Private Chef in Ellicott City
Rent one of our 310 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















A personal chef for any occasion in Ellicott City
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Ellicott City in March 2017, more than 310 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Ellicott City and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Howard County.
Starting in 2017, 26,416 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Ellicott City. To book your chef in Ellicott City, 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 8,699 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 16,827 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.63 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 26,416 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Ellicott City usually book menus around 181 USD per person, including 3.27 courses, sharing an average of 5.46 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 Ellicott City.












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!
Find your chef
Customize your request and start talking with your chefs.
310 Private Chefs in Ellicott City
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Ellicott City












More than 26,400 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.32 Chef
The guests in Ellicott City have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.32.
4.69 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Ellicott City received an average score of 4.69.
4.66 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.66 average score.
4.75 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Ellicott City has been scored with a 4.75 on average.
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8,699 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Ellicott City
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Panzanella salad (vegetarian)
Mushroom vol-au-vent (vegetarian)
Smoked salmon rosette on blini with lemon crème
Hummus on za’atar pita (vegetarian)
Burrata de provence with heirloom tomato tartare (vegetarian)
Orzo with ricotta and lemon-poached lobster
Eggplant parmesan rolls (vegetarian)
Greek salad (vegetarian)
Osso buco
Pan-fried arctic char with dill cream and grain salad
Charred vegetable wellington with wild herb cream (vegetarian)
Cassava gnocchi with lime butter and pumpkin purée (vegetarian)
Lemon tarte with basil gelée & white chocolate shards (vegetarian)
Raspberry mousse with pistachio sponge
Passion fruit crème brûlée
Coffee affogato
Burrata prosciutto bruschetta (buffalo cheese, prosciutto, arugula, balsamic glaze) 🥖🧀
Charcuterie board (mixed italian meats, cheeses, olives, crackers & vegetables) 🧀🥩
Artichokes in lemon butter sauce 🌿🍋
Bruschettas and tapas
Mint lamb chops with mash potatoes
Sea food paella
Mushrroms picorino truffle pasta
Fillet mignon with demiglace red wine reduction and foundant potatoes
White chocolate panacotta with berries
Baileys tiramisu
Bruschetta greek style (olives, feta, onion, naan fresh bread) 🥖🫒
Balsamic bruschetta (tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil & aged balsamic) 🍅🌿
Pita bread with greek cheese & lemon butter artichokes 🫓🧀
Greek mezze table ( charcuterie table mediterranean style feta cheese, olives , bread, watermelon, naan bread)
Bruschettas and tapas
Classic caesar salad with parmesan & croutons
Beet, orange & gorgonzola salad with mandarin dressing
Burrata salad ( arugula , bufallo mozarella cheese) and prosciuto
Coconut curry lobster bisque
Cold cucumber soup
Chicken piccata (lemon, capers & white wine sauce) with pasta & roasted asparagus 🍗🍋
Sole meunière (white fish with lemon butter sauce) with green beans & mashed potatoes 🐟🥔
Mushroom risotto with chardonnay sauce & parmesan 🍚🍷
Lamb ribs with mint sauce & foundant potatoes ( full of the french butter flavor) with green beans and glazed carrots
Sea food paella
Fillet mignon with demiglace red wine reduction , mash potatoes and green beans
Surf and turf : ribeye steak with shrimp or scallops, and mash potato or guancaina yellow chilli sauce potatoes
French pear cake
Vanilla white chocolate pannacota with berries sauce
Chocolate mousse on bailyes
Hummus
Hummus with roasted red pepper
Roasted green olive salad with feta and served with sliced french bread
Greek couscous salad
Spanakopita pinwheel; sauteed spinach and feta wrapped up in a puff pastry baked golden brown
Falafel with tzatziki
Greek salad olives, feta, marinated red onions with greek dressing and crisp romaine lettuce
Naan bread pizza with olives, onions, roasted red pepper and drizzled with olive oil
Eggplant tapenade stack; grilled slices of eggplant layered between goat cheese and topped with an olive dressing
Grilled zucc. and summer squash platter with hummus
Mediterranean turkey panini
Mediterranean shrimp orzo salad
Linguine scampi with garlic lemon and wine sauce crisp tofu and a dollop of ricotta
Zucchini boats with red lentils, orzo , chic peas , spinach and basil pesto
Greek garlic grilled chicken marinaded chicken with lemon and wine, herbs with sundried tomato
Mediterranean tilapia with roasted mix olives and roasted garlic
Vegetable kabobs; zucchini, summer squash, eggplant, peppers and mushrooms marinaded and grilled
