato tarte tartin, thyme lemon creme fraiche, roquette & fennel salad, almond praline
Whole salmon, stuffed w medditeranean herbs and vegetables, wrapped and grilled
Apple tart tartin, vanilla cashew cream, chocolate dust, raspberries
Apricot tart tartin, lemon thyme coconut cream, lemon balm granita
Artisanal cheese board w petit fours and macarons
Bunet - chocolate, almond creme brûlée
Canelle de bourdeax w chocolate orange sauce, candied mandarin segments, orange blossom creme
Creme brûlée, candied apple, almond snap
Chocolate pots de creme, cherry sauce, hazelnut praline
Classic french apple tarte, rosemary cream, lavender ice cream
Pear and dark chocolate tart, plum sorbet, lavender cream
Lemon curd raspberry cake w passion fruit creme
Warm citrus puddings, orange meringues, poached plums, pastry creme
Selection of macarons, mini tarts and chocolate truffles
Pot au chocolate, almond wafer, chocolate gravel
Passion fruit and lime panacotta w blood orange syrup
Peanut butter parfait, peanut dacquoise, chocolate ganache, butterscotch sauce, grilled pineapple
Marinated green-lipped mussels
Venison tartare
Treacle cured salmon
Crispy pork belly roast
Lamb rack
Smoked nz salmon
Tempura blue cod
Brown sugar pavlova
Dark chocolate mousse
Sticky date pudding with pear and ginger
Smoked kahawai croquettes with watercress puree
Vintage cheddar gougeres, manuka honey, tamahere truffle salt
Local pacific oysters with lime and kawakawa granita
Rewana potato bread w black garlic butter and local smoked oysters
Local seafood steamed in a karengo broth with pickled pikopiko fronds
Pork and watercress dumplings, lemon and horopito aioli
Steamed green lip mussels in a kawakawa lemon broth w nz fry bread
Kumara gnocchi w a brown butter sauce and pickled watercress
Paua fritters with preserved lemon and puha
Horopito rubbed lightly smoked lamp rump with ohakune carrot puree and kumara croquette and minted peas
Slow cooked beef short ribs with grilled tamarillo, triple cooked agria potatoes, green beans
Seared free range chicken breast with poached quince, parsnip crisps & new zealand spinach,
Seared crispy skin snapper, pikopiko fronds, oyster beignets, horopito lemon sauce
Steamed kumara puddings with hokey pokey ice cream and manuka honey honeycomb
Granny smith apple tarts, feijoa ice cream, apple chip
Strawberry lamington - sheeps yoghurt mousse, pohutukawa honey strawberry and black pepper sorbet
Little pavlovas - torched meringue with poached rhubarb, toasted white chocolate, fresh cream manuka honeycomb
Oysters on the half shell with champagne vinaigrette
Cauliflower salad, pickled raisins, crispy capers, parmesan
Duck liver pate, candied cherry, baguette
Wild mushroom voul e vent w black truffle cream
Beef tartare, quail egg, condiments
Tuna tartare, radish, avocado mousse, pineapple vierge
Mussels marinieres w pomme frites
Duck leg confit served w anise poached plums, potato dauphinoise, garlic sautéed green beans
Grilled lamb back straps, potato dauphine, calvados and apples, crisp sautéed greens
Salad niscoise: seared tuna steak, baby perlas, green beans, egg, cucumber, heirloom tomato, mustard dressing
Grilled salmon w pan seared scallops, cauliflower cream, haricots, port wine sauce
Steak frites, candied glazed shallots, red wine pepper sauce
Tomato tarte tartin, thyme lemon creme fraiche, roquette & fennel salad, almond praline
Roasted chicken, mushrooms, tarragon pan jus, endive salad
Apricot tart tartin, lemon thyme mascarpone cream, lemon balm granita
Creme brûlée, candied apple, almond snap
Apple tart tartin, vanilla speckled cream, chocolate dust, raspberries
Pot au chocolate, almond wafer, chocolate gravel
Artisanal cheese board
Crispy masa cakes, black bean & achiote salsa, avocado, cilantro oil
Sesame soy pumpkin with sweet pepper relish in asian spoon
Tortilla español w salsa romesco - spanish potato and onion tortilla w red pepper and nut sauce
Eggplant and goat cheese caviar on toast points
Ceviche of oyster mushroom w lime, jalapeño, cucumber, tomato & cilantro served w fresh corn tostadas
Green mango ceviche in aguachile sauce
Steamed edamame beans w manuka smoked salt
Artichoke and manchego fritters with green olive relish
Mushroom and lemongrass dumplings, black vinegar caramel sauce
Banh xeo - vietnamese crispy mung pancake, grilled chili tofu, green garlic, herbs, nuoc cham
Marinated shiitake, cucumber and avocado brown rice sushi nori maki with soya dipping sauce
Fresh tofu in a delicate yuzu broth, shiso sprouts, candied citrus peel
Beetroot pasta ravioli w ricotta and radicchio filling, parmesan & toasted pinenuts
Empanadas of wild mushrooms, corn & blue cheese w roasted tomato chipotle salsa
Apricot and fennel salad w candied beetroot, lemon croutons
Rice paper pizza, grilled plantain w spiced plum sauce, charred pineapple, cashew crumble, coriander
