Chef Ryan Nagby

Private Chef in Newport Beach

Chef Ryan Nagby - Private Chef

With over 25 years of culinary experience, Chef Ryan Nagby brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the art of cooking. A proud graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, Ryan has honed his culinary skills under the guidance of world-renowned chefs, gaining a diverse array of techniques and flavors from around the globe.

Born and raised in Southern California, Ryan’s love for the culinary arts was nurtured in his mother’s kitchen, where the aroma of freshly baked goods filled their home. He began his culinary journey at just 16 years old, working in local restaurants and quickly developing a deep appreciation for the craft. Over the years, he has had the privilege of working in some of the finest establishments in Southern California and Texas, where he refined his skills and developed a unique culinary style that celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Chef Ryan's approach to cooking emphasizes creativity, authenticity, and a commitment to quality. He believes that food is not just nourishment but a way to connect with others and create unforgettable experiences. As a private chef, Ryan is dedicated to crafting personalized menus that reflect the preferences and dietary needs of his clients, ensuring each meal is a memorable occasion.

Whether preparing an intimate dinner for two or catering a lavish event, Chef Ryan’s culinary artistry, attention to detail, and passion for exceptional service shine through in every dish. He is excited to bring his extensive experience and love for cooking to your table, creating delightful culinary experiences that will be cherished long after the last bite.

For me, cooking is...

Cooking is my passion, combing flavors and techniques to create memorable dishes. Cooking with fresh ingredients and sharing my joy through food!

I learned to cook at...

I learned from my great at some at world renowned restaurants where Chefs passed down amazing knowledge, traditions, and extraordinary work ethic!

A cooking secret...

In my kitchen I enhances all my dishes with a blend of exotic spices that adds depth and flavor making them extraordinary!

My menus

Culinary Journey

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Arancini- Crispy Risotto with Pecorino Cheese, Spicy Pomodoro Sauce

Edamame, hummus with pita chips

Tomato Focaccia Flat Bread with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Aged Balsamic Vinegar

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Hearts of Romaine Caesar Salad with Focaccia Croutons

New England Clam Chowder

Napoleon wedge salad with beef, steak, tomatoes, Gorgonzola cheese, pickled shallots, and a white balsamic

Spinach and Gorgonzola Salad with Candied Pecans, Dried Cranberries and Balsamic Dressing

Tomato Bisque with Croissant Croutons

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Campanelle Pasta with a Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce, Asparagus, Sun Dried Tomato, Chicken

Beef Bourguinon over Whipped Yukon Potatoes

Roasted Atlantic Cod with White Wine Lemon Butter Sauce, French Green Beans, Roasted Baby Potatoes

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Vanilla Bean Creme Brûlée

Warm Apple Crisp with Salted Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream

Flourless Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Chantilly Cream and Macerated Berries

Aromas of the Mediterranean

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Focaccia Flat Bread with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Aged Balsamic Vinegar

Charcuterie Board with Assorted Imported Meats and Cheese, Seasonal Fruit and Flatbread Crackers (sheep, cheese, goat cheese, soft Brie)

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Heirloom tomato caprese salad with roasted pistachios and balsamic glaze

Hearts of Romaine Caesar Salad with Focaccia Croutons

Burrata and Prosciutto with Sun Dried Tomatoes , Baby Arugula, Pear and Aged Balsamic

Asian pear and citrus salad with candied pecans, shaved fennel, and organic greens with a white balsamic vinaigrette

Spinach and Gorgonzola Salad with Candied Pecans, Dried Cranberries and Balsamic Dressing

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Rigatoni Pasta with Bolognese and Pecorino

Fettuccini Pasta with Chicken and a Parmesan Cream Sauce

Penne with Spicy Vodka Sauce and Chicken and Baby spinach

Gremolota Salmon, Whipped Yukons and Chive, Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Spinach Lasagna with Lemon Ricotta, Free Range Chicken Bolognese, Organic Tomato Basil Sauce

Herbs de Provence Roasted Chicken with Creme Fraiche Potatoes, Asapragus

Braised Short Ribs, Yukon Potato Purée, Glazed Root Vegetables and Red Wine Demi Glacé

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Traditional Italian Tiramisu-Lady Fingers Soaked in Espresso and Coffee Liquor with Mascarpone Cheese and Cocoa

