Private chef in Chicago
A private chef in Chicago brings local flavors to your table. Chat with one of our 379 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 45,117 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.
379 Private chefs in Chicago
In a few steps, you'll find the perfect home chef in Chicago, IL.












Over 45,100 guests have enjoyed the private chef experience in Chicago
4.61 Chef
Guests in Chicago have scored their private chef experience with a 4.61.
4.78 Food quality
Our private chef's menus in Chicago have gained a solid 4.78.
4.73 Presentation
More than tasty, the presentation of our chefs' dishes is gorgeous, earning a score of 4.73 in Chicago.
4.79 Cleanups
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Chicago has been scored with a 4.79 on average.
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More than 18,744 menus crafted by our private chefs in Chicago
Rent a home chef in Chicago, Illinois. You decide the menu.








Crisp broccolini & fried garlic
Garlicky mashed potatoes
Roasted root veg medley
Maple & black pepper carrots | crushed peanuts & goat cheese
Fig chopped salad | aged parmesean | fig balsamic | toasted sunflower seed
Thyme roast chicken
Charred flank steak & chimichurri
Zesty pasta primavera
Garlic chili glazed salmon
Chantilly berry cake by bao's pastry
Basque cheesecake | dulche de leche
Flourless chocolate torte | raspberry couli
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
Fig and olive tapenade- kalamata olives, baguette
Melon wrapped ham - parma ham, cantaloupe, honeydew
Manga chacuterie-italian cured meats, provencal jams, house pates
Arancini de riso - arborio rice, mozzarella, house ravigote
Mushroom risotto cakes- porcini mushrooms, parmesan
Chicken polpette- ground chicken, sundried tomatoes, dolce acido sauce
Rock shrimp- pistachio pesto
Artichoke serraglio- bread artichokes-garlic aioli
Spicy red pepper and eggplant confit- table cracker
Salt shrimp fritters- lemon garlic aioli
Lamb kofta- basil tomato saffron sauce, green olives
Fried artichokes- artichoke hearts, heirloom tomato salsa
Tomato, red onion, and basil bruschetta- grape tomatoes, red onions, and basil
Charred caprese- focaccia, ciligene mozzarella, basil, sangria tomatoes
Watermelon giardino- feta, pedro vinegar, basil
Parma arugula salad -fried mozzarella and prosciutto
Celas fantasy salad- cherry tomato, mangos, hearts of palm, jicama, tangerines, field greens, honey dijon mustard dressing
Radicchio salad- citrus fruit, candied walnuts, balsamic vinaigrette
Field green opa salad- field green, seared haloumi, lemon zest,
Zucchini carpaccio- herb ricotta cheese, serrano ham
Venetian crab soup- crab, fennel. celery, roasted tomatoes gazpacho
Italian wedding soup- traditional soup of hearty vegetable in a tomato broth to mark the occasion
Cannellini and swiss chard soup- cannellini beans and fresh swiss chard par for a delightful balance in this slow cooked soup
Beet soup- candied walnuts
Augusta orechitte- orecchiette, spice muscovy duck, duck ragu
Shrimp linguini twirl- spicy herb butter, u 12 shrimp
Fungi linguine - linguini, wild mushrooms, sole toe crab
Pasta lucca - pappardelle, anchovy butter, broccoli, shrimp
Caccio e peppe- bucatini, grana padano, seared chicken
Tarpanese tagiliettle- parmesan, almond pesto, seared lobster
Sweet potato gnocchi - seasonal vegetables, agave brown butter
Patejui gnocchi- tomato basil cream, seared shrimp
Pasta putanessca - sangria tomatoes, basil, handmade pasta
Wild mushroom risotto- bella, shitake, portabella
Al mar rissoto- fish consume, seafood medley, pecorino romano
Lamb magnifico - lamb chops, herb oil, crispy leeks
Tuscan lamb- loin porcini mustard
Grilled lamb skewers - eggplant caponata, red bell pepper
Pork floretta- fig compote, pork chops, sauteed apples
