Private Chef in Shelter Island
Rent one of our 111 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















A personal chef for any occasion in Shelter Island
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Shelter Island in March 2017, more than 111 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Shelter Island and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Suffolk County.
Starting in 2017, 27,488 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Shelter Island. To book your chef in Shelter Island, 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 9,237 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 77,718 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.6 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 27,488 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Shelter Island usually book menus around 149 USD per person, including 3.86 courses, sharing an average of 4.93 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 Shelter Island.












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!
111 Private Chefs in Shelter Island
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Shelter Island












More than 27,400 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.49 Chef
The guests in Shelter Island have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.49.
4.66 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Shelter Island received an average score of 4.66.
4.54 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.54 average score.
4.59 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Shelter Island has been scored with a 4.59 on average.
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9,237 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Shelter Island
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Citrus marinated scallops with avocado and microgreens
Osso buco alla milanese
Sautéed asparagus with citrus butter
Black truffle tagliatelle
Creamy parmesan risotto
Chocolate fondant with a hint of raspberry coulis
Signature amuse-bouche trio
Seared scallops with cauliflower purée and truffle vinaigrette
Seared foie gras with caramelized apples and brioche toast
Chef’s choice gourmet dish inspired by the season
Wild mushroom risotto with parmesan crisp and fresh herbs
Slow-braised beef short ribs with red wine reduction,
Pomme purée, and roasted carrots
Wilted spinach
Handmade ricotta gnocchi with black truffle cream sauce
Roasted pigeon with foie gras
Deconstructed dessert surprise
Dark chocolate fondant with raspberry coulis and vanilla ice cream
Sheep’s milk ricotta crostata buttery shortcrust tart filled with sheep’s milk ricotta, lemon zest, and honey, topped with fresh mint
Supplì alla romana crispy risotto and tomato croquettes filled with melted mozzarella
Seasonal green salad fresh seasonal greens tossed in a shallot-honey vinaigrette
Scallop crudo thinly sliced raw scallops with pickled mustard seeds, lemon, olive oil, and fennel confit
Cucumber panzanella salad crisp cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, dill, and feta tossed with house-made croutons in a light vinaigrette
Radicchio & greens salad radicchio and seasonal greens with gorgonzola, sliced pears, raisins, toasted almonds, and white wine vinaigrette
Fresh market east coast oysters served on the half shell with mignonette, cocktail sauce, and freshly grated horseradish
Vitello tonnato thinly sliced seared veal loin served chilled with a creamy tuna-caper emulsion and seasonal greens
Zucchini fritters crispy zucchini fritters served with greek yogurt and herbs
Caprese fresh mozzarella, heirloom tomatoes, basil, finished with traditional aged balsamic
Burrata confit tomatoes, charred sourdough, shaved asparagus, finished with a parmesan vinaigrette
Saltimbocca thin slices of chicken or pork tenderloin topped with prosciutto and sage, pan-cooked in butter and white wine
Bucatini all’amatriciana thick hollow pasta in a tomato sauce spiced with chili flakes, guanciale, red onions, and parsley
Pappardelle alla bolognese wide ribbon pasta tossed in a slow-cooked ragù of beef and italian sausage
Spaghetti alla carbonara spaghetti tossed in a velvety emulsion of egg yolks and butter, finished with crispy guanciale
Bavette cacio e pepe bavette pasta with olive oil, coarsely ground black pepper, pecorino, and parmigiano cheese. simple and bold
Linguine alle vongole linguine with clams, gently sautéed with garlic, chili, white wine, and parsley. classic and coastal
Linguine aglio, olio e pecorino linguine tossed with garlic-infused olive oil and finished with grated pecorino. simple, bold, and timeless
Pappardelle with italian sausage and broccolini wide ribbons of pasta tossed with sautéed broccolini, crumbled italian sausage, red chili flakes, onions, and shaved parmesan
Tagliatelle ai funghi fresh tagliatelle with sautéed seasonal wild mushrooms, onions, cream, sage, and parmesan
Tagliatelle all’astice fresh tagliatelle with lobster, tomato paste, chili flakes, a touch of cream, and chervil
Spaghetti puttanesca, pungent, briny sauce from southern italy made with olives, anchovies, capers, and a chunky tomato base
Spaghetti alla puttanesca southern italian classic with olives, anchovies, capers, garlic, chili, and chunky tomato sauce. briny, bold, and unmistakably vibrant
Pappardelle al cinghiale hand-cut pappardelle tossed in a rich, slow-braised wild boar ragù with chianti, rosemary, juniper, and tomato. a hearty tuscan staple, deep with forest flavors and rustic soul
Porchetta crispy, herb-rubbed pork belly, slow-roasted and rolled, served with pan jus, your choice of mashed or twice-roasted smashed potatoes, and seasonal vegetables sautéed in garlic and olive oil
Roasted branzino mediterranean sea bass, roasted with herbs and charred lemon, served with your choice of mashed or smashed potatoes, and sautéed seasonal greens with olive oil and garlic