Vanilla Bean Creme Brûlée

Flourless Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Chantilly Cream and Macerated Berries

Croissant bread, pudding with dark chocolate and vanilla cream

Waves of Flavor

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Butter Lettuce Salad with Green Goddess Dressing, Shaved Carrot and Radish, Chive and Pomegranate, Feta

Spinach and Gorgonzola Salad with Candied Pecans, Dried Cranberries and Balsamic Dressing

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail with Horseradish Cocktail Sauce and Lemon

New England Clam Chowder

Red Clam Chowder

Sautéed Mussels with Garlic White Wine Butter

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Pan Roasted Cod with Tomato Caper White Sauce, Wilted Kale, Shallots, Cremini Mushrooms, Parsnips

Citrus Glazed Sustainable Salmon, Herb Jasmine Rice, Haricot Verts

Pan Roasted Mahi-Mahi with Mango Relish, Cilantro Lime Rice, Heirloom Carrots

Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter, Parmesan Risotto, Haricot Verts

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Vanilla Bean Creme Brûlée

Warm Apple Crisp with Salted Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream

Flourless Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Chantilly Cream and Macerated Berries

Croissant bread, pudding with dark chocolate and vanilla cream

Steak House

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Charcuterie Board with Assorted Imported Meats and Cheese, Seasonal Fruit and Flatbread Crackers (sheep, cheese, goat cheese, soft Brie)

Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes with Lemon Aioli

Sautéed Mussels with Garlic White Wine Butter

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Wedge Salad with Beef Steak Tomatoes, Apple Smoked Bacon, Maytag Blue Cheese, Pickled Shallots, White Balsamic Dressing

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail with Horseradish Cocktail Sauce and Lemon

Butter Lettuce Salad with Green Goddess Dressing, Shaved Carrot and Radish, Chive and Pomegranate, Feta

Spinach and Gorgonzola Salad with Candied Pecans, Dried Cranberries and Balsamic Dressing

Asian pear and citrus salad with candied pecans, shaved fennel, and organic greens with a white balsamic vinaigrette

Red Clam Chowder with House Made Bread

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Prime New York Steak with Brandy Peppercorn Demi Glacé, Truffle Whipped Yukons, Glacéd Organic Carrots

Prime Ribeye Steak with Garlic Herb Butter, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Asparagus

Prime Filet Mignon, Port Wine Reduction, Parmesan Whipped Yukons, Glacéd Haricot Verts

Berkshire Double Cut Pork Chop, Apple Chutney, Smashed Baby Red Potatoes, Asparagus

Roasted Rack of Lamb with Pistachio Crust, Fig Port Reduction, Whipped Yukon Potato, Glacéd Carrots

Braised Short Ribs, Parmesan Risotto, Asparagus, Demi Glacé

Herbs de Provence Roasted Chicken with Creme Fraiche Potatoes, Asapragus

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Warm Apple Crisp with Salted Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream

New York Cheesecake with Lemon Blueberries

Vanilla Bean Creme Brûlée

Chocolate Molten Lava Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream

Croissant bread, pudding with dark chocolate and vanilla cream

Nights in Latin Paradise

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Fresh Guacamole with Salsa Roja and Fresh Corn Tortilla Chips

Elote Salad with Queso Fresco and Cilantro Lime Dressing

Blue Corn Chips with Queso Dip

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Traditional Tijuana Caesar salad with garlic croutons

Tortilla Soup with Avocado Créma, Fire Roasted Corn, Queso Fresco and Crispy Tortilla Strips

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Pollo and Carne Asada Taco Bar with Beans and Rice

Green Chile and Chicken Enchiladas with Cilantro Lime Rice and Beans

Braised Chicken Mole with Anasazi Beans, Cilantro Lime Rice, Corn Tortillas

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Tres Leche Cake

Cinnamon Crème Brûlée with Churros

Rustic American Fare

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Spinach Artichoke Dip with Corn Tortilla Chips

Blue Corn Chips with Queso Dip

House Made Bread and House Made Butter

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Wedge Salad with Beef Steak Tomatoes, Apple Smoked Bacon, Maytag Blue Cheese, Pickled Shallots, White Balsamic Dressing

New England Clam Chowder

Spinach and Gorgonzola Salad with Candied Pecans, Dried Cranberries and Balsamic Dressing

