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, 109,550 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 30,527 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 67,873 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.7 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 109,550 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Monterey County usually book menus around 180 USD per person, including 3.76 courses, sharing an average of 4.89 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 109,500 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.47 Chef
The guests in Monterey County have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.47.
4.77 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Monterey County received an average score of 4.77.
4.68 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.68 average score.
4.76 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Monterey County has been scored with a 4.76 on average.
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30,527 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Monterey County
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








- wild salmon lemon juice tostada watercress. flowers & aioli
- crudo halibut lemon juice tostada watercress. flowers & spicy aioli
- crudo tuna, arugula, chipotle sauce, flowers & meyer lemon juice
- citrus organic green salad (mix greem , orange, rose grapefruit, lavender sea salt)
. shrimp ceviche orange, sweet potatoes, fresh cilantro, radish & red onions
_ grill halibut with chimichurri sauce with creamed organic spinach & lavender sea salt
, grilled salmon with chimichurri sauce with mashed sweet potatoes & rosemary sea salt
. grill figs & peaches with chocolate ice cream & fresh mint
. lemon pie
. chocolate macarons with tangelo sorbet
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
Taco spread - build your own tacos with my selection of versatile ingredients
Beignets woth a side of ice cream
Black forest trifle cups
Cherry bomb mega-sundae
Chocolate chilli lava cake
Crispy wontons with guacamole and pico de gallo (vegetarian)
Charred artichokes with chef’s aioli (vegetarian)
Shrimp cocktail shooters
Antipasta skewers
Taco bar (shrimp, veggies, cilantro lime chicken, steak) with rice and beans
Eggplant parmesan with fresh pasta and marinara (vegetarian)
Bone in pork chops with warm apple chutney, mashed potatoes