Private chef in Chicago
A private chef in Chicago brings local flavors to your table. Chat with one of our 369 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 43,335 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.
369 Private chefs in Chicago
In a few steps, you'll find the perfect home chef in Chicago, IL.












Over 43,300 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 17,812 menus crafted by our private chefs in Chicago
Rent a home chef in Chicago, Illinois. You decide the menu.








Chefs ceasar salad
Chefs chopped salad
Chefs pasta salad
Homemade beef, pork and veal meatballs
Woodfired chicken wings
Oven baked ziti
Wood fired pizzas 5 kind
Chef pasquale dessert
Seared foie gras, brioche crouton, rhubarb gastrique
Lobster cutlet w/tarragon beurre blanc
Grilled crab cake, herb salad, tangerine, marcona almonds, lemon-pepper aioli
Grilled lamb chop over fennel-artichoke-leek fritter w/roasted pepper aioli
Nori wrapped king crab tempura- red caviar, pickled radish, chives, squid ink aioli, miso-mustard sauce
Scallop and caviar napoleon w/lemon-mussel cream *may be an upcharge on this item depending on choice of caviar
Arancini w/mozzarella, prosciutto and san marzano marinara
Hamachi tartare w/ginger, charred shishito pepper, tobiko and shallots served w/crisped won ton skin
Creamy morels on brioche toast
Frutti di mare- shrimp, scallops, mussels and calamari w/salsa verde
Smothered scampi on grilled ciabatta
Dukkah lavosh- preserved lemon, crispy artichoke, roasted tomatoes, avocado, manouri cheese
Crispy pork belly, kimchi, peanuts, ong choy
Szechuan dan dan noodles w/ground pork (spicy)
Baked brie in puff pastry w/ pear chutney, fig-olive crisp and baguette
Thai grilled chicken skewer, tamarind-red curry-coconut sauce
Amuse bouche- bleu d'auvergne crouton w/sliced apple and truffle let's start w/this and choose 2 other dishes
Choice of ribolitta- hearty tuscan (mainly vegetable) soup or butternut squash-gala apple soup w/creme friache and chives; or lobster bisque w/cognac
Composed salad of mango, avocado, snow crab, grilled asparagus, avocado, hearts of palm, toasted pine nut vinaigrette
Roasted beet napoleon- honey-goat cheese, spiced walnuts, pomegranate, micro greens, brunoise vegs
Salade de bouillabaisse- assorted chilled seafood w/tomato-saffron-thyme vinaigrette and rouille
Green goddess wedge, bacon lardons, pickled red onion, roasted peppers
Soft lettuces, micro greens, grilled asparagus, oil cured olives, charred shallots, scallions, radish, manouri cheese ranch dressing
Coulibiac of salmon in puff pastry stuffed w/shrimp mousse and spinach w/pernod w/lobster sauce
Seared snapper w/bananas, lemons and toasted almonds, tomato couscous
Sliced wagyu steak over arugula w/rosemary roasted potatoes, dry braised mushrooms, fried shallots and shaved parmesan drizzled w/ xvoo
Fire roasted pequillo pepper stuffed w/duck, goat cheese and toasted pine nuts w/verde sauce and black beans and rice
5 hr sunday gravy w/meatballs, italian sausage and pork neck, mostaccioli, garlic bread li
3 day marinated grilled rack of lamb over aubergine mousse w/rice pilaf w/sour cherries, balsamic-honey-mint demi glace
Beef wellington- mushroom duxelles, foie gras mousse, parma prosciutto wrapped in puff pastry served w/green peppercorn-mustard sauce
Lobster escoffier- poached in court bullion, served over straw vegetables and grilled asparagus w/pernod-tarragon sauce *mkt upcharge
Tuna tempura wrapped in nori, w/wasabi creme, chile sauce, american caviar, chives and asian slaw (served rare)
Toasted coconut mochi cake, matcha whipped cream
Poached apricots w/vanilla-bourbon labne and pistachios
Tiramisu
Griddled chocolate brioche, orange, rosewater, cinnamon, whipped cream
Bananas foster w/chocolate-pecan-dark buttered rum sauce, vanilla bean ice cream
Creme friache cheesecake w/graham cracker crust and strawberry coulis
Budino di ricotta- ricotta pudding w/almonds
Creme caramel w/raspberries
Grilled peach, smoked grappa-butterscotch, vanilla yogurt, crumbled biscotti, pistachios
Sabayon made to order and served warm w/pernod macerated fruit
Peanut butter pie w/chocolate sauce
Pignoli cookies w/nutella milkshake
Amuse bouche- bleu d'auvergne crouton w/sliced apple and truffle let's start w/this and choose 2 other dishes
Cacio y pepe- bucatini w/mixed peppercorns and pecorino
Negimaki- grilled marinated tenderloin stuffed w/scallion
Filet slider w/ creamy horseradish sauce, braised mushrooms, brioche roll
Thai grilled chicken skewer, tamarind-red curry-coconut sauce
Grilled king trumpet mushroom w/sherry vinaigrette, chives and hazelnut
Baked brie in puff pastry w/ pear chutney, fig-olive crisp and baguette
Curry chicken croquette w/roasted pepper aioli
Arancini stuffed w/butternut squash and goat cheese w/san marzano marinara
Kickass guacamole w/pomegranate, radish and fresh chips
Steamed artichoke leaves, chive creme friache, lemon zest, caviar
Grilled crab cake, herb salad, tangerine, marcona almonds, lemon-pepper aioli
Dukkah lavosh- preserved lemon, crispy artichoke, roasted tomatoes, avocado, oil cured olive, manouri cheese
