Private chef in Chicago
A private chef in Chicago brings local flavors to your table. Chat with one of our 352 chefs to customize your menu and fit your budget.





















Hire a personal chef in Chicago
Have a taste of Chicago's food scene with our passionate personal chefs. Bring the talent and service of the best restaurants to your table for your next special occasion!
Over 38,642 guests have enjoyed the private chef experience in Chicago since 2017. Take A Chef makes booking a personal chef easier than ever! We've got you covered for birthday celebrations, dinner parties, or even a special time with friends.
Find a home chef in Chicago, Illinois, to meet your tastes and your budget. Let them create a tailored experience for you and your guests, and be the best host you can be in the comfort of your own home.












How it works
Submit your request
Tell us the perfect meal for your celebration, the date, and your budget. No commitment.
Chat with chefs
Talk with private chefs until you find the right one, and get many proposals.
Craft your menu
Personalize everything from the number of courses to the ingredients in your meals.
Book your chef
Once you are happy with your choice, complete your booking and make your payment.
Live the experience
Welcome your chef, and let them do the rest! Enjoy the company or your guests and relax.
Find the right chef for you
Start meeting private chefs who can make your dream meal come true.
352 Private chefs in Chicago
In a few steps, you'll find the perfect home chef in Chicago, IL.












Over 38,600 guests have enjoyed the private chef experience in Chicago
4.6 Chef
Guests in Chicago have scored their private chef experience with a 4.6.
4.77 Food quality
Our private chef's menus in Chicago have gained a solid 4.77.
4.72 Presentation
More than tasty, the presentation of our chefs' dishes is gorgeous, earning a score of 4.72 in Chicago.
4.77 Cleanups
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Chicago has been scored with a 4.77 on average.
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More than 17,806 menus crafted by our private chefs in Chicago
Rent a home chef in Chicago, Illinois. You decide the menu.








