Private chef in Chicago
A private chef in Chicago brings local flavors to your table. Chat with one of our 262 chefs to customize your menu and fit your budget.
Hire a personal chef in Chicago
Have a taste of Chicago's food scene with our passionate personal chefs. Bring the talent and service of the best restaurants to your table for your next special occasion!
Over 25,678 guests have enjoyed the private chef experience in Chicago since 2017. Take A Chef makes booking a personal chef easier than ever! We've got you covered for birthday celebrations, dinner parties, or even a special time with friends.
Find a home chef in Chicago, Illinois, to meet your tastes and your budget. Let them create a tailored experience for you and your guests, and be the best host you can be in the comfort of your own home.
How it works
Submit your request
Tell us the perfect meal for your celebration, the date, and your budget. No commitment.
Chat with chefs
Talk with private chefs until you find the right one, and get many proposals.
Craft your menu
Personalize everything from the number of courses to the ingredients in your meals.
Book your chef
Once you are happy with your choice, complete your booking and make your payment.
Live the experience
Welcome your chef, and let them do the rest! Enjoy the company or your guests and relax.
Find the right chef for you
Start meeting private chefs who can make your dream meal come true.
262 Private chefs in Chicago
In a few steps, you'll find the perfect home chef in Chicago, IL.
Over 25,600 guests have enjoyed the private chef experience in Chicago
4.65 Chef
Guests in Chicago have scored their private chef experience with a 4.65.
4.79 Food quality
Our private chef's menus in Chicago have gained a solid 4.79.
4.75 Presentation
More than tasty, the presentation of our chefs' dishes is gorgeous, earning a score of 4.75 in Chicago.
4.78 Cleanups
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Chicago has been scored with a 4.78 on average.
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More than 13,764 menus crafted by our private chefs in Chicago
Rent a home chef in Chicago, Illinois. You decide the menu.
Shrimp gyoza with shisho aioli
Sea scallops, citrus aioli, crushed wasabi peas and tomatoes
Steak tartare with bonito flakes (surf and turf)
Japanese potato creamy lobster soup served with sourdough and furikake butter
Seafood croquette with tobiko and yuzu aioli
Pineapple tuna ceviche with avocado and tostada with salsa macha
Eel taco with pico de gallo and pickled onions
Grilled octopus with squid ink aioli topped with a ginger garlic chimichurri
Beef dumplings with truffle aioli and a ponzu chili sauce
Mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomato, beets, honey lemon dressing and asian pear
Persimmons, orange supreme, plum topped with a shisho honey dressing
Snow peas, carrots, pickled beets, peaches with sesame miso dressing
Tomato and daikon radish salad topped with nori and soy vinaigrette
Arugula and endive salad with radishes and blood orange drizzled with a rice syrup spicy dressing
Creamy truffled udon with seared scallops
Grilled ny strip steak with miso butter served with green beans and japanese sweet potato
Salmon poke bowl topped with assortment of toppings and salmon roe
Chefs special
Eel maki sushi roll with avocado, scallions, oyster sauce and cucumber
Grilled teriyaki octopus with roasted potatoes and broccolini
Matcha tres leches with whipped cream and berries
Lychee sorbet with togarashi and rice syrup
Bananas foster with japanese whiskey topped with gelato and tobiko
Plantain fritters with miso caramel and smoked berries
Brown butter blondie, soy caramel, ice cream, sesame brittle
Chocolate lava cake with lemon whipped cream
Ground chicken meatball with teriyaki glaze and sesame seeds
Ahi tuna crudo with scallion oil and avocado mousse
Crispy fried eggplant, jalapeño honey and pickled red onions topped with sesame oil
Chicken yakitori skewers
Pork japanese bbq gyoza
Grilled pork belly, miso mustard, pickled vegetables
