Private Chef in Waukegan
Rent one of our 144 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















A personal chef for any occasion in Waukegan
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Waukegan in March 2017, more than 144 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Waukegan and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Lake County.
Starting in 2017, 42,002 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Waukegan. To book your chef in Waukegan, 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 17,247 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 26,128 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.74 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 42,002 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Waukegan usually book menus around 175 USD per person, including 3.61 courses, sharing an average of 5.19 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 Waukegan.












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!
144 Private Chefs in Waukegan
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Waukegan












More than 42,000 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.6 Chef
The guests in Waukegan have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.6.
4.77 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Waukegan received an average score of 4.77.
4.72 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.72 average score.
4.78 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Waukegan has been scored with a 4.78 on average.
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17,247 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Waukegan
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Eggplant rollatini parmigiana
Fig brie en croute (vegetarian)
Caponata antipasto (vegetarian)
Wild mushroom risotto balls (vegetarian)
Agnolotti carbonara
Sicilian arancini |arborio rice stuffed with mozzarella, bolognese meat and tiny peas)
Roasted beet salad with goat cheese (vegetarian)
Creamy tomato soup on bread crust (vegetarian)
Ravioli with fresh shrimp and scallops served over cheese ravioli with creamy cardinale lobster sauce
Chicken saltimbocca
Eggplant lasagna with bolognese (impossible meat) (vegetarian)
Atlantic salmon with cherry tomatoes & basil cream, risotto & asparagus
Risotto di mare with shrimp, calamari, mussels & clams
Agnolotti carbonara| ravioli in an carbonara sauce with smoked bacon, cremini mushrooms, onion and peas
Classic lasagna bolognese, witn paemesan cheese, salad ann garlic bread
Beef tenderloin with demi-glace mushroom sauce (portion 6.50 oz), creamy polenta , grilled asparagus, carrots caramelized
Classic tiramisu
Vanilla crème brulee
Panna cotta with berries
Tropical passion fruit panna cotta
• sicilian canoli with pistachio cream filling
Arancini- arborio rice, roasted tomato sauce, 24 month aged parmesan, garlic chips
Grilled italian bread- bread, borgonzola, prosciutto, truffle balsamic glaze
Marinated shrimp- shrimp, calabrian chili crisp, supreme orange, orange zest, cyprus salt
Italian meatballs-beef, pecorino, basil pesto aioli, garlic, breadcrumbs
Stuffed mushrooms- portobello, artichokes, parsley, garlic, mozzarella
Pepperoni flatbread with hot honey and ricotta topped with basil
Fried calamari with preserved lemons and chili oil
Heirloom tomato bruschetta with truffle oil and maldon salt
Crispy brussel sprouts with pecorino, lemon zest and crispy bacon bits
1. caesar salad- romaine lettuce, charred lemon, anchovies, sourdough croutons, pickled red onions
2. caprese salad- heirloom tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella, aged balsamic vinaigrette
3. roasted beet salad- arugula, beets, citrus vinaigrette, whipped ricotta, candied pistachios
4. classic chopped- tomatoes, lettuce, green goddess, crispy prosciutto
5. mixed greens, hazelnuts, lemon olive oil, goat cheese, aged balsamic, orange supreme
1. pasta bolognese- fresh pasta, cream, vodka, italian sausage, onions, herbs
2. grilled herbed chicken- chicken, herbs, polenta, zucchini, capers, butter
3. shrimp ravioli- shrimp, cream, lemon, peas, ,crispy breadcrumbs
4. grilled ny strip steak risotto- steak, butter, garlic, parmesan, pecorino, arborio rice, truffle oil
5. gnocchi with roasted garlic tomato sauce topped with aged parmesan
6. linguine with clams, fermented garlic, lemon butter, white wine
1. strawberry tiramisu- fresh cookies, dehydrated strawberries, mascarpone, whipped cream
