Imagine this: you’ve just arrived at your villa in the Canadian Rockies or by the coast in Nova Scotia. The doors are open, fresh air flowing in, and instead of rushing out to a busy restaurant or juggling reservations, there’s a knock at the door. A professional chef steps in, and within hours, a multi-course meal is served, crafted entirely to your taste.
Sounds incredible, right?
But is it really possible? Absolutely.
Let’s explore how it works, what it costs in Canada, and why more and more people are choosing to book private chefs for their villa.
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Yes, a private chef can 100% come to your villa
At Take a Chef, we make it easy to enjoy a fine dining experience without ever leaving your villa. Whether you’re in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Whistler, or tucked away in Banff, our chefs bring everything with them, fresh ingredients, specialty tools if needed, and of course, their culinary artistry.
Here’s how it works:
- You share your vision
From the start, we’ll ask about your plans. Where’s your villa? What’s the mood you’re hoping to create? Maybe it’s a cozy dinner for two, a lively weekend with friends, or a big family celebration. Share your preferences, dietary needs, or even a theme you’d love to bring to life.
- We match you with the right chef
Once we know what you’re looking for, we’ll pair you with a talented Canadian chef who creates a personalized menu. Whether you’re craving Italian flavours, Mediterranean dishes, local seafood, or a surprise tasting menu, your chef will design something unique. You’ll have the chance to review and adjust the menu together, deciding on flavours, number of courses, and even wine pairings.
- The chef arrives
On the day of your booking, your chef shows up at your villa with everything required. They’ll source the finest ingredients, often from local Canadian suppliers, and prepare everything right in your kitchen.
- You enjoy the meal
When the dishes are ready, the chef serves them wherever you’d like, around the dining table, on the terrace with a mountain view, or poolside under the stars. They handle every detail so you can focus on the company and the experience.
- Clean-up included
Once dinner is done, the chef tidies everything, leaving your kitchen spotless. No dishes, no stress, just memories of an unforgettable meal.
How much does it cost to hire a private chef in Canada?
One of the most common questions we hear is about pricing. The cost depends on the size of the group, the location, and the type of meal, but here’s a general breakdown for Canada:
- For 2 people: it’s about $165 per person, ideal for romantic dinners or intimate occasions.
- For 3 to 6 people: around $150 per person, great for family meals or small gatherings.
- For 7 to 12 people: about $116 per person, perfect for birthdays, reunions, or friends’ getaways.
- For 13+ people: still $116 per person, a smart choice for bigger celebrations.
When compared to dining out at a high-end restaurant, especially once you add drinks, tips, and travel, it’s a surprisingly competitive option, with the added bonus of a fully personalized experience in the comfort of your villa.
Discover the convenience of private chef service
From flexible pricing and villa visits to vacation benefits and celebrity-style experiences, learn how our private chef service can transform your dining lifestyle.
Common occasions for hiring a private chef in Canada
A private chef can elevate any stay, but here are some of the most popular moments our clients book them for:
- Birthdays: from intimate dinners for two to surprise parties, a chef can create a customized celebration, complete with cake or a favourite meal.
- Friends’ gatherings: when everyone’s gathered, a private chef takes away the stress of cooking and makes dining a highlight of the trip.
- Family reunions: enjoy a warm, memorable meal together, complete with family-style sharing or customized dishes for different tastes.
- Bachelor and bachelorette parties: kick off the festivities with a gourmet dinner, cocktails, or tapas before heading out.
- Romantic dinners for two: surprise your partner with a candlelit evening where every dish is tailored to your preferences.
No matter the occasion, having a chef cook just for you makes it special.
The most popular types of food people request
One of the unique things about booking a private chef is the freedom to shape the menu. In Canada, we’ve noticed a few clear trends. The most popular option by far is the surprise menu. Many clients love giving the chef complete creative freedom, trusting them to design an innovative multi-course experience.
After surprise menus, Italian cuisine is the next most requested, with dishes like handmade pasta, risotto, and wood-fired flavours consistently at the top of the list. Mediterranean food follows closely, with fresh salads, grilled meats, seafood, and vibrant small plates that suit both intimate dinners and large groups.
Finally, many clients want to highlight local Canadian specialties. Chefs often feature Atlantic lobster, Pacific salmon, Alberta beef, or regional farm-to-table produce. Some even give a gourmet twist to classic Canadian comfort foods, like elevated versions of tourtière or poutine.
There’s also growing demand for plant-based menus, with chefs designing meals around seasonal vegetables, grains, and plant proteins. Whether clients are adventurous or prefer something familiar, chefs can adapt their creativity to fit any taste.
The best private chefs to hire in Canada
What truly sets the experience apart are the chefs themselves. Every chef working with Take a Chef is carefully selected for their professionalism, skill, and passion for food. When you book, you’re not just hiring someone to cook, you’re bringing in a culinary artist dedicated to creating memories. Some of our top Canadian chefs include:
- Christopher Salmon
- Emmanuel Boakye
- Yasuaki Chida
- John Griggs
- Andrew Siebert
- Lucky Silva
- Oren Morad
- Andrey Kravchenko
- Maryam Ghargharechi
- Sarah Kashani
Each brings their own specialty, from international cuisines to modern Canadian fare, and all are committed to making your villa dining experience extraordinary.
FAQs about hiring a private chef in Canada
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least one to two weeks ahead, especially during busy seasons like summer in Muskoka or winter in Whistler. That said, last-minute bookings are sometimes possible depending on chef availability.
Is the chef available for multiple meals during my villa stay?
Yes. Some clients book chefs for an entire weekend or week-long stay, enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner designed around their schedule. This can make the villa experience feel like a private resort.
Do chefs also cook kid-friendly meals?
Of course. If you’re travelling with children, chefs can design menus that balance gourmet dining for adults with fun, approachable dishes for younger guests.