Crispy tempura shrimp with ponzu aioli and pickled vegetables
Stir fry broccoli with tofu and garlic
Japanese buns with grilled chicken and pickled vegetables
Shisho and greens salad with edamame with ginger soy dressing
Cabbage and kelp salad with toasted sesame dressing
Green bean and pepper salad with red onions and ponzu dressing
Katsuobushi caesar and romaine salad, crispy baguette, spiced almond
Root vegetable salad with sesame honey dressing topped with sunflower seeds
Japanese bbq seared ahi tuna served with sticky rice and grilled vegetable assortment
Crispy chicken katsu with asian slaw and mashed potatoes
Pork miso ramen bowl with assorted toppings
Shrimp tempura sushi maki roll with spicy aioli, pineapple, teriyaki, scallions
Ribeye steak with furikake butter and roasted taro root and bok choy
Chefs special
Steamed buns stuffed with azuki (bean) paste
Ginger custard with candied pecans
Sorbet of the day with tobiko
Soy milk ice cream with poached pears and black sesame
Matcha flan with dehydrated oishii strawberries
Fruit tart of the day with sake glaze
Charred edamame with smoked maldon salt
Miso soup with mushrooms, seaweed and scallions
Shishito peppers with spicy aioli and lemon
Grilled miso carrots with edamame hummus
Vegetable gyoza with chili crisp and ponzu
Spicy fried tofu, avocado relish, fresno chili
Cauliflower tempura, smoked chili aioli, crispy onions
Fried vegetable egg rolls with oyster sauce aioli
Cauliflower ceviche served with tostadas and salsa macha
Salt massaged raw eggplant salad with miso dressing topped with pomegranate
Seaweed and ginger salad
Wood ear mushrooms salad and shaved carrots
Japanese cucumber salad with cilantro and mint
Curried udon noodles with grilled chicken
Stone bowl beef rice with assorted vegetables
Chicken ramen bowl with chili oil
Miso skirt steak with grilled asparagus and sweet potatoes topped with asian chimichurri
Tuna sushi maki roll with oyster sauce, citrus aioli, cucumber, jalapenos
Pan fried fish of the day with sticky rice and grilled zucchini topped with ponzu sauce
Green tea creme brulee with strawberries
Gelato with sesame brittle
Cheesecake with grilled peaches
Sorbet of the day with togarashi and honey
Soy milk ice cream with poached pears and black sesame
Mochi of chefs choice with a soy glaze reduction and berries
1.grilled bread with smoked salmon and everything bagel seasoning topped with salmon roe
2.aguachile cucumber shrimp with tortilla chips
3. salmon sashimi with burnt onion aioli
4. korean beef tartare , yuzu mustard, pickled mushrooms, shallot, capers served with sourdough and gochujang butter
5. ahi tuna nigiri with miso and oyster sauce
6. local charcuterie and cheese
7. gougere with whipped honey ricotta topped with tobiko
8.chefs surprised item
9.chefs special of the day
1.asparagus fennel orange salad with lemon mustard dressing
2.mixed greens, tomatoes, olives, manchego and sherry vinaigrette
3.arugula, orange, pickled beets, lemon ricotta and sunflower seeds
4.frisee salad with shallot champagne vinaigrette topped with herbed goat cheese and radishes
5.chefs surprised item
1.squid ink pasta with seared scallops
2. filet mignon with creamy brandy sauce, mashed potatoes and asparagus
3. pan seared fish of the day with blue cheese sauce served with green beans and mashed potatoes
4. chefs surprised item
5. grilled chicken with herbed butter and sweet potato puree topped with broccoli
6.chefs special of the day
1. churro with dulce de leche
2. red wine poached pear with creme anglaise topped with almonds
3. apricot glazed tart topped with berries
4. chocolate cake with gelato
5. molten lava cake with cinnamon whipped cream and matcha spice
6.chefs surprised item
7. chef's special of the day
1.chef's choice bread, truffle butter, tomato jam and cheese
2.bacon-wrapped dates with saffron aioli
3. truffled white bean and artichokes dip with vegetables
4. cantaloupe and prosciutto skewers
5. creamy elote with huitlacoche and chipotle lime aioli with homemade queso fresco
6. charred pineapple and shrimp ceviche tostada
