Private Chef in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Rent one of our 59 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















A personal chef for any occasion in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Carmel-by-the-Sea in March 2017, more than 59 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Carmel-by-the-Sea and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Monterey County.
Starting in 2017, 110,931 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Carmel-by-the-Sea. To book your chef in Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 31,011 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 69,722 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.7 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 110,931 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Carmel-by-the-Sea usually book menus around 180 USD per person, including 4.22 courses, sharing an average of 4.89 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.












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.
59 Private Chefs in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Carmel-by-the-Sea












More than 110,900 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.47 Chef
The guests in Carmel-by-the-Sea have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.47.
4.77 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Carmel-by-the-Sea received an average score of 4.77.
4.67 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.67 average score.
4.76 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Carmel-by-the-Sea has been scored with a 4.76 on average.
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31,011 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








.bruscheta, avocado, goat cheese, fresh dill and organic cherries tomatoes & grapes
.organic farm to table salad, mix greens, radish & olive oil
. organic mix salad, sesame , orange with olive oil & thyme sea salt
_ grill salmon with chimichurri sauce with mashed organic potatoes & lavender sea salt
- bruschetta, asparagus, vegan alioli, fresh basil and organic grapes. (veggie)
. grill lamb, chimichurri sauce, with mashed sweet potatoes & lavender sea salt
. chocolate lava cake & vanilla ice cream, fresh mint
. chocolate lava cake & macarons
. vanilla ice cream with fresh mint
Parmesan snap peas: grated parmesan ,breadcrumbs, snap peas olive oil
Bruschetta - toasted baguette with a topping of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and balsamic glaze
Fresh spring salad — cucumber stuffed with local greens, shaved carrots, bell peppers, citrus apple vinaigrette
Ahi tuna bites: cooked fresh ahi tuna diced and mixed with avocado,shallots, bellpepper, and mayo, on top of wonton chips
Coconut shrimp - wild caught shrimp crispy coconut-crusted shrimp served with sweet chili sauce
Roasted red pepper & corn soup shooter sweet roasted peppers and fresh corn in a smoky, creamy base
Smoked salmon blini meyer lemon crème fraiche on top of crostini
Crispy cauliflower bites – chipotle aioli , micros cilantro
Crispy pork belly with mango glaze tender, glazed with a mango reduction, resting atop a velvety corn purée
Baja-style shrimp ceviche: fresh local shrimp, marinated in lime juice with diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, avocado, and serrano peppers. served with tortilla chips
Crispy crab croquettes little gem, preserved lemon smoked pepper aioli, fines herbes
Garlic herb ribeye bites: topped with chimmichurri, on top of a sourdough bagette
Crispy rockfish taco cabbage slaw, citrus crema, herbs
Ahi tuna crudo: sashimi ahi, yuzu sweet ponzu sauce, herbs olive oil, crispy carrots,
Grilled ribeye steak – with garlic mashed potatoes and chimichurri
Roasted steelhead filet wild steelhead salmon with a pistachio crust, served on a bed of asparagus and topped with a beurre blanc sauce
Creamy tuscan wild caught steelhead salmon fillets cooked in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and parmesan cheese,
Black cod with miso and ginger- carrot puree, butter poached carrot, citrus arugula salad
Garlic halibut with citrus beurre blanc-local halibut, fresh herbs, and meyer lemons,roasted romanesco and seasonal vegg
Prime time porterhouse steak: ny / filet mignon , crispy fingerling potatoes, roasted seasonal veggies , garlic butter herb sauce ,
Berry almond tart: buttery tart shell - almond crust filled with pastry cream , topped berries
Crème brûlée: rich custard with a caramelized sugar crust topped with berries
Flourless chocolate cake , pistachio crumble, rich chocolate cake finished with a red wine reduction and fresh berries
Citrus olive oil cake – moist and aromatic, served with mascarpone or a citrus glaze
Strawberry shortcake, vanilla base, whipped cream, local strawberries from the farmers market
Baklava flaky phyllo layered with walnuts or pistachios and soaked in honey syrup
Mix green salad, cherries tomatoes & olive oil
- shrimps lemon juice tostada watercress. flowers & aioli
- wild salmon lemon juice tostada watercress. flowers & chipotle aioli
. new york steak , chimichurri sauce with mashed sweet potatoes & lavender sea salt
. rib eye grass fed , chimichurri sauce with mashed sweet potatoes
- bruschetta, asparagus, vegan alioli, fresh basil and organic grapes. (veggie)
. flan with dulce de leche & strawberries
. lemon & chocolate ice cream & fresh mint
_ strawberries ice cream & chocolate macarons
Blistered heirloom peppers with creamy labneh dipping sauce
Charcuterie & cheese board, various cheeses, hand-made bacon wrapped country porc pate, with prosciutto & coppa served with mustard, pickled stuff, olives, fruit, and other accompaniments
Gruyere & parmesan gougeres baked fresh on site, with local salumi, dijonaise & pickled vegetables in slider format
