Private Chef in Retreat
Rent one of our 383 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.
A personal chef for any occasion in Retreat
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Retreat in March 2017, more than 383 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Retreat and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Western Cape.
Starting in 2017, 12,538 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Retreat. To book your chef in Retreat, 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 8,256 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 81,104 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.69 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 12,538 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Retreat usually book menus around 1,096 ZAR per person, including 4.55 courses, sharing an average of 3.3 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 Retreat.
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!
383 Private Chefs in Retreat
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Retreat
More than 12,500 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.7 Chef
The guests in Retreat have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.7.
4.7 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Retreat received an average score of 4.7.
4.65 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.65 average score.
4.65 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Retreat has been scored with a 4.65 on average.
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8,256 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Retreat
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!
Apple, blue cheese, walnut and pancetta salad drizzled with a fig vinaigrette
Truffle arancini balls on a delicious homemade tomato and basil sauce topped with pea shoots and a coral tuille with crispy basil
Beef carpaccio with roasted pine nuts drizzled with truffle oil, arugula and parmesan shavings
Caprese salad with buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil oil and crispy basil with balsamic reduction
Fig, buratta and fresh arugula drizzled with a balsamic reduction
5 spice duck on a dijon mustard croquette, steamed green beans topped with orange infused fennel and drizzled with a spicy and sweet orange reduction
Butter poached lobster served on a bed of truffle risotto, streamed asparagus, green beans topped with micro greens and coral tuillie
Fillet mignon with parmesan fondant potatoes, roasted beetroot and butternut, crispy green beans drizzled with a pinotage jus
Fillet stuffed with sundried tomatoes, baby spinach and feta wrapped in pancetta served with dijon mustard mashed potatoes, streamed broccolini, roasted vine cherry tomatoes, roasted scallions and drizzled with a preserved fig jus
Teriyaki sesame crusted seared tuna steaks served on a bed of wasabi mash with sautéed asian vegetables drizzled with a spicy and sweet reduction
Miso glazed salmon fillets with creamy mash, stir fried bok choy and asian vegetables
Freshly caught grilled yellow tail fillets served with sautéed asparagus, crispy greens, roasted butternut and garlic baby potatoes
Blueberry cheesecake with fresh whipped cream and berry coulis
Caramel chocolate fondant with mixed berry coulis and a nut crumble
Classic creme brulle
Chocolate fondant berry coulis and crumble
Fudgy chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream
New york cheese with berry coulis
Wild mushroom and parmesan arancini with braised shimeji mushrooms and truffle aioli (v)
Beetroot tataki with almond brittle, wild rocket and cashew cream
Mezze platter with hummus, roasted peppers, marinated feta, olives, falafel balls, meatballs, hummus
Asian cucumber salad with sesame oil, chilli, toasted peanuts, rice wine and apple cider vinegar, honey, toasted black and white sesame seeds
Honey dijon buckwheat brussel sprouts
Green goddess pasta with peas and asparagus
Green salad with celery, spring onions, cucumber, dill, italian parsley, yellow peppers, the dressing is blended basil, feta, greek yoghurt and lemon juice
Balsamic and honey roasted carrots with thyme
Tomato, basil and lemon linguine with black pepper
Hasselbeck roasted potatoes drizzled with cream cheese, a little pesto finished with fresh baby mixed tomatoes
Spicy eggplant & miso tahini sauce
Bbq lamb chops with mint dressing
Herb crusted kingklip with blistered rosa tomatoes
Peppered beef fillet/picana with chimichurri
Dijon and dill baked salmon trout
Chilli, lime, garlic and coriander marinade mediterranean halloumi skewers
Gochujang miso salmon, pickled ginger juice creme fraiche, apple lime dill salad, avocado and sesame
Chocolate malva pudding with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream
Blueberry cheesecake with blueberry compote and blueberry gold dust
Phyllo galette with roasted nectarines
Goat cheese crème brûlée with lamb's lettuce and apple dressing
Smoked salmon tartare on marinated beetroot with citrus crème fraîche & dill, served with toasted sourdough baguette
Roast beetroot, cranberry & apple salad with whipped vegan feta & date molasses
Almond & cranberry camembert deep fried camembert cheese topped with cranberry ganache and roasted almond flakes
Bacon & cherry kisses skewers of cherries wrapped in bacon and coated in a sticky bbq and cherry sauce
Prawn thermidor king prawns cooked in a mornay gratin with cheese, an apple & herb garnish
Smoked duck, mango, chilli, baby leaves, mandarin dressing
Mushroom burrata tart, savoury stewed pears, mushroom velouté, smoked pearl onions, herb oil
Spice crusted lamb rack, braised spinach, potato, mustard chilli cream, mint gel, coriander butter
Salmon & saffron pan fried salmon with saffron & lemon cream sauce, buttered spinach & chive mash
Cranberry bbq ribs pork ribs, glazed with cranberry bbq sauce, served with slaw, buttered corn
Root vegetable wellington crispy roast potatoes, tenderstem broccoli, carrots and roasted parsnips. finished with pomegranate seeds and served with a rich vegan gravy (ve)
Pain perdu a sweet brioche bread pudding with cream, salted caramel sauce & vanilla ice cream
Blueberry cheesecake with blueberry compote and blueberry gold dust
Apple & blackberry crumble with vanilla creme anglaise
Christmas chocolate brownie served warm with a rich chocolate sauce and vanilla bean ice cream. topped with a festive chocolate and dusted with gold dust (v)
Crispy sushi rice and salmon bites with kewpie mayo and pickled jalapeño
Crispy duck pancakes with hoisin reduction and pomegranates
Fish/pulled beef or vegetarian tacos: soft tortillas filled with crispy fried fish/corn, slaw, jalapeño,sauce and fresh coriander
Grilled miso sesame fish with buttery pomme purée
Grilled prawn cocktail with wasabi vinaigrette
Family style roast of rump, grilled green veg platter with zingy green sauce, hasselback roasted potatoes, beetroot, leek and toasted walnut salad
Sweet and sour brisket with horseradish mousse, garlic new potatoes, seasonal veg, nuoc cham cucumbers
Vietnamese marinated lamb rack with japanese tomato salada and pad thai broccolini
Baked cheesecake with seasonal fruit
Cherry chocolate tart with dark chocolate ice cream
Chocolate pots with chantilly cream and seasonal berries
Tuna tataki with sesame and ponzu dressing, pickled jalapeño, garlic chips and wasabi
Smoked salmon carpaccio with dill cream and fresh orange segments
Canapés: beetroot and goats cheese, caprese style skewers, brie pear and prosciutto skewers
Cheeseboard with selection of cheese, coke meat, crackers, dip and tomato bruschetta
Moroccan flavoured mezze platter of meatballs, dips, pita bread
Gazpacho with confit tomatoes, fresh basil and toasted pine nuts
Roast butternut and leek soup with crispy shallots
Chicken caponata with feta, olives and sundried tomato sauce
Orange duck with cauliflower purée and orange reduction
Fish or vegetarian tacos: soft tortillas filled with crispy fried fish/corn, slaw, jalapeño,sauce and fresh coriander
Prawn cocktail with marie rose sauce
Grilled fish fillet with beurre blanc and tomato concasse
Smoked smoor snoek fish with crispy potato rosti
Grilled fish with buttery pomme purée
Beef fillet medallion with pomme anna potatoes, sautéed veg and red wine reduction
Braai menu: lamb, beef steak, grilled chicken pieces, asian slaw, potato salad, fresh green salad, corn with herb butter, garlic bread
Family style of roast of rump with salsa verde, grilled veggie platter with green goddess dressing, roast potatoes, jewelled couscous and fresh rocket and tomato salad
Cape malay chicken and lamb curry with rice, sambals, naan bread and/or roti
Roast rack of lamb with pumpkin purée , fondant potato, seasonal veg and jus
Grilled fish on cauliflower purée, pomme anna potatoes, garlic green beans, lemon butter
Fillet of beef with potatoes au gratin and veg
Pork belly with potatoes, seasonal veg and ponzu reduction
Chicken ballotine with sundried tomato jus, veg and potatoes
Baked cheesecake with berry coulis
Cherry chocolate tart with dark chocolate ice cream
South african marula malva pudding with custard or ice cream
Chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream
Sesame crusted tuna tataki with pickled radish and ponzu dressing
Chilli lime prawns with coriander mango salsa
Pumpkin fennel soup with and butter poached prawn
Baked oysters with preserved lemon, parsley and panko breadcrumb
Prawns with cucumber raita and green oil
Prawn tom yum and sticky rice