Fennel rubbed chicken -rosemary polenta triangle
Chicken portofino- skin on chicken breast , italian chimichurri
Shrimp polenta- pan seared vegetables, fried polenta cake, parmesan
Beef tagiliata - flat iron steak, trucha onions, balsamic glaze
Spartan steak -rib eye, eggplant caponata
Café rub flat iron- dry rub spices, caramelized onions
Braciola - pork shoulder, tomato ragu
Pork rittollo - butternut squash puree
Vida pesche - local trout, summer vegetable roullada
Gremolata- scallops citrus gremolata
Umbrian fish stew - shell fish, cath of the day, herb tomato stock
Panna cotta - berries, berry puree
Buttermilk orange blossom pound cake- crème fresh
Congac stewed peaches - lemon ricotta whip, almonds, honey
Italian trifle - vanilla custard cream, seasonal fruit, orange blossom pound cake
Panchetta and caramelized onion gelato - lemon cookie
Colomba soup - columba cake peaches, limoncello, ricotta, mascarpone, cholate
Albicochhe - braised sone fruit, amaretto syrup, fresh cream
Salted caramel budino - caramel, whipped cream, custard
Plum and polenta cake - lemon ricotta
Tiramisu parfait -coffee, rum, lady fingers, mascarpone
Pistachio and almond cake - citrus salad
Strawberry mascarpone tart - macerated strawberries
Charcuterie and cheese, olives, serrano ham, manchego cheese, chorizón, with bread, crackers, biscuits, and fresh fruits
Chicken or ham croquets/croquetas de jamón o pollo
Traditional spanish egg and potato omelet tortilla de patatas y cebolla
Mediterranean salad & baguette bread
Seafood paella - shrimp, scallops, mussels, calamari, clams, fish and crab, safron, pearl rice, and vegetables, garnished with lemons and roasted red pepper
Mixed paella - chicken, spanish chorizo, pork ribs, shrimp, calamari, mussels, clams, vegetables, safron, garnished with lemons, olive, and roasted peppers
Valencian paella - chicken, pork ribs, vegetables, safron, pearl rice, garnished with red roasted peppers and lemon
Vegetarian paella - eggplant, green beans, bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, asparagus, mushroom, if an ingredient is not available it will be replaced
Churros with chocolate or dulce de leche,
Caramel flan
Crema catalana
Bangkok crostini - dried fig, mascarpone, logan berry
Crying chicken dumplings - marjoram, thyme, spicy mango coulis
Red hand wontons - chicken wontons, chili oil, bok choy
Vietnamese shrimp and crab fritters - garlic aioli
Roasted corn and thai chili frittata tartlets - corn, thai chilis, farm eggs, phyllo cup
Sweet potato and eggplant samosa deep fried, wonton skin, sweet potato puree, yogurt, sweet chili dipping sauce
Immm meatball - saffron braised beef meatballs, sweet chili sauce, thai picked banana peppers
Korokke - deep fried creamy potatoes, pickled vegetables
Leek cakes - asian vegetables, panko, hoisin balsamic
Spring rolls - cucumber, carrot, field greens, tofu, thai coconut sauce
Mochiko chicken - nori wrap, sriracha mayo
Gyoza - chicken gyoza, house dipping sauces
Karage - herb and bread chicken cutlet, kewpie aioli
Kyuri - persian cucumbers, tomatoes, miso paste
Japanese chicken patties - shitake, scallions
Tomatillo dates - meejol dates, indian spice almonds, tomatillo sauce
Aloo tikkis - potato cake, green chili, turmeric, chutney
South indian lentil cakes - harissa, caramelized onions
Roast duck crostini - pei par duck, asian apple pears, hoisin balsamic vinaigrette
Pagoda confit - confit soy jerk chicken, ginger scallion risotto cake, pan fried quail egg
Green onion pancakes - green onion pancake, sesame oil
Curry kim chee pancakes - panjun, soy glaze dipping sauce
Agedash tofu - house soy brew
Gon pong gai - go chu jang sauce, pickled vegetable
Okonomiyaki (japanese pizza) - savory pancake, seasonal vegetables, seafood
