Private chef in Chicago
A private chef in Chicago brings local flavors to your table. Chat with one of our 314 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 31,300 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.
314 Private chefs in Chicago
In a few steps, you'll find the perfect home chef in Chicago, IL.












Over 31,300 guests have enjoyed the private chef experience in Chicago
4.61 Chef
Guests in Chicago have scored their private chef experience with a 4.61.
4.77 Food quality
Our private chef's menus in Chicago have gained a solid 4.77.
4.73 Presentation
More than tasty, the presentation of our chefs' dishes is gorgeous, earning a score of 4.73 in Chicago.
4.77 Cleanups
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Chicago has been scored with a 4.77 on average.
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More than 15,563 menus crafted by our private chefs in Chicago
Rent a home chef in Chicago, Illinois. You decide the menu.








Nori wrapped tuna tempura- red caviar, chives, wasabi creme, siracha, asian slaw
Grilled king trumpet mushroom w/sherry vinaigrette, chives and hazelnuts
Szechuan dan dan noodles w/ground pork (spicy)
Kickass guacamole w/pomegranate, radish and fresh chips
Grilled crab cake, herb salad, tangerine, marcona almonds, lemon-pepper aioli
Amuse bouche tbd. this is on me, pls choose 2 other dishes
Grilled octopus, crushed fingerling potatoes, mirepoix vegetables, basil oil, tomato oil
Arancini stuffed w/butternut squash and goat cheese w/san marzano marinara
Salmon tartare- ginger, tobiko, avocado, jalapeno, crisp won ton skins
Smothered scampi on grilled ciabatta
Thai grilled chicken skewer, tamarind-red curry-coconut sauce
Sesame seared halloumi cheese w/aleppo pepper and warmed greek honey
Dukkah lavosh- preserved lemon, crispy artichoke, roasted tomatoes, avocado, manouri cheese
Tortilla española- caramelized onions, potatoes, spicy chorizo
Spanakopita- spinach, feta, phyllo
Composed salad of mango, avocado, snow crab, grilled asparagus, avocado, hearts of palm, toasted pine nut vinaigrette
Heirloom tomatoes caprese, grilled burrata and radicchio, basil, xvoo, saba, sea salt
Choice of ribolitta- hearty tuscan (mainly vegetable) soup or butternut squash-gala apple soup w/creme friache and chives or lobster bisque w/cognac
Roasted beet napoleon- honey-goat cheese, spiced walnuts, pomegranate, micro greens, brunoise vegs
Grilled asparagus, roasted beet, course herbed bread crumbs, raspberry-walnut vinaigrette
Green goddess wedge, bacon lardons, pickled red onion, roasted peppers
Soft lettuces, micro greens, grilled asparagus, oil cured olives, charred shallots, scallions, radish, manouri cheese ranch dressing
Bacon-green apple- roasted shallot crusted salmon, mashed potatoes, lemon beurre blanc
Surf and turf w/sliced tenderloin and scampi, smashed redskins, grilled asparagus
Chicken saltimbocca- stuffed w/parma prosciutto, sage and smoked mozzarella over angelhair
Snapper st. martin w/lemon, bananas and almonds, tomato couscous
Seared tuscan steak (or tuna) over arugula w/rosemary roasted potatoes, dry braised mushrooms, fried shallots and shaved parmesan drizzled w/ xvoo
Fire roasted pequillo pepper stuffed w/duck, goat cheese and toasted pine nuts w/verde sauce and black beans and rice
Slow braised lamb ragout w/mirepoix vegetables and olives over buttered noodles
Pork au poivre- sous vide pork tenderloin w/roquefort potatoes, carrots vichy, green peppercorn sauce
Steak pizzaiola w/mushrooms, peppers, tomato and oregano over grilled ciabatta w/mozzarella
Zabaglione made to order, served warm over macerated fruits w/mint
Old fashion banana pudding w/nilla wafers
Toasted coconut mochi cake, matcha whipped cream
Bittersweet chocolate torte, hazelnut whipped cream
Creme friache cheesecake w/graham cracker crust and strawberry coulis
Peanut butter pie w/chocolate sauce
Passionfruit mousse, mandarin tapioca
I make meyer limoncello and would be glad to pour you and iced shot with dessert (on me)
French onion soup
Salad lyonnaise
Pâté en croûte
Escargots de bourgogne
Bouillabaisse
Beef bourguignon
Duck confit
Chocolate mousse
Crème brûlée
Tarte tatin
Madeleines
Seafood tower - shrimp, lobster, crab legs, oysters, cocktail sauce, mignonette
Lobster - lobster, herb butter, spiced puff pastry
Chorizo bacon stuffed dates - piquillo pepper sauce
Bacon skewers - bourbon maple glaze
Ahi crudo mini tacos - ahi tuna, cucumber, chili bean vinaigrette
"linguini and clams on the half shell" - clams, white wine, garlic, mini linguini, herbs
Beef carpaccio - truffle mousse, mushrooms, shallots, croutes
Duck a l'orange - duck dumplings, citrus chutney
Dumplings - truffled mushrooms, arugula chimichurri
Classic caesar - romaine, parmesan cheese, creamy garlicky dressing, croutons, white anchovies
Uncaesar - endive, radicchio, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, citrus vinaigrette, croutons
Lobster bisque - rich lobster soup, lobster dumplings
Scallops - peas, bacon, leeks, brown butter citrus sauce
Arugula - truffle smoked tomatoes, goat cheese fondue, herb vinaigrette
Beef sirloin - potato gratin, carrots, spiced red wine syrup
Filet oscar - filet mignon, crabmeat, asparagus, hollandaise sauce
Salmon - potato mushroom pave, asparagus, black truffle vinaigrette
Halibut - capers, preserved lemons, butter, pomme fondant
Surf & turf - beef sirloin, garlic & chili shrimp, potato gratin, carrots, spiced red wine syrup