Cold soba noodle w shiitake dashi, bonito, edamame, pickled daikon, crispy nori sheets
7 vegetable couscous, harissa, rocket mandarin salad, orange blossom dressing
Pumpkin & pepita corn tamales, salsa of tomato and avocado, salsa rojo, baby caesar salad
Jerusalem artichoke lemon risotto w oyster mushrooms grilled w sweet sherry caramel, orange radish salad
Kumara and pumpkin gnocchi, wild mushroom masala sauce, fried marjoram, broccolini
Homemade steamed buns filled w mushroom & tempeh in a sticky bbq sauce, sriracha mayo
Baked tempeh, edamame, sweet potato burger, hijiki cucumber salad w black sesame dressing, kumara fries
Orange chocolate tart w candied chocolate orange
Passion fruit and lime panacotta w blood orange syrup
Lime and pear tart, lychee cream, crispy pear
Chocolate pots de creme, cherry sauce, hazelnut praline
Warm citrus puddings, orange meringues, poached plums, pastry creme
Black sticky rice and mango parcels, wrapped in banana leaves and grilled, lime sabayon, makrut lime granita
Salted caramel sesame ice cream chocolate chip cookie sandwich
Apricot tart tartin, lemon thyme mascarpone cream, lemon balm granita
Smoked salmon polenta bites with sun-dried pesto
Bruschetta (canopies)
Arancini (canopies)
Crispy smoked salmon terrine, with a cucumber salad & candy beetroot
Italian herb stuffed mushrooms (canopies)
Cured meats grazing boards
Bread & dips
Truffle infused crab cakes with pistachio gremolata
Smoked salmon salad heirloom tomatoes and a lemon thyme dressing
Beef tataki & salmon sashimi
Caprese salad
Thai beef salad
Truffled mushroom soup with ciabatta and a whipped saffron butter
Antipasto platters
Venison on truffle mash caramalised onion and a port and redwine jus
Filet mignon, seasonal greens & duckfat potatoes
Dill & goats cheese ravioli served with a lemon butter sauce
Parmesan crusted salmon fillet, butternut puree, asparagus, served with a beurre blanc sauce
Chateaubriand, potato dauphinoise, broccoli salad, served with blueberry bordelaise sauce
Confit duck with dauphinoise potatoes, broccoli & pumpkin puree
Mechoi lamb salad with tomatoes, rocket, feta, dates
Twice cooked pork belly with roasted italian vegetable medley, caramelized onions, truffle mash and a port & red wine jus
Coq au vin, saffron mash, carrots puree, oyster mushrooms, charred pearl onions, burgundy jus
Pohutukawa smoked duck breast, served with truffle mash, seasonal vegetables, & a red pepper coulis
Bomb alaska
Meringue baise cremè surprise
Mixed berry eton mess
Personalize your menu
A romantic dinner or a gathering of friends. Traditional dishes or exotic flavours. A fine dining experience or a family-style meal. Every private chef experience is unique! Submit your request and personalize yours.
Frequently asked questions
Below, you can find the most common questions about private chef services in Queenstown.
What does a private chef service include in Queenstown?
A private chef service includes everything necessary to enjoy a personalized dining experience at home. This includes:
- Customization of a menu based on your preferences;
- Purchase of ingredients;
- Mise en place (preparation of ingredients) before arrival;
- Preparation of the menu at your home;
- Complete table service;
- Set up and cleaning of the kitchen and used spaces.
Please note that tableware and glassware are not included. Gratuity is entirely at your discretion.
How much does a private chef cost in Queenstown?
The price of renting a chef in Queenstown can vary depending on the specifics, but smaller groups tend to have a slightly different price per person compared to larger gatherings.
Booking prices range from 155 NZD to 251 NZD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 155 NZD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 163 NZD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 207 NZD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 251 NZD per person.
Seasonal ingredients, your location, and how soon you book also affect the final price. If you're interested in getting free quotes with no obligation, fill out our form and let the best chefs near you send unique proposals for your event.
How can I hire a private chef in Queenstown?
Booking is easy! Just tell us the date of your event, number of guests, dietary preferences and any allergies, and a few details about your kitchen. Within a few hours, you'll receive customized menus from qualified chefs. Each chef's profile will include their experience, reviews, and photos of their dishes.
Feel free to chat directly with the chefs through our platform. Ask them to modify menus, discuss pricing, or get answers to any questions you might have. Once you've found the perfect chef and menu, finalize your reservation online. We'll then provide the chef's contact information to confirm any final details.