Fresh local figs stuffed with goat cheese, wrapped with prosciutto & served with a roasted fig mostarda
Farm lettuces with marinated onions & market vegetables with fresh cheese & cured egg yolk
Heirloom tomato & peach salad with mixed mints & basils, fresh cheese & aged vinegars
Quinoa & market vegetable salad with citrus vinaigrette, toasted walnuts, crumbled goat cheese &
Smashed cucumber & heirloom melon salad with, basils & mints topped with sheep's milk feta
Herb roasted chicken breast, sliced and served with garden herb pistou
Seasonal white fish, served with a citrus & caper sauce
Grilled flat-iron steak, sliced & served with a toasted coriander chimichurri
Spatchcocked & sous vide whole chicken, with a citrus & herb jus
Grand mariner dark chocolate truffles
Blueberry & citrus olive oil cakes, individually baked
Brown butter almond gateau basque with citrus pastry creme
Chocolate dipped eclairs with orange pastry creme
Mini brie cheese crostini – topped with local fig jam and fresh thyme
Smoked salmon blinis – topped with crème fraîche and dill
Roasted beet and goat cheese salad – fresh greens with sonoma goat cheese, roasted beets, and candied walnuts, drizzled with a citrus vinaigrette
Roasted red pepper & corn soup sweet roasted red peppers and fresh corn in a smoky, creamy base with a hint of paprika
Herbed zucchini fritters pan-fried zucchini patties with fresh dill, parsley, and almond flour, served with a garlic-cashew cream
Fresh spring salad — cucumber stuffed with local greens, shaved carrots, bell peppers, citrus apple vinaigrette
Ahi tuna bites: fresh ahi tuna diced and mixed with avocado,shallots, bellpepper, and mayo, on top of wonton chips gf chip
Arancini: crispy risotto balls stuffed with cheese and served with marinara sauce
Crispy cauliflower bites – tossed in a spicy maple glaze
Savory mushroom tartlets – featuring local chanterelles and caramelized shallots
Wine-glazed pear bruschetta – on grilled sourdough with mascarpone
Crispy brussel sprouts infused with garlic, chipotle aioli, topped with parmesan cheese black pepper
Local beet carpaccio thinly sliced roasted beets arranged like carpaccio, topped with crumbled goat cheese, candied walnuts, and orange segments, drizzled with olive oil
Burrata plate creamy burrata cheese served with roasted cherry tomatoes, a swirl of fresh pesto, and toasted focaccia for dipping
Peruvian chicken skewers: citrus garlic marinated chicken, w/bright aji verde sauce
Garlic herb steak bites: topped with chimmichurri, on top of a sourdough bagette
Cilantro lime chicken tostada crispy tostada, cilantro lime chicken, fresh pico de gallo, avocado, crema
Garlic halibut with citrus beurre blanc-local halibut, fresh herbs, and meyer lemons,roasted romanesco and wild rice pilaf
Herb-crusted rack of lamb tender lamb coated with a savory herb crust, served with creamy potato gratin and a rich red wine reduction
Greek lemon chicken & potatoes : oven-roasted chicken and potatoes marinated in a mixture of lemon, garlic, oregano, and olive oil. baked, with veggies
Grilled ribeye steak perfectly grilled ribeye steak served with garlic mashed potatoes, charred broccolini, and fresh chimichurri sauce
Creamy tuscan wild caught steelhead salmon fillets cooked in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and parmesan cheese,
Roasted steelhead filet wild steelhead salmon with a pistachio crust, served on a bed of asparagus and topped with a beurre blanc sauce
Black cod with miso and ginger- carrot puree, butter poached carrot, citrus arugula salad
Meyer lemon olive oil cake – almond flour-based with citrus glaze & candied lemon peel
Berry almond tart: buttery tart shell - almond crust filled with pastry cream , topped berries
Lavender crème brûlée a rich custard infused with fragrant lavender, topped with a crisp caramelized sugar crust
Rustic apple galette a flaky, free-form pastry filled with spiced apples, served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Panna cotta: creamy panna cotta with flecks of vanilla bean, served with a bright raspberry coulis
Wine-poached pears pears poached in red wine and warm spices, served with a dollop of mascarpone cream
Flourless chocolate cake dense, rich chocolate cake finished with a red wine reduction and fresh berries
Cannoli bites crispy shells filled with citrus-infused ricotta cream, topped with pistachios and chocolate shavings
- citrus organic green salad (mix greem , orange, rose grapefruit, lavender sea salt)
- fresh salad, figs, orange, radicchio, kale, olive oil, seed sunflowers sea salt)
. fresh burrata cheese, aioli, fresh basil, black pepper & olive oil
_ grill halibut with chimichurri sauce with creamed organic spinach & lavender sea salt
. octopus ceviche, red onions, fresh cilantro & flowers
. grilled octopus with seasonal organic salad
. grill figs & peaches with chocolate ice cream & fresh mint
. fresh blueberries, strawberry ice cream & chocolate dust
. lemon pie & chocolate dust
Lobster bisque luxuriously smooth soup made with sweet butter lobster, finished with a dollop of crème fraîche and a drizzle of chive oil
Brie and cranberry pastry bites: flaky pastry filled with brie cheese and sweet-tart cranberry sauce,
Caribbean scallop crudo: sea scallops served with a mango, crisp red bell pepper, red onion, and cucumber, all lightly spiced with jalapeño. a squeeze of fresh lime, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of cilantro
Calamari fritti – lightly fried calamari rings served with marinara or lemon aioli
Scallop ceviche – fresh scallops marinated in citrus with red onion, cilantro, and chili
Mini crab cakes – golden and crispy, served with a lemon aioli or remoulade. micros
Mini lobster rolls – buttery brioche sliders filled with lobster salad and chives
