Private Chef in McAllen
Rent one of our 18 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















A personal chef for any occasion in McAllen
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in McAllen in April 2016, more than 18 Private Chefs have joined our platform in McAllen and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Hidalgo County.
Starting in 2016, 34,405 guests have already enjoyed a chef in McAllen. To book your chef in McAllen, 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 10,419 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 108,171 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.72 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 34,405 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in McAllen usually book menus around 179 USD per person, including 4.67 courses, sharing an average of 3.69 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 McAllen.












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!
18 Private Chefs in McAllen
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in McAllen












More than 34,400 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.49 Chef
The guests in McAllen have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.49.
4.75 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in McAllen received an average score of 4.75.
4.72 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.72 average score.
4.81 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in McAllen has been scored with a 4.81 on average.
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10,419 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in McAllen
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








"around the world" blind tasting flight
"ocean's mystery" (seafood surprise)
"latitude & longitude" (dual surprise tastings)
"compass rose" palate refresher
"land & sea duet" (surf & turf with a twist)
"global grains" (exotic carb preparation)
"garden of wonders" (unexpected vegetable presentations)
"sweet coordinates" (interactive dessert experience)
"captain's private reserve" beverage
Prawn cocktail
Oyster duo (rockefeller and charred tomato butter)
Crab cake with nước chấm aioli
Latkes with creme fraiche, dill, and caviar
Lobster mac and cheese
Cream of mushroom soup with shaved black truffle
Seared diver scallops over parmesan fondue
Wedge salad, lardon, pickled onion, blue cheese vinaigrette
Sherry braised short rib, gremolata, pommes purée
Pan seared chilean sea bass, castlestrano olive relish, cauliflower puree
Ny strip, demi glace, creamed spinach, duck fat potatoes
Duck breast, arugula pesto risotto, calabrian chili vinaigrette
Chocolate lava cake with scotch whiskey ice cream
Ny style tahitian vanilla and yuzu cheesecake
Key lime pie with white rum whipped cream
- canapés or tartlets: small and delicious typical italian tarts, with salmon or avocado, ricotta and a selected mixture of cooked vegetables
- marinara mussels: tasty recipe for mussels sautéed in italian vegetable pesto
- prawns with prosciutto: shrimp seasoned with sweet paprika wrapped in prosciutto
- salty crepe with salmon: popular french dish. homemade tortillas, filled with fresh vegetables, salmon or avocado and cheeses
- caviar bruschetta: refined italian toasted bread, with fresh cooked vegetables, cheeses and topped with caviar
- stuffed eggs: tuna or avocado, egg yolk and mayonnaise come together in an explosion of flavors. topped with bell peppers and onions
- big salad "insalatona": fresh combination of lettuce, arugula, tomato, carrots, radishes, cucumber and avocado, seasoned with balsamic cream
- garlic prawns: tasty shrimp in fine garlic sauce, vegetables and fine herbs
- citrus salad: unique explosion of flavors between arugula, cherry tomatoes, grapefruit, orange and tangerine, seasoned with balsamic cream
- sea salad: jump into the sea with varieties of fresh seafood and fish
- penne all’arrabbiata: who said spicy? enjoy a touch of spicy peperoncino with tomato, parmesan, garlic and parsley sauce
- spaghetti allo scoglio: flavors of the sea in a successful explosive combination of fish, seafood and italian pepperoncino
- linguine mare (wheat flour, egg, veg.broth or milk cream, anchovy, tuna, squid, tomato, garlic, parsley, basil, olive oil, salt and pepper) df
- spaghetti alle vongole (clams, milk or veg.broth, mushroom, garlic, parsley, paprika, saffron, olive oil, salt and pepper) gf,df
- pasta alla vodka: a little parmesan, tomato, heavy cream, onion, garlic, basil and vodka. yes, vodka!
- cappelletti with butter and sage: typical italian rice based on chicken, vegetables and explosive
- risotto ai frutti di mare: rice with fish and seafood elegantly combined and seasoned
- spanish paella: typical spanish rice with an explosion of fish, different seafood and a unique seasoning!
- 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
- halibut with vegetables (potato, carrot, onion, broccoli, zucchini, garlic, bell pepper, onion, parsley, oregano, basil, olive oil, salt and pepper) gf,df
- prawns skewer with boiled vegetables (potato, carrot, bell pepper, onion, presley, sage, oregano, olive oil, salt and pepper) gf,df
- 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
- lemon sorbet: sorbet with a light and refreshing texture with fresh strawberries
- nutella crepe: delicious french crepe, the original recipe. nutella will take you to italy
- chocolate mousse: popular creamy dessert loved by children and adults based on chocolate and eggs
- chocolate cake with nutella: dark chocolate cake filled with blueberry jam and fresh strawberries, topped with nutella cream
- strawberry sorbet: classic white fish, topped with a delicious green sauce and particular french noisette potatoes
- melba cup: cup of chocolate and strawberry ice cream with fresh peach
- macedonia: seasonal fruits, put together to enjoy a healthy dessert
Fresh maki ahi tuna, avocado, toasted sesame
Salmon mousse with pumpernickel bread and salmon roe
Oysters with cucumber and lemon mignonette
Spaghetti freshly cooked, served in a creamy caviar sauce, lemon zest
Mussel saffron risotto, shaved parmigiano, homemade basil oil, roasted garlic
Ahi poke with avocado, seaweed, and soy-lime dressing
Wagyu beef with potato puree, beef jus, broccolini
Grilled fresh lobster tail, roasted butternut squash, and caviar butter sauce
Chargrilled swordfish with lemon, garlic, and herb-infused olive oil
Vanilla tart, banana rum flambe, and black pepper meringue
Soft chocolate cake
Matcha chocolate mousse with raspberry coulis
Ahí tuna causa - peruvian potato salad and ahi tuna
Shrimp causa - peruvian potato salad and shrimp dish
Scallop aguachile - lemon marinated scallops , artisanal chiles , cucumber, tortilla crisp
Santa fe local tiger shrimp tostada - avocado mouse , pickle radish , picked carrot, micro greens on corn tostada
Assorted sushi rolls - tuna , salmon, avocado , soy y tuna
Carpaccio di tonno ahi tuna, citrus soy reduction, jalapeno
Asian octopus carpaccio - asian sauce , thinly sliced octopus cooked with panca chili
Salmon tartar with avocado
Nikkei fish crudo - northern halibut , aji amarillo cream , toasted wontons, avocado cream
Ceviche tostada - pacific halibut, lemon and lime marinade, avocado, onions, cilantro
Peruvian fish crudo -pacific halibut , aji amarillo cream , toasted wontons, avocado cream
Peruvian cebiche
Scallops on the half shell
Ahí tuna sashimi
Shrimp & tostones
Shrimp tempura - glazed soy sauce
Moules marinières -sailor-style mussels recipe. and french baguette
Ahí tuna katsu - jasmin rice, asian slaw
Seared ahi tuna - wasabi mashed potatoes , sautee -mirin alii , maitake and enoki mushrooms, soya glaze
Seared scallops & risotto - seared scallops , caviar, beet lemon grass -coconut risotto
Clams & linguine
Lobster mac & cheese
Branzino over roasted potatoes
Herb crusted salmon + roasted peruvian blue potatoes + rocoto sweet bell pepper puree + cilantro mole
Coho salmon oven-roasted wild salmon with chervil kumquat pesto
Grilled octopus - wasabi mashed potatoes + enoki mushrooms + soya glaze
Amuse-bouche: cucumber and dill oyster shooter (a fresh oyster served in a cucumber-dill-infused broth with a touch of yuzu and topped with trout roe)
Seaweed and olive tartlet (a delicate tartlet filled with seaweed tapenade, whipped goat cheese, and a touch of lemon zest)
Truffle-scented crab salad (sweet crab meat dressed with lemon aioli and a hint of truffle oil, served on a crisp endive leaf)
Ceviche duo (peruvian-style ceviche with lime, aji amarillo, and sweet potato purée, paired with a brazilian-style moqueca ceviche with coconut milk and cilantro)
Lobster tartare (fresh lobster tail finely diced and delicately dressed with tangerine-infused citrus sauce. served over a bed of creamy avocado and topped with finely sliced shallots, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of the chef's signature sauce)
Charred octopus with chickpea puree and piquillo peppers (tender grilled octopus atop a velvety chickpea puree, garnished with roasted piquillo peppers, a drizzle of harissa oil, and micro cilantro)
Scallop crudo with mango and lime (thinly sliced raw scallops paired with mango purée, lime gel, and crispy quinoa)
Lobster bisque with cognac cream (rich and velvety lobster bisque finished with a swirl of cognac-infused cream and a crisp brioche crouton)
Octopus carpaccio with herb vinaigrette (thinly sliced octopus with a drizzle of basil and parsley vinaigrette, pickled radishes, and crispy capers)
Velouté of asparagus with poached langoustine (a smooth asparagus soup topped with a tender poached langoustine and a drizzle of chive oil)
Grilled prawns with hearts of palm salad (jumbo prawns grilled with a garlic-lime marinade, served over a hearts of palm and avocado salad with passionfruit dressing)
Pan-seared sea bass with saffron risotto (perfectly seared sea bass served over creamy saffron risotto, complemented by a fennel and citrus salad, finished with a drizzle of lemon beurre blanc)
Grilled turbot with ratatouille mille-feuille (a flaky grilled turbot fillet served alongside a layered ratatouille and a roasted red pepper coulis)
Black cod with yuzu butter (miso-marinated black cod with a yuzu-butter sauce, served on a bed of soba noodles and sautéed bok choy)
Salt-crusted branzino with citrus gremolata (whole salt-crusted branzino fillet carved tableside, served with charred leeks, roasted cherry tomatoes, and citrus gremolata)
Chilean sea bass with corn purée (pan-roasted chilean sea bass served over a silky corn purée, sautéed spinach, and a touch of aji panca sauce)
Lobster ravioli in saffron cream sauce (fresh ravioli filled with succulent lobster, served in a delicate saffron-infused cream sauce and garnished with fresh herbs)
Sesame-crusted tuna with forbidden rice and carrot mousseline (a perfectly seared tuna steak coated in a crunchy sesame crust, offering a rich and nutty flavor, served with a bed of fragrant forbidden rice)
Squid and octopus rice (mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender squid and octopus, simmered with aromatic herbs, garlic, and a hint of saffron, served over a bed of perfectly cooked rice)
Scallops squid ink pasta (delicate pasta enveloped in a rich, briny squid ink sauce, topped with perfectly seared scallops)
Passionfruit panna cotta with coconut snow (a silky passionfruit panna cotta paired with coconut, fresh berries, and a hint of basil syrup)
Tropical pavlova (a meringue base with coconut cream, mango, papaya, and toasted cashews, drizzled with dulce de leche)
Honey-lavender semifreddo (a creamy semifreddo infused with lavender and drizzled with wildflower honey, served with candied almonds)
Matcha mille-crêpe cake (layered matcha crêpe cake with a light mascarpone filling and a side of yuzu sorbet)
White chocolate and raspberry sphere (a white chocolate dome filled with raspberry mousse and served with a warm raspberry sauce poured tableside to reveal the dessert)
Fresh hawaiian seafood tower local lobster, kona crab, fresh poke, island prawns served with house-made cocktail sauce and mignonette
Premium charcuterie & cheese board imported prosciutto, local cured meats artisanal cheeses, local honey, house-made preserves grilled bread and seasonal fruits
Lobster bisque kona lobster, cognac cream, fresh herbs
Local green salad baby lettuce, avocado, hearts of palm, lilikoi vinaigrette
Prime aged ribeye (14 oz) 35-day dry-aged, grilled to perfection
Lamb lollipops, truffle mashed potatoes, grilled local asparagus
**fish** indulge in a gourmet delight: tender miso-marinated sablefish
**paella** embark on a culinary journey to the heart of spain
Classic crème brûlée madagascar vanilla bean, fresh berries
French press kona coffee
. **flourless chocolate cake **
**tiramisu** delight in the luscious layers of tiramisu
Tarte tatin with vanilla bean ice cream
Caprese bruschetta – fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes on crisp bread with balsamic drizzle 🍅🥖
Charcuterie (3 meats + 3 cheeses + fruit + nuts) – a well-balanced selection of flavors 🧀🥩
Beef tartare – a classic, finely minced and seasoned beef tartare served with grilled bread 🥩
Roast butternut squash soup – velvety, roasted butternut squash soup with seasonal spices 🎃
Seasonal salad (basil vinaigrette, seasonal fruit, greens, dressing made in person) – fresh and bright with a house-made vinaigrette 🥗
Guest menu – a chef’s selection tailored to the season 🍽️
Stealhead trout with risotto & brussels – a lightly seared trout with creamy risotto and crisp brussels sprouts 🐟
Prime ribeye with risotto, brussels & butter braised carrots – a robust, flavorful ribeye with rich accompaniments 🥩
Seared rack of lamb (2) with mushroom risotto, brussels & butter braised carrots – a tender lamb dish with aromatic mushroom risotto 🍖
Captain morgan apples (no alcohol) – a warm spiced apple dish 🍏
Chocolate lava cake – a gooey, rich chocolate dessert 🍫🔥
Crème brûlée – a smooth vanilla custard with a caramelized sugar top 🍮
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 McAllen.
What does a private chef service include in McAllen?
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 McAllen?
The price of renting a chef in McAllen 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 116 USD to 143 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 116 USD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 121 USD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 127 USD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 143 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 McAllen?
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 18 chefs available in McAllen. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in McAllen 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 McAllen?
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 McAllen
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in McAllen
Percentage of our women chefs in McAllen.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in McAllen.
Percentage of services with kids in McAllen.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in McAllen.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in McAllen.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in McAllen.
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 McAllen.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in McAllen each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In McAllen, 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 McAllen.
Cost of a private chef in McAllen
The cost of hiring a private chef in McAllen 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 116 USD to 143 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 116 USD
For 7 to 12 people: 121 USD
For 3 to 6 people: 127 USD
For 2 people: 143 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 McAllen?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in McAllen: 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 McAllen!

Enjoy a unique Private Chef experience in McAllen
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 organize 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 experience?
All of our chefs have at least ten years’ worth of experience in the industry and have graduated from the best cooking schools. So our goal is to find the perfect chef for you and to make this the best dining experience. With over 40 chefs in McAllen, we know we can find the right match for you! Once you receive menu proposals, you’ll be able to view the professional profiles of each chef who has contacted you and choose the one that suits you. At this point, you’ll also be able to contact them directly through our messaging service to make sure that every detail is to your liking.

In McAllen you have to choose an original plan
Increasingly, it changes the way we enjoy culinary experiences. It is time to feel new emotions through food dishes. A dinner can become a cooking party, where you can learn how to prepare each of the dishes in the menu chosen. Enjoy the sophisticated cuisine with Chefs trained in the best restaurants in the country.






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









