Private Chef in Monterey County
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 Monterey County
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Monterey County in March 2019, more than 16 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Monterey County and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Monterey County.
Starting in 2019, 116,939 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Monterey County. To book your chef in Monterey County, 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 32,925 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 76,065 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.71 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 116,939 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Monterey County usually book menus around 183 USD per person, including 3.7 courses, sharing an average of 4.9 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 Monterey County.












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.
16 Private Chefs in Monterey County
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Monterey County












More than 116,900 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.49 Chef
The guests in Monterey County have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.49.
4.77 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Monterey County received an average score of 4.77.
4.69 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.69 average score.
4.77 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Monterey County has been scored with a 4.77 on average.
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32,925 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Monterey County
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








- shrimp with prosciutto: seasoned with sweet paprika wrapped in prosciutto. gf,df
- big salad "insalatona": fresh combination of lettuce, arugula, tomato, carrots, radishes, cucumber and avocado. v,gf,df
- empanadas: delicious puff pastry with a filling of ground meat or chicken or fish, egg, veggies and lots of flavor. df
- margherita and 4 cheese small pizzas, made in italy, to enjoy with the family. v
- choripán: argentine sandwich with sausage and chimichurri, was recognized as one of the best in the world. gf,df
- mexican volcano: delicious open taco with tortilla, vegetables, shrimp or fish or avocado. v,gf,df
- citrus salad: unique explosion of flavors between arugula, cherry tomatoes, grapefruit, orange and tangerine. v,gf,df
- garlic shrimp: tasty shrimp in fine garlic sauce, vegetables and fine herbs. gf,df
- spanish tortilla: star dish of spanish gastronomy. delicious and unique presentation of potatoes, egg and onion. v,gf,df
- mexican ceviche: typical pacific cold soup of vegetables, lemon and shrimp, accompanied by crispy tortillas. gf,df
- guaca-nachos: nachos and baked cheeses with guacamole. v,gf
- red onion prawns: shrimp seasoned with sweet paprika with red onion. gf,df
- prawn cocktail: avocado, cilantro, tomato, onion, garlic, mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon, olive oil. v,gf,df
- uncle alfredo salad with arugula, red onion, green pepper, avocado and apple. v,gf,df
- beans with bacon and red onion. gf,df
- milanesa and cheese board
- sincronizadas with guacamole and frijoles. v,gf
- pozole with chicken and/or vegetarian. v,gf,df
- mexican mole with chicken and rice. gf,df
- pasta al tequilita: mexican-style pasta with parmesan, tomato sauce, cream, vegetables, basil and a touch of tequila. v,gf
- riso ai funghi: scented rice with mushrooms and typical italian vegetables. v,gf,df
- cannelloni crespelle: exquisite filling of spinach, corn and ricotta wrapped with crepes and covered with bechamel. v,gf
- mexican fried rice, fused with typical italian vegetables and spanish seasoning. v,gf,df
- pasta alfredo: for adults and children, pasta with butter and grated parmesan. v,gf,df
- potato gnocchi with mushroom: delicious gnocchetti topped with delicious mushroom cream sauce, vegetables and herbs. gf,df
- tagliatelle ai gamberi: homemade pasta, with a delicious italian sauce based on tomato, herbs and fresh shrimp. df
- spaghetti boscaiole: all the flavor of the forest in a mushroom cream sauce along with onion, garlic, arugula and basil. v,gf,df
- four cheeses pasta: penne wrapped together with sauce of blue cheese, parmesan, cheddar and gouda. v,gf
- pasta a la diabla. v,gf
