Private Chef in Nelson
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 Nelson
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Nelson in January 2019, more than 17 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Nelson and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Nelson.
Starting in 2019, 269 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Nelson. To book your chef in Nelson, 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 49 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 1,076 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.3 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 269 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Nelson usually book menus around 204.5 NZD per person, including 4.7 courses, sharing an average of 4.86 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 Nelson.












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 Nelson
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Nelson












More than 200 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.36 Chef
The guests in Nelson have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.36.
4.27 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Nelson received an average score of 4.27.
4.42 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.42 average score.
4.36 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Nelson has been scored with a 4.36 on average.
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49 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Nelson
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Charcoal fired lamb kofta, curry leaves, madras, mango
Charcoal fired impossible kofta, curry leaves, madras, mango (vegetarian)
Scampi tartare, shrimp cracker, wasabi, ginger
Mushroom bao, fried tempeh, hoisin, cucumber (vegetarian)
Truffle yaki udon, pancetta, mushrooms, parmesan, 63 degree egg
House-made gnocchi, wild mushroom, parmesan cream, truffle (vegetarian)
East coast crayfish coconut bisque, green lipped mussels
Rum cured mt cook salmon, buttermilk, apple, puffed grains
Lumina slow cooked moroccan lamb, saffron risotto, raita
Crayfish miso ramen, shiitake, soft egg
Seafood laksa bisque, mussels, scampi, calamari, herbs
Tempeh miso ramen, shiitake, soft egg (vegetarian)
Caramel coconut sticky rice, hazelnut, roasted figs
Matcha panna cotta, dulce de leche, biscoff crumb
Strawberry and mango lasagne
New zealand cheeseboard
Smoked eggplant baba ghanoush (vegetarian)
Seared scallops with cauliflower purée
Chicken yakitori skewers
Edamame with sea salt & togarashi (vegetarian)
Grilled halloumi with bush honey & lemon (vegetarian)
Kingfish crudo with gochujang & pomegranate
Chilled spanner crab salad with lemon dressing
Tomato & avocado “sashimi” with soy dressing (vegetarian)
Grilled market fish with lemon caper butter, pumpkin & macadamia salad
Porchetta with braised butter beans and radicchio
White risotto with new season courgettes and toasted hazelnuts (vegetarian)
Wakanui beef short rib – pomegranate & soy glaze
Miso & burnt caramel tart with salted macadamia praline
Flourless dark chocolate marquise with salted caramel & praline crunch
Roasted rhubarb & vanilla panna cotta with macadamia brittle
Black sesame pavlova with coconut cream & mango
Rosemary focaccia with whipped ricotta & olive oil (vegetarian)
Smoked eggplant baba ghanoush (vegetarian)
Spiced zucchini & chickpea fritters with lemon yoghurt (vegetarian)
Seared scallops with cauliflower purée
Heirloom tomato salad with olive oil & basil (vegetarian)
Prosciutto, melon & mint
Marinated grilled peppers with whipped feta and basil (vegetarian)
Kingfish & pomelo salad with chili & tamarind dressing
Roast porchetta with fennel, garlic & crackling (df)
Grilled market fish with lemon caper butter, pumpkin & macadamia salad
White risotto with new season courgettes and toasted hazelnuts (vegetarian)
Slow-cooked lamb shoulder with rosemary, garlic & salsa verde
Miso & burnt caramel tart with salted macadamia praline
Tiramisu tower
Roasted rhubarb & vanilla panna cotta with macadamia brittle
Black sesame pavlova with coconut cream & mango
Beetroot & goat’s cheese crostini with hazelnuts (vegetarian)
Spiced zucchini & chickpea fritters with lemon yoghurt (vegetarian)
Mini smoked salmon & chive blinis with crème fraîche
Soda bread w/ whipped butter (vegetarian)
Chargrilled market fish fillets with lemon & capers
Slow-cooked lamb shoulder with rosemary, garlic & salsa verde
Miso-roasted eggplant with crispy tofu & black sesame fragrant coconut rice (vegetarian)
Slow-roasted free-range chicken with garlic & lemon jus, roasted heirloom carrots & quinoa salad
