Private Chef in Cortland
Rent one of our 17 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 17 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Cortland and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Cortland County.
Starting in 2017, 41,230 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 13,457 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 146,173 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, 41,230 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Cortland usually book menus around 165 USD per person, including 4.9 courses, sharing an average of 4.91 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!
17 Private Chefs in Cortland
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Cortland












More than 41,200 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.
4.65 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.65 average score.
4.8 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Cortland has been scored with a 4.8 on average.
View full review
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13,457 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Cortland
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Bruschetta (vegetarian)
Mozzarella & cheese caprese (vegetarian)
Garlic parm bites (vegetarian)
Sauteed shrimp & garlic
Chicken parm
Egg plant parm (vegetarian)
Vegetable penne vodka (vegetarian)
Chicken alfredo
Tiramisu
Cheese cake
Chocolate cake
Lava cake
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
Guacamole & chips (vegetarian)
Pico del gallo (vegetarian)
Fish tacos
Buffalo bites
Jerk chicken
Curry chicken dinner
Vegetable stir fry (vegetarian)
Catfish dinner
Brownie & ice cream
Cheese cake
Carrot cake
Chocolate cake
Nicoise salad, ahi tuna
Salmon tartare, cucumber, sesame, chili, scallion, daikon, taro root chips
Cod brandade, roasted red pepper, crostini
Steamed pei mussels, caramelized fennel, baguette
Seared salmon, parsnip puree, brussel sprout petals, bacon lardon
Atlantic halibut, kohlrabi, apple, braised red cabbage, cider gastrique
Spanish octopus, garlic smashed potatoes, chorizo, shishito peppers, chimichurri
Chocolate cake, pistachio streusel, candied orange, honey yogurt
Lemon olive oil cake, blueberry mascarpone
Lavender panna cotta, macerated black plums, white chocolate
Fried calamari
Fish tacos
Shrimp cocktail
Guacamole & chips (vegetarian)
Bbq salmon
Catfish dinner
Red snapper
Spaghetti squash (vegetarian)
Cheese cake
Chocolate cake
Carrot cake
Brownie & ice cream
Fried calamari
Cilantro lime cucumber boats (vegetarian)
Shrimp cocktail
Fried mushrooms (vegetarian)
Caesar salad
Arugula salad (vegetarian)
Chef salad
Tuscan salmon
Spinach & cheese manicotti (vegetarian)
Shrimp alfredo
Egg plant parm
Vegetable cacciatore
Bbq salmon
Cod francese
Chocolate mousse cake
Strawberry cheesecake
Red velvet cake
Tiramisu
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
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 17 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.









