Chef Ryan Nagby

Private Chef In Newport Beach

Chef Ryan Nagby - Private Chef

With over 25 years of culinary experience, Chef Ryan Nagby brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the art of cooking. A proud graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, Ryan has honed his culinary skills under the guidance of world-renowned chefs, gaining a diverse array of techniques and flavors from around the globe.

Born and raised in Southern California, Ryan’s love for the culinary arts was nurtured in his mother’s kitchen, where the aroma of freshly baked goods filled their home. He began his culinary journey at just 16 years old, working in local restaurants and quickly developing a deep appreciation for the craft. Over the years, he has had the privilege of working in some of the finest establishments in Southern California and Texas, where he refined his skills and developed a unique culinary style that celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Chef Ryan's approach to cooking emphasizes creativity, authenticity, and a commitment to quality. He believes that food is not just nourishment but a way to connect with others and create unforgettable experiences. As a private chef, Ryan is dedicated to crafting personalized menus that reflect the preferences and dietary needs of his clients, ensuring each meal is a memorable occasion.

Whether preparing an intimate dinner for two or catering a lavish event, Chef Ryan’s culinary artistry, attention to detail, and passion for exceptional service shine through in every dish. He is excited to bring his extensive experience and love for cooking to your table, creating delightful culinary experiences that will be cherished long after the last bite.

For me, cooking is...

Cooking is my passion, combing flavors and techniques to create memorable dishes. Cooking with fresh ingredients and sharing my joy through food!

I learned to cook at...

I learned from my great at some at world renowned restaurants where Chefs passed down amazing knowledge, traditions, and extraordinary work ethic!

A cooking secret...

In my kitchen I enhances all my dishes with a blend of exotic spices that adds depth and flavor making them extraordinary!

My menus

Nights in Latin Paradise

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Fresh Guacamole with Salsa Roja and Fresh Corn Tortilla Chips

Elote Salad with Queso Fresco and Cilantro Lime Dressing

Blue Corn Chips with Queso Dip

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Traditional Tijuana Caesar salad with garlic croutons

Tortilla Soup with Avocado Créma, Fire Roasted Corn, Queso Fresco and Crispy Tortilla Strips

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Green Chile and Chicken Enchiladas with Cilantro Lime Rice and Beans

Braised Chicken Mole with Anasazi Beans, Cilantro Lime Rice, Corn Tortillas

Blackened Shrimp and Chicken Fajitas with Cilantro Lime Rice and Black Beans

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Tres Leche Cake

Cinnamon Crème Brûlée with Churros

Mediterranean Nights

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

House Made Flatbread with Fresh Rosemary, Cracked Black Pepper and Pecorino Cheese

Tomato Focaccia Bread with Aged Balsamic and Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Charcuterie Board with Assorted Imported Meats and Cheese, Seasonal Fruit and Flatbread Crackers (sheep, cheese, goat cheese, soft Brie)

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Spinach and Gorgonzola Salad with Candied Pecans, Dried Cranberries and Balsamic Dressing

Asian pear and citrus salad with candied pecans, shaved fennel, and organic greens with a white balsamic vinaigrette

Hearts of Romaine Caesar Salad with Focaccia Croutons

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Braised Beef Ragu over Campanelle Pasta with Pecorino Sheep's Cheese and Basil from Chef’s Garden

Pan Seared Salmon with Tomato Basil White Wine Sauce, Parmesan Whipped Potatoes, Haricot Verts

Penne with Spicy Vodka Sauce and Chicken and Baby spinach

Campanelle Pasta with Shrimp and Tomato Basil Mascarpone White Wine Sauce

Beef Bourguignon over Whipped Yukon Potatoes

Braised short ribs with red wine, demiglaze, Yukon, Gold, potatoes, and glazed asparagus

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Vanilla Bean Creme Brûlée

Lemon Olive Oil Cake with Macerated Berries and Vanilla Crème

Chocolate Molten Lava Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream

Croissant bread, pudding with dark chocolate and vanilla cream

Elegant Evening

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Vegan Arancini with Spicy Tomato Basil Sauce

