Private Chef in Lakeland
Rent one of our 178 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















A personal chef for any occasion in Lakeland
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Lakeland in March 2017, more than 178 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Lakeland and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Polk County.
Starting in 2017, 43,293 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Lakeland. To book your chef in Lakeland, 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 19,637 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 153,218 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.75 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 43,293 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Lakeland usually book menus around 173 USD per person, including 3.97 courses, sharing an average of 3.67 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 Lakeland.












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!
178 Private Chefs in Lakeland
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Lakeland












More than 43,200 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.53 Chef
The guests in Lakeland have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.53.
4.77 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Lakeland received an average score of 4.77.
4.75 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.75 average score.
4.84 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Lakeland has been scored with a 4.84 on average.
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19,637 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Lakeland
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Caprese salad // heirloom tomato, mozzarella, fresh basil, arugula, balsamic vinaigrette
Greek salad // cherry tomatoes, feta, kalamata, mini cucumbers, onions, balsamic vinaigrette
Lobster bisque // florida's east coast spiny lobster, mirepoix, fume, cognac vsop
Cheese board // cheddar & fontina, prosciutto & genoa, pairing grapes, assorted crackers, dried fruits, mix olives
Mezze board // beet hummus, pita, grissini's, tzatziki, cucumber, carrots, mix olives, dried apricots, assorted crackers
Italian wedding soup // veggie stock, baby spinach, italian herbs, acini di pepe, beef meatball
Spring mix // lettuce mesclun, cherry tomatoes, beet chips, julianne carrots, strawberry vinaigrette dressing
Raviolis // ricotta, spinach, vodka sauce, grana padano, fresh basil, evoo
Arancini // risotto croquette, beef ragu, fontina, golden crisp, pomodoro, shave parmesan
Pasta a la nerano // vegan zuchini pasta, evoo, basil, parmesano e pecorino
Scampi // garlic butter shrimp, pinot grigio, pasta nero di seppia, black garlic salt, confit cherry tomato, fresh basil reduction
Patatas bravas // roasted potatoes, salsa brava, sundried tomato, alioli
Octopus // grilled, paprika, fresh herbs, lemon vinaigrette, turmeric pearl couscous, baby spinach
Lamb chops // pistachio crust, black garlic, turmeric pearl couscous, spinach, roasted cherry tomato's, broccolini souffle
Steak marsala // center cut beef tenderloin, marsala wine sauce, portobello, roasted potatoes, steamed veggies
Picatta // pan seared chicken breast, pinot grigio, lemon zest sauce, artichokes, over pasta
Greek chicken // roasted lemon chicken tights, garlic, oregano, baby potato medley, roasted veggies
All vegan // wild mushroom's risotto, grilled portobello, baby arugula, roasted cherry tomato's, squash reduction, black truffles
Fish // baked al papillote, cherry tomato's, kalamata, lemons & capers, broccolini souffle
Paella // classic spanish bomba rice, squid, octopus, mussels, clams, shrimp, piquillo peppers
Cannoli // ricotta & mascarpone, chocolate chips & pistachio, fresh vanilla, cinnamon oil
Panna cotta // sweet corn, coconut milk, strawberry, passion fruit pearls, mango reduction
Cheesecake // lemon zest, fresh mint, wild berries, blackberry reduction
Baked brie and crostini’s
Spinach and artichoke wontons
Figs and brie flatbread
Classic meatballs with marinara sauce
Bruschetta with mozzarella, seared tomatoes & roasted garlic
Kale, tomato and bacon caesar salad caesar dressing, grilled crostini and parmesan
Italian wedding soup
Italian chop salad
Seasonal garden salad
Braised beef short ribs w/ creamy polenta, roasted tomato ragu and pancetta
Classic lasagna
Chicken piccata with fettuccine
Italian beef parm with spaghetti
Classic meatballs with marinara sauce and pasta
Fettuccine alfredo with protein of choice