- ravioli: tomato sauce and basil. v
- whole wheat spaghetti boscaioli with mushroom. v,df
- whole wheat spaghetti with herbs, broccoli and vegetables. v,df
- filet mignon with vegetables: mythical beef steak with intense flavor, crispy crust, juicy interior finished with vegetables. df,gf
- salmon with purée 3 colors: our favorite fish without a doubt. delicious portion of salmon with a carrot and potato puree. gf,df
- boneless chicken leg with orange juice: explosion of flavors, marinated with orange, paprika and along with vegetables. gf,df
- shrimp skewer: delicious shrimp cooked on skewers with grilled vegetables. gf,df
- stuffed bell pepper: slow-temperature roasted bell pepper, filled with ricotta, veggies. ground beef filling option available! v,gf,df
- stuffed mushrooms with vegetables. v,gf
- classic white fish, topped with a delicious green sauce and particular french noisette potatoes
- entrecote (ribeye) with vegetable brochette: tender and juicy at any point, topped with our tasty mushroom cream and potatoes. gf,df
- mexican tacos: delicious mexican jewel topped by "pico de gallo" and guacamole. gf,df
- mexican churrasco with potatoes cartoccio. gf,df
- milanesa a caballo - horseback: tender breaded beef with potatoes and fried eggs. df
- pastel de carne: well-seasoned and cooked minced meat with an optimal sofrito, along with creamy mashed potatoes. gf,df
- chicken and prawn skewer with vegetables. gf,df
- vacío steak with vegetables: classic steak, prepared at your will. juicy, delicious and full flavor topped with vegetables. gf,df
- big burger with french fries. gf,df
- lemon chicken breast scallopini with baked vegetables. gf,df
- one pizza for each vegetarian person: eggplant and honey, ortolana, margherita, funghi, 4 cheeses. v
- one pizza per person: peperoni, sausage, capricciosa, 4 stagioni, bismarck, prosciutto e parsley
- tiramisú: our signature dessert. mascarpone, coffee, lady fingers cookie, dark chocolate, eggs and sugar. v,gf,df
- chocolate mousse: popular creamy dessert loved by children and adults based on chocolate and eggs. v,gf,df
- caramel crepe: delicious french crepe with caramel (dulce de leche) will take you to latin america. v,gf
- lemon sorbet: sorbet with a light and refreshing texture with fresh lemon. v,gf
- nutella pizza: sweet italian pizza based on nutella and blueberries. v,df
- chocolate cake with nutella: dark chocolate cake filled with blueberry jam and fresh strawberries, topped with nutella. v,df
- cream caramel: french dessert that combines a cream based on eggs, vanilla, cinnamon with orange, lemon and tangerine. v,gf
- churros: exquisite latin churros scented with vanilla and cinnamon. v,df
- vigilante de queso y dulce. v,gf
- fruit sticks. v,gf,df
- carrot cake stuffed with berry jam and philadelphia cheese. v
- vanilla cake with peaches covered with philadelphia cheese, almonds and walnuts. v
Burgers
Cheese pizza
Burrata with heirloom tomatoes
Chiles rellenos (stuffed peppers)
Cucumber and yogurt salad
Fish ceviche
Dolmas
Caesar salad with shrimps
Chili beans soup
Fish tartare
Mini sliders
Grilled fish with roasted vegetables
Steak with bordelaise wine sauce
California roll with real crab
Nigiri omakase
Contemporary neapolitan pizza
Fish with chimichurri sauce, roasted veggies, risotto
Matcha green tea and chocolate mousse cups
Beautiful cheesecake
Baklava with greek yogurt
Modern tiramisu
French modern pastries
Valrhona chocolate mousse
Local miyagi point oysters w/ mignonette sauce
Petite crab cakes w/ . prepared with dungeness crab,remoulade sauce
Tapa grazing platter w/ manchego cheese,marcona almonds, fig jam, honey comb, fresh fruits, dried cranberries
French bistro salad. with poached buttery lobster tail. bib lettuce, tarragon leaves, pickled shallots, heirloom tomatoes w/ champagne vinaigrette
Sf sourdough with sweet butter
Local pacific halibut w/ lemon butter caper sauce, grilled asparagus, pearl couscous
8oz brandt ranch château briand with cafe de paris butter w/ crispy fingerling potatoes, roasted honey glazed baby carrots, classic french verts seasoned w/ shallots
Grilled chicken tenders & kids pasta with butter and parmigiana cheese
All individual dietary restrictions will be taken into account with each dish
Chez george cherry calfoutis with pistachio ice cream
Kids warm brownies with vanilla ice cream
- spring brochette, caprese style: tomato, mozzarella and basil, a classic! crowned with parmesan covered with balsamic. v,gf