2. chocolate cake served with homemade gelato- chocolate, ice cream, sugar, vanilla
3. coconut panna cotta- berries, prosecco, charred grapes, agar agar, vanilla, toasted coconut
4. affogato- ice cream, espresso, chocolate syrup or berry syrup
5. sorbet of the day with honey and
6. chocolate cannoli with organic cacao and cinnamon sugar
Antipasto italiano (chacuterie, imported cheeses & olives)
Antipasto mare (fish salad, baked clams)
Linguine alle vongole (with clams)
Paccheri alla genovese (6 hour slow cooked white beef ragu)
Handmade cavatelli w/ vodka sauce and burrata
Handmade fettuccine w/ lobster
Fillet mignon or ribeye w/green beans almandine and oven roasted fingerling potatoes
Chilean sea bass w/ sides
Homemade tiramisu
Tomato burrata with honey fermented kumquats, pistachio crumb and spring herb salad
Faroe island salmon crudo with charred onion agua chili, shaved pickled radishes and calabrian chili crisp
Andouille sausage tortellini with spinach garlic butter and wilted spinach
Whey braised lamb pappardelle with ramp puree, preserved lemon and grated pecorino romano
Pan seared flank steak with garlicky fingerling potatoes, sautéed leek tops and ramp salsa verde
Blood orange amaretto pavlova
Bruschetta with tomato and basil
Caprese salad
Fried calamari
Antipasto platter
Fettuccine alfredo
Grilled salmon with lemon butter
Eggplant parmesan
Tiramisu
Panna cotta
Gelato
Cannoli
Pancakes with berry compote - pancakes served with warm mixed-berry compote and powdered sugar
Smoked salmon toasts - sourdough toast with lemon cream cheese, cucumber ribbons, capers, red onion, and dill
Baked brie with honey & walnuts - warm brie topped with honey, toasted walnuts, and fresh thyme. served with crostinis
Rosemary roasted potatoes
Arugula, pear & walnut salad with maple-mustard vinaigrette
Maple-glazed thick-cut bacon
Seasonal fruit parfait cups
Soft scrambled eggs with gruyère & chives - ultra-creamy eggs are finished with butter, gruyère cheese, and fresh chives. served with toasted sourdough
Mini country fried chicken & waffles - buttermilk mini waffles with crispy chicken bites and spicy maple drizzle
Croissant melt - warm croissant filled with prosciutto ham, swiss cheese, and dijon mustard or chicken salad
Gourmet breakfast burritos - flour tortillas filled with soft eggs, cheddar, crispy potatoes, bacon or chorizo, and pico de gallo. lightly toasted to order. 5. montecristo strata
Mini pastries
Chocolate chip muffins
Cinnamon sugar churro bites (easy, fast, delicious)
Asparagus – lemon confit, goat cheese, croutes
Bruschetta – honey roasted tomatoes, seared belgian endive, balsamic
Smoked chicken skewers – balsamic glaze, oregano
Beef carpaccio - truffle aioli, mushrooms, shallots, croutes
Artichoke & fennel – shaved raw, lemon, olive oil, arugula
Arugula – truffle smoked tomatoes, goat cheese fondue, herb vinaigrette
Ahi tuna – shaved fennel, citrus vinaigrette, toasted almonds
Classic caesar – romaine, parmesan cheese, creamy garlicky dressing, croutons, white anchovies
Uncaesar – endive, radicchio, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, citrus vinaigrette, parmesan cheese, white anchovies
Med spread – cucumber, oven-dried tomatoes, roasted bell peppers, garbanzo beans, basil vinaigrette, avocado hummus
Lamb rotolo – spinach ricotta cheese-filled pasta, wood-fired lamb ragu, tomatoes, olives, mint
Mushroom cavatelli – asparagus, wood-roasted locally grown mushrooms, lemon, truffles, parmesan
Onion risotto – leeks, shallots, pearl, spanish, red, green, black olives, red wine sauce
Perciatelli – lobster, artichokes, tomatoes, chilies, basil
Seafood stew – bass, clams, mussels, lobsters, saffron, tomatoes, fennel, seafood broth
Braciole – stuffed braised flank steak, herbs, parmesan cheese, tomato sauce
Pork milanese – breaded pork chop, honey roasted tomatoes, balsamic shallots
Beef bisteca - rosemary & garlic potatoes, portobello jus (up-charge for this item)
Panna cotta – vanilla bean, fresh berry compote
Tiramisu – mascarpone mousse, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, cocoa
Croastada - peach & apricot, vanilla gelato
Beef fried kibbeh with labneh cucumber sauce
Arnabeth mekle| cauliflower, chickpeas, and pine nuts with tahini sauce
Warak enab |grape leaves stuffed with rice, ground beef, tomato and onion
Falafel bites
Warak malfouf| cabbage leaves stuffed with rice and ground beef