Seafood stuffed mushrooms – button mushrooms filled with shrimp, crab, herbs, and cream cheese
Oysters rockefeller with garlic parmesan, breadcrumbs fresh oysters are topped with a mixture of garlic, parmesan, and a touch of breadcrumbs, then baked to golden perfection. topped with chives
Charred octopus salad – with arugula, pickled red onion, and citrus vinaigrette
Clam chowder a rich, creamy soup crafted with tender clams, smoky bacon, and hearty chunks of potatoes, all simmered together with fresh herbs and a touch of cream for a comforting,
Baja-style shrimp ceviche: fresh local shrimp, marinated in lime juice with diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, avocado, and serrano peppers. served with tortilla chips
Ahi tuna bites: fresh ahi tuna diced and mixed with avocado,shallots, bellpepper, and mayo, on top of cucumber
Ahi tuna tartare: fresh ahi tuna diced and mixed with avocado, sesame oil, and soy sauce, served with wonton crisps
- smoked salmon blini meyer lemon crème fraiche on top of crostini
Salmon bites tender salmon mixed with creamy mayo, crisp bell pepper, and fresh chives, elegantly served in a crisp lettuce cup for a refreshing bite
Ahi tuna tostada: ahi tuna fried free tortilla, layered with creamy avocado slices, drizzled with smoky chipotle aioli, and topped with tangy pickled onions and fresh micro cilantro. finished with a touch of crema
Shrimp cocktail shooters – chilled shrimp in shot glasses with spicy cocktail sauce and lemon
Crab-stuffed jalapeño poppers – fresh jalapeños halved and filled with a creamy blend of lump crab meat, cream cheese, chives, and spices, then baked until golden and topped with a sprinkle of parmesan and microgreens
Seafood pasta (frutti di mare) – linguine tossed with shrimp, clams, mussels, and calamari in a garlic tomato sauce
Baked halibut with herb crust – light and flaky halibut fillet topped with a crispy breadcrumb and herb mix
Seared scallops over risotto – perfectly seared scallops on creamy lemon or parmesan risotto
Island halibut with rasta pasta pan-seared halibut seasoned with vibrant island spices, served over creamy rasta pasta infused with bell peppers, coconut milk, and a hint of jerk seasoning
Chipotle honey-glazed salmon pan-seared salmon brushed with a smoky chipotle and honey glaze, eggplant puree and charred corn salsa
Branzino al forno – roasted mediterranean sea bass (branzino) seasoned with olive oil, garlic, lemon, and herbs like rosemary or thyme. serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple arugula salad
Grilled swordfish with caper-lemon beurre blanc : swordfish steak, caper-lemon beurre blanc, grilled artichokes, and fennel-orange salad
Garlic halibut with citrus beurre blanc-local halibut, fresh herbs, and meyer lemons,roasted romanesco and wild rice pilaf
Steamed fish with soy and ginger whole fish steamed and topped with ginger, scallions, soy sauce, and hot sesame oil
Black cod with miso and ginger- local black cod, miso, and fresh ginger, sesame baby bok choy and jasmine rice
Crème brûlée: rich custard with a caramelized sugar crust topped with berries
Lemon panna cotta – silky, citrus-infused cream topped with fresh berries or a raspberry coulis
Key lime pie – tart and creamy with a graham cracker crust, served with whipped cream
Citrus olive oil cake – moist and aromatic, served with mascarpone or a citrus glaze
Strawberry shortcake – fluffy biscuits layered with macerated strawberries and vanilla whipped cream
Chocolate-hazelnut crêpes – thin crêpes filled with nutella and topped with toasted hazelnuts and dark chocolate drizzle
Rustic apple galette a flaky, free-form pastry filled with spiced apples, served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Berry almond tart: mini tarts featuring a buttery almond crust filled with fresh california berries. ingredients: crust: almond flour, butter, sugar, egg assorted fresh berries
Butternut squash soup
Seasonal green burrata cheese salad : pomegranate, candied pecan, avocado
Ocean breeze pasta (seasonal vegetable, caper, clam, shrimp, arugula, tomato and herb)
Chimichurri marinated steak with lobster (surf $ turf) sautéed mushroom with asparagus
100% made with love tiramisu
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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.
What does a private chef service include in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?
The price of renting a chef in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 163 USD to 327 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 163 USD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 178 USD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 112 USD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 327 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?
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 59 chefs available in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?
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 Carmel-by-the-Sea
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Percentage of our women chefs in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Percentage of services with kids in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Carmel-by-the-Sea each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Cost of a private chef in Carmel-by-the-Sea
The cost of hiring a private chef in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 163 USD to 327 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 163 USD
For 7 to 12 people: 178 USD
For 3 to 6 people: 112 USD
For 2 people: 327 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.
What is the most reserved type of cuisine in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Carmel-by-the-Sea: 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea!

Enjoy a unique experience at home with a Private Chef
Want to give your partner a special romantic surprise? Want to enjoy a dinner with friends and fancy trying something different? Or maybe you want to organise a lovely meal for the whole family to celebrate that special occasion without anyone having to cook? Take a Chef allows you to transform your home into one of the best restaurants in town. The only difference is that the entire experience is built around you and your guests. Select the type of cuisine, choose the dates and enjoy the experience!

What is a Private Chef service in Carmel Highlands California?
The experience begins when you order a menu from Take a Chef. From that moment on, you become the protagonist of an event in which you decide what you want to eat and when you want to eat. Our Private Chefs at Carmel Highlands California will analyze your request and send you their proposals to adapt it to your tastes and close your menu definitively. On the day of the event, the Chef will buy the ingredients, cook them at home, carry out the table service and leave everything clean before leaving, so that you can enjoy.

Our Private Chefs go the extra mile
Take a Chef is all about creating a dining experience that is perfect for you. That’s why the menu is designed according to your preferences. We know that finding the right chef to suit your needs is crucial. All of our chefs have been trained in prominent culinary schools and have a decade of experience in the industry. To make sure that everything is to your liking, you’ll be able to view a detailed profile of each chef that contacts you with a menu proposal. Then you can communicate with them directly to make any changes. Just click the button below to get started!






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









