Private Chef in Ithaca
Rent one of our 13 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.
A personal chef for any occasion in Ithaca
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Ithaca in March 2017, more than 13 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Ithaca and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in New York.
Starting in 2017, 40,164 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Ithaca. To book your chef in Ithaca, 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 10,149 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 119,993 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, 40,164 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Ithaca usually book menus around 164.3 USD per person, including 4.87 courses, sharing an average of 3.8 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 Ithaca.
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!
13 Private Chefs in Ithaca
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Ithaca
More than 40,100 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.32 Chef
The guests in Ithaca have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.32.
4.71 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Ithaca received an average score of 4.71.
4.57 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.57 average score.
4.76 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Ithaca has been scored with a 4.76 on average.
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10,149 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Ithaca
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!
Aged balsamic bruschetta - heirloom tomatoes, olive oil, basil, feta cheese
Macerated fruit salad
French toast, market fruits, maple syrup
Pancakes, caramelized ripe banana & toasted walnuts
Eggs & shakshuka, sourdough bread, tomato sauce, roasted garlic
Baked frittata with cheese, french crispy fries, grated zucchini and herbs oil
Fried chicken sandwich, crispy chicken, 24 hour brine, crispy southern style, coleslaw, french fries
Beef burgees american cheese, mustard, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles, special sauce, french fries
Steak and eggs with chimichurri served with home fries
Assorted pastries, selected by the chef
Arugula & watercress w/ strawberry, frico, & rhubarb shrub
Burrata w/ tomato jam, gremolata, & sourdough
Duck breast w/ creme fraiche, spaetzle, sour cherry
Trout /w pea soubise, charred radish, & fermented barley
Chicken thigh w/ summer squash, garlic spinach, & smoked tomato
Creme brulee /w blueberry coulis
Panna cotta w/ cherry compote
Roasted grape w/ yogurt ice cream, port wine
Destructured tomatoe, pesto cream
Baby veggies caponata
Veggie tartare with green gazpacho
Zucchini carpaccio
Butternut squash wellington, mushrooms and creamy polenta
Grilled vegetables curry
Asparagus and mushroom truffled risotto
Carrot cake
Banana bread pudding
Tropezienne (specialty from st tropez)
Market greens, radish, olives, dill
Shaved brussels salad, glazed almond, dijon
Smoked salmon canapes
Burrata salad, with heirloom tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic reduction
Crispy empanada, saffron aioli, pickled vegetables
Broccoli soup, toasted seed, creme fraiche
Beef tartare, cornichons, dijon, capers & toasted baguette
Roasted chicken, truffle potato pure, seasonal market vegetables
Country pork chop, cheddar grits, scallion & pepper vinaigrette
Rib eye steak, thyme butter sauce braised asparagus and toasted hazelnuts
Sea bass with vegetables, capers sauce & dill
Classic cheesecake
Brioche bread - pudding, crème anglaise ice cream
Geneoise cake, fruit coulis
Chocolate lava cake
Miso glazed eel
Miso glazed salmon gravlax
Ahi tuna tataki, sea weed, fried rice
Gyosas filled with langoustine
Tuna nigiri 3 ways
Assortment of nigiri
Sea bass with champagne and yuzu miso sauce
Braised beef curry udon with fukujinzuke pickle
Kohitsuji yaki – chargrilled teriyaki lamb chops
A5 beef sukiyaki with shitake mushrooms, aspargius, lemongrass and soy sauce
White chocolate y wasabi ganache, macha tea ice cream
Mandarin and sake trifle
Mango and yuzu tart
Calamari a la mallorquin
Duck rillette with figues
Arancini mozza tomatoes and mushrooms
Beet hummus, and beet pickles
Crab cake and wasabi mayo
Ahi tuna tataki
Scallops carpaccio and truffle
Artichokes cassolette and agridulce sauce
Lobster navarin, in bisque, green veggies
Chateaubriand, aspargius sautéed, potatoe millefeuille, red wine reduction
Wild seabass, cauliflower and coconut cream, roasted baby carrots
Pavlova with white chocolate ganache and red fruits
Exotic entremet,
Baba o rhum, mascarpone vanilla cream
Fried artichoke w/ orange zest, basil aioili
Salmon belly w/ sriracha aioli & rice cracker
Halloumi w/ smoked tomato & pea tendril
Spring onion, ramp, & asparagus w/ romesco
