Private Chef in Cortland
Rent one of our 18 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















A personal chef for any occasion in Cortland
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Cortland in March 2017, more than 18 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Cortland and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Cortland County.
Starting in 2017, 65,528 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Cortland. To book your chef in Cortland, 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 12,419 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 23,898 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, 65,528 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Cortland usually book menus around 166 USD per person, including 4.69 courses, sharing an average of 5.7 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 Cortland.












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!
18 Private Chefs in Cortland
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Cortland












More than 65,500 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.38 Chef
The guests in Cortland have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.38.
4.76 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Cortland received an average score of 4.76.
4.66 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.66 average score.
4.8 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Cortland has been scored with a 4.8 on average.
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12,419 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Cortland
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Lyonnaise salad, bacon, egg, dijon, brown butter breadcrumb
Mixed greens salad, shaved seasonal vegetables, green goddess
Crispy polenta cakes, wild mushrooms, herbed butter, parmesan
Ratatouille terrine, red pepper coulis, lemon ricotta, basil
Herb roasted chicken, creamy orzo, asparagus, lemon rosemary jus
Seared salmon, couscous, seasonal vegetables
Braised beef, white bean ragout, broccolini
Slow roasted pork, kohlrabi, apple, braised red cabbage, cider gastrique
Chocolate cake, fresh fruit, vanilla cream
Lavender panna cotta, macerated black plums, white chocolate
Bananas foster bread pudding
Whipped cheesecake, seasonal fruit
Sauteed shrimp & garlic
Pico del gallo
Guacamole
Fried calamari
Fried lobster bites
Steamed mussels
Shrimp cocktail
Beef tacos
Chicken tacos
Shrimp taco
Fish tacos
Chocolate cake
Red velvet cake
Brownie & ice cream
Chocolate mousse cake
Fried calamari
Cilantro lime cucumber boats (vegetarian)
Shrimp cocktail
Fried mushrooms (vegetarian)
Caesar salad
Arugula salad (vegetarian)
Chef salad
Chicken piccata
Tuscan salmon
Spinach & cheese manicotti (vegetarian)
Chicken & shrimp alfredo
Chocolate mousse cake
Strawberry cheesecake
Red velvet cake
Tiramisu
Arugula salad, hearts of palm, artichoke, parmesan, heirloom tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic reduction
Classic bruschetta, tomatoes, basil, crostini, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar
Caesar salad, garlic breadcrumbs, parmesan, cheese crisp, traditional caesar dressing of anchovy, egg yolk, lemon juice, and garlic
Goat cheese gnudi with lacinato kale puree and garlic breadcrumbs
Nonna's meatballs, pomodoro sauce, whipped herb ricotta, fresh basil
Tuscan kale salad, toasted pine nuts, currants, pecorino, lemon emulsion
Linguine ai frutti di mare, with handmade pasta, seasonal seafood, bell pepper, tomato, white wine, lemon, herbs
Sorrentino handmade pasta, fresh mozzarella, tomato basil sauce, grape tomatoes
Orecchiette with italian sausage, broccoli rabe, tomato, parsley, garlic, white wine
Penne arrabbiata, pancetta, pomodoro, cherry tomato, cream, chives
Tagliatelle bolognese
Grilled swordfish winter caponata, salsa uva, zucchini rolls, sauteed sunchokes
Grilled new york strip tagliata, red wine sugo, rosemary potatoes, sauteed spinach
Pan roasted rosemary chicken, white wine sugo, charred greens, roasted potato
Rosemary and garlic herbed pork tenderloin with italian salsa verde, oven roasted potatoes, grilled vegetable medley
Citrus olive oil cake & whipped vanilla bean yogurt
Panna cotta with berry compote toasted pistachio
Tiramisu parfait
Bistro salad, local greens, herbs, pickled shallots, toasted walnuts, lemon vinagrette
Little gem lettuce, seasonal fruit, toasted pistachio, chevre, scallions, honey lemon vinaigrette
Stuffed mushrooms of herbs, cream, shallots, gruyere, breadcrumbs
Smoked salmon rillette with crostini
Baked brie, roasted garlic, berry compote
Cucumber tartine with smoked salmon, herbed creme fraiche, roe, fried caper
French onion soup
Butternut squash soup with maple crema and toasted pumpkin seeds
Roasted garlic and onion bisque
Grilled ny strip steak, au poivre, mashed potato, sauteed green beans
Pan seared duck breast, parsnip puree, frisée salad, pomegranate
Seared salmon with cherry port wine reduction, braised greens, wild rice pilaf
Chocolate mousse martini, toasted walnuts, raspberry compote
Classic bananas foster over vanilla bean ice cream
Fresh fruit tart on shortbread with pastry cream and berry compote
Apple crisp ala mode
Local cheese plate, seasonal fruit, toasted nuts, local honey
Arugula salad, hearts of palm, artichoke, parmesan, heirloom tomatoes, evoo, balsamic
Caesar salad, garlic breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese crisp, traditional caesar dressing of anchovy, egg yolk, lemon juice, and garlic
Tuscan kale salad, toasted pine nuts, cherries, pecorino, honey lemon emulsion
Spanakopita
Falafel with tzatziki sauce and/or tahini (vegan)
Greek meatballs of lamb, beef, herbs, tomato compote, whipped feta
Eggplant stack, crispy eggplant, heirloom tomato, herbed chevre, mesclun, balsamic reduction, evoo
Rack of lamb, red wine sugo, rosemary potatoes, creamed spinach
Grilled souvlaki chicken breast sundried tomato pesto, herbed israeli cous cous, seared asparagus
Pasta primavera (vegan) seasonal vegetables, capers, spinach, artichokes, white wine, lemon juice, garlic, herbs
Grilled swordfish winter caponata, salsa uva, zucchini rolls, sauteed sunchokes
Baklava
Lime tart
Citrus olive oil cake & whipped vanilla bean yogurt
Apple tart ala mode, puff pastry, pastry cheese, caramel, vanilla bean ice cream
Fried pickles (vegetarian)
Shrimp cocktail
Guacamole (vegetarian)
Fried mushrooms (vegetarian)
Beef tacos
Chicken tacos
Arugula salad (vegetarian)
Chef salad
Jerk chicken
Curry chicken
Chicken alfredo
Vegetable penne vodka (vegetarian)
Strawberry shortcake
Chocolate mousse cake
Red velvet cake
Cheese cake
Lobster bisque
Cilantro lime cucumber boats (vegetarian)
Steamed mussels
Sauteed shrimp & garlic
Shrimp taco
Classic house salad (vegetarian)
Chicken tacos
Caesar salad
Red snapper
Ribeye steak & lobster
Spaghetti squash (vegetarian)
Jerk chicken
Tiramisu
Chocolate mousse cake
Assorted cheesecake
Lava cake
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 Cortland.
What does a private chef service include in Cortland?
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 Cortland?
The price of renting a chef in Cortland 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 Cortland?
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 18 chefs available in Cortland. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Cortland 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 Cortland?
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 Cortland
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Cortland
Percentage of our women chefs in Cortland.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Cortland.
Percentage of services with kids in Cortland.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Cortland.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Cortland.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Cortland.
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 Cortland.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Cortland each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Cortland, 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 Cortland.
Cost of a private chef in Cortland
The cost of hiring a private chef in Cortland 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.
What is the most reserved type of cuisine in Cortland?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Cortland: 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 Cortland!






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