- stuffed eggs: tuna or avocado, mayonnaise come together in an explosion of flavors. with soffritto, you can include cheeses. v,df,gf
- italian bruschetta: crispy toast crowned with a sautéed vegetable, mozzarella, prosciutto or caviar or salmon and parmesan. gf,df
- shrimp with prosciutto: seasoned with sweet paprika wrapped in prosciutto. gf,df
- big salad "insalatona": fresh combination of lettuce, arugula, tomato, carrots, radishes, cucumber and avocado. v,gf,df
- stuffed tomatoes: fresh and delicious tomatoes stuffed with a sautéed vegetable mixture, rice and mayonnaise. v,gf
- canapés: small and delicious typical italian tarts, with shrimp, salmon or avocado, ricotta and vegetables. v,df
- empanadas: delicious puff pastry with a filling of ground meat or chicken or fish, egg, veggies and lots of flavor. df
- margherita and 4 cheese small pizzas, made in italy, to enjoy with the family. v
- spinach frittata: italian appetizer, perfect fried mixture of egg, spinach, vegetables. possible version with mozzarella. v,gf,df
- citrus salad: unique explosion of flavors between arugula, cherry tomatoes, grapefruit, orange and tangerine. v,gf,df
- charcuterie board: assortment of cheeses and charcuteries for all tastes. gf
- genoese salad: arugula, prunes and prosciutto on a bed of fresh ricotta and topped with genovese pesto sauce. df
- emilian salad: simple combination of flavors between lettuce, tomatoes and red onion. v,gf,df
- uncle alfredo salad with arugula, red onion, green pepper, avocado and apple. v,gf,df
- milanesa and cheese board
- iberian chicken wings. gf
- penne all’arrabbiata: enjoy a touch of spicy peperoncino with tomato, parmesan, garlic and parsley sauce. v,gf,df
- pasta alla vodka: a little parmesan, tomato, heavy cream, onion, garlic, basil and vodka. v,gf
- spaghetti alla carbonara: roman pasta with egg yolk, parmesan and bacon, a perfect mix! that will blow your mind. gf,df
- riso ai funghi: scented rice with mushrooms and typical italian vegetables. v,gf,df
- spaghetti with speck or broccoli and arugula: creamy pasta from the italian mountains. v, df
- spaghetti al ragù: pasta with a delicious italian bolognese sauce. gf,df
- spaghetti al pesto: pasta garnished with a tasty ligurian pesto with fresh basil and parmesan. v,df
- potato gnocchi with asparagus: delicious gnocchetti topped with delicious asparagus cream sauce, vegetables and herbs. v,gf
- spaghetti boscaiole: all the flavor of the forest in a mushroom cream sauce along with onion, garlic, arugula and basil. v,gf,df
- four cheeses pasta: penne wrapped together with sauce of blue cheese, parmesan, cheddar and gouda. v,gf
- whole wheat spaghetti boscaioli with mushroom. v,df
- whole wheat spaghetti with herbs, broccoli and vegetables. v,df
- filet mignon with vegetables: mythical beef steak with intense flavor, crispy crust, juicy interior finished with vegetables. df,gf
- salmon with purée 3 colors: our favorite fish without a doubt. delicious portion of salmon with a carrot and potato puree. gf,df
- boneless chicken leg with orange juice: explosion of flavors, marinated with orange, paprika and along with vegetables. gf,df
- italian-style eggplant slices with roasted vegetables. v,gf,df
- roasted pork with egg and plums: baked ham stuffed with plums and egg, along with a fresh salad or vegetables. gf,df
- baked broccoli gratin with bechamel and parmesan. v,gf
- zucchini ripieni with vegetables. v,gf,df
- milanesa a caballo - horseback: tender breaded beef with potatoes and fried eggs. df
- scaloppine with vegetables. gf,df
- chicken supreme with vegetables. df
- lemon chicken breast scallopini with baked vegetables. gf,df
- one pizza for each vegetarian person: eggplant and honey, ortolana, margherita, funghi, 4 cheeses. v
- one pizza per person: peperoni, sausage, capricciosa, 4 stagioni, bismarck, prosciutto e parsley
- tiramisú: our signature dessert. mascarpone, coffee, lady fingers cookie, dark chocolate, eggs and sugar. v,gf,df
- chocolate mousse: popular creamy dessert loved by children and adults based on chocolate and eggs. v,gf,df
- nutella crepe: delicious french crepe, the original recipe. nutella will take you to italy. v,gf
- lemon sorbet: sorbet with a light and refreshing texture with fresh lemon. v,gf
- macedonia: seasonal fruits, put together to enjoy a healthy dessert. v,gf,df
