Private Chef in Amherst
Rent one of our 129 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















A personal chef for any occasion in Amherst
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Amherst in April 2017, more than 129 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Amherst and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Erie County.
Starting in 2017, 66,663 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Amherst. To book your chef in Amherst, 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 12,721 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 24,753 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.68 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 66,663 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Amherst usually book menus around 166 USD per person, including 4.46 courses, sharing an average of 5.64 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 Amherst.












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!
Find your chef
Customize your request and start talking with your chefs.
129 Private Chefs in Amherst
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Amherst












More than 66,600 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.38 Chef
The guests in Amherst have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.38.
4.75 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Amherst received an average score of 4.75.
4.65 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.65 average score.
4.8 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Amherst has been scored with a 4.8 on average.
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12,721 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Amherst
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Heirloom tomato sourdough bruschetta + ricotta
Baby arugula caesar + lemon pepper chicken breast + micro greens
Stone-fired margherita pizza pi
Cacio e pepe meatballs
Whipped ca funghi risotto
Roasted rosemary roots medley
Micro tiramisu cannolis
Market fruit + artisanal cheese + dark chocolate board
Beef tartare, dijon mustard, capers & quail egg
Burrata with roasted cherry tomatoes & basil oil
Crispy calamari with lemon aioli
Roasted cauliflower with tahini, herbs & pomegranate
Pan-seared chicken breast with lemon thyme sauce & roasted potatoes
Braised short ribs with red wine reduction & root vegetables
Grilled salmon with herb sauce, asparagus & quinoa
Mushroom risotto with parmesan & fresh herbs (vegetarian option)
Flourless chocolate cake with red berry coulis
Vanilla panna cotta with seasonal fruit
Seasonal fruit platter
Pot sticker with spicy lemon dipping sauce
Shrimp lettuce: cajun marinated shrimp, scallion, cilantro, jicama, peanuts & sesame miso dressing
Chicken lettuce cup: 5 spiced marinated chicken, ginger, scallion, cilantro, jicama, peanuts & ginger soy vinaigrette
Black pepper new york steak: garlic butter rice, baby bok choy, wild mushrooms, roasted cauliflower, pan glazed sauce
Pan roasted new zealand cod: garlic butter rice, baby bok choy, wild mushrooms, soy glazed, ginger scallion salad
Coconut bread pudding, grean tea ice cream & walnut dust
Green tea dusted cheesecake, starberries reduction & walnut dust
Lemon panna cotta, graham crackers, berries & coulis
Chocolate chocolate mousse cake: berries, berries coulis
Grammy’s creamy macaroni
Brown butter biscuits
Garlicky mash
Fig chopped salad | aged parmesean | fig balsamic | toasted sunflower seed
Charred broccolini
Chicken sausage stuffing
Herb roast turkey with thyme gravy & cranberry compote
24hr brown sugar ham butt with roasted apples & sweet spice glaze
Herb crusted beef roast with mushroom & beef jus
Warm apple crisp | brown sugar crumble | vanilla bean cream
Basque cheesecake | dulche de leche
Chantilly berry cake by bao's pastry
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
French onion soup
Salad lyonnaise
Ratatouille
Coq au vin
Chocolate mousse
Crème brûlée
Crab stuffed shrimp
Hot crab dip w. toast points
Smokey shrimp & whitefish plantain sliders w. cilantro crema
Mussels in garlic white wine sauce
Chorizo & shrimp skewers w. cilantro pesto
Fish ceviche
Grilled shrimp cocktail
Classic tossed salad (house vinaigrette)
Chef joy’s signature salad (spring salad, toasted walnuts, berries, green ginger dressing)
Fruit & mint salad
Classic caesar
Potato salad
Pasta salad
Creamy cajun argentine shrimp over salmon w. steamed veg and smashed garlic herb potatoes
Seafood boil (crab, shrimp, potatoes, corn, scallops, sausage, egg. choose your heat level!)
Mixed seafood scampi
Grilled whitefish, lobster mac n cheese, grilled asparagus
Crispy skin branzino w. tomatoes and capers & buttered herb pasta
5 spice roasted fish w. ginger cilantro fried rice and assorted veggies
Cajun salmon, shrimp & grits w. biscuits
Fish fry (assorted fish, shrimp, calamari, scallops, clams hushpuppies)
Fish in browned butter sauce w. creamy mashed potatoes & green beans almondine
Note: menu is customizable. please advise if you would like to modify any option
Adaptable to dietary restrictions
Brioche bread pudding with vanilla cream icing
Chocolate covered strawberry smoothie parfait w. brownie
Tres leches
Fruit & candied nuts over sweet cashew cream
Apple crisp
Blueberry miso crumble
Charcuterie & cheese board
Bruschetta: toasted bread rubbed with garlic, drizzled with olive oil, and salted, with fresh tomatoes, shallots, basil, and balsamic reduction
Shrimp cocktail
• classic caesar romaine, creamy caesar dressing, sourdough croutons, parmigiano
• caprese heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, basil oil, balsamic reduction
Chicken parmesan marinara, fresh mozzarella, basil
Italian pork sausage and peppers: italian sausage sautéed with onions & peppers, garlic roll
Classic spaghetti & meatballs mix of beef, pork, & veal- pork free optional
Fruit de mer fra diavolo mussels, clams, shrimp, scallops, calamari, linguini, & spicy pomodoro,
Brown butter, tuscan gnocchi with broccoli rabe & sun-dried tomatoes
Sides • rosemary roasted potatoes • charred balsamic vegetables zucchini, squash, roasted red peppers, eggplant, & artichoke hearts
Tiramisu
Cannoli
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 Amherst.
What does a private chef service include in Amherst?
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 Amherst?
The price of renting a chef in Amherst 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 112 USD to 141 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 112 USD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 98 USD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 118 USD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 141 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 Amherst?
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 129 chefs available in Amherst. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Amherst 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 Amherst?
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 Amherst
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Amherst
Percentage of our women chefs in Amherst.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Amherst.
Percentage of services with kids in Amherst.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Amherst.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Amherst.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Amherst.
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 Amherst.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Amherst each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Amherst, 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 Amherst.
Cost of a private chef in Amherst
The cost of hiring a private chef in Amherst 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 112 USD to 141 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 112 USD
For 7 to 12 people: 98 USD
For 3 to 6 people: 118 USD
For 2 people: 141 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 Amherst!
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 Amherst?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Amherst: 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 Amherst!






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