Herb crusted kingklip with blistered rosa tomatoes, crushed confit baby potatoes, sauteed green beans, lemon caper beurre blanc and green oil
Gochujang grilled salmon, pickled ginger jus, sweet pomme puree, orange sesame broccolini and edamame salad
Apricot glazed grilled snoek with pumpkin puree and confit baby onions, lemon butter mangetout
Butter poached rainbow trout with cauliflower puree and garlic butter and caper sauce
‘bread and cheese’ savoury bread and butter pudding with camembert
Miso apple crumble with cinnamon and vegan vanilla ice cream
Peach and berry mini pavlovas with raspberry puree
Blueberry cheesecake with blueberry compote and blueberry gold dust
Moroccan harira soup
Moroccan flavoured mezze platter of meatballs, dips, pita bread
Spiced grilled meat kebabs with chermoula sauce
Mozambican peri peri grilled prawn salad
Grilled poso with fried plantain
Oxtail doughnuts with spicy stew reduction
Spiced pan fried fish with buttery mash
Harissa chicken shish kebab with couscous
African fish stew
Antipasti of buffalo mozzarella, grilled peaches, parma ham, fresh basil, balsamic glaze and toasted pine nuts
Samp arancini with a dhanya chutney
Beef short rib in sticky asian sauce and tomato salada
Beef croquettes with creamy basil sauce
Butter chicken or masala steak tacos with tzatziki and red onion salsa
Beef rump roast with chermoula, served with parmesan fried plantain seasonal veg
Lamb tagine with couscous/tabouleh
Roast beef fillet with fondant yam, veg and habanero jus
Roast lamb with potatoes, veg and mahummara sauce
Pork belly with apple windows, mash and veg
Braai menu: grilled lamb, beef steak or sticky bbq beef/pork ribs, shisa chicken wings, boerewors (local sausage) grilled veg like braai mushroom or aubergine for vegetarian, chakalaka, braai mielies (corn) with salads: pesto potato salad, fresh green salad
Cape malay chicken and lamb curry with rice, sambals, naan bread and/or roti
South african malva pudding with ice cream
Cherry chocolate tart with dark chocolate ice cream
Cape brandy pudding with vanilla ice cream
Chocolate pots with chantilly cream and seasonal berries
Milktart
Mezze platter: range of meatballs, hummus, pita bread, red pepper dip
Lemon and herb grilled fish on buttery mash and sundried tomato and olive relish
Chicken caponata with feta, olives and sundried tomato sauce
Greek roasted lamb with gremolata potatoes and seasonal veg
Rump roast with chimmichurri, served with parmesan potatoes and veg
Baked cheesecake with seasonal fruit
Creamy lemon parfait
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 Retreat.
What does a private chef service include in Retreat?
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 Retreat?
The price of renting a chef in Retreat 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 611 ZAR to 1,450 ZAR. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 611 ZAR per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 781 ZAR per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 1,129 ZAR per person, and for 2 people, the price is 1,450 ZAR 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 Retreat?
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 383 chefs available in Retreat. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Retreat 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 Retreat?
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 Retreat
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Retreat
Percentage of our women chefs in Retreat.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Retreat.
Percentage of services with kids in Retreat.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Retreat.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Retreat.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Retreat.
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 Retreat.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Retreat each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Retreat, 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 Retreat.
Cost of a private chef in Retreat
The cost of hiring a private chef in Retreat 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 611 ZAR to 1,450 ZAR per person.
For 13 people or more: 611 ZAR
For 7 to 12 people: 781 ZAR
For 3 to 6 people: 1,129 ZAR
For 2 people: 1,450 ZAR.
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 Retreat!
4 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 Retreat?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Retreat: 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 Retreat!
Talk to our chefs in Retreat
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 Retreat? You’ll get it. Tell us about your event in Retreat, and discover the best chefs who will customize every detail of your experience.
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