Private Chef in Harlingen
Rent one of our 16 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















A personal chef for any occasion in Harlingen
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Harlingen in April 2016, more than 16 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Harlingen and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Cameron County.
Starting in 2016, 44,375 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Harlingen. To book your chef in Harlingen, 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 10,308 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 16,409 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.73 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 44,375 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Harlingen usually book menus around 179 USD per person, including 3.04 courses, sharing an average of 5.29 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 Harlingen.












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!
16 Private Chefs in Harlingen
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Harlingen












More than 44,300 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.48 Chef
The guests in Harlingen have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.48.
4.77 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Harlingen received an average score of 4.77.
4.73 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.73 average score.
4.83 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Harlingen has been scored with a 4.83 on average.
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10,308 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Harlingen
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Mini muffulettas: a new orleans classic! these smaller versions of the hearty sandwich, filled with cured meats, cheese, and a tangy olive salad, are perfect for an appetizer
Crawfish dip: a creamy and savory dip made with crawfish and creole seasonings, often served with crackers or toasted baguette slices
Spicy tuna tartare on crispy rice with wasabi aioli
Arugula salad with shaved parmesan: a fresh and light salad to complement the richness of the main dishes (vegetarian)
Caramelized onion and bacon grits: creamy grits infused with the sweetness of slowly caramelized onions and smoky bacon, offering a rich and flavorful counterpoint
Grits croquettes with ham and dijon aioli: fried grits cakes with a crispy exterior and creamy interior, mixed with finely diced ham (like jambon de paris) and served with a zesty dijon aioli for dipping
Tex-mex taco salad: a salad with a crispy taco shell filled with seasoned meat (beef or chicken), lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, guacamole, and a creamy dressing
Black bean soup: a hearty soup made with black beans, vegetables, and spices (vegetarian)
Jambalaya: a flavorful rice dish that can be made with various meats and seafood, showcasing the blend of spanish, caribbean, and african influences in creole cuisine
Churrasco with chimichurri: grilled steak served with chimichurri, a classic and flavorful combination
Fajitas: sizzling strips of marinated and grilled meat (beef, chicken, or shrimp) with onions and bell peppers, served with warm tortillas, rice, and beans (vegetarian option with peppers and onions only)
Mirliton and gulf shrimp casserole: a casserole featuring mirliton squash, shrimp, andouille sausage, and creole seasoning, highlighting the use of local ingredients
Dulce de leche cheesecake
Budín de pan: an argentinian bread pudding made with leftover bread, milk, eggs, and sugar, and sometimes flavored with spices, lemon, or raisins
Argentinian chocolate mousse: it is very popular for all ages. its texture is easy to recognize as it has a light, airy look, its chocolate flavor is intense and it's soft and melting on the palate
Tarte à la bouillie: a custard pie with a sweet and thick dough and a creamy filling, representing the french influences in creole cuisine
Scallop crudo tostada
Roasted beet carpaccio (vegetarian)
Stuffed mushrooms – mushroom with sun-dried tomato and basil (vegetarian)
Table side caesar salad
Penne carbonara
Grilled tenderloin with a red wine reduction sauce and seasonal vegetables
Tiramisu with espresso and bacanora liquor
Fig and honey tart with almond crust
Corn and vanilla flan
Raspberry suffle
Smoked porcini arancini, creamy pesto (vegetarian)
Crostini of grilled tri-tip & chimichurri
Quattro formaggi arancini with creamy vodka sauce (vegetarian)
Burrata-caprese stuffed tomatoes (vegetarian)
Semolina gnudi with blistered san marzano tomatoes (vegetarian)
Gnocchi primavera in verbena-truffle broth (vegetarian)
Fresh pasta d’estate with grilled gulf shrimp
Potato gnocchi with alpine alfredo, scallops & asparagus
Braciole-stuffed angliotti with grilled asparagus & burrata
Tortelloni with ricotta & prosciutto in white-wine tomato broth
Cauliflower picatta with fresh linguini (vegetarian)
Semolina pasta, alpine alfredo & grilled mussels & clams
Black raspberry & white-chocolate semi-freddo
Blood-orange tart with limoncello meringue
Flourless chocolate ganache torte (vegetarian)
Zabaglione cream puffs
Carpaccio di manzo
Carpaccio di zucchine ai capperi limone e menta
Prosciutto, arugula, and tomato bruschetta
Caprese bruschetta
Carpaccio di salmone
Penne puttanesca
Linguine arrabbiata
Pea, lemon, and parmesan risotto
Linguine al tartufo
Cacio e pepe risotto
Venetian shrimp with polenta
Chicken with pesto sauce and white rice
6-oz filet mignon with pesto sauce and seasonal sautéed vegetables
Marinated lamb chops with truffle mashed potatoes and seasonal sautéed vegetables
Beef osso buco with polenta
Tiramisu
Panna cotta with seasonal fruit
Lemon tiramisu
Capellini e capesante - anchor seared sea scallops atop a nest of capellini tossed in brown butter, finished with a velvety lyonnaise beurre blanc
Risotto al pomodoro bruciato - creamy risotto infused with blistered tomatoes, earthy oyster mushrooms, and pecorino romano
Mussels arrabbiata - mussels simmered in a spicy arrabbiata sauce, complemented by chorizo, fennel, and charred sourdough
Insalata di farro estiva - nutty farro salad with heirloom tomatoes, caramelized shallots, capers, and a light citrus dressing, finished with fresh basil
Caprese del bastione - a refined take on the classic caprese salad, featuring goat cheese, sun-ripened heirloom tomatoes, and a fragrant basil vinaigrette