7. grilled beets with crispy prosciutto topped with pistachios and whipped goat cheese
8.chefs surprised item
9.chefs special of the day
1. mixed greens, cucumbers, pickled red onions, honey champagne vinaigrette and sunflower seeds
2.kale, piquillo peppers, pickled mushrooms and lemon maple vinaigrette
3. greens, cucumber, tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, feta and greek dressing
4.arugula with roasted beets, blueberries and honey citrus dressing topped with goat cheese
5.kale with olives, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese with lemon olive oi
1.coq au vin- chicken, red wine, herbs, lardons and mushrooms
2. honey dill mustard salmon with green beans and puréed sweet potatoes
3.enchiladas de mole rojo with chicken, steak or vegetables
4.carne asada with charred salsa verde and black bean purèe and roasted carrots
5.grilled chicken with lemon herb couscous and roasted zucchini
6.chef's surprised item
1.tequila sorbet with tropical fruit and chamoy
2. apple tart with spiced streusel
3. lemon flan
4. pumpkin spice tres leches
5.chefs surprised item
6.chef's special of the day
1.fried potato and cheese empanadas with spicy aioli
2.beet salad ceviche with tostadas and salsa macha
3.creamy garlic hummus with carrots and cucumber
4. charred eggplant crostini with pomegranate syrup
5.pan con tomate
6. potato croquette with smoked aioli
7.charred shishito peppers with ponzu aioli
8. chefs surprised item
9.chef's special of the day
1.mixed greens with cucumber, red onion, mint and greek dressing
2.romaine lettuce with radishes, avocado, tomatoes and cilantro-lime dressing
3.mixed greens with red onion, corn, queso fresco and spicy honey dressing
4.chefs surprise item
1.miso cauliflower steak with polenta and roasted pepper sauce
2.grilled steak with romesco sauce and roasted vegetables
3. herbed chicken with green beans and roasted potatoes
4. fish of the day with chimichurri and grilled vegetables
5.chefs surprised item
6.chef's special of the day
1. vanilla creme brulee with glazed berries and dehydrated berries
2.arroz con leche with candied nuts and berries
3. gelato of the day with almond dust
4. vanilla cheesecake with blueberry sauce
5. chefs surprised item
6. chef's special of the day
Hummus: roasted peppers, pomegranate, garbanzo beans, pita bread
Eggplant wrapped dates: dates, chili oil, eggplant, sun-dried pesto aioli
Whipped feta and honey: summer vegetables, wildflower honey, feta cheese, cream, bread
Ahi tuna crudo: tuna, citrus, olive oil, tomatoes, pickled shallots
Greek salad: romaine, tomato, cucumber, kalamata olive, feta, red pepper, greek dressing
Citrus and fennel salad: arugula, pickled fennel, blood orange, grapefruit, manchego cheese, dill vinaigrette, mint
Summer salad: mixed greens, shaved carrots, peaches, sweet peppers, lemon honey dressing, mozzarella
Mediterranean chopped salad: romaine lettuce, olives, chickpeas, red onion, pecorino, tomatoes, cucumber, dijon maple dressing
Harissa grilled chicken: chicken, turmeric almond rice, zucchini, salsa verde
Grilled steak: beef tenderloin, seasonal roasted vegetables, quinoa, zhough
Chef's choice of fish: fish, parsnip puree, garlic, mint, parsley
Oyster mushroom: mushrooms, aleppo, olive oil, za'atar spices, spinach risotto
Berries and fig crostata: cardamom, sugar, figs, berries
Honey vanilla parfait: granola, honey, berries, nutmeg
Orange blossom crème brûlée: burnt sugar, orange blossom water, cream
Baklava: chopped nuts, syrup, berries, pistachios
Hummus: roasted peppers, pomegranate, garbanzo beans, pita bread
Eggplant wrapped dates: dates, chili oil, eggplant, sun-dried pesto aioli
Whipped feta and honey: summer vegetables, wildflower honey, feta cheese, cream, bread
Ahi tuna crudo: tuna, citrus, olive oil, tomatoes, pickled shallots
Greek salad: romaine, tomato, cucumber, kalamata olive, feta, red pepper, greek dressing
Citrus and fennel salad: arugula, pickled fennel, blood orange, grapefruit, manchego cheese, dill vinaigrette, mint
Summer salad: mixed greens, shaved carrots, peaches, sweet peppers, lemon honey dressing, mozzarella