Bruschetta of roasted elephant garlic and cambazola triple blue cheese w/balsamic onions and currants
Choice of ribolitta- hearty tuscan (mainly vegetable) soup or butternut squash-gala apple soup w/creme friache and chives or lobster bisque w/cognac
French lentil salad w/mirepoix vegs, fine herbs and pomegranate
Fattoush- chopped salad of watercress, purslane, romain, tomatoes, cucumber, radish, fried pita chips, lemon vinaigrette
Assiette d'mar- asst chilled shellfish, xvoo, lemon, maldon, cracked black pepper, sauce verte
Composed salad of mango, avocado, snow crab, grilled asparagus, avocado, hearts of palm, toasted pine nut vinaigrette
Butter lettuce, grapes, oil cured olives, cashew and fennel w/feta dressing
Green goddess wedge, bacon lardons, pickled red onion, roasted peppers
Steak pizzaiola w/mushrooms, peppers, tomato and oregano over cacio d pepe risotto
Seared tuscan steak over arugula w/rosemary roasted potatoes, dry braised mushrooms, grilled scallion and shaved parmesan drizzled w/ xvoo
Truffle-porcini risotto w/mascarpone, grilled asparagus, melted leeks, balsamic cippolini onions, currants, toasted pine nuts
Slow braised lamb ragout w/mirepoix vegetables and olives over basmati rice
Seared snapper w/bananas, lemons and toasted almonds, tomato cous cous
Coulibiac of salmon in puff pastry stuffed w/shrimp mousse and spinach w/pernod w/lobster sauce
Shrimp stuffed w/crab imperial w/grilled asparagus, pommes de terre w/lemon beurre blanc
Chuletas- grilled marinated lamb rack chops w/roasted tomato chimichurri, roasted potatoes
Chicken mole over black beans and rice, roasted broccoli w/cojita cheese
Tiramisu w/espresso, mascarpone and cocoa
Bananas foster w/chocolate-dark buttered rum sauce, vanilla bean ice cream
Tart creme friache cheesecake w/graham cracker crust and strawberry coulis
Peanut butter pie w/chocolate sauce
Bittersweet chocolate torte, hazelnut whipped cream, raspberry coulis
Poached apricots w/vanilla-bourbon labne, pistachios and mint
Garlic stuffed shrimp
Lobster bisque with parmesan crisps
Crab dip with fresh baguette
Cajun potato salad
Bistro salad
Seafood boil -shrimp , crab legs ,crawfish, potatoes ,corn on the cob and includes a mild house sauce for dipping
Shrimp & steak scampi pasta with a special house sauce
Baked cod with lemon and garlic
Pan seared scallops with whipped potatoes and asparagus
Sweet chili glazed salmon, pan-seared to perfection, crowned with vibrant mango salsa and a drizzle of balsamic elegance. served on a bed of zesty cilantro lime rice, accompanied by crisp green beans
Salmon croquette with polenta and roasted brussel sprouts
Apple cinnamon bursts
Caramel delight
Chocolate lava cake with fresh fruit
Lobster crostini with citrus butter sweet lobster on toasted brioche with a delicate citrus finish
Golden seared scallops with osetra caviar & truffled cauliflower cream
Ravioli ricotta and lemon, with shrimp butter served over creamy cardinale lobster sauce
Pomegranate short ribs
Filet mignon & butter poached lobster – with golden rosemary potatoes, french haricots & carrots, and red wine demi-glace
Filet mignon & seared jumbo shrimp duo – with garlic potato purée, charred asparagus, and red wine demi-glace
Atlantic salmon filet with lemon and capers butter sauce & beef tenderloin reduction red wine with risotto fungi, roasted vegetabled
Raspberry tart with mascarpone ice cream
Lemon tartlet with meringue
Vanilla crème brûlée with berries
Cheesecake key lime with meringue
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
Fresh shucked oysters
Insalata di mare (shrimp, calamari, octopus)
Steamed mussels neapolitan style
Baked clams
Grilled marinated octopus
Tuna tartare
Linguine alle vongole (with clams)
Paccheri all’astice (with lobster)
Whole branzino cleaned tableside w/sides
Chilean sea bass w/sides
Chef's italian dessert medley
Smoked sausage or chicken sausage
Crispy bacon or turkey bacon
Loaded cheddar potatoes & chives
Chef’s decade sourdough bread
French scrambled eggs & cheddar
Spicy tomato shakshouka | lardons | parsley | parmesan
Charred flank steak | chimichurri & peppers
Citrus salmon lox | dill | crema | pickled red onion & sourdough toast
Ham hash | crispy potatoes | charred onions & roasted peppers
Assorted pastries
Fresh fruit platter
Cottage cheese & greek yogurt
Bagel tower
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 369 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 43,335 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 38, our private chefs in Chicago, IL, offer extensive culinary knowledge.
36% of our chefs are women
Just 6 hours from request to menu
Our first private chef service in Chicago was in 2017-03-18.
16.6% of our private chef services in Chicago include kids.
A single client has booked the same home chef in Chicago 11 times.
47% 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 58.8% of guests hire a private chef in Chicago more than once
On average, multiple services hire a chef for 3 days.
We uploaded over 2,823 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 369 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.