Classic garlic hummus| chickpea puree, tahini, lemon, olive
Baba ghanouj | smoke grilled eggplant, tahini sauce, lemon juice and olive oil
Hummus bi lahme| homemade hummus topped with grilled beef
Muhammara| red pepper, walnuts, breadcrumbs, pomegranate molasses, and olive oil
Mixed dips | chickpea hummus, labneh, mouhammara and baba ghanouj
Eggplant with olive oil, oregano, scallions, tomato, and pomegranate molasses
Moussaka | ragout of roasted eggplant, tomatoes, garlic and spices
Batata harra | potatoes. cilantro, aleppo pepper, garlic, olive oil
Fattoush salad| lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, radishes, onion, parsley toasted pita, sumac and lemon vinaigrette
Tabbouleh salad| chopped parsley, tomato, onion, bulgur wheat, mint, fresh lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil
Salmon harra |roasted salmon fillet, sautéed vegetables, tahini sauce, cilantro, crushed peppers)
Branzino filet
Shish kafta| ground beef mixed with onion, parsley, baharat spices
Shish tawok | chicken skewers with vegetables
Lamb skewers
Classic lebanese rice with chicken, almonds, and pine nuts
Lamb rack | grilled lamb with labneh and mint sauce
Grilled prawns | with harissa, lemon and fresh herbs
Beef kebabs skewers| tenderloin pieces with vegetables
Grilled chicken breast with tarator sauce
Baklawa
Date mamoul
Namura
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 Waukegan.
What does a private chef service include in Waukegan?
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 Waukegan?
The price of renting a chef in Waukegan 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 100 USD to 134 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 100 USD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 111 USD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 113 USD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 134 USD 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 Waukegan?
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 144 chefs available in Waukegan. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Waukegan 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 Waukegan?
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 Waukegan
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Waukegan
Percentage of our women chefs in Waukegan.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Waukegan.
Percentage of services with kids in Waukegan.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Waukegan.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Waukegan.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Waukegan.
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 Waukegan.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Waukegan each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Waukegan, 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 Waukegan.
Cost of a private chef in Waukegan
The cost of hiring a private chef in Waukegan 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 100 USD to 134 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 100 USD
For 7 to 12 people: 111 USD
For 3 to 6 people: 113 USD
For 2 people: 134 USD.
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 Waukegan!
1 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 Waukegan?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Waukegan: 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 Waukegan!

Enjoy a luxury private chef experience in Waukegan
Take a Chef will give you the opportunity to have the best chef experience inside your home. It is simple and easy, it will take you only a few minutes to make your request and not more than two days to receive your menu proposal!

Invite one of waukegan's best chefs to your home
The majority of our private chefs are trained in the best luxury hotels, restaurants and supervised by professional chefs that have so many years of experience. We can guide you to have the best dining experience for your special occasion. All you need is sharing with us first the cuisine you would like to enjoy and we will take care of the rest!

Do you want to try something new in Waukegan, we have the best idea for you!
Are you planning for your winter holidays and you want to do something special? With Take a Chef you can have a private chef in your rental house that will prepare for you a delicious dinner and let you have a memorable dining experience.






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