Chicken thigh w/ pomme puree, garlic spinach
Duck breast w/ creme fraiche, spaetzle, sour cherry
Lamb chop w/ braised fingerlings, asparagus, & pea soubise
Cold smoked hanger w/ braised potato, farmer's vegetable, & worcestershire demi
Trout /w beer braised potato, farmer's vegetable, & miso dashi
Chocotorta w/ goat milk dulce del leche, espresso
Lemon olive oil cake w/ whipped goat cheese, honey
Japanese cheesecake /w sencha
“shrimp and grits”: garlic shrimp with togarashi and black and white sesame seeds, crispy rounds of white corn grits, tomato jam
Arugula and beet salad: roasted beets, shaved ricotta salata, blood orange, pine nuts, mint
Carrots 3 ways: roasted heirloom carrots, confit carrot, raw shaved carrot, hazelnut, parsley, avocado, radish
“melon and prosciutto”: cubes of cantaloupe, italian prosciutto, balsamic glaze, mint
“bagels and lox”: platter of assorted bagels, cream cheese spreads, salmon lox, sliced tomatoes, pickled onions, capers
Deviled egg: smoked paprika, chive, caviar
“benedict”: choice of canadian bacon or salmon lox, mushroom focaccia, sous vide egg, hollandaise
Corn fritters: 3 cornmeal fritters with sweet corn, roasted oyster mushrooms, roasted corn and black beans salsa, cilantro crema
"cacio e pepe": classic hand cut spaghetti, black pepper, pecorino (can add confit cherry tomato, guanciale and basil)
“braise of the day”: braised beef, pork or lamb, sunny side up eggs, cornbread
Belgian waffle: 2 waffles, moscato soaked berries, zabaione, mint
Blueberry “johnny cakes”: white cornmeal pancakes with blueberry compote, sweet vanilla creme fraiche, mint
“all american”: 2 eggs any way, smoked bacon, breakfast sausage, short stack of pancakes
Frittata: cherry tomato, english peas, shrimp, basil, chili jam
“steak and eggs”: sous vide ny strip steak, 2 free range eggs, home fries, chimichuri
Banana french toast: brioche french toast, banana rum compote, almond butter, pineapple ginger syrup, whipped cream
Salmon: pan roasted salmon, wilted spinach, hollandaise
Burger: 8 ounce burgers, potato roll, pickle, lettuce, caramelized onion, "special sauce"
Moscato soaked berries and citrus segments, zabaione, biscotti
Panna cotta: vanilla panna cotta, blackberry compote, mint
Fruit salad: cantaloupe, honeydew melon, strawberries, mango, blueberries
Assorted pastries: croissants, sfogliatella, danish
Bombolone (italian donuts): variety of filled donuts. fillings: custard cream, nutella, pistachio, raspberry, blueberry almond
Mini tarts: chocolate, hazelnut, berries
Olive oil cake: almond olive oil cake, whipped cream, meyer lemon curd, mint
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 Ithaca.
What does a private chef service include in Ithaca?
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 Ithaca?
The price of renting a chef in Ithaca 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 112 USD to 141 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 112 USD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 98 USD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 118 USD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 141 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 Ithaca?
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 13 chefs available in Ithaca. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Ithaca 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 Ithaca?
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 Ithaca
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Ithaca
Percentage of our women chefs in Ithaca.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Ithaca.
Percentage of services with kids in Ithaca.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Ithaca.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Ithaca.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Ithaca.
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 Ithaca.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Ithaca each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Ithaca, 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 Ithaca.
Cost of a private chef in Ithaca
The cost of hiring a private chef in Ithaca 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 112 USD to 141 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 112 USD
For 7 to 12 people: 98 USD
For 3 to 6 people: 118 USD
For 2 people: 141 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 Ithaca?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Ithaca: 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 Ithaca!
Talk to our chefs in Ithaca
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 Ithaca? You’ll get it. Tell us about your event in Ithaca, and discover the best chefs who will customize every detail of your experience.
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