Artichoke hearts - stuffed with creamy cognac laced mushrooms
Asparagus - lemon confit, goat cheese, croutes
Bacon skewers - bourbon maple glaze
Dumplings - ginger pork dumplings, sweet soy sauce
Smoked chicken skewers - sweet bbq sauce
Artichoke & fennel - shaved raw, lemon, olive oil, arugula
Arugula - truffle smoked tomatoes, goat cheese fondue, herb vinaigrette
Charred carrots - goat cheese, white balsamic vinaigrette, herbs
Scallops - peas, corn, bacon, leeks, brown butter citrus sauce
Beef sirloin – potato gratin, carrots, spiced red wine syrup
Halibut - capers, preserved lemons, butter, pomme fondant
Salmon - asparagus, black truffle vinaigrette
Lemon chicken - lemon butter sauce, herbs
Tiramisu – mascarpone mousse, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, cocoa
Crème brulee - burnt sugar, vanilla, mixed berries
Croastada - peach & apricot, vanilla gelato
Panna cotta - vanilla bean, fresh berry compote
French onion soup
Salad lyonnaise
Ratatouille
Coq au vin
Chocolate mousse
Crème brûlée
"linguini and clams on the half shell" - clams, white wine, garlic, mini linguini, herbs
Arancini - smoked ham, mascarpone cheese, spiced tomato sauce
Prosciutto - melon, aged balsamic
Antipasto - salami, prosciutto, olives, cheese, roasted red peppers, artichokes
Med spread pasta salad - cucumber, oven roasted tomatoes, roasted bell peppers, garbanzo beans, basil vinaigrette,
Classic caesar - romaine, parmesan cheese, creamy garlicky dressing, croutons
Charred carrots - goat cheese, white balsamic vinaigrette, herbs
Broccoli - walnuts, bacon, cashews, honey vinaigrette
Arugula pizza – truffle smoked tomatoes, goat cheese, herb vinaigrette
Caponata pizza - zucchini, peppers, red onion, capers, fennel, celery, raisins, green olives, tomatoes, mozzarella
Bbq chicken pizza- pulled chicken, bacon, sweet bbq sauce, mozzarella, red onions, cilantro pesto
Pepperoni pizza - pepperoni, tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoncini
Italian sausage pizza - garlic, tomato sauce, provolone, pecorino, oregano
Margharita pizza - tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, parmesan, olive oil, sea salt
Mushroom pizza - thyme roasted mushrooms, creamy cheese, balsamic glaze
Grilled italian bread with ricotta and tomato jam
Spinach and mushroom flatbread
Fried eggplant with basil pesto aioli
Tuscan garlic white bean dip with crostini
Tomato bruschetta on italian bread topped with aged balsamic glaze
Broccolini with parmesan and crispy garlic chips topped with extra virgin olive oil
Garlic cheese bread topped with sundried tomato
Meatless meatballs with roasted garlic sauce
Antipasto skewers- olives, artichokes, tomatoes, cheese
Caprese salad- fresh mozzarella, basil, cherry tomatoes
Classic caesar salad- romaine lettuce, parmesan, croutons
Summer farro salad- farro, mint, cucumber, strawberry , citrus vinaigrette
Mixed greens, pickled beets, red onions, ricotta, sunflower seeds
Chicken marsala
Chef's special of the day
Pan seared cod with salsa verde served with grilled peppers and asparagus
Fresh pasta of the day with vodka creamy sauce
Grilled skirt steak with polenta and green beans topped with italian chimichurri
Green pea and mushroom risotto
Vanilla gelato with chocolate syrup and chocolate chips
Chocolate mousse with pistachios
Zabaglione with berries
Italian lemon cheesecake
Fruit sorbet of the day
Zeppole with powdered sugar
Peperonata (stewed peppers with balsamic, basil, and mint)
Prosciutto wrapped figs with goat cheese, honey, and thyme
Acorn squash soup with turmeric and ginger
Mediterranean cucumber and tomato salad
Chickpea salad
Baked cod with lemon and garlic
Feta shrimp skillet
Greek roasted chicken and potatoes
Moroccan chickpea stew
Greek spaghetti
Apple cinnamon bursts
Cannoli
Pumpkin parfait
Prawn fennel and blood orange tartare with garlic crisp
Pan-seared monkfish with butter-poached and charred cauliflower, romesco, and sauce bonnefoy
Lobster and ricotta filled pasta with paprika, saffron and sauce fine herbs
Seafood paella
Herb crusted rack of lamb with couscous stir fry, pomegranate & harissa jus
Spiced chocolate gelato with kumquat marmalade and sherry infused whipped mascarpone
"linguini and clams on the half shell" - clams, white wine, garlic, mini linguini, herbs
Asparagus - lemon confit, goat cheese, croutes
Bruschetta - honey roasted tomatoes, seared belgian endive, balsamic
Focaccia - olive and herb, ricotta spread (this is included, no need to choose)
Smoked chicken skewers - balsamic glaze, oregano
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 cavetelli asparagus, wood-roasted locally grown mushrooms, lemon, truffles, parmesan
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 lady fingers, cocoa
Croastada - peach & apricot, vanilla gelato
1.fried potato and cheese empanadas with spicy aioli
2.beet salad ceviche with tostadas and salsa macha
3.creamy garlic hummus with carrots and cucumber
4. charred eggplant crostini with pomegranate syrup
5.pan con tomate
6. potato croquette with smoked aioli
7.charred shishito peppers with ponzu aioli
8. chefs surprised item
9.chef's special of the day
1.mixed greens with cucumber, red onion, mint and greek dressing
2.romaine lettuce with radishes, avocado, tomatoes and cilantro-lime dressing
3.mixed greens with red onion, corn, queso fresco and spicy honey dressing
4.chefs surprise item
5.chefs surprised item
1.miso cauliflower steak with polenta and roasted pepper sauce
2.grilled steak with romesco sauce and roasted vegetables
3. herbed chicken with green beans and roasted potatoes
4. fish of the day with chimichurri and grilled vegetables
6.chef's special of the day
1. vanilla creme brulee with glazed berries and dehydrated berries
2.arroz con leche with candied nuts and berries
3. gelato of the day with almond dust
4. vanilla cheesecake with blueberry sauce
5. chef´s surprised item
6. chef's special of the day
Your own menu
Who could be better to guide you in creating the perfect menu for your special occasion than your private chef? Our home chefs in Chicago can help you craft it from cost to ingredients and restrictions!