Herb Tomato Focaccia Bread with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Vegan Tomato Basil Bisque with Croissant Croutons

Vegan Beet Carpaccio with Candied Pecans, Baby Arugula, Pomegranate Seeds, White Balsamic Dressing

Vegan Cesar Salad

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Eggplant Napoleon with Ratatouille, Balsamic Reduction, Basil Oil

Tempeh Bolognese with San Marzano Tomatoes, Vegan Parmesan, Fresh Pasta and Basil Oil

Vegan Wild Mushroom Risotto with Mock Mushroom Scallops

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Vegan Apple Crisp With Coconut Cream

Vegan Chocolate Cake with Vegan Coconut Vanilla Cream

Vegan Cheesecake with Berry Coulis

Oceans Bounty

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes with Lemon Aioli

Red Clam Chowder with House Made Bread

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Fresh Shucked Local Oysters on the Half Shell with Minuet and Seaweed Caviar

Shrimp cocktail with horseradish and lemon

Sautéed Mussels with Garlic White Wine Butter

Steamed Maryland Blue Crabs with Lemon and Garlic Butter

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Citrus Glazed Sustainable Salmon, Wild Baby Arugula, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Roasted Fingerling Potaotes, Tangerine Gastric

Garlic Butter Jumbo Shrimp over Black Rice, with Glacéd Baby Carrots

Pan Roasted Halibut with Lemon Bur Blanc, Whipped Yukon Potatoes, Haricot Verts

Chilean Sea Bass with Lemon Bur Blanc, Whipped Yukon Potatoes, Asparagus

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Chocolate espresso, crème brûlée with chocolate dip, biscotti

Warm Apple Crisp with Salted Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream

New York Cheesecake with Lemon Blueberries

Croissant bread, pudding with dark chocolate and vanilla cream

Elaborate Dining Experience

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail with Horseradish Cocktail Sauce and Lemon

Fresh Shucked Local Oysters on the Half Shell with Minuet and Seaweed Caviar

Tomato Focaccia Bread with Aged Balsamic and Extra Virgin Olive Oil

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Asian pear and citrus salad with candied pecans, shaved fennel, and organic greens with a white balsamic vinaigrette

Apple Pecan Salad with dried cranberries, fennel, organic greens, candied pecans, honey balsamic dressing

Hearts of Romaine Caesar Salad with Focaccia Croutons

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Chilean Sea Bass with Lemon Bur Blanc, Whipped Yukon Potatoes, Asparagus

Herbs de Provence Roasted Chicken with Creme Fraiche Potatoes, Asapragus

Citrus Glazed Sustainable Salmon, Wild Baby Arugula, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Roasted Fingerling Potaotes, Tangerine Gastric

Miso Black Cod, Kimchi Fried Rice and Sesame Heirloom Carrots

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Croissant bread, pudding with dark chocolate and vanilla cream

Flourless Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Chantilly Cream and Macerated Berries

Lemon Olive Oil Cake with Macerated Berries and Vanilla Crème

Italian Mascarpone Cheesecake

Culinary Journey

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Tomato Focaccia Flat Bread with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Aged Balsamic Vinegar

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

New England Clam Chowder

Tomato Bisque with Croissant Croutons

Lobster Bisque

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Beef Bourguinon over Whipped Yukon Potatoes

Campanella Pasta with Shrimp and Tomato Basil Mascarpone White Wine Sauce

Penne with Spicy Vodka Sauce and Chicken and Baby spinach

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Vanilla Bean Creme Brûlée

Warm Apple Crisp with Salted Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream

Flourless Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Chantilly Cream and Macerated Berries

An evening in Tuscany

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Focaccia Flat Bread with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Aged Balsamic Vinegar

Charcuterie Board with Assorted Imported Meats and Cheese, Seasonal Fruit and Flatbread Crackers (sheep, cheese, goat cheese, soft Brie)

Tomato Focaccia Bread with Aged Balsamic and Extra Virgin Olive Oil

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Heirloom tomato caprese salad with roasted pistachios and balsamic glaze