Pavlova wreath with strawberries, cherries & passionfruit curd
Lemon curd basque cheesecake (gf)
Chocolate mousse with orange and cherries
Roasted peach & vanilla panna cotta with macadamia brittle
Caramelised onion and blue cheese tartlet (v)
Kūmara falafel, beetroot puree, feta, quince (v)
Market raw fish, coconut, cucumber, heirloom tomato, capsicum
Lamb, kūmara and feta filo pie
Braised beef cheek, parmesan-nutmeg polenta, jus
Lumina lamb rump, saffron potato puree, caper relish, jus
Mount cook salmon, cauliflower, romesco, chive oil
Ratatouille, saffron rouille, baguette (v)
Rhubarb pavlova, orange pastry cream
New zealand cheeseboard and accompaniments
Lemon meringue tart
Steamed pudding, salted caramel, vanilla custard
Caprese salad with burrata & basil oil (vegetarian)
Grilled flatbread (vegetarian)
Whipped feta with lemon zest (vegetarian)
Mini smoked salmon & chive blinis with crème fraîche
Roasted market fish with herb butter & caper-lemon dressing
Slow-roasted lamb shoulder with salsa verde
Handmade sweetcorn & ricotta agnolotti with brown butter, lemon & crisp sage (vegetarian)
Whole roasted chickens with lemon, garlic, thyme & pan juices
Lemon curd basque cheesecake (gf)
Roasted peach & vanilla panna cotta with macadamia brittle
Pavlova wreath with strawberries, cherries & passionfruit curd
Flourless dark chocolate marquise with salted caramel & praline crunch
House-made focaccia with kalamata olives (vegetarian)
Semi-dried tomato crostini, whipped chèvre, tapenade (v)
Mezze platter | marinated olives and feta (v)
Fresh fig, prosciutto, aged balsamic
Porcini and parma ham lasagne, truffle oil
Spinach ravioli filled with smoked mozzarella, fresh tomato sugo (vegetarian)
Lumina lamb rump, eggplant caponata, saffron rouille, jus
Market fish, saffron and clam risotto
Tiramisu
Baklava | a familiar classic
Lemon meringue tart
Pine nut and custard tart, roasted pear
Spiced zucchini & chickpea fritters with lemon yoghurt (vegetarian)
Chicken yakitori skewers
Smoked eggplant baba ghanoush (vegetarian)
Mini smoked salmon & chive blinis with crème fraîche
Karaage chicken with yuzu mayo
Miso-roasted eggplant with crispy tofu & black sesame fragrant coconut rice (vegetarian)
Chargrilled market fish fillets with lemon & capers
Slow-cooked lamb shoulder with rosemary, garlic & salsa verde
Black sesame pavlova with coconut cream & mango
Lemon curd basque cheesecake (gf)
Roasted rhubarb & vanilla panna cotta with macadamia brittle
Chocolate mousse with orange and cherries
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 Nelson.
What does a private chef service include in Nelson?
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 Nelson?
The price of renting a chef in Nelson 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 145 NZD to 242 NZD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 145 NZD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 150 NZD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 178 NZD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 242 NZD 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 Nelson?
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 Nelson. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Nelson 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 Nelson?
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 Nelson
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Nelson
Percentage of our women chefs in Nelson.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Nelson.
Percentage of services with kids in Nelson.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Nelson.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Nelson.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Nelson.
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 Nelson.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Nelson each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Nelson, 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 Nelson.
Cost of a private chef in Nelson
The cost of hiring a private chef in Nelson 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 145 NZD to 242 NZD per person.
For 13 people or more: 145 NZD
For 7 to 12 people: 150 NZD
For 3 to 6 people: 178 NZD
For 2 people: 242 NZD.
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 Nelson?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Nelson: Mediterranean, Italian, French, Japanese, Mexican, and surprise. The type of cuisine with the highest number of bookings is the Chef's special, 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 Nelson!






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










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