Pan seared fish in lemon butter sauce w/ rice pilaf and sautéed vegetables
Lemon pound cake with white chocolate mousse and curd
Kahlua crack cake chocolate cake, kahlua infused whipped cream, pecan caramel
Mini dessert samples jars 3 mini jar samples chef’s choice
Cream brûlée whipped cream and fresh berries
Chicken parmesan meatballs
Steak & cheese crostini
Basil tomato soup w. smoked gouda grilled cheese
Classic caesar
Tomato panzanella salad
Chef joy’s signature salad (spring salad, toasted walnuts, berries, green ginger dressing)
Classic tossed salad (house vinaigrette)
Caprese
Creamy pesto salmon w. lemon thyme cannellini beans, mixed vegetables
Crispy skin branzino w. tomatoes and capers & buttered herb pasta
Tuscan chicken & scallops w parmesan zucchini bites, pecorino polenta
Italian palermo steak w. truffle butter bath potatoes and roasted vegetables
Balsamic rosemary marinated steak w. butter bath potatoes and roasted vegetables
Note: menu is customizable. please advise if you would like to modify any option
Cannoli trifle
Tiramisu
Fruit panzanella w. honey wine zabaglione
Blueberry miso crumble
Torta caprese bianca (italian almond cake)
Italian bread pudding
Charcuterie display
Assorted bruschetta
Lobster stuffed arancini, truffle chive aioli
Burrata, grilled peaches, grilled ciabatta, balsamic, mint, basil, olive oil
Watermelon panzanella salad, kalamata olive, feta, calabrian vinaigrette, basil, mint
Italian chopped salad
Chianti braised short rib, herbed snapper, black garlic citrus emulsion, potato hash, heart cot vert
Roasted lamb rack, seared snapper, arugula whipped potatoes, heart cot vert, mint pistachio pesto
Filet mignon, herb snapper, black garlic citrus, kalamata olives, heirloom tomatoes, asparagus, chianti demi,
Seared grouper, fruti de mare, house made spaghetti
Snapper, mushroom risotto, olives, capers, olive oil and fresh herbs
Almond cherry cake, vanilla gelato, cherry sauce
Flourless chocolate cake with espresso, ice cream, and almond crumble
Carmel mascarpone cheesecake, vanilla anglaise, raspberry
Croquetas// creamy bechamel dough, breaded and deep fried. choice of serrano ham, or spaniard chorizo served with jalapeno aioli
Piquillos rellenos// stuffed spaniard red peppers your choice of (cod/shrimp/chorizo/ mushrooms) with creamy piquillo sauce
Chicken gallete// deep fry battered chicken thighs with shallots and mushroom mornay cheese sauce
Pinchos morunos// choose 1 ( beef, pork, chorizo, or chicken) skewer with mojo isleno verde
Octopus salpicon// tender, flavorful chopped octopus, mixed with onion, pepper, fresh herbs, cilantro jalapeno tangy dressing, served on fried green plantains cups
Camarones al ajillo// garlic shrimp, spicy paprika oil, fresh herbs, bread
Mediterranean salad// mix greens, cheery tomatoes, red onions, cucumber, kalamata olives, pepperoni, feta cheese, tzatziki dressing
Country salad// arugula, grilled and asparagus, goat cheese, walnuts, beets, lemon dijon mustard vinaigrette
Garbanzo salpicon salad// chickpeas, medley peppers, red onions, garlic, parsley, olive oil and sherry vinaigrette
Caldo gallego, garlic beef or chicken broth with fried bread, flavorful, comforting
Gazpacho// andalusian chilled tomato, cucumber soup. perfect for summer season. summer season
Paella// chicken, prawns, mussel, squid, cook with rice in seafood-saffron broth/ roasted red peppers and sweet peas
Il polpo/ grilled or stewed octopus, mediterranean flavors
Fideua paella// israeli cous cous-saffron based dish from spain with chicken, prawn, squid, mussels fire roasted red pepper
Greek seafood saganaki// prawns, octopus, scallops and mussels cooked in tomato, spinach, red pepper flakes, topped with feta cheese
Catch of the day corbullon/ pan roasted grouper or mahi fillet, with saffron, tomato and peppers sauce
Surf and turf// pan roasted fillet mignon, grilled galician octopus, piquillo creamy sauce
Sirloin/ grilled to perfection, garlic piquillo sauce
Sides (choose 2)//garlic mashed potato/ grilled polenta, arroz caldozo (spaniard risotto), israeli pearled couscous/broccolini, asparagus, / green beans/ brussel sprouts
Baghrir/ moroccan yeast pancake dressed with fruit compote and butter honey syrup
Baklava cheese cake// walnuts , and pasticcio crispy phyllo shell, with creamy citrus essent, and cheese creamy filling
Cherries poached in chianti wine with mascarpone cream
Crema catalana// creamy custard with hints of orange peel and cinnamon, with caramelized cristal sugar on top
Chocolate fondant// dark, rich and warm chocolate lava cake
Mozzarela sticks with marinara sauce