Smoked & charred carrots - goat cheese, pine nuts, white balsamic vinaigrette, herbs
Creamed greens - spinach, swiss chard, parmesan cream
Potato casserole - bacon, caramelized onions, tellagio cheese, cream
Tempura beans - sweet teriyaki dipping sauce
Mushrooms & onions - roasted with garlic & herbs
Cauliflower gratin - cheesy creamy gratin with bread crumbs and parmesan
Cheesecake - berries, chocolate sauce
Chocolate pave - chocolate mousse, almond crispy crunch, cherries
Lemon love - lemon lavender cake, lemon mousse, berries, whippy
French bread with fresh olive oil
Bruschetta
Italian meatballs
Cacio e pepe chicken pasta
Spaghetti & meat balls
Shrimp scampi pasta
Peperonata (stewed peppers with balsamic, basil, and mint)
Prosciutto wrapped figs with goat cheese, honey, and thyme
Acorn squash soup with turmeric and ginger
Mediterranean cucumber and tomato salad
Chickpea salad
Baked cod with lemon and garlic
Feta shrimp skillet
Greek roasted chicken and potatoes
Moroccan chickpea stew
Greek spaghetti
Apple cinnamon bursts
Cannoli
Pumpkin parfait
Linguini and clams on the half shell – clams, white wine, garlic, mini linguini, herbs
Asparagus – lemon confit, goat cheese, croutes
Bruschetta – honey roasted tomatoes, seared belgian endive, balsamic
Smoked chicken skewers – balsamic glaze, oregano
Artichoke & fennel – shaved raw, lemon, olive oil, arugula
Arugula – truffle smoked tomatoes, goat cheese fondue, herb vinaigrette
Ahi tuna – shaved fennel, citrus vinaigrette, toasted almonds
Classic caesar – romaine, parmesan cheese, creamy garlicky dressing, croutons, white anchovies
Uncaesar – endive, radicchio, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, citrus vinaigrette, parmesan cheese, white anchovies
Med spread – cucumber, oven-dried tomatoes, roasted bell peppers, garbanzo beans, basil vinaigrette, avocado hummus
Octopus – duck fat braised, potatoes, olives, arugula
Lamb rotolo – spinach ricotta cheese-filled pasta, wood-fired lamb ragu, tomatoes, olives, mint
Mushroom cavatelli – asparagus, wood-roasted locally grown mushrooms, lemon, truffles, parmesan
Onion risotto – leeks, shallots, pearl, spanish, red, green, black olives, red wine sauce
Perciatelli – lobster, artichokes, tomatoes, chilies, basil
Seafood stew – bass, clams, mussels, lobsters, saffron, tomatoes, fennel, seafood broth
Braciole – stuffed braised flank steak, herbs, parmesan cheese, tomato sauce
Pork milanese – breaded pork chop, honey roasted tomatoes, balsamic shallots
Croastada – apple, orange, spices, vanilla gelato
Panna cotta – vanilla bean, fresh berry compote
Tiramisu – mascarpone mousse, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, cocoa
Escargot – garlic herb butter, crispy breadcrumbs
Linguini and clams on the half shell – clams, white wine, garlic, mini linguini, herbs
Ahi tuna – shaved fennel, citrus vinaigrette, toasted almonds
Octopus – duck fat braised, potatoes, olives, arugula
Cassoulet – duck confit, white beans, tomatoes, garlic sausage
Onion risotto – leeks, shallots, pearl, spanish, red, green, black olives, red wine sauce
Perciatelli – lobster, artichokes, tomatoes, chilies, basil
Beef sirloin – potato gratin, carrots, spiced red wine syrup
Lamb rotolo – spinach ricotta cheese-filled pasta, wood-fired lamb ragu, tomatoes, olives, mint
Seafood stew – bass, clams, mussels, lobsters, saffron, tomatoes, fennel, seafood broth
Crème brûlée tasting – vanilla, butterscotch, dark chocolate, seasonal fruit
Tiramisu – mascarpone mousse, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, cocoa
Panna cotta – vanilla bean, fresh berry compote
Escargot – garlic herb butter, crispy breadcrumbs
Linguini and clams on the half shell – clams, white wine, garlic, mini linguini, herbs
Ahi tuna – shaved fennel, citrus vinaigrette, toasted almonds
Octopus – duck fat braised, potatoes, olives, arugula
Cassoulet – duck confit, white beans, tomatoes, garlic sausage
Onion risotto – leeks, shallots, pearl, spanish, red, green, black olives, red wine sauce
Perciatelli – lobster, artichokes, tomatoes, chilies, basil
Beef sirloin – potato gratin, carrots, spiced red wine syrup
Lamb rotolo – spinach ricotta cheese-filled pasta, wood-fired lamb ragu, tomatoes, olives, mint
Seafood stew – bass, clams, mussels, lobsters, saffron, tomatoes, fennel, seafood broth
Crème brûlée tasting – vanilla, butterscotch, dark chocolate, seasonal fruit
Tiramisu – mascarpone mousse, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, cocoa
Panna cotta – vanilla bean, fresh berry compote
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 314 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 31,300 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 44, our private chefs in Chicago, IL, offer extensive culinary knowledge.
64% of our chefs are women
Just 5 hours from request to menu
Our first private chef service in Chicago was in 2017-03-18.
16.7% of our private chef services in Chicago include kids.
A single client has booked the same home chef in Chicago 16 times.
37% 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 58.9% of guests hire a private chef in Chicago more than once
On average, multiple services hire a chef for 4 days.
We uploaded over 2,115 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 3 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 314 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.