Tuna poke tartare - soy sesame, japanese pickles, fuirkake
Shanghai crab cake - peekee toe crab, leeks, chinese broccoli, maui pickles, plum ravigote
Chiu hoa chicken lettuce cups - pan seared chicken, water chestnuts, and seasonal greens, nuts
Stuffed shitake - spring vegetable, plum reduction
Supreme dumpling - seafood stock, crab dumpling, kim chee
Korean clam chowder - little neck clams, miso, soju
Tofu chigae - seafood, tofu, seasonal vegetables, chicken stock
Kahao poon - spicy noodle soup, seafood, spring vegetables
Larb chicken - chicken, sticky rice
Green papaya salad - lime tomato jeow
Lomi lomi salad - roma tomatoes, white onions, cucumbers, seasonal greens, sesame soy vinaigrette
Cucumber sunomo - a refreshing cucumber salad tossed with spices
Carrot and radish salad - mirltan, pickled radishes, carrots, parsley vinaigrette
Shaved brussel sprout salad - pickled daikon, jicama, carrots, apple pears, japanese sweet chili sauce
Sambal salad - arugula, chopped thousand year old egg, pickled daikon, fried onions, ground peanut, cherry tomato
Alloy salad - fresh berries, tropical fruit, citrus mirin dressing
White cut chicken salad - wine braised chicken, asian slaw
Spinach sesame okazu - sautéed spinach, sesame, rice wine
Curry viccyiousse - yogurt, lemon, parmesan cheese
Hot and sour asian mushroom soup - fresh shitakes, enoki, hiratake, bunshimeji mushrooms
Japanese trio mushroom cream soup - shiitake, enoki, hiratake, cream, truffle oil
Imperial dumpling - shrimp and crab dumpling, egg flower, seafood broth
Lemongrass lobster bisque - thai sage ice cream
Twice fried chicken - molasses sweet and sour sauce
Bamg bang szechuan chicken - amish chicken, szechuan pepper, rice wine ginger sauce
Chicken osso bucco vindaloo - italian old world classic stepping in an east asian tradition
Mysore lamb chops - minty red onion salad
Okadu shaking shrimp - caramelized onion marmalade, mint oil
Tea leaf smoked duck - red bean and cashew coconut compote, cucumber slice
Waterfall salmon - wild salmon, miso butter sauce
Chicken japanois - chicken breast, miso cream
Manga shrimp - artichoke puree, thai pickled cucumber
Polynesian halibut - yuca, meow meow sauce
Goan shrimp - dried fried green beans
Cilantro tamarind shrimp - spice shrimp pan seared served with a daikon and cabbage slaw
Rising sun scallops - mala chili, bok choy
Ebi sakamushi - seared tiger shrimp, orange ponzu sauce
Mustard-dill salmon - mustard seeds, masala dahl sauce
Japanios salmon - shitake herb better
Curai barramundi - curry crust, citrus gremolata
Salmon shino - logan berry and mango puree
Catch de empileuse market fish seasonal vegetables, avocado, and soft cheese topped with a pineapple plum ravigote
Shrimp bun seo - seared shrimp, seasonal vegetables
Ebi sakamushi seared tiger shrimp, orange ponzu sauce
Japanios halibut - shitake herb butter
Mahi mahi - tahitian vanilla sauce, stir fried bell peppers
Xian fan chicken - thai chilies, seasonal veg
Busan roaster - asian spice, whole chicken roaster, tarragon vinegar sauce
Shanghai ravioli - seared scallop, chinese chives, chive flower, and eggplant topped with a crispy black bean and garlic chimichurri
Banana leaf steam fish - soy reduction
Matcha moon cake - matcha pound cake ,sweet bean lotus, ground cashews
Mango pudding - coconut reduction
Five spice chocolate mousse - fresh berries
Spiked mango lassi ice cream - rum, yogurt, mango, orange cardamom cookies
Fried banana - vanilla ice cream, matcha chocolate sauce
Mango coconut boudin - mango gelatin
Coconut stewed mango - sticky rice
Losa mochi - black sesame mochi, coconut englaise
Pineapple ice - pineapple sorbet tops fresh pineapples topped with guava soda
Red dragon - red bean mocha, coconut cream
Almond cookies
Moon cake - pound cake, sweet bean lotus, ground cashews