How can I find a private chef near me?
There are currently 28 chefs available in Queenstown. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Queenstown who will send you their menu proposals. You can then choose the chef and menu that suits you best.
Is there a maximum number of guests for a private chef service?
While there's no strict limit on guest count, private chef experiences are designed to create a more intimate atmosphere, perfect for gatherings of friends and family. Since most homes have limited space to accommodate large groups, parties typically don't exceed 15 people.
Does the chef cook at my house?
Yes, the chef always prepares the menu at your home for a more personalized experience. However, some prep work might be done beforehand for complex dishes.
Can I cook along with the chef?
Absolutely! Many guests are passionate about food and relish the chance to learn from the chef. You can pick up new kitchen skills and get a behind-the-scenes look at each dish on the menu. Feel free to jump in and cook alongside the chef for a truly interactive experience!
Are the ingredients fresh?
Yes, they're 100% fresh. Unlike restaurants with pre-made dishes, private chefs prioritize using the freshest ingredients possible. This is because the chef creates a customized menu specifically for you, then goes out and sources the finest ingredients to bring your chosen dishes to life.
Are drinks included in the personal chef service?
Drinks are not typically included, but you can discuss adding them to the menu proposal with the chef.
How much should I tip my private chef in Queenstown?
Tipping for private chefs is entirely at your discretion. Our goal is for you to have an unforgettable experience, and the chef always appreciates a nice tip. However, the decision and amount are completely up to you.
Key information about our chefs in Queenstown
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Queenstown
Percentage of our women chefs in Queenstown.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Queenstown.
Percentage of services with kids in Queenstown.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Queenstown.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Queenstown.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Queenstown.
Percentage of guests that hired a chef more than once.
Average number of days booked for multiple services at home with a private chef.
Photos uploaded to the platform by our private chefs in Queenstown.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Queenstown each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Queenstown, for example, demand often increases during special dates like Valentine's Day or Mother's Day, so it's best to book in advance.
If you're wondering about the best time to hire a chef, any month is perfect for enjoying a private chef. Just keep in mind that prices may vary, especially for last-minute bookings. So, don't wait—book your chef early to secure your unique dining experience in Queenstown.
Cost of a private chef in Queenstown
The cost of hiring a private chef in Queenstown can vary based on several factors, including the number of people in your group or seasonality. Larger groups tend to have a different average rate per person compared to smaller groups that hire a chef:
Booking prices range from 155 NZD to 251 NZD per person.
For 13 people or more: 155 NZD
For 7 to 12 people: 163 NZD
For 3 to 6 people: 207 NZD
For 2 people: 251 NZD.
Additionally, prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year, location, and how soon you book your personal chef. If you want to get free quotes, just fill out our form and receive tailored proposals for your event. No committment at all.
What is the most reserved type of cuisine in Queenstown?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Queenstown: Mediterranean, Italian, French, Japanese, Mexican, and surprise. The type of cuisine with the highest number of bookings is the Surprise, but you can have anything you want (our surprise menu will cover that!).
Beyond these six types of cuisine, our private chefs personalize diverse menus for their clients every day, adjusting every detail to find the perfect menu for every occasion and every group. Our private chefs can accommodate any allergy or dietary restriction and suggest other cuisines or fusion dishes. Submit your request and hire a chef in Queenstown!
Why not try a Private Chef service in Queenstown?
Want to give your partner a special romantic surprise? Want to enjoy a dinner with friends and fancy trying something different? Or maybe you want to organize a lovely meal for the whole family to celebrate that special occasion without anyone having to cook? Take a Chef allows you to transform your home into one of the best restaurants in town. The only difference is that the entire experience is built around you and your guests. Select the type of cuisine, choose the dates and enjoy the experience!
Queenstown's best Private Chefs come to your home
Our Private Chefs have trained in some of the best hospitality schools in the world and many have worked in Michelin Star restaurants. We can find the perfect fit for your special occasion. All you have to do is let us know the type of cuisine you’d like to enjoy, and we’ll find the right chef for you. You’ll be able to talk to the chef directly to make sure that every detail is exactly how you would like it!
The best of the gastronomy in Queenstown
Queenstown possesses a vibrant and creative restaurant scene. There are plenty of intriguing restaurants in town but at Take a Chef we want to introduce you to a unique culinary experience: an intimate and personalized dining experience in your own home. Rather than working behind the scenes in a large restaurant, our chef will focus their attention on you, creating a customized variety of dishes according to your preferences. Curious to try it out? Click on the button above!
Talk to our chefs in Queenstown
Each of our chefs is one-of-a-kind, with professional culinary training and years of experience in diverse restaurants. Craving Italian pasta, Spanish paella, or traditional sushi in Queenstown? You’ll get it. Tell us about your event in Queenstown, and discover the best chefs who will customize every detail of your experience.
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