Antipasti // cold meats, regional italian cheeses, fruits, olives, nuts, bread and crackers
Arancini// sicilian fry crispy risotto rice balls, stuffed with fontina cheese, served with spicy marinara sauce dipping sauce
Chicken or eggplant parmesan fritters // golden brown crispy treats with spicy marinara sauce, and mozzarella
Bruschetta/ assorted spreads, tomato mozzarella, caramelized onions/roasted egg plant
Ceasar salad// petite romaine lettuce, croutons, shaved parmesan cheese, anchovy-garlic creamy dressing
Caprese salad/ tomato, mozzarella di bufala. basil, balsamic glaze
Minestrone// italian sausage/ summer vegetables, parmesan cheese, vegetable broth
Stracciatella// italian chicken- egg drop soup. shredded chicken, spinach, basil, peas, grated parmigiano-reggiano and eggs
Chicken or sirloin parmegiana/ flattened chicken milanese with marinara sauce and gratin mix cheeses
Chicken cacciatore/ pan roasted chicken breast with tomato, peppers, olives and caper cause
Catch of the day /pan seared (grouper or mahi) with roasted red peppers, nuts and olive pesto
Ravioli/ stuffed pasta with cheese and spinach with your choice of vodka or pesto sauce
Alfredo/ chicken, pork, or sirloin thinly sliced, pan fried and tossed in creamy 5 cheeses sauce
Gremolata/ grilled chicken, pork, or sirloin, topped with italian style chimichurri
Sides (choose 2)// garlic-parmesan mashed potato/ polenta (italian grits) /parmesan risotto/ broccoli/ asparagus, / green beans
Tiramisu// powerful layering of coffee-soaked savoiardi biscuits , rich cream made with mascarpone cheese, eggs and sugar, sometimes spiced up with a drop of liqueur
Panna-cota/ with wild berries compote
Chocolate panna-cota/ with roasted pistachio
Brutti ma buoni/ ugly but good, rustic style biscuit with vanilla sauce
Gambas al ajillo// sizzling shrimp with garlic/sherry sauce. served with toast
Melitzanosalata// greek style fired roasted eggplant, garlic and pepper dip with grilled pita bread
Pinchos morunos// choose 1 ( beef, pork, chorizo, or chicken) skewer with mojo isleno verde
Empanada gallega// puff pastry dough filled with your choice of (spinach/cheese, beef or chicken) served with smoked paprika aioli
Chorizo en gabardina// spaniard chorizo wrapped with puff pastry and baked to golden brown delicious
Croquetas// creamy bechamel dough, breaded and deep fried. choice of serrano ham, shrimp, chorizo, shitake mushrooms. served with jalapeno aioli
Meatballs/ pork-beef, roasted pepper and manchego sauce
Butternut bisque// with pimenton croutons and honey cream fresh
Mediterranean salad// mix greens, cheery tomatoes, red onions, cucumber, kalamata olives, pepperoni, feta cheese, tzatziki dressing
Spring salad// greens, cherry tomatoes. pickle red onions, cucumber, peaches, manchego cheese. sherry vinaigrette
Kisir// turkish salad/ fine bulger wheat, chickpeas, golden raisins, almonds, medley peppers, red onions, garlic, pickles, parsley, mustard oil red wine vinaigrette
Gazpacho// andalusian chilled tomato, cucumber soup. perfect for summer season. summer season
Paella// shrimp, chicken, chorizo cook with rice in seafood-saffron broth/ roasted red peppers and sweet peas
Greek stuffed chicken// spinach, artichokes, kalamata, feta cheese with creamy lemon/dill sauce
Chicken zatar/ grilled, mediterranean flavors, lemon butter sauce
Musaka/ greek style eggplant-pasta lasagna
Sirloin/ grilled to perfection, garlic piquillo sauce
Flan// spanish custard creamy and deliciously addictive
Crema catalana// creamy custard with hints of orange peel and cinnamon, with caramelized cristal sugar on top
Lava cake// rich molten chocolate center lava
Baklava cheese cake// walnuts , and pasticcio crispy phyllo shell, with creamy citrus essent, and cheese creamy filling
Loukoumades// greek style fry donuts, almond-fig filling with rose/honey syrup
Baghrir/ moroccan yeast pancake dressed with fruit compote and butter honey syrup
- fried turkey meatballs with mango chutney
Banana fritters with cinnamon maple butter
Beef pates ( similar to empanadas) with avocado crema
Charcuterie board
Johnny cakes ( fried dumplings) with whipped cheese spread
Korean fried chicken bao bun sliders
Spinach and artichoke wontons with pico de gallo
Creamy pumpkin soup
Classic french onion soup
Tortilla soup
Tomato bisque
Kale, tomato and bacon caesar salad caesar dressing, grilled crostini and parmesan
Seasonal garden salad
Chicken / beef parm with spaghetti
Pollo guisado with jasmine rice and fried plantains
Pan seared steak w/ brown butter mashed potatoes, sautéed broccolini demi glaze topped with fried onion strings
