If you’ve ever dreamed of having a private chef in your home, you’re not alone.
Whether it’s for health reasons, special occasions, or simply to enjoy delicious meals without the hassle of cooking, hiring a private chef is becoming a more popular choice in Switzerland. But before you start daydreaming about gourmet meals, you’re probably wondering: how much does a private chef actually cost per month here?
Let’s break it down (don’t worry, we’ll keep it simple and clear).
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Typical cost of a private chef per month
So, how much are we talking about? Well, it depends on a few key factors, mainly how many people you’re feeding and how often you need the chef.
- For two people? You’ll pay about CHF 146.00 per visit.
- For 3–6 people? The cost drops to around CHF 97.00 per person.
- For 7–12 people? Now, it’s CHF 85.00 per person.
- And for 13+ people? You’re looking at CHF 86.00 per person.
These are the rates for a single visit, so you’ll want to factor in how often you need the chef’s services over the month.
For example, if you want weekly meal prep, expect to pay between CHF 1,400 and CHF 2,400 per month if you’re feeding a family of 4-6. If you need a full-time chef, let’s say five days a week, that’s probably going to cost you around CHF 3,400 to CHF 4,000 per month. For a full-service experience, including weekends, you might be looking at CHF 3,800 to CHF 4,500+.
Why does the price range vary so much?
Good question! There are a few things that can change the price:
- Frequency: if you want daily meals, that’s going to be more expensive than just a few visits per week.
- Menu complexity: a multi-course tasting menu, or special requests like vegan, gluten-free, or organic meals, will increase the cost.
- Location: big cities like Zurich or Geneva often have higher prices because of the cost of living and demand.
- Number of guests:
For example, if you’re in Zurich and need a chef to come twice a week for your family of four, it might cost you around CHF 2,200 per month. But if you’re in Geneva and need a chef full-time for you and your partner, including lunches and dinners five days a week, expect to pay around CHF 4,500.
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What’s actually included in the price of hiring a private chef per month?
Here’s the best part, when you hire a private chef, you’re not just paying for someone to cook. It’s the whole package. Here’s what you typically get:
- Menu planning and customization: the chef will design a menu that suits your tastes, dietary needs, and seasonality of ingredients.
- Grocery shopping: your chef sources fresh, high-quality ingredients for every meal.
- On-site cooking: the chef will come to your home, cook the meals, and have them ready for you.
- Table service or setup: whether you want plated dinners or family-style spreads.
- Cleanup: yes, they’ll clean your kitchen after cooking, so you don’t have to worry about that.
- Optional add-ons: want wine pairings? Or maybe extra staff for serving? These can be added to the service for an additional cost.
Is hiring a private chef worth it?
You might be thinking, “Okay, but is it worth it?” For many, the answer is a big YES!
Having a private chef means you can skip the grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning, freeing up hours each week to spend on what really matters to you.
Think about it: you’re saving so much time on meal prep, grocery shopping, and cleaning. That’s hours of your life back to do what you love! Plus, you get restaurant-quality meals at home, prepared just for you.
No need to book a reservation or deal with noisy restaurants. It’s a totally personalized experience!
Also, when you compare the cost of a private chef to dining out at fancy restaurants every week, it can actually be pretty similar. But with a private chef, you get tailored menus, convenience, and the comfort of dining in your own home.
Real price examples from Take a Chef bookings
Wondering what you might actually pay for a private chef experience in Switzerland?
Here are some of our clients requests and menus to give you a clear idea of what the service could look like for various occasions.
- Surprise Christmas dinner (4–6 adults + 3 children)
A family wanted to surprise their guests with a Christmas dinner that would delight the adults’ taste buds. They requested a festive meal with a special focus on gourmet flavours for the adults, while keeping it fun and light for the little ones.
Price for 4–6 adults and 3 kids: CHF 1,200–CHF 1,500.
- Private dinner celebration for two
A couple who loved seafood, pasta, and sushi requested a private dinner for two. They wanted an intimate evening with a customized menu, including dishes like fresh seafood, pasta, and a touch of sushi.
Price for 2 people: CHF 400–CHF 600
- Wedding celebration (9 Guests)
A group of friends wanted a special dinner to celebrate an upcoming wedding, including a hands-on cooking experience.
Price for 9 guests (including cooking workshop): CHF 1,800–CHF 2,200
These real-life scenarios give a solid idea of what you might pay for a private chef service in Switzerland, depending on your specific needs and preferences. Whether it’s a birthday, wedding, or a casual gathering, a private chef is a fantastic way to enjoy personalized dining experiences with the people you care about.
FAQs about hiring a private chef per month
How far in advance should I book a monthly private chef?
It’s recommended to book at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance to secure your preferred chef, especially during peak seasons or for special events.
Can the chef accommodate allergies or special diets?
Yes! Most private chefs can customize menus to accommodate a variety of dietary requirements, including vegan, gluten-free, low-FOD MAP, and more. Just let the chef know your needs in advance.
Are drinks included in the price?
Typically, drinks are not included in the base price. However, many chefs offer additional services such as wine pairings or cocktail menus for an extra charge.
Can I split the cost with friends or family?
You can absolutely split the cost with friends or family, especially if you’re hosting a dinner party or group meal. This makes the experience more affordable while still enjoying the benefits of a private chef.
Can I hire a chef for a one-off event, or do I need a monthly service?
You can hire a private chef for both one-off events and ongoing services. Whether you want a special dinner, regular meal prep, or full-time assistance, chefs are available for different types of services.