Siciliana lobster bisque - lobster bisque infused with sicilian flavors, enhanced by truffle oil and served with crispy grilled sourdough
Filet di manzo con purè di yukon - prime new york strip atop velvety yukon and goat cheese purée, drizzled with rich bordelaise sauce, and smoky charred kale
Pollo alla cacciatora - slow-braised chicken in a rich cacciatore sauce, served with a silky root vegetable purée, red pepper gravy, and flakes of aged romano
Vongole al vino bianco - sweet clams in a delicate white wine and garlic sauce, paired with tender orzo and vibrant heirloom greens
Tiramisu panna cotta - a decadent twist on tiramisu, featuring velvety panna cotta, smooth vanilla mascarpone, and a rich salted dark chocolate ganache
Cannoli siciliani - crisp sicilian cannoli filled with blood orange-infused mascarpone, served with rich chocolate sauce and crushed pistachios
Torta caprese con nocciole candite - a decadent chocolate cake, paired with a rich dark chocolate ganache, amaretto cherry coulis and finished with crispy candied hazelnuts
Chips, salsa and guacamole
Fiesta salad
Carne asada tacos
Pollo asado tacos
Veggie tacos
Mexican rice
Refried beams
All salsas, cilantro, onions
Tres leches cake
Beef empanadas: golden fried empanadas
Pico de gallo bruschetta: garlic bread and spicy pico de gallo salsa (vegetarian)
Chips and salsa (vegetarian)
Caprese bites with plant-based cheese (vegetarian)
Bean soup with mexican cheese
Avocado and tomato salad, mix greens and balsamic dressing
Tuna ceviche with mango and red onions on mix greens
Gambas al ajillo (latin garlic shrimp): sauteed garlic shrimps, in olive oil, parsley and lemmon pepper served with sourdoug bread toast
Lomo saltado (peruvian cuisine) sautéed tenderloin with onions, soy sauce and fries
Chicken fajitas with corn tortillas
Vegetarian tacos with sautéed vegetables and salsa tatemada (vegetarian)
Chilean sea bass with mashed potatoes puréed and grill vegetables
Tres leches cake
Dulce de leche crepes with vanilla ice cream
Beef empanadas with finely chopped onions, carrots, parsley and eggs, seasoned with spanish paprika
Vegetarian empanadas of spinach, ricotta cheese, parmesan and finely chopped onion, bell peppers, zucchini and parsley
Shrimp salad with, mango, avocado and cherry tomatoes
Stuffed eggs with tasty maionese, tomato paste, vinegar, evoo, spanish paprika
Latin style rice with bell pepper, onion, mushroom, broccoli, zucchini, garlic, parsley, carrot, spanish paprika, saffron and evoo
Chicken and lemon tacos with creamy guacamole, "pico de gallo" and our delicious secret sauce
Filet mignon tacos with creamy guacamole, "pico de gallo" and our tasty chimichurri
Seafood tacos with prawns, creamy guacamole, "pico de gallo" and our delicious secret sauce
Argentinian style churrasco with chimichurri
Salmon filet with spanish sweet paprika
Chicken milanesa with chimichurri
Eggplant milanesa napolitana style
Dulce de leche crepe with whipped cream
Delicious spanish flan with whipped cream
Chocolate crepe with whipped cream
Grandma's cake with vanilla cookies, layered on condensed milk, egg and cinnamon cream, topped with dark chocolate
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 Harlingen.
What does a private chef service include in Harlingen?
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 Harlingen?
The price of renting a chef in Harlingen 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 116 USD to 143 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 116 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 127 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 Harlingen?
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 16 chefs available in Harlingen. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Harlingen 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 Harlingen?
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 Harlingen
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Harlingen
Percentage of our women chefs in Harlingen.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Harlingen.
Percentage of services with kids in Harlingen.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Harlingen.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Harlingen.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Harlingen.
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 Harlingen.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Harlingen each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Harlingen, 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 Harlingen.
Cost of a private chef in Harlingen
The cost of hiring a private chef in Harlingen 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 116 USD to 143 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 116 USD
For 7 to 12 people: 121 USD
For 3 to 6 people: 127 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.
What is the most reserved type of cuisine in Harlingen?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Harlingen: 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 Harlingen!

Enjoy a Private Chef Service in Harlingen
Enjoy a unique dining experience with a Private Chef service at home. Let Take a Chef turn your kitchen into one of the city’s top restaurants exclusively for you. All you have to do is let us know about your food preferences and choose from one of the menu proposals made for you. Your chosen chef will buy fresh, local ingredients on the day of the service and cook directly in your kitchen. They will, of course, provide table service during the meal and more, they will clean everything up before they leave. Simply click below to get started!

Experience culinary perfection at home
All of our chefs have at least ten years’ worth of experience in the industry and have been trained in the best cooking schools around the world. With over 20 chefs in Harlingen, we will be able to find the right match for you! Once you receive menu proposals, you’ll be able to view the professional profiles of each chef who has contacted you and choose the one that suits you the best.

Open the doors of you home to new gastronomic plans
The best and most original experiences are those that surprise you from beginning to end. This is Take a Chef’s philosophy. Any American, Asian or Mediterranean dishes can be showstoppers on your dining table with the expertise of one of our Private Chefs.






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