Chicken kababs with peppers and onions
Beef kababs with peppers, onions, mushroom and cherry tomato
Warm quinoa salad mixed with sundried tomato, olives and topped with grilled marinaded shrimp of rosemary skewer
Baked artichoke casserole with grilled chicken, feta cheese and fried cauliflower drizzled with balsamic glaze
Seafood pealla ; mix of saffron rice with chic peas and seafood medley( mussels, shrimp, squid)
Baklava
Revani cake
Melopita (greek honey pie)
Amaretto custard with vanilla sauce in a phyllo cup shell
Diplomat custard; creamy custard layered on top cubed pound cake topped with caramel sauce and chantily cream
Tuna tatki carpaccio- seared tuna, ponzu truffle dressing, pickled shallots, crispy lotus root
Beet hummus with za'atar pita chips- middle eastern style beet hummus served with spiced crispy pita
Thai inspired creamy risotto with prawns, galanga, lime leaf and lemon grass oil
Harissa lamb chops with a cucumber slaw and mint raita
Yuzu creme brule-silky custard with a citrus kick and cracked sugar crust, paired with sesame shortbread
Salted miso chocolate tart- rich dark chocolate ganache with miso caramel swirl in buttery sesame tart
Stuffed plantain with smoked herring
Haitian butternut squash soup
Black rice with peas
Steamed carrot and chayote
Chicken thighs and cashew in rum sauce
White sweet potato pudding with vanilla ice cream
Chefs choice amuse buche
Basil pesto & mozzarella pasta salad with roasted shrimp
Curry infused crabcakes with cilantro sauce
Herb roasted shrimp on top of cucumber slice and avocado
Crab imperial stuffed salmon
Ny strip steak finished with herbed compound butter and seared scallops
Herb crusted lamp chops and chimichurri tiger shrimp
Seared scallops with coconut curry sauce and chimichurri
Chilean sea bass with carrot & ginger puree and chimicurri
Classic crème brûlée
Strawberry cream cake
Decadent chocolate and cheesecake brownie with macerated berries
Coconut shrimp cocktail with passion fruit sauce
Salmon sashimi ( raw salmon with mizo , yuzo, lemon , ginger sauce)
Tuna tartare with sesame oil , avocado , sesame seeds
Beet, orange & gorgonzola salad with chef’s dressing
Burrata salad ( arugula , bufallo mozarella cheese) and prosciuto
Tapas and bruschetas
Seafood paella with shrimp, mussels & saffron rice 🥘🦐
Lamb ribs with mint sauce & roasted potatoes 🐑🥔
Grilled black sesame tuna with amazing black sauce and edamame and other vegetables
Surf and turf : ribeye steak with shrimp or scallops with califlower pure with truffle salt and green beans
Passion fruit mouse
Strawberry crepes with vanilla ice cream
Pavlova berry sauce , baileys chantilly
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 Ellicott City.
What does a private chef service include in Ellicott City?
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 Ellicott City?
The price of renting a chef in Ellicott City 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 132 USD to 143 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 132 USD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 121 USD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 139 USD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 143 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 Ellicott City?
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 310 chefs available in Ellicott City. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Ellicott City 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 Ellicott City?
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 Ellicott City
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Ellicott City
Percentage of our women chefs in Ellicott City.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Ellicott City.
Percentage of services with kids in Ellicott City.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Ellicott City.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Ellicott City.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Ellicott City.
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 Ellicott City.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Ellicott City each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Ellicott City, 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 Ellicott City.
Cost of a private chef in Ellicott City
The cost of hiring a private chef in Ellicott City 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 132 USD to 143 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 132 USD
For 7 to 12 people: 121 USD
For 3 to 6 people: 139 USD
For 2 people: 143 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.
Private chefs registrations
After many years of offering our services, we are lucky to have a fantastic team of chefs that keeps growing in Ellicott City!
2 personal chefs register with us every month. Our verification team reviews these new chef profiles daily to categorize them, allowing you to discover incredible new chefs every month.
What is the most reserved type of cuisine in Ellicott City?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Ellicott City: 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 Ellicott City!






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