Classic meatballs with marinara sauce and pasta
Fettuccine alfredo with protein of choice
Seafood bouillabaisse w/ fettuccine pasta
Seafood callaloo
Seafood paella
Pan seared red snapper w/ rice pilaf, roasted rainbow cauliflower and romesco sauce
Pan seared fish in lemon caper sauce w/ rice pilaf and sautéed vegetables
Chicken coq au vin blanc
Grilled jerk chicken w/ red bean rice and caribbean style slaw
Lemon herb roasted chicken w/pan sauce roasted heirloom potatoes and broccolini
Grilled salmon with yellow basmati rice grilled asparagus and citrus herb beurre blanc
Lemon pound cake with white chocolate mousse and curd
Kahlua crack cake chocolate cake, kahlua infused whipped cream, pecan caramel
Mini dessert samples jars 3 mini jar samples chef’s choice
Churros with hot fudge
Cream brûlée whipped cream and fresh berries
Mango mousse trifle
Molten lava cake w/ vanilla ice cream, caramel and chocolate sauce
Tiramisu
Pina colada crème brûlée with caramelized pineapple, toasted coconut, and maraschino cherries
Pan-seared strawberry shortcake
Pineapple upside-down cake
Strawberry cheesecake
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 Lakeland.
What does a private chef service include in Lakeland?
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 Lakeland?
The price of renting a chef in Lakeland 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 110 USD to 159 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 110 USD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 113 USD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 131 USD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 159 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 Lakeland?
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 178 chefs available in Lakeland. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Lakeland 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 Lakeland?
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 Lakeland
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Lakeland
Percentage of our women chefs in Lakeland.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Lakeland.
Percentage of services with kids in Lakeland.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Lakeland.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Lakeland.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Lakeland.
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 Lakeland.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Lakeland each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Lakeland, 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 Lakeland.
Cost of a private chef in Lakeland
The cost of hiring a private chef in Lakeland 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 110 USD to 159 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 110 USD
For 7 to 12 people: 113 USD
For 3 to 6 people: 131 USD
For 2 people: 159 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.
Private chefs registrations
After many years of offering our services, we are lucky to have a fantastic team of chefs that keeps growing in Lakeland!
1 personal chefs register with us every month. Our verification team reviews these new chef profiles daily to categorize them, allowing you to discover incredible new chefs every month.
What is the most reserved type of cuisine in Lakeland?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Lakeland: 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 Lakeland!

Lakeland's gastronomy brought to your home
At Take a Chef we give you the opportunity to hire a private chef to come cook for you, your family and friends in your house. Just tell us your food preferences and we will take care of the rest for you. The grocery shopping, cooking, serving and cleaning will be done by the chef so your only worry is to enjoy their delicious food!

Unique gastronomic experience in Lakeland
We work with the most talented chefs in the world. Our chefs have attended the top culinary schools in the world and have many years of experience working in Michelin star restaurants. You will have the chance to speak to them directly, customize your menu and make sure you are completely satisfied. Book today!

Live Lakeland differently with a Private Chef
We know you are different, innovative and unique! Hire a Private Chef today and live an unforgettable experience in the hands of Take a Chef. We will make sure your experience is flawless. What are you waiting for? Click above to begin!






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