Asian pear and citrus salad with candied pecans, shaved fennel, and organic greens with a white balsamic vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf with Demi Glace, Whipped Potatoes, and Brussels Sprouts

Pan Roasted Chicken with Rosemary Jus, Roasted Yukons, Rainbow Carrots

Roasted Atlantic Cod with White Wine Lemon Butter Sauce, French Green Beans, Roasted Baby Potatoes

Roasted Pork Loin with Apple Chutney, Whipped Yams, and Asparagus

Citrus Glazed Sustainable Salmon, Herb Jasmine Rice, Haricot Verts

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Warm Brioche Bread Pudding with Whiskey Salted Caramel, Vanilla Chantilly Cream

Warm Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream

New York Cheesecake with Lemon Blueberries

Croissant bread, pudding with dark chocolate and vanilla cream

Elegant Evening

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail with Horseradish Cocktail Sauce and Lemon

Tomato Focaccia Bread with Aged Balsamic and Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Spinach Artichoke Dip with Corn Tortilla Chips

Ahi tuna Stack with sushi, rice, avocado, edamame, mango with a sweet soy glaze

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Chopped Antipasto Salad

New England Clam Chowder

Spinach and Gorgonzola Salad with Candied Pecans, Dried Cranberries and Balsamic Dressing

Tomato Bisque with Croissant Croutons

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Pan Roasted Chicken with Lemon Artichoke Sauce, Parmesan Polenta, Glacéd Carrots

Citrus Glazed Sustainable Salmon, Wild Baby Arugula, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Roasted Fingerling Potaotes, Tangerine Gastric

Beef Tenderloin with Brandy Peppercorn. Sauce, Whipped Yukons, Glacéd Asparagus

Herbs de Provence Roasted Chicken with Creme Fraiche Potatoes, Asapragus

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Vanilla Bean Creme Brûlée

Warm Apple Crisp with Salted Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream

Flourless Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Chantilly Cream and Macerated Berries

Oceans Bounty

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes with Lemon Aioli

Red Clam Chowder with House Made Bread

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Fresh Shucked Local Oysters on the Half Shell with Minuet and Seaweed Caviar

Shrimp cocktail with horseradish and lemon

Sautéed Mussels with Garlic White Wine Butter

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Citrus Glazed Sustainable Salmon, Wild Baby Arugula, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Roasted Fingerling Potaotes, Tangerine Gastric

Garlic Butter Jumbo Shrimp over Black Rice, with Glacéd Baby Carrots

Pan Seared Scallops over Truffle Risotto with Asparagus Tips, Cremini Mushrooms, Prosecco Bur Blanc

Pan Roasted Halibut with Lemon Bur Blanc, Whipped Yukon Potatoes, Haricot Verts

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Chocolate espresso, crème brûlée with chocolate dip, biscotti

Warm Apple Crisp with Salted Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream

New York Cheesecake with Lemon Blueberries

Croissant bread, pudding with dark chocolate and vanilla cream

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Chef Ryan's reviews

4.87

•

125 services

We had an incredible dinner experience with our chef Ryan Nagby last night. The food was absolutely delicious, beautifully presented, and perfectly paced throughout the evening. The chef was warm, professional, and attentive without ever being intrusive, which made the whole experience feel both relaxed and special. Every course was thoughtful and full of flavor. Highly recommend for anyone looking for an unforgettable dining experience at home!

Great experience, food was amazing

Ryan arrived on time, was professional, and created an incredible meal for my husbands birthday. The food was so delicious and he described what he was serving for us at each course. He even saved some steak bits for my dog! He welcomed conversation and left my kitchen cleaner than when he arrived. I will definitely be using his services again!

Chef Ryan provided exceptional service for our party. He arrived right on time, prepared unforgettable dishes, and created a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere without ever making us feel rushed. Their professionalism and culinary skill made the evening truly special.

Chef Ryan was great. Did a full four course meal that was delicious and filling. Was the perfect dinner for my wife's birthday. Chef Ryan created a perfect menu and all throughout he was very personable, friendly, and professional. 10/10 would definitely recommend.

We had the most amazing dinner with Chef Ryan! The food was spectacular and he was extremely professional. Couldn’t more highly recommend.