Pollo alla’diavola spicy marinated whole roasted chicken, served with tuscan-style roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes, and sautéed seasonal greens with garlic and olive oil
Arista di maiale tuscan-style roasted pork shoulder, seasoned with garlic and herbs, served with twice-roasted smashed potatoes or mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and pan jus
Pork chop alla’scapariello pan-roasted pork chop with italian sausage, broccolini, and cherry peppers, served with crispy potatoes or mashed potatoes
Pan-seared wild atlantic salmon served over wilted seasonal greens with your choice of mashed, roasted, or crispy potatoes
Grilled lamb chops with creamy polenta, braised escarole, and a mint-pistachio gremolata
Bistecca alla fiorentina thick-cut tuscan-style steak, grilled to temperature, served with rosemary roasted potatoes and herb compound butter
Filet mignon center-cut tenderloin steak, cooked to temperature, served with potatoes any style, sautéed greens, and herb compound butter
Melanzane alla parmigiana (eggplant parmesan) breaded and fried eggplant, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan. served with a side of crispy roasted potatoes, seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil for added flavor and texture
Vegetarian lasagna layers of fresh pasta, mozzarella, rich tomato ragu, creamy béchamel, and parmigiano-reggiano, baked to golden perfection
Polenta with mushrooms and gorgonzola creamy polenta topped with sautéed wild mushrooms and a drizzle of melted gorgonzola cheese
Assorted italian pastires
Pannacotta al limone
Dessert cheeses with almonds and honey
Tiramisu
Many other options available let’s chat!
Bruschetta with tomato, garlic, and basil
Classic caprese salad with buffalo mozzarella and balsamic glaze
Spaghetti alle vongole
Chicken piccata with lemon and capers, served with roasted potatoes
Eggplant parmigiana with basil and melted mozzarella (vegetarian)
Classic tiramisu
Vanilla panna cotta with berry coulis
Hummus with grilled pita bread
Antipasti
Grilled sea bream
Greek salad
Orange and cinnamon salad
Apple tarte tatin
Moroccan carrot salad shaved carrots with fennel, aleppo pepper, lemon, olive oil, and herbs. served chilled
Hummus with ethiopian tahina chickpeas blended with ethiopian-style tahina, garlic, lemon, and olive oil. served with warm flatbread
Rustic baba ghanouj charred eggplant mashed with garlic, lemon, tahini, and olive oil. smoky, chunky, and served with warm flatbread
Cucumber salad fresh cucumbers tossed with feta, dill, red onions, cherry tomatoes, and house-made croutons in a light vinaigrette
Beets with labneh roasted beets served over labneh, drizzled with tahini and sprinkled with za’atar
Green salad mixed greens tossed in a lemon citronette. simple and bright
Labneh tzatziki strained labneh blended with grated cucumber, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs. cool, creamy, and sharp
Matbucha slow-cooked roasted tomatoes and red peppers with garlic, olive oil, and spices. served as a rich, smoky dip
Kopanisti whipped feta blended with roasted red peppers, garlic, and olive oil. creamy, tangy, and perfect for spreading
Tabbouleh bulgur wheat mixed with fresh parsley, mint, red onions, and diced tomatoes, tossed in lemon juice and olive oil. bright, herbaceous, and refreshing
Marinated mediterranean olives a bold mix of olives marinated with citrus, herbs, and spices from southern europe and north africa
Pickled vegetables, mediterranean style a rotating mix of house-pickled vegetables infused with herbs, chili, and spice blends from the levant
Shakshouka baked eggs in a rich tomato–pepper stew, gently spiced and served with crusty bread
Kibbeh traditional middle eastern dish made with bulgur, pine nuts, herbs. options: beef, lamb, or vegetarian
Char-grilled squid with sumac and chile-honey vinaigrette, cooled by a swipe of labneh. finished with crispy shallots and fresh herbs for brightness and bite
Roasted eggplant with harissa yogurt, crispy chickpeas, and coriander – roasted until melting, layered over spiced yogurt, topped with crunchy chickpeas and fresh herbs
Roasted sardines with za'atar – whole sardines, fennel, orange-infused olives, labneh, charred lemon
Falafel crispy fried garbanzo bean fritters mixed with fresh herbs and spices. served with lemon, pickled turnips, and tahini sauce
Harissa kafteh grilled spiced patties made with your choice of lamb, beef, or vegetarian mix. infused with harissa, garlic, and herbs. served with grilled onions, warm flatbread, and lemon
Grilled octopus charred octopus served over preserved lemon potatoes, dressed with tomato citronette. finished with kalamata olives, capers, and a touch of pimentón
Dorade royale, moroccan style whole dorade roasted with lemon, garlic, chermoula herbs and warm spices. served with charred lemon and pan juices
Whole mediterranean sea bream oven-roasted with preserved lemon, coriander, parsley, and garlic. finished with a drizzle of olive oil and served with charred lemon and herb jus
Beef tagine with prunes and almonds slow-braised beef short ribs simmered in a spiced sauce of cinnamon, ginger, and saffron, finished with prunes, toasted almonds, and a touch of honey. served with herbed couscous or flatbread
Lamb shoulder braised with dates and za’atar slow-cooked lamb shoulder infused with middle eastern spices, served over couscous with toasted almonds and golden raisins
Sumac roasted ½ chicken marinated and roasted with sumac and garlic, served over braised chickpeas and wilted spinach, finished with pan juices and lemon
Vegetarian roasted kibeh bulgur wheat shell, stuffed with spinach, onions, walnuts, golden raisins, sumac, and warm spices. served with potato skordalia and charred lemon
Roasted zucchini stuffed with jasmine rice, toasted almonds, and baharat spice. finished with tehina sauce
Twice-cooked cauliflower blanched then roasted cauliflower, finished with tahina sauce and a touch of lemon