Hearts of Romaine Caesar Salad with Focaccia Croutons

Burrata and Prosciutto with Sun Dried Tomatoes , Baby Arugula, Pear and Aged Balsamic

Spinach and Gorgonzola Salad with Candied Pecans, Dried Cranberries and Balsamic Dressing

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Rigatoni Bolognese

Fettuccini Pasta with Chicken and a Parmesan Cream Sauce

Penne with Spicy Vodka Sauce and Chicken and Baby spinach

Gemolata Salmon, Whipped Yukons and Chive, Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Braised Short Ribs, Parmesan Risotto, Asparagus, Demi Glacé

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Traditional Italian Tiramisu-Lady Fingers Soaked in Espresso and Coffee Liquor with Mascarpone Cheese and Cocoa

Vanilla Bean Creme Brûlée

Flourless Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Chantilly Cream and Macerated Berries

Croissant bread, pudding with dark chocolate and vanilla cream

Bistro Bliss

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Classic French Onion Soup with Gruyère

Fresh Shucked Local Oysters on the Half Shell with Minuet and Seaweed Caviar

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Beet Tartar with whipped Gorgonzola Chive Cheese and Baby Arugula and Crostini

Pear and Gorgonzola Salad with Honey Dijon Vinaigrette, Candied Pecans, Marinated Artichokes,

Beef Tartar with Quail Egg Yolk and Garlic Herb Toast Points

Asian pear and citrus salad with candied pecans, shaved fennel, and organic greens with a white balsamic vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Beef Bourguinon over Whipped Yukon Potatoes

Beef Tenderloin with Brandy Peppercorn. Sauce, Whipped Yukons, Glacéd Asparagus

Pan Roasted Halibut with Lemon Bur Blanc, Whipped Yukon Potatoes, Haricot Verts

Roasted Pork Loin with Apple Chutney, Whipped Yams, and Asparagus

Herbs de Provence Roasted Chicken with Creme Fraiche Potatoes, Asapragus

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Vanilla Bean Creme Brûlée

Flourless Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Chantilly Cream and Macerated Berries

Croissant bread, pudding with dark chocolate and vanilla cream

Nights in Latin Paradise

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Fresh Guacamole with Salsa Roja and Fresh Corn Tortilla Chips

Elote Salad with Queso Fresco and Cilantro Lime Dressing

Blue Corn Chips with Queso Dip

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Traditional Tijuana Caesar salad with garlic croutons

Tortilla Soup with Avocado Créma, Fire Roasted Corn, Queso Fresco and Crispy Tortilla Strips

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Green Chile and Chicken Enchiladas with Cilantro Lime Rice and Beans

Braised Chicken Mole with Anasazi Beans, Cilantro Lime Rice, Corn Tortillas

Blackened Shrimp and Chicken Fajitas with Cilantro Lime Rice and Black Beans

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Tres Leche Cake

Cinnamon Crème Brûlée with Churros

Mediterranean Nights

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

House Made Flatbread with Fresh Rosemary, Cracked Black Pepper and Pecorino Cheese

Tomato Focaccia Bread with Aged Balsamic and Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Charcuterie Board with Assorted Imported Meats and Cheese, Seasonal Fruit and Flatbread Crackers (sheep, cheese, goat cheese, soft Brie)

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Spinach and Gorgonzola Salad with Candied Pecans, Dried Cranberries and Balsamic Dressing

Asian pear and citrus salad with candied pecans, shaved fennel, and organic greens with a white balsamic vinaigrette

Hearts of Romaine Caesar Salad with Focaccia Croutons

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Braised Beef Ragu over Campanelle Pasta with Pecorino Sheep's Cheese and Basil from Chef’s Garden

Pan Seared Salmon with Tomato Basil White Wine Sauce, Parmesan Whipped Potatoes, Haricot Verts

Penne with Spicy Vodka Sauce and Chicken and Baby spinach

Campanelle Pasta with Shrimp and Tomato Basil Mascarpone White Wine Sauce

Beef Bourguignon over Whipped Yukon Potatoes

Braised short ribs with red wine, demiglaze, Yukon, Gold, potatoes, and glazed asparagus