Chef Ryan was incredible. Balanced flavor in all of his dishes and wonderful attention to detail. We loved it. So grateful we chose him. He did not disappoint.

Chef Ryan was phenomenal! This was our first time booking a private chef for a birthday celebration, and my partner and I haven’t stopped raving about the experience. You can tell Chef Ryan genuinely loves what he does; it shows in everything from his incredible attention to detail and impressive culinary skills to his professionalism and down to earth personality. He made the night truly memorable and somehow left our kitchen even cleaner than it was when he arrived. If you’re thinking about hiring a private chef, do yourself a favor and book with Ryan. The experience is nothing short of amazing.

Ryan was the best! We had a beautiful menu that addressed all of our needs, and every dish was so delicious! Incredible experience - we’ve used TaC a few times and this was the best time to date. 10/10 - run don’t walk to book!!

Fabulous dining experience with Chef Ryan! The food was absolutely delicious, and the cherry on top is that Chef Ryan is so friendly, warm, and welcoming. Our group of 4 enjoyed arancini, a wedge salad, salmon with herbed rice, and crème brûlée. The photos don’t do it justice, but it gives you a hint to the attention to detail and effort that went into preparing this meal. Another super awesome detail? Chef Ryan brings literally everything to your space for the meal service. Dishes, silverware, linens, and all the cookware/bakeware to prepare the meal. This meant that after the meal we had zero cleanup. Which made for more time to catch up and socialize with our friends and enjoy the evening. Thank you Chef Ryan! We would definitely love to reserve with you again the next time we are in SoCal! -Michele

We had a great time and the food was delicious. It was really enjoyable and so nice to be treated to a wonderful meal and no need to clean!

I hired Chef Ryan for a private dinner to thank my parents for their support for my recent wedding, and it was absolutely amazing. Every single course was flawless—each dish was packed with flavor and beautifully presented. My parents were thrilled and couldn’t stop talking about how much they loved the meal. They also loved talking with Chef Ryan! Chef Ryan’s attention to detail and creativity really made the dinner feel special. It wasn’t just a meal; it was an experience. On top of the incredible food, his professionalism and friendly nature made the evening even better. Thank you, Chef Ryan, for creating such an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a memorable private dining event!

My mother was very happy. She reported: Ryan was sooooo professional, efficient, delightful and above all an AMAZING chef with a world of experience, stories, and cooking tips. We all felt it was one of the best dining experiences we have ever had.

Chef Ryan did an amazing job. Highly recommended

Ryan’s meal was delicious the filet was cooked to perfection the food was top notch He was very professional and clean !

Ryan must be a well kept secret or I was just extremely fortunate that he had availability. My sister lives in Burbank and I wanted to treat her to a special experience but with her food allergy, I didn’t want to take any chances. With the flu and covid running rampant, I didn’t want to expose any of us to that possibility either. I came across the chef at home idea when I booked through air bnb. There were a couple of chefs advertising on there but their menus didn’t quite appeal to my idea of comfort food. I found the Take a Chef website and Ryan was the most responsive and patient choice that I found. His menu choices had exactly what I was looking for and did not disappoint in the least. He had excellent communication and responsiveness. He was very punctual and did well with social distancing. Having a one person crew flowed well and was impressive. In advance, he provided the recommended wine pairing for the selected menu as well. He was spot on! The timing of the courses were perfect. His focaccia bread is to die for and we have leftovers also! The main entree was well designed and met my definition of true comfort food. I had my leftovers for breakfast the next day, even better. I wish that I had saved room to finish my entire dessert! We went with the apple crisp and ice cream so there was no saving that for leftovers. Be sure to have some take home containers for your guests!!! You don’t want a crumb of his delectable creations to go to waste. Having Ryan handle everything was quite rewarding and my sister was extremely impressed and truly felt celebrated.

Chef Ryan's menu was unique yet curated to what we like to eat. He was punctual, neat, and the food was incredible!

Chef Ryan was great! Very clear about expectations and live up to his word on everything. Highly recommemd!

Amazing food and Loved the experience! Very professional elevated meals with such good flavors. Chef came made an amazing meal and left the kitchen cleaner than when he arrived. 10/10! Book him if you get the chance !

Ryan was awesome! Highly recommend. His food was delicious, he worked closely with us on the menu, and was great to be around. Def hire Ryan!