Private Chef in Monterey County
Rent one of our 17 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.
A personal chef for any occasion in Monterey County
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Monterey County in March 2019, more than 17 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Monterey County and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Monterey County.
Starting in 2019, 61,336 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Monterey County. To book your chef in Monterey County, 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 20,828 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 200,668 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.71 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 61,336 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Monterey County usually book menus around 170 USD per person, including 4.51 courses, sharing an average of 4.25 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 Monterey County.
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!
17 Private Chefs in Monterey County
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Monterey County
More than 61,300 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.48 Chef
The guests in Monterey County have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.48.
4.78 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Monterey County received an average score of 4.78.
4.69 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.69 average score.
4.78 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Monterey County has been scored with a 4.78 on average.
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20,828 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Monterey County
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!
New season slow roasted & fresh tomatoes salad, pickled shallots, italian stracciatella cheese, herb oil, toasted herbed focaccia
Char siu bacon, eggs on your way, chilli crisp, truffle mayo
Special turkish eggs on herbed labne, crispy chili oil, pickled shallots, cucumber salad, herbs, tomato salad,fresh baked flat bread
French pea and mint bruschetta, poached egg, italian prosciutto, hollandaise sauce
Miso, mushroom and kale oatmeal congee
Asian breakfast skillet
Roasted kale & broccolini salad with quinoa, butternut hummus, dukkah crumb, poached egg
Slow roasted victorian pork belly, chilli caramel, heirloom carrot, pear salad
Fresh made toasted pretzel, topped with avocado salad, whipped ricotta, poached egg, lime dressing, seed cracke
Roasted branzino, saffron cauliflower rice, apple and shallot vinaigrette
Special housemade beef pastrami, potato hash, charred cabbage, smoked crema, roasted mushrooms, pickled shallots
Roasted harissa lamb shoulder, crushed green peas, potato rosti, mint labneh
Spicy truffle fried chicken, potato salad, paprika and black garlic cream, pickles, steamed bao bun
Roasted sweet potato toast, tandoori chicken and lentils
Pea fritters, cured pink salmon, salad, poached egg, truffle aioli
Fresh fruit board with mix of chef choice baby dessserts
Tiramisu french toast, espresso & bourbon whipped cream, mascarpone cheese, strawberries, chocolate soil & candied orange
Chia, flax & almond granola, whipped coconut yoghurt, mango, pineapple, passionfruit, summer berries
Bread pudding-cannoli croissants
Eton mess, crushed merengue, citrus mousse, marinated red fruits
Handmade falafel, spicy tomatoes relish, special salad, yogurt dressing
Charcuterie board, special selection of cheeses, crackers, nuts, fruits, honey, marmalade
Grilled eggplant topped with special char pepper and walnut dip, mediterranean chopped salad, flat bread
Special mediterranean platter, mix of dips, pitas and pites, veggies, olives, cheeses
Crispy brussel sprouts, creamy sweet corn, date and pomegranate dressing, nigella seeds
Special whipped labne, dill cucumber salad, pickled red onion, crispy garlic, za'atar flat bread
Grilled scallops with chermoula butter and buttered almonds
Grilled cheese, special warm chickpeas mousse, spicy chickpeas, burnt lemon, herbed flatbread
Herbed roasted beetroot carpaccio, herbed garlic dressing, crumbled goat cheese, garlic baguette
Handmade falafel, spicy tomatoes relish, special salad, yogurt dressing
Grilled eggplant topped with special char pepper and walnut dip, mediterranean chopped salad, flat bread
Special mediterranean platter, mix of dips, pitas and pites, veggies, olives, cheeses
Fava beans puree, chicory, grilled lamb meatballs, fattoush
Herbed roasted beetroot, iranian pistachio & cherry tart goats cheese, olive crostini
Whipped goat cheese, charred bullhorn peppers, citrus dressing, garlic crostini
Special salad with fresh and roasted tomato, sumac & thyme, whipped macadamia, rosemary bread
Ali nazik barbecued giant blue king prawns with baba ganoush
Turmeric chickpeas with tomatoes, greens and zhough, fresh baked sahara flat bread
Harira with chicken dumplings
Special yemenite chicken soup with ricotta balls
Spicy chicken tajine, veggies, crispy coriander baby potatoes, salad, nuts and a special middle eastern dressing
Sumac baked snapper special jeweled saffron rice, herbed salad
Smoked duck glazed with blood orange sauce, cauliflower pureed, honey-chili baby carrots, wild mushrooms
Slow roasted lamb shoulder, smoked chilli, coriander & roasted pepper salad, crispy fingerling potatoes
Semolina fried snapper, fiery charred peppers, couscous salad, tahini & burnt onion oil
Grilled tiger prawn, whipped cod & salmon roe, harissa & lemon burnt butter, cauliflower rice
Grilled wagyu steak, caramelised butternut pumpkin with ras el hanout, wild mushroom bulgur, toasted pine nuts, chargrill chili-garlic broccolini
Pan roasted snapper, slow roasted summer tomatoes, thyme, sumac roasted potatoes
“makroon bil toum” lebanese boiled dumplings coated in garlic served with roasted scallops, prawns & fiery harissa
Date and walnut cake with hot coconut butterscotch sauce and vanilla mousse
Yogurt and almond apricots cake, light citrus sauce
Olive oil chocolate mousse, orange, coffee, vanilla whipped cream, walnuts praline
Ricotta flan cake, pomegranate poached pears, special glaze
Basbousa (semolina and almond drizzle cake) tangerine sorbet
Tuna croquettes, lemon-capers mayo
Truffled triple cream brie, wild herbs, drizzle of truffle honey pulled apart sourdough bread
Hibiscus cured salmon with red fruits spring salad
Brûlée brie, citrus chutney, crushed nuts, special crostini
Special tuna deviled eggs (veg option available too)
Out-of-the-glass french prawns cocktail
Porcini mushrooms risotto, truffled scallops
Parmesan and herbs crusted lamb rack, special citrus salad
Fresh made pappardelle, braised lamb shank sauce, rosemary and thyme gremolata
Chicken and wild mushrooms fricassee, herbed roasted smashed potatoes, french style baby peas
Poulet basquaise, slow cooked chicken with pepper sauce, creamy polenta, garlic green beans
Slow cooked lamb shank, roasted veggies, creamy mashed potato
Roasted citrus salmon, special roasted kale and brussels sprouts warm salad with almond flakes and balsamic glaze
Fig and pomegranate brisket, special herbed salad, olive bread
Lemon risotto, grilled asparagus and scampi
Braised chicken with olives and citrus, roasted lemon potatos, endive salad
Smoked duck glazed with blood orange sauce, cauliflower pureed, honey-chili baby carrots, wild mushrooms
Premier bubbles from champagne, france
Chilled oysters on the 1/2 shell tastings from grassy bar, hog island and prince edward islands with special mignonette
Caviar tasting on grilled toast, endive and figs
Wagyu beef carpaccio with whole grain mustard, bitter greens, aged parmesan and cracked peppercorns
Seared duck breast and diver scallops with blood orange, soy and sesame glaze
Flash fried and lemon zested broccolini
Gold flaked sticky rice
Vanilla bean crème brûlée with mixed berries and fresh vanilla whipped cream
Port wine selection or sipping whiskey tasting
Espresso or french press coffee service
Premium champagne toast to kick off the evening
Sparkling or flat water service throughout the evening
Grassy bar (morro bay) oysters on the 1/2 shell with champagne mignonette
Fresh crab cocktail with lemon pepper infused celery or crispy crab cakes over a roasted pepper and tomato puree
Craft cocktails (chat with chef to talk about your favorites or selection options)
Bread service by local bakers and creamery butter
Grilled locally farmed artichokes with garlic lemon and herb aioli topped with crispy homemade breadcrumbs
Garden fresh greens, shaved root vegetables, pear, apple, and lemon vinaigrette with gorgonzola crumbles
Seasonal roasted vegetables seasoned to perfection
Garden fresh herb infused mashed potatoes
Snake river farms ribeye or filet mignon with garlic, shallot, rosemary and butter finish
Citrus marinated and locally caught lobster medallions topped with micro greens and clarified butter for dipping
Vanilla bean crème brûlée with mixed berries
Top shelf espresso martini or your favorite after dinner drink
Elegant table set up and all kitchen clean up so you can continue to relax and enjoy
Thai iced tea, whole young coconut, hibiscus brew (choose 1)
Seared pork gyoza with chili soy vinagrette
Coconut shrimp with thai chili oil
Crispy veggie roll in a spicy plum sauce
Craft cocktails, thai beer or wine pairings available for additional fees
Green papaya salad with string beans, tomato and toasted peanuts
Bangkok fried rice with shrimp and chicken with egg, tomatoes, yo choy and spicy sauce
Pad see eew with pork belly
Classic pad thai (chicken, pork or shrimp) with crispy noodles
Fresh berries topped with whipped cream, caramel crunch sugar and shredded mint
Flight of salsas - roasted verduras, cuatro levels of caliente
Roasted elote with crema, lime and chile
Nopales salad - cactus, elote, pomegranate, poblano, edible flowers
Super-powered guacamole - hemp, chia, espirulina, citrus, sal
Mushroom cevichetostada - marinated shrooms, kombu, lime
Picadita with hibiscus asada and roasted corn over frijolitos
Almond flour quesadillas - melty queso, seasonal vegetables
Crispy sweet potato taquitos with smashed avocado
Exotic mushroom taco trio - shaved cabbage, lime, pico, crema
Enchiladas rojo - red chile sauced corn tortillas filled with seasoned jackfruit
Spiced portobello fajitas - seared vegetables, guacamole, salsa
Tlayuda - lion’s mane asada, avocado crema, edible flowers
Tamales - green chile sauce, microgreens, avocado
Mexican chocolate pie
Chocolate amaranth cake
Banana split on a stick
Strawberry cashew 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 Monterey County.
What does a private chef service include in Monterey County?
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 Monterey County?
The price of renting a chef in Monterey County 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 163 USD to 327 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 163 USD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 178 USD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 112 USD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 327 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 Monterey County?
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 17 chefs available in Monterey County. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Monterey County 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 Monterey County?
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 Monterey County
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Monterey County
Percentage of our women chefs in Monterey County.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Monterey County.
Percentage of services with kids in Monterey County.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Monterey County.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Monterey County.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Monterey County.
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 Monterey County.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Monterey County each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Monterey County, 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 Monterey County.
Cost of a private chef in Monterey County
The cost of hiring a private chef in Monterey County 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 163 USD to 327 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 163 USD
For 7 to 12 people: 178 USD
For 3 to 6 people: 112 USD
For 2 people: 327 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 Monterey County?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Monterey County: 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 Monterey County!
Talk to our chefs in Monterey County
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 Monterey County? You’ll get it. Tell us about your event in Monterey County, and discover the best chefs who will customize every detail of your experience.
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