Mediterranean chopped salad: romaine lettuce, olives, chickpeas, red onion, pecorino, tomatoes, cucumber, dijon maple dressing
Harissa grilled chicken: chicken, turmeric almond rice, zucchini, salsa verde
Grilled steak: beef tenderloin, seasonal roasted vegetables, quinoa, zhough
Chef's choice of fish: fish, parsnip puree, garlic, mint, parsley
Oyster mushroom: mushrooms, aleppo, olive oil, za'atar spices, spinach risotto
Berries and fig crostata: cardamom, sugar, figs, berries
Honey vanilla parfait: granola, honey, berries, nutmeg
Orange blossom crème brûlée: burnt sugar, orange blossom water, cream
Baklava: chopped nuts, syrup, berries, pistachios
Your own menu
Who could be better to guide you in creating the perfect menu for your special occasion than your private chef? Our home chefs in Chicago can help you craft it from cost to ingredients and restrictions!
Frequently asked questions
Below, you can find the most common questions about private chefs in Chicago.
What's included in a private chef service in Chicago?
Everything from designing your menu, grocery shopping, cooking in your kitchen, serving the meals, and cleaning up the cooking space afterward is included in the private chef experience in Chicago. Tableware and glassware are not included in the service. Tipping is up to you.
How much does a private chef cost in Chicago, IL?
The cost of a personal chef in Chicago varies with group size.
Groups of 13 or more have an average rate of 100 USD per person. For 7 to 10 people, the average is 111 USD per person; for 3 to 6 people, it's 113 USD per person. Couples pay an average of 134 USD per person.
Remember that prices vary based on the season, location, or last-minute bookings.
How to book a personal chef in Chicago, IL?
To book a private chef in Chicago, select your date and guest count and share your food preferences, intolerances, and kitchen details. You'll quickly get four customized menus to check, along with chefs' profiles, reviews, and dish photos.
Chat directly with the chefs for any menu adjustments or questions. Choose your chef and menu, finalize the booking online, and receive the chef's contact details to discuss final arrangements.
How can I find a personal chef in Chicago?
There are 262 available chefs in Chicago. If you want to try the personal chef service in Chicago, simply fill out a form, and you'll receive menu proposals from the top 3 chefs for your selected date. You can then review their profiles and choose your favorite.
Is there a maximum number of guests for a private chef service in Chicago?
There's no set limit on the number of people. Personal chef services are usually for smaller gatherings with friends or family, often in cozy homes. While there's no hard and fast rule, groups typically don't exceed 15 people.
Does the personal chef in Chicago cook at my house?
Yes, a private chef always prepares the menu at the guest's house, which is the cornerstone of the experience. However, depending on the complexity or equipment demands of the menu, the home chef in Chicago may prepare a mise en place before going to the client's home.
Can I cook along with the private chef?
You absolutely should! At every table, there is always someone who loves food and wants to spend time with the chef, learn some cooking tricks, and even hear insider tips from the chefs themselves while they prepare your food.
Are the ingredients for a private chef service fresh?
Fresh ingredients are a priority of professional cooking. Every one of our personal chefs in Chicago aims to bring the same service standards as a restaurant to your home. After customizing your menu, the chef purchases what they need to make it come to life on the scheduled date.
Are drinks included in the service of a home chef in Chicago, Illinois?
By default, drinks do not count as part of your booking. However, you can talk with your private chef and fit the cost as an "extra" on the menu proposals they create for your event.
How much should I tip a home chef in Chicago, IL?