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Vanilla Bean Creme Brûlée

Lemon Olive Oil Cake with Macerated Berries and Vanilla Crème

Chocolate Molten Lava Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream

Croissant bread, pudding with dark chocolate and vanilla cream

Elegant Evening

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Vegan Arancini with Spicy Tomato Basil Sauce

Herb Tomato Focaccia Bread with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Vegan Tomato Basil Bisque with Croissant Croutons

Vegan Beet Carpaccio with Candied Pecans, Baby Arugula, Pomegranate Seeds, White Balsamic Dressing

Vegan Cesar Salad

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Eggplant Napoleon with Ratatouille, Balsamic Reduction, Basil Oil

Tempeh Bolognese with San Marzano Tomatoes, Vegan Parmesan, Fresh Pasta and Basil Oil

Vegan Wild Mushroom Risotto with Mock Mushroom Scallops

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Vegan Apple Crisp With Coconut Cream

Vegan Chocolate Cake with Vegan Coconut Vanilla Cream

Vegan Cheesecake with Berry Coulis

Oceans Bounty

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes with Lemon Aioli

Red Clam Chowder with House Made Bread

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Fresh Shucked Local Oysters on the Half Shell with Minuet and Seaweed Caviar

Shrimp cocktail with horseradish and lemon

Sautéed Mussels with Garlic White Wine Butter

Steamed Maryland Blue Crabs with Lemon and Garlic Butter

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Citrus Glazed Sustainable Salmon, Wild Baby Arugula, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Roasted Fingerling Potaotes, Tangerine Gastric

Garlic Butter Jumbo Shrimp over Black Rice, with Glacéd Baby Carrots

Pan Roasted Halibut with Lemon Bur Blanc, Whipped Yukon Potatoes, Haricot Verts

Chilean Sea Bass with Lemon Bur Blanc, Whipped Yukon Potatoes, Asparagus

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Chocolate espresso, crème brûlée with chocolate dip, biscotti

Warm Apple Crisp with Salted Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream

New York Cheesecake with Lemon Blueberries

Croissant bread, pudding with dark chocolate and vanilla cream

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Chef Ryan's reviews

4.88

•

91 services

Chef Ryan was great, he was exactly on time and was very attentive to dietary restrictions and flexible/creative to menu options. each course was beautifully presented and tasted great. i would definitely recommend him to others and have him back for us soon, Todd and Lynda

Take a Chef is a rather difficult way to hire a chef. However, our Chef, Ryan Nagby, was GREAT. The meal was beautiful and delicious. Ryan was informative and efficient. We very highly recommend him.

Chef Ryan was amazing. He came very preparedly and the final product was some of the best food my guest and myself have had. I can not say kind enough words about chef Ryan and our whole experience with him as our chef.

I hired Chef Ryan for a private dinner to thank my parents for their support for my recent wedding, and it was absolutely amazing. Every single course was flawless—each dish was packed with flavor and beautifully presented. My parents were thrilled and couldn’t stop talking about how much they loved the meal. They also loved talking with Chef Ryan! Chef Ryan’s attention to detail and creativity really made the dinner feel special. It wasn’t just a meal; it was an experience. On top of the incredible food, his professionalism and friendly nature made the evening even better. Thank you, Chef Ryan, for creating such an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a memorable private dining event!

My mother was very happy. She reported: Ryan was sooooo professional, efficient, delightful and above all an AMAZING chef with a world of experience, stories, and cooking tips. We all felt it was one of the best dining experiences we have ever had.

Chef Ryan did an amazing job. Highly recommended

Ryan’s meal was delicious the filet was cooked to perfection the food was top notch He was very professional and clean !

