Private Chef in Lake Forest
Rent one of our 371 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















A personal chef for any occasion in Lake Forest
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Lake Forest in September 2016, more than 371 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Lake Forest and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Orange County.
Starting in 2016, 12,723 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Lake Forest. To book your chef in Lake Forest, 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 5,607 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 10,175 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.76 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 12,723 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Lake Forest usually book menus around 176.8 USD per person, including 3.24 courses, sharing an average of 4.99 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 Lake Forest.












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!
371 Private Chefs in Lake Forest
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Lake Forest












More than 12,700 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.68 Chef
The guests in Lake Forest have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.68.
4.8 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Lake Forest received an average score of 4.8.
4.72 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.72 average score.
4.78 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Lake Forest has been scored with a 4.78 on average.
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5,607 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Lake Forest
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Guacamole tatemado with pork rinds and tortilla chips and plantain chips
Hickory smoked scallop crudo
Black bean chipotle lobster tostada
Ceviche shooters
Aguachile bites
100 anniversary tijuana cesar salad
Homemade mole with imported panela cheese and handmade tortillas
Flor de calabaza quesadilla (squash blossoms)
Aztec tortilla soup
Mexican caprese salad
Wagyu picadillo sopes
Baja taco (fish tacos)
Mexican steak with caramelized onions, homemade salsa and seasonal mushrooms
Wagyu albondigas de doña gloria (my moms albondigas recipe with wagyu)
Camarones a la diabla (spicy garlic shrimp with tortillas, seared cheese and avocado)
Chile relleno with mexican rice
Chicharron prensado sopes
Special of the week ( message me for details! )
Conchitas ( handmade mexican sweet bread ) with mexican hot chocolate
Coconut kahlua flan
Churros (fresh handmade )
Mini chocolate cheesecake
Churro waffle ice cream sandwich
Carlotta de limon
-tomato confit bruschetta with parmesan shards
-chilled cucumber and house-made red pepper hummus
-olive tapenade, french toast, and sour cream
-mini arancini with spicy tomato and red pepper sauce
-sydney caesar salad, crispy smoked bacon and egg crumble
-wild mushroom and black truffle risotto, parmesan and fresh herbs
- mixed berry salad on a bed of avocado crème, with baby arugula, goats cheese crumble and caramelized pecans tossed with balsamic vinaigrette
-bbq spanish octopus with moroccan cous cous salad, chorizo, crispy potatoes fresh lemon
-cacio e pepe
Asparagus and artichoke risotto, parmesan and fresh herbs
Black mussels, linguine, fresh tomato with garlic parsley croutons
-harissa spiced salmon, yogurt fresh herb dressing with moroccan couscous
-flat iron steak, wild honey, and balsamic charred with greek lemon rice and roasted almond bean salad
-char grilled new york steak, wild mushrooms, green pepper cream and truffle fries
Sautéed lemon-scented chicken breasts, wild fennel, and rosemary with grilled garlic potatoes
-moroccan lamb stew with fattoush salad and lebanese rice
Suggest you favorite main course
French apple tart with vanilla ice cream
-vanilla creme brûlée with mixed berries and biscotti
Almond frangipane tart, red wine poached cherries and mascarpone cream
-flourless chocolate cake made with ground almonds served with vanilla bean ice cream
Oyster rockefeller
Ponzo and yuzu oysters
Baja ceviche shooters
Black bean chipotle lobster tostada
Ahi poke wonton
Hickory smoked crudo
Aguachile bites
Lobster bisque
7 mares soup
Grilled shrimp salad
Crab cakes with remoulade
Shrimp cocktail
Coconut shrimp
Thai coconut prawn soup
Niçoise salad
Sesame seared ahi tuna with white rice and mango pineapple sauce
Lobster parpadelle
Blackened salmon with greek lemon rice and homemade tzatziki
Garlic shrimp skewers with honey rosemary vegetables
Macadamia, orange and basil crusted halibut and garlic parmesan mashed potatoes with orange beurre blanc sauce
Teriyaki mahi mahi with king trumpet mushrooms, green onions and grilled squash
Trout almondine with garlic parmesan mashed potatoes and lemon beurre blanc
Swordfish picatta with grilled asparagus and lemon beurre blanc sauce
Special of the week ( message me for details! )
Apple cobbler
Assorted homemade cookies
Bread pudding
Carrot walnut cake
Churro waffles ice cream sandwhich
Creme brulee
Coconut kahlua flan
Cornbread with salted caramel and whipped cream cheese
Mini chocolate cheesecake
Panacotta with brownie crumble
Tiramisu
Triple chocolate layer cake
Smoked salmon crostini, topped with herbed cream cheese, cappers, and fresh dill
Caramilized date, bacon rosmery crostini, cream cheese, honey
Truffle caulifour soup, garnished with chives and truffle
Crab egg benedicts, english muffin, topped with a poached egg hollandaise sauce. served with sauteed asparagus
Silky panna cotta infused with basil and lavander, served with a berry compote
Crudités hummus antipasto board (vegetarian)
Ceviche tostada
Pumpkin hummus+crudités (vegetarian)