You are free to decide the tip appropriate for your personal chef and their service. But if you would like to know, based on the tips of 25,678 guests in Chicago, IL, tips are 14.72% of the total bill, on average.
Key information about personal chefs in Chicago
Learn more about our personal chefs in Chicago and their services.
With an average age of 39, our private chefs in Chicago, IL, offer extensive culinary knowledge.
52% of our chefs are women
Just 4 hours from request to menu
Our first private chef service in Chicago was in 2017-03-18.
12.1% of our private chef services in Chicago include kids.
A single client has booked the same home chef in Chicago 11 times.
25% increase in the number of private chef bookings in Chicago in the last year
Our personal chefs can communicate with you in up to 4 languages
More than 58.8% of guests hire a private chef in Chicago more than once
On average, multiple services hire a chef for 3 days.
We uploaded over 1,997 pictures of our Chicago personal chef experience.
On average, it takes 2 days from requesting to booking a personal chef.
How much does a personal chef cost in Chicago, IL?
The number of guests participating in the private chef experience in Chicago determines the specifics.
Prices range from 100 USD to 134 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 100 USD. For 7 to 12 people: 111 USD. For 3 to 6 people: 113 USD. For 2 people: 134 USD.
Remember, every destination is different, and prices fluctuate with the seasons. The following chart shows the typical prices our private chefs in Chicago charge each month.
How many private chef services are booked in Chicago each month?
Private chef reservations may vary seasonally depending on the destination. To view monthly fluctuations of personal chefs in Chicago, Illinois, check this table.
Hiring a private chef in Chicago is ideal at any time, but prices can change due to demand. If you're looking for a private chef for a night in Chicago, we recommend you book early to secure your reservation. Rent a chef for your home in Chicago, IL now!
How many personal chefs sign up in Chicago each month?
We've been in the private chef scene in Chicago for many years and have gained the trust of many local chefs who have and continue to join us every month.
To bring the best experience to your home in Chicago, IL, we add 2 new personal chefs each month as ambassadors. Our team reviews and classifies their profiles daily to ensure you can always find new and exciting chefs.
What is the most frequent type of food booked in Chicago?
Our six main types of cuisine in Chicago are Mediterranean, Italian, French, Japanese, Mexican, and Latin American.
However, the most requested cuisine in Chicago, IL, is Surprise. Our chefs design exciting menus based on your preferences.
Our private chefs create personalized menus for each request, considering dietary restrictions and proposing fusion options. Submit your request to explore thrilling culinary possibilities crafted by our personal chefs.
Bring a private chef to your home in Chicago
Are you looking to try out exciting flavors? You can enjoy a chef at your home in any Chicago location.
Take a Chef offers a unique dining experience for a romantic dinner, birthday celebration, or family gathering. Whether you need a vegan chef in Chicago or a personal chef with healthy options, we've got you covered!
On the day of the service, your chosen chef will buy the freshest ingredients, cook, and serve the meal at your Chicago home in Illinois. Plus, our private chefs will leave your kitchen cleaner than when they arrived!
Chicago's best private chefs in your kitchen
Every one of our private chefs has been trained in leading culinary schools and has years of experience in Chicago's best restaurants, hotels, and resorts in the North, West, and South sides. Explore our more than 262 personal chefs available in Chicago; we are confident that we can connect you with the perfect chef for you.
Any chef you select can make your menu work, considering food allergies, vegan options, and even healthy but tasty alternatives for those who want to keep taking care of themselves.
Your house, the city's best restaurant
With Michelin-starred restaurants, Chicago has a proud mixture of local and international cuisines that is celebrated every year. But why wait to have a taste of Chicago? Create a unique and intimate dining experience with Take a Chef. More than just a private chef agency, we specialize in sharing our passion for food and giving our guests the freedom to connect with their loved ones.
Hear from our personal chefs in Chicago
Find what each of our private chefs brings to the table and what sets them apart. Enjoy the culinary skills of a talented chef right in your Chicago home! Let them approach your event and ideal meal with their particular taste and personalize every detail you want.