Ryan must be a well kept secret or I was just extremely fortunate that he had availability. My sister lives in Burbank and I wanted to treat her to a special experience but with her food allergy, I didn’t want to take any chances. With the flu and covid running rampant, I didn’t want to expose any of us to that possibility either. I came across the chef at home idea when I booked through air bnb. There were a couple of chefs advertising on there but their menus didn’t quite appeal to my idea of comfort food. I found the Take a Chef website and Ryan was the most responsive and patient choice that I found. His menu choices had exactly what I was looking for and did not disappoint in the least. He had excellent communication and responsiveness. He was very punctual and did well with social distancing. Having a one person crew flowed well and was impressive. In advance, he provided the recommended wine pairing for the selected menu as well. He was spot on! The timing of the courses were perfect. His focaccia bread is to die for and we have leftovers also! The main entree was well designed and met my definition of true comfort food. I had my leftovers for breakfast the next day, even better. I wish that I had saved room to finish my entire dessert! We went with the apple crisp and ice cream so there was no saving that for leftovers. Be sure to have some take home containers for your guests!!! You don’t want a crumb of his delectable creations to go to waste. Having Ryan handle everything was quite rewarding and my sister was extremely impressed and truly felt celebrated.

Chef Ryan's menu was unique yet curated to what we like to eat. He was punctual, neat, and the food was incredible!

Chef Ryan was great! Very clear about expectations and live up to his word on everything. Highly recommemd!

Amazing food and Loved the experience! Very professional elevated meals with such good flavors. Chef came made an amazing meal and left the kitchen cleaner than when he arrived. 10/10! Book him if you get the chance !

Ryan was awesome! Highly recommend. His food was delicious, he worked closely with us on the menu, and was great to be around. Def hire Ryan!

Chef Ryan is just amazing. We had some very specific dietary and taste requirements and Chef Ryan listened and accomodated those requests while producing amazing, great-tasting food! He is personable and engaging, while not being intrusive. What a wonderful experience to not shop, cook, or clean up! Chef did it all. My whole family loved everything, and we have one VERY picky family member. He went above and beyond. His presentation was great - we chose disposable containers and that naturally limited him but everything was still presented beautifully. I would hire Chef Ryan again in a second! He listens and makes great suggestions and is an excellent communicator.

Ryan created an exceptional dining experience for us! A delicious menu of high quality ingredients with perfectly blended flavors. Combined with the high level of service we felt like we were in a private dining room of one of the best restaurants in LA! Thank you!

Chef Ryan Nagby was super! The food was amazing - we had carnivores and vegetarians at our dinner and all of us were very pleased. The veggies were so yummy - eggplant dish fantastic - steaks cooked to order with rave reviews! Chef Ryan was so nice and thoughtful and everything was taken care of! He shared some cooking tips and was very engaging, but also was doing his thing quietly in the kitchen when we were toasting the bride and enjoying our dinner. We had kids with us who totally enjoyed their meals set up in front of a Disney movie. We could not have asked for anything else. I’m so glad I chose this chef!

Chef Ryan was really great. This was a first time using a private chef service and he has us convinced that we should do something like this at least once a month.

Ryan was an absolute delight. He accommodated my husband and me with the choice of entrees which happened to be from two different categories. We shared the appetizer, salad, and dessert choices. Ryan explained each course as he served it, and my husband, who is particularly fussy, enjoyed the whole meal! Thank you for a wonderful "date" night.

Wow! I booked chef Ryan as a birthday gift for my brother and I am so glad I did! Chef Ryan did not only create a fantastic meal but also was engaging and made an incredible experience. Highly recommend him for any gathering. The food was delicious and the service was top tier. My brother won’t stop talking about how perfect of a gift this was. Thank you chef Ryan!

Ryan was wonderful! He was so knowledgeable about his craft and delivered a delicious meal!

Ryan was exactly what I was hoping for to celebrate my wife’s birthday. He was very friendly, allowed us to watch him work and ask questions along the way. Food was delicious, stay in for a night and Ryan will deliver. Look forward to having some more of his wonderful food in the future. Thank you Ryan

Take a Chef is a rather difficult way to hire a chef. However, our Chef, Ryan Nagby, was GREAT. The meal was beautiful and delicious. Ryan was informative and efficient. We very highly recommend him.