Heirloom tomato sourdough bruschetta + ricotta (vegetarian)
Arugula caesar + lemon pepper shrimp
Baby arugula caesar + lemon pepper chicken breast
Green goddess soup purée+sourdough crostini (vegetarian)
Tempeh salad (vegetarian)
Black pepper glazed salmon
Baja chicken verde tacos
Funghi risotto (vegetarian)
Spiced lamb meatballs
Wild rice tabbouleh (vegetarian)
Chocolate truffle square + vanilla bourbon pecan ice cream
Ricotta nutella calzone+vanilla bean ice cream
Spiced chocolate mousse + vanilla bean ice cream
Market fruit + artisanal cheese + dark chocolate board
Homemade taquitos
Wild thyme mushrooms on polenta (vegetarian)
Crispy pork belly wonton
Ahi mango avocado stack
Mexican chop salad (vegetarian)
Cucumber and cabbage salad with mango lime vinaigrette (vegetarian)
Simple wonton soup
Vegan gyoza and tempura vegetables (vegetarian)
Chicken green curry and pumpkin
Crispy (vegan) chicken tacos or enchiladas (vegetarian)
Vegetable and potato curry (vegetarian)
Suon nuong (grilled pork chops) with rice and fried egg
Mexican bread pudding with homemade ice cream
Tres leches cake
Mango sticky rice
Passion fruit and coconut sorbet
Prawn ceviche
Mushroom carpaccio, truffle oil, thyme & gruyere cheese (vegetarian)
Traditional tzatziki spread with hot pitta bread (vegetarian)
Beetroot carpaccio with “anthotiro” cheese, walnuts & ladoxido vinaigrette (vegetarian)
Burrata & cherry tomato salad with basil pesto (vegetarian)
Octopus mosaic, ladolemono & sweet cherry tomatoes
Cretan rusk salad with cherry tomatoes & ksinomizithra cheese (vegetarian)
Traditional green beans stewed in tomato sauce, with potatoes & zucchini (vegetarian)
Coq au vin, my style with potato fondant
Prawn spaghetti with homemade tomato sauce & basil
Sea bass fillet, celeriac cream, wild greens & lemon thyme sauce
Zucchini & lime risotto with homemade ricotta cheese (vegetarian)
Deconstructed lemon pie
Chocolate fondant, vanilla ice cream, caramel
“orange pie” with orange confit & vanilla ice cream
Flexible chocolate ganache, berry coulis, lime cream & mint dust
Fresh baked bread with extra virgin olive oil cruets served tableside
California potato salad - organic pee wee potatoes, olives, roasted sweet peppers, cebollita, rosemary aioli
Olives san leandro - marinated olives in my family tradition served with crudités
Real deal thin sliced beef tri tip roast coastal style with salsa cruda
Broasted whole farmhouse chicken
Poached north coast salmon - caldo, egg, lemon, dill and capers
Grilled baja oysters - estilo baja sur with grilled lemon and herbs
Chocolate chip skillet cookie with vanilla bean ice cream and candied pecans
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 Lake Forest.
What does a private chef service include in Lake Forest?
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 Lake Forest?
The price of renting a chef in Lake Forest 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 143 USD to 156 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 143 USD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 108 USD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 122 USD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 156 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 Lake Forest?
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 371 chefs available in Lake Forest. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest?
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 Lake Forest
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Lake Forest
Percentage of our women chefs in Lake Forest.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Lake Forest.
Percentage of services with kids in Lake Forest.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Lake Forest.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Lake Forest.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Lake Forest.
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 Lake Forest.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Lake Forest each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest.
Cost of a private chef in Lake Forest
The cost of hiring a private chef in Lake Forest 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 143 USD to 156 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 143 USD
For 7 to 12 people: 108 USD
For 3 to 6 people: 122 USD
For 2 people: 156 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 Lake Forest!
3 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 Lake Forest?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Lake Forest: 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 Lake Forest!

A Private Chef makes you enjoy the best gastronomy
Situations involving your senses are the experiences that make the best memories. This is Take a Chef’s philosophy. We want you to build new memories around high-end dishes cooked by our private chefs at the comfort of your house. Give Take a Chef a try and enjoy this wonderful experience.

Why not try a Personal Chef service in Lake Forest?
Lake Forest is a place that is known for its different types of cuisines and the best restaurants. But why don't you try to bring a personal chef to your home instead of going to a crowded restaurant after a super long day! We are here to help you, just click below to start your experience.

Try something different! Try a Private Chef service i Lake Forest
Have you ever tried a Michelin Star meal at the comfort of your dining table? No? Well, we at Take a Chef will take care to bring you the unique experience of having a Michelin Star chef at your house. Our chefs will take care of absolutely everything, from groceries, to even leave your kitchen spotless. Got interested? Want to know more? Click above!






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