Chinese donuts - hk milk tea dipping sauce
Lychee ice cream - almond cookie
Antipasto italiano (chacuterie, imported cheeses & olives)
Imported burrata w/ fresh cherry tomato & basil (v)
Hummus, tzatziki w/crudite and pita (v)
Grilled marinated zucchini (v)
Handmade cavatelli w/ vodka sauce
Handmade orechiette with rapini and sausage
Homemade gnocchi w san marzano sauce & imported mozzarella
Lemon chicken w sides
Fillet mignon w/ sides
Eggplant parmigiana (v)
Homemade tiramisu
Flourless gf italian chocolate cake
Homemade nutella cheesecake
Fruit medley
8.chefs surprised item
9.chefs special of the day
1.grilled bread with smoked salmon and everything bagel seasoning topped with salmon roe
2.aguachile cucumber shrimp with tortilla chips
3. salmon sashimi with burnt onion aioli
4. korean beef tartare , yuzu mustard, pickled mushrooms, shallot, capers served with sourdough and gochujang butter
5. ahi tuna nigiri with miso and oyster sauce
6. local charcuterie and cheese
7.gougere with whipped honey ricotta topped with tobiko
5.chefs surprised item
1.asparagus fennel orange salad with lemon mustard dressing
2.mixed greens, tomatoes, olives, manchego and sherry vinaigrette
3.arugula, orange, pickled beets, lemon ricotta and sunflower seeds
4.frisee salad with shallot champagne vinaigrette topped with herbed goat cheese and radishes
1.squid ink pasta with seared scallops
2. filet mignon with creamy brandy sauce, mashed potatoes and asparagus
3. pan seared fish of the day with blue cheese sauce served with green beans and mashed potatoes
4. chefs surprised item
5. grilled chicken with herbed butter and sweet potato puree topped with broccoli
6.chefs special of the day
1. churro with dulce de leche
2. red wine poached pear with creme anglaise topped with almonds
3. apricot glazed tart topped with berries
4. chocolate cake with gelato
5. molten lava cake with cinnamon whipped cream and matcha spice
6.chefs surprised item
7. chef's special of the day
Coconut shrimp bites served with a pineapple-chili dipping sauc
Avocado & roasted corn salad on crispy sweet potato coins, topped with lime crema
Ceviche shooters fresh citrus-marinated shrimp with mango, cilantro & jalapeño
Charred rainbow carrot & beet salad goat cheese mousse, toasted pistachios, citrus vinaigrette
Jamaican potato salad – creamy salad with boiled potatoes, eggs, peas, and island seasoning
Option 1 – fish pan-seared snapper or salmon mild creole sauce, thyme, garlic & citrus coconut rice & sautéed seasonal vegetable
Sweet chili glazed salmon with mango salsa and balsamic drizzle, served on cilantro lime rice with green beans
Caribbean jerk chicken skewers served with grilled plantains and cilantro-lime crema
Blackened salmon with brown butter & herb gremolata (gf) perfectly seared, flaky, and layered with fresh citrus herb brightness
Brazilian passion fruit mousse (mousse de maracujá) • a creamy, tart passion fruit mousse served with a light coconut biscuit and a drizzle of dulce de leche
Coconut mango chia pudding cups
Banana foster
Beignets with mango syrup
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 379 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 45,117 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.
47% of our chefs are women
Just 5 hours from request to menu
Our first private chef service in Chicago was in 2017-03-18.
13.7% of our private chef services in Chicago include kids.
A single client has booked the same home chef in Chicago 11 times.
26% 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 59.1% of guests hire a private chef in Chicago more than once
On average, multiple services hire a chef for 5 days.
We uploaded over 3,038 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 379 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.