- chocolate cake with nutella: dark chocolate cake filled with blueberry jam and fresh strawberries, topped with nutella. v,df
- m&m chocolate cake. v
Meze board of chef-made dips and crostini (gf available)
Pide flatbread with selection of toppings
Marinated goats and sheep cheese board with homemade rustic bread
Orzo pasta, sundried tomatoes, greens and greek olives salad
Stuffed vegetables assortment (dolmas)
Chicken lemon soup
Mushroom soup
Chilled yogurt soup with herbs and market fresh vegetables
Crispy roasted cornish hen with blue cheese dressing and country style potatoes
Spaghetti squash boat with rich vegetable and tomato sauce
Grilled halloumi cheese with farro pilaf and charred broccolini
Glazed side of salmon with fragrant rice and fall vegetables
Colossal shrimp with ancient grains risotto
Red wine poached pear
Walnut and sunflower paste filled dates
Seasonal fruit turnovers
Upside down apple pie
Octopus & shrimp carpaccio (dill, tomato, cucumber, olive oil, balsamic)
Butternut squash soup made with coconut milk
Stella's ruby garden (beet, apple, arugula, homemade dressing)
Ocean breeze pasta (seasonal vegetable, caper, anchovy, shrimp, arugula, tomato and herb)
Lemon marinated roasted salmon with rainbow vegetable and cous cous
100% made with love tiramisu
Cải chua xào ớt stir fried pickled mustard greens w chili
Ngó sen xào sả lotus stem stir fry w lemongrass + chili
Rau muống trộn mắm ruốc huế water spinach lightly wilted w hue shrimp paste
Canh chua huế — tomato consommé tamarind + pineapple broth clarified to consommé brightness, poured over king oyster mushroom, watercress, bean sprout, and choy stem
Ca kho hue- catfish steaks braised in fishsfauce coconut caramel with spicy lemongrass + chili
Hard seared lemongrass maitake (vegan) charred maitake cluster · black garlic soy caramel · kumquat zest · toasted sesame rice powder · rau răm herb
Loaded potato skins
Cheesy spicy nachos
Garlic fries
Antipasti - selection of artisan cheeses, fruit and dips
Pulled chicken taquitos
Classic beef burger with potato wedges
Jumbo dawg with all the fixings
Deep dish chicago style pizza with all the fixings
Red hot fried chicken
Chilli your way
Beignets woth a side of ice cream
Black forest trifle cups
Cherry bomb mega-sundae
Chocolate chilli 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 Monterey County.
What does a private chef service include in Monterey County?
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 Monterey County?
The price of renting a chef in Monterey County 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 163 USD to 327 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 163 USD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 178 USD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 112 USD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 327 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 Monterey County?
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 Monterey County. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Monterey County 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 Monterey County?
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 Monterey County
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Monterey County
Percentage of our women chefs in Monterey County.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Monterey County.
Percentage of services with kids in Monterey County.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Monterey County.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Monterey County.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Monterey County.
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 Monterey County.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Monterey County each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Monterey County, 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 Monterey County.
Cost of a private chef in Monterey County
The cost of hiring a private chef in Monterey County 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 163 USD to 327 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 163 USD
For 7 to 12 people: 178 USD
For 3 to 6 people: 112 USD
For 2 people: 327 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 Monterey County?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Monterey County: 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 Monterey County!






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