Frequently asked questions
Below, you can find the most common questions about private chefs in Chicago.
What's included in a private chef service in Chicago?
Everything from designing your menu, grocery shopping, cooking in your kitchen, serving the meals, and cleaning up the cooking space afterward is included in the private chef experience in Chicago. Tableware and glassware are not included in the service. Tipping is up to you.
How much does a private chef cost in Chicago, IL?
The cost of a personal chef in Chicago varies with group size.
Groups of 13 or more have an average rate of 100 USD per person. For 7 to 10 people, the average is 111 USD per person; for 3 to 6 people, it's 113 USD per person. Couples pay an average of 134 USD per person.
Remember that prices vary based on the season, location, or last-minute bookings.
How to book a personal chef in Chicago, IL?
To book a private chef in Chicago, select your date and guest count and share your food preferences, intolerances, and kitchen details. You'll quickly get four customized menus to check, along with chefs' profiles, reviews, and dish photos.
Chat directly with the chefs for any menu adjustments or questions. Choose your chef and menu, finalize the booking online, and receive the chef's contact details to discuss final arrangements.
How can I find a personal chef in Chicago?
There are 352 available chefs in Chicago. If you want to try the personal chef service in Chicago, simply fill out a form, and you'll receive menu proposals from the top 3 chefs for your selected date. You can then review their profiles and choose your favorite.
Is there a maximum number of guests for a private chef service in Chicago?
There's no set limit on the number of people. Personal chef services are usually for smaller gatherings with friends or family, often in cozy homes. While there's no hard and fast rule, groups typically don't exceed 15 people.
Does the personal chef in Chicago cook at my house?
Yes, a private chef always prepares the menu at the guest's house, which is the cornerstone of the experience. However, depending on the complexity or equipment demands of the menu, the home chef in Chicago may prepare a mise en place before going to the client's home.
Can I cook along with the private chef?
You absolutely should! At every table, there is always someone who loves food and wants to spend time with the chef, learn some cooking tricks, and even hear insider tips from the chefs themselves while they prepare your food.
Are the ingredients for a private chef service fresh?
Fresh ingredients are a priority of professional cooking. Every one of our personal chefs in Chicago aims to bring the same service standards as a restaurant to your home. After customizing your menu, the chef purchases what they need to make it come to life on the scheduled date.
Are drinks included in the service of a home chef in Chicago, Illinois?
By default, drinks do not count as part of your booking. However, you can talk with your private chef and fit the cost as an "extra" on the menu proposals they create for your event.
How much should I tip a home chef in Chicago, IL?
You are free to decide the tip appropriate for your personal chef and their service. But if you would like to know, based on the tips of 38,642 guests in Chicago, IL, tips are 14.72% of the total bill, on average.
Key information about personal chefs in Chicago
Learn more about our personal chefs in Chicago and their services.
With an average age of 44, our private chefs in Chicago, IL, offer extensive culinary knowledge.
55% of our chefs are women
Just 4 hours from request to menu
Our first private chef service in Chicago was in 2017-03-18.
11.3% of our private chef services in Chicago include kids.
A single client has booked the same home chef in Chicago 21 times.
25% increase in the number of private chef bookings in Chicago in the last year
Our personal chefs can communicate with you in up to 5 languages
More than 58.7% of guests hire a private chef in Chicago more than once
On average, multiple services hire a chef for 3 days.
We uploaded over 2,533 pictures of our Chicago personal chef experience.
On average, it takes 2 days from requesting to booking a personal chef.
How much does a personal chef cost in Chicago, IL?
The number of guests participating in the private chef experience in Chicago determines the specifics.
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.
Remember, every destination is different, and prices fluctuate with the seasons. The following chart shows the typical prices our private chefs in Chicago charge each month.
How many private chef services are booked in Chicago each month?
Private chef reservations may vary seasonally depending on the destination. To view monthly fluctuations of personal chefs in Chicago, Illinois, check this table.
Hiring a private chef in Chicago is ideal at any time, but prices can change due to demand. If you're looking for a private chef for a night in Chicago, we recommend you book early to secure your reservation. Rent a chef for your home in Chicago, IL now!
How many personal chefs sign up in Chicago each month?
We've been in the private chef scene in Chicago for many years and have gained the trust of many local chefs who have and continue to join us every month.
To bring the best experience to your home in Chicago, IL, we add 3 new personal chefs each month as ambassadors. Our team reviews and classifies their profiles daily to ensure you can always find new and exciting chefs.
What is the most frequent type of food booked in Chicago?
Our six main types of cuisine in Chicago are Mediterranean, Italian, French, Japanese, Mexican, and Latin American.
However, the most requested cuisine in Chicago, IL, is Chef's special. Our chefs design exciting menus based on your preferences.
Our private chefs create personalized menus for each request, considering dietary restrictions and proposing fusion options. Submit your request to explore thrilling culinary possibilities crafted by our personal chefs.

Bring a private chef to your home in Chicago
Are you looking to try out exciting flavors? You can enjoy a chef at your home in any Chicago location.
Take a Chef offers a unique dining experience for a romantic dinner, birthday celebration, or family gathering. Whether you need a vegan chef in Chicago or a personal chef with healthy options, we've got you covered!
On the day of the service, your chosen chef will buy the freshest ingredients, cook, and serve the meal at your Chicago home in Illinois. Plus, our private chefs will leave your kitchen cleaner than when they arrived!

Chicago's best private chefs in your kitchen
Every one of our private chefs has been trained in leading culinary schools and has years of experience in Chicago's best restaurants, hotels, and resorts in the North, West, and South sides. Explore our more than 352 personal chefs available in Chicago; we are confident that we can connect you with the perfect chef for you.
Any chef you select can make your menu work, considering food allergies, vegan options, and even healthy but tasty alternatives for those who want to keep taking care of themselves.

Your house, the city's best restaurant
With Michelin-starred restaurants, Chicago has a proud mixture of local and international cuisines that is celebrated every year. But why wait to have a taste of Chicago? Create a unique and intimate dining experience with Take a Chef. More than just a private chef agency, we specialize in sharing our passion for food and giving our guests the freedom to connect with their loved ones.






Hear from our personal chefs in Chicago
Find what each of our private chefs brings to the table and what sets them apart. Enjoy the culinary skills of a talented chef right in your Chicago home! Let them approach your event and ideal meal with their particular taste and personalize every detail you want.