Lamb ras el hanout tagine braised lamb shoulder with moroccan spices, apricots, almonds, and saffron. served with herbed couscous and spiced roasted carrots
Shish kebab grilled filet or chicken skewers marinated with mediterranean spices. served with bulgur pilaf, grilled vegetables, and garlic yogurt sauce
Sides: classic mashed potatoes, herb smashed potatoes, potato skordalia, lemon-parsley potatoes, israeli couscous, moroccan couscous, bulgur pilaf, lentils, charred eggplant, harissa carrots, braised greens, zucchini tahini, seasonal veg with sumac
Seasonal fruits salad, labneh, pistachios, honey
Many other options available let’s chat!
1. classic mahalabia middle eastern milk pudding infused with rose water and finished with crushed pistachios
Pistachio baklava phyllo layers filled with pistachios and brushed with clarified butter, finished with citrus-honey syrup
2. saffron mahalabia with cardamom syrup creamy milk pudding scented with saffron, served chilled with cardamom sugar syrup and toasted pistachios
3. orange blossom mahalabia with sesame brittle silky milk pudding flavored with orange blossom water, garnished with sesame brittle and pomegranate seeds
Traditional baklava layered phyllo pastry with mixed nuts and butter, soaked in spiced syrup
Orange & olive oil cake moist citrus cake with toasted sesame and a dollop of whipped labneh
Seasonal chef’s selection appetizer
Chilled cucumber and avocado gazpacho with herb oil
Butternut squash soup with toasted pumpkin seeds and crème fraîche
Mystery protein with complementary sides
Herb-roasted chicken with lemon butter sauce
Sautéed seasonal vegetables
Crispy potatoes
Grilled salmon with lemon-dill sauce
Ratatouille with provençal herbs (vegetarian)
Rotating dessert special
Classic crème caramel with vanilla bean
Vanilla panna cotta with passion fruit coulis
Avocado, mango & grilled shrimp salad
Slow-cooked lamb shoulder
Roasted organic vegetables
Wild mushroom duxelles
Chocolate fondant with a hint of raspberry
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 Shelter Island.
What does a private chef service include in Shelter Island?
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 Shelter Island?
The price of renting a chef in Shelter Island 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 100 USD to 175 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 100 USD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 90 USD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 128 USD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 175 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 Shelter Island?
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 111 chefs available in Shelter Island. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Shelter Island 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 Shelter Island?
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 Shelter Island
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Shelter Island
Percentage of our women chefs in Shelter Island.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Shelter Island.
Percentage of services with kids in Shelter Island.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Shelter Island.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Shelter Island.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Shelter Island.
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 Shelter Island.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Shelter Island each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Shelter Island, 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 Shelter Island.
Cost of a private chef in Shelter Island
The cost of hiring a private chef in Shelter Island 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 100 USD to 175 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 100 USD
For 7 to 12 people: 90 USD
For 3 to 6 people: 128 USD
For 2 people: 175 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 Shelter Island!
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 Shelter Island?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Shelter Island: 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 Shelter Island!

Private Chef trained in the best cuisines in the world
To make this an unforgettable experience for you and your guests we’ll match you up with the perfect chef for you and with more than 30 chefs in Shelter Island itself, we’re sure we’ll find the right fit! Our chefs have been trained in the country’s best cooking schools and have over ten years of experience. We have a variety of chef profiles, which you will be able to see once they have sent you a menu proposal. You’ll also be able to contact them directly, to make sure that every last detail is just as you want it!

Our Private Chefs in Shelter Island go the extra mile
Take a Chef is all about creating a dining experience that is perfect for you. That’s why the menu is designed according to your preferences. We know that finding the right chef to suit your needs is crucial. All of our chefs have been trained in prominent culinary schools and have a decade of experience in the industry. To make sure that everything is to your liking, you’ll be able to view a detailed profile of each chef that contacts you with a menu proposal. Then you can communicate with them directly to make any changes. Just click the button below to get started!

Do you want to try something new in Shelter Island? We have the perfect idea!
Shelter Island's food scene has improved drastically over the last few years, becoming a lot more diverse and enticing. At Take a Chef we are excited to provide the next level dining experience: a completely personalised and intimate service where the chef’s attention is entirely focused on you and your guests. Why not give it a go? To get started, click the button above!






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









