Private Chef in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Rent one of our 49 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















A personal chef for any occasion in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Carmel-by-the-Sea in March 2017, more than 49 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Carmel-by-the-Sea and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Monterey County.
Starting in 2017, 84,172 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Carmel-by-the-Sea. To book your chef in Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 24,313 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 217,489 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.7 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 84,172 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Carmel-by-the-Sea usually book menus around 172 USD per person, including 3.98 courses, sharing an average of 4.17 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.












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!
49 Private Chefs in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Carmel-by-the-Sea












More than 84,100 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.46 Chef
The guests in Carmel-by-the-Sea have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.46.
4.77 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Carmel-by-the-Sea received an average score of 4.77.
4.67 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.67 average score.
4.77 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Carmel-by-the-Sea has been scored with a 4.77 on average.
View full review
View full review
View full review
View full review
View full review
View full review
View full review
View full review
View full review
View full review
24,313 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Fresh seafood ceviche
Chef bites🍷
Greek salad
Grilled lamb chops with rosemary and thyme and roasted garlic
Baked sea bass in parchment paper, lemon, olive oil & fresh herbs
Couscous w/ fresh aromatics
Assorted oven roasted & sauté fresh seasonal organic vegetables
Assorted artisan breads with cultured butter/ olive oil/ balsamic
Tres leche cake with fresh, organic berries
- spring brochette, caprese style: tomato, mozzarella and basil, a classic! crowned with parmesan covered with balsamic cream
- empanadas: delicious puff pastry with a filling of ground meat, egg, veggies and lots of flavor. vegetarian option: spinach, ricotta and corn
- citrus salad: unique explosion of flavors between arugula, cherry tomatoes, grapefruit, orange and tangerine, seasoned with balsamic cream
- big salad "insalatona": fresh combination of lettuce, arugula, tomato, carrots, radishes, cucumber and avocado, seasoned with balsamic cream
- canapés or tartlets: small and delicious typical italian tarts, with salmon or avocado, ricotta and a selected mixture of cooked vegetables
- caviar bruschetta: refined italian toasted bread, with fresh cooked vegetables, cheeses and topped with caviar
- prawns with prosciutto: shrimp seasoned with sweet paprika wrapped in prosciutto
- spinach and zucchini savory cake: salty cake with a touch of genoese style!
- tagliatelle al ragù: homemade pasta, with a delicious italian bolognese sauce
- spaghetti alla carbonara: classic roman pasta with egg yolk, parmesan and bacon, a perfect mix! that will blow your mind
- penne all’arrabbiata: who said spicy? enjoy a touch of spicy peperoncino with tomato, parmesan, garlic and parsley sauce
- pasta alla vodka: a little parmesan, tomato, heavy cream, onion, garlic, basil and vodka. yes, vodka!
- riso ai funghi: scented rice with mushrooms and typical italian vegetables
- linguine al pesto: homemade pasta, garnished with a tasty ligurian pesto with fresh basil, parmesan and olives
- filet mignon with patate al cartoccio: mythical beef steak with intense flavor, crispy crust, juicy interior finished with roasted vegetables
- salmon with purée 3 colors: our favorite fish without a doubt. delicious portion of salmon, along with a irresistible carrot and potato puree
- tilapia with noisette potatoes: classic white fish, topped with a delicious green sauce and particular french noisette potatoes
- boneless chicken leg with orange juice: chicken with an explosion of flavors, marinated with orange, paprika and along with fine vegetables
- beef outside skirt steak pizza style: steak a filet prepared as a pizza with mozzarella and fresh tomatoes
- napolitana fette of aubergines with potatoes (mozzarella or avocado, tomato sauce, sage, oregano, olive oil, salt and pepper) v,gf,df
- pork rib with barbecue sauce and potatoes (chimichurri, parsley, garlic, paprika, oregano, rosemary, olive oil, salt and pepper) gf,df
- tiramisú: our signature dessert. mascarpone cheese, coffee, lady fingers cookie, dark chocolate, eggs and sugar
- cream caramel: famous french dessert that combines a cream based on eggs, vanilla and cinnamon with orange, lemon and tangerine
- chocolate mousse: popular creamy dessert loved by children and adults based on chocolate and eggs
- lemon sorbet: sorbet with a light and refreshing texture with fresh strawberries
- chocolate cake with nutella: dark chocolate cake filled with blueberry jam and fresh strawberries, topped with nutella cream
- nutella crepe: delicious french crepe, the original recipe. nutella will take you to italy
- melba cup: cup of chocolate and strawberry ice cream with fresh peach
- macedonia: seasonal fruits, put together to enjoy a healthy dessert
- banana split (chocolate and vanilla ice cream, banana, strawberries, chocolate) v,gf
Sourdough bread
Tiradito
Burgers
Gougeres filled with cream & gravlax
Asparagus cream soup
Ceviche
Fish tacos
Caesar salad with shrimps
California roll
Charcuterie board no pork
Fish with chimichurri sauce
Fish with pesto sauce, risotto
Grilled steak with roasted vegetables
Cheese pizza gluten free
Seared rockfish with sushi rice
Modern cheesecake
Tropical petit gateau
Chocolate bonbons
Gluten-free french cake
Dark chocolate mousse
French modern pastries
Amuse-bouche.. chef’s small bites ( vegetarian friendly)
Chefs first impressions platter/ charcuterie board with grilled jumbo shrimp & remaloude sauce
Assorted crudités and fruit platter
Chopped romaine lettuce w/ avocado, pears, heirloom tomatoes. lemon/ olive oil dressing
6oz aspen ridge filet mignon with paris cafe butter, kennebeck frites, grilled asparagus
Ravioli du royans.. vegetarian friendly
Aubergine and fresh mozzarella croquettes w/ sherry glazed vegetables
Assorted artisan breads with cultured butter/ olive oil/ balsamic
Chez george peach calfoutis with vanilla bean ice cream
Chocolate & raspberry macarons
Assorted italian meats & cheeses, fresh italian breads, assorted fruits and vegetables
Mine lump crab cakes w/ remoulade sauce
Angel hair pasta w/ sun dried tomatoes, garlic, olive oil & aged parmigiana cheese. w/ buttery lobster tail
Small plated chopped romaine lettuce salad.. w/ balsamic vinaigrette
Chefs classic steak florentine… guest favorite!.grilled ribeye steak with mediterranean butter, frites, sauté julienne summer squash & zucchini
Acquaint pazza.. red snapper with tomato basil sauce. creamy risotto, glazed baby carrots
Warm artisan italian bread with olive oil and balsamic dip
Tiramisu with expresso whip cream
Dolmas
Hummus with homemade sourdough bread
Greek salad with feta cheese
Cucumber and octopus
Fish ceviche
Beef tartare
Cheese pizza
Charcuterie board
Melon with prosciutto
Burrata with heirloom tomatoes
Pork tenderloin with roasted brussels sprouts
California roll with real crab
Omakase nigiri sushi
Steak with bordelaise wine sauce
Fish with pesto sauce
Baklava with greek yogurt
Beautiful cheesecake
Chocolate bonbons
Valrhona chocolate mousse
Amuse-bouche.. chef’s small bites ( vegetarian friendly)
Baked camembert cheese w/ tomato & garlic confit . artisan crackers
Broccolini & brussels sprouts roasted with crunchy garlic chili sauce
Avocado, cucumber, golden beets,heirloom tomatoes salad with burrata cheese
Chef's creamy potato leek soup
4oz aspen ridge filet mignon with paris cafe butter, kennebeck frites, grilled asparagus
Aubergine and fresh mozzarella croquettes w/ sherry glazed vegetables
Chef’s seasonal roasted and sautéed vegetables
Assorted artisan breads with cultured butter/ olive oil/ balsamic
Iced ricotta parfait with honey caramelised peppers
Raspberry & mocha chocolate macarons.. delicious!!
Option of choice of birthday cake for wife
- big salad "insalatona": fresh combination of lettuce, arugula, tomato, carrots, radishes, cucumber and avocado, seasoned with balsamic cream
- citrus salad: unique explosion of flavors between arugula, cherry tomatoes, grapefruit, orange and tangerine, seasoned with balsamic cream
- italian bruschetta: crispy toast crowned with a sautéed vegetable mix, mozzarella, prosciutto and parmesan. vegetarian version with avocado
- empanadas: delicious puff pastry with a filling of ground meat, egg, veggies and lots of flavor. vegetarian option: spinach, ricotta and corn
- prawns with prosciutto: shrimp seasoned with sweet paprika wrapped in prosciutto
- charcuterie board: assortment of cheeses and charcuteries for all tastes
- spring brochette, caprese style: tomato, mozzarella and basil, a classic! crowned with parmesan covered with balsamic cream
- caviar bruschetta: refined italian toasted bread, with fresh cooked vegetables, cheeses and topped with caviar
- stuffed tomatoes: fresh and delicious tomatoes stuffed with a sautéed vegetable mixture, rice and mayonnaise
-.spanish tortilla: star dish of spanish gastronomy. delicious and unique presentation of potatoes, egg and onion
-.choripán: argentine sandwich with sausage, was recognized as one of the best in the world
-.mexican volcano: delicious open taco with tortilla, vegetables, shrimp or avocado
-.spinach and zucchini savory cake: salty cake with a touch of genoese style!
- potato gnocchi with asparagus: delicious gnocchetti topped with delicious asparagus cream sauce, vegetables and selected herbs
- ravioli di spinaci e ricotta: classic homemade pasta, stuffed with spinach and ricotta with delicious herb cream sauce
- rosette di modena: small homemade dough rolls, filled with mozzarella and prosciutto gratin with bechamel and parmesan
- filet mignon with patate al cartoccio: mythical beef steak with intense flavor, crispy crust, juicy interior finished with roasted vegetables
- new york strip with vegetables: delicious puff pastry with a filling of ground meat, egg, veggies and lots of flavor. vegetarian option: spinach, ricotta and corn
- ribeye steak with vegetables: mythical steak of the highest quality and finished with selected vegetables
- salmon with purée 3 colors: our favorite fish without a doubt. delicious portion of salmon, along with a irresistible carrot and potato puree
- boneless chicken leg with orange juice: chicken with an explosion of flavors, marinated with orange, paprika and along with fine vegetables
- roasted pork with egg and plums: baked ham stuffed with plums and egg, along with a fresh salad
- napolitana fette of aubergines with potatoes (mozzarella or avocado, tomato sauce, sage, oregano, olive oil, salt and pepper) v,gf,df
- tiramisú: our signature dessert. mascarpone cheese, coffee, lady fingers cookie, dark chocolate, eggs and sugar
- chocolate mousse: popular creamy dessert loved by children and adults based on chocolate and eggs
- cream caramel: famous french dessert that combines a cream based on eggs, vanilla and cinnamon with orange, lemon and tangerine
- lemon sorbet: sorbet with a light and refreshing texture with fresh strawberries
- strawberry sorbet: classic white fish, topped with a delicious green sauce and particular french noisette potatoes
- chocolate cake with nutella: dark chocolate cake filled with blueberry jam and fresh strawberries, topped with nutella cream
- macedonia: seasonal fruits, put together to enjoy a healthy dessert
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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.
What does a private chef service include in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?
The price of renting a chef in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 163 USD to 327 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 163 USD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 178 USD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 112 USD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 327 USD 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?
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 49 chefs available in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?
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 Carmel-by-the-Sea
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Percentage of our women chefs in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Percentage of services with kids in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Carmel-by-the-Sea each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Cost of a private chef in Carmel-by-the-Sea
The cost of hiring a private chef in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 163 USD to 327 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 163 USD
For 7 to 12 people: 178 USD
For 3 to 6 people: 112 USD
For 2 people: 327 USD.
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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Carmel-by-the-Sea: 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea!

Enjoy a unique experience at home with a Private Chef
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 organise 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!

What is a Private Chef service in Carmel Highlands California?
The experience begins when you order a menu from Take a Chef. From that moment on, you become the protagonist of an event in which you decide what you want to eat and when you want to eat. Our Private Chefs at Carmel Highlands California will analyze your request and send you their proposals to adapt it to your tastes and close your menu definitively. On the day of the event, the Chef will buy the ingredients, cook them at home, carry out the table service and leave everything clean before leaving, so that you can enjoy.

Our Private Chefs go the extra mile
Take a Chef is all about creating a dining experience that is perfect for you. That’s why the menu is designed according to your preferences. We know that finding the right chef to suit your needs is crucial. All of our chefs have been trained in prominent culinary schools and have a decade of experience in the industry. To make sure that everything is to your liking, you’ll be able to view a detailed profile of each chef that contacts you with a menu proposal. Then you can communicate with them directly to make any changes. Just click the button below to get started!






Talk to our chefs in Carmel-by-the-Sea
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 Carmel-by-the-Sea? You’ll get it. Tell us about your event in Carmel-by-the-Sea, and discover the best chefs who will customize every detail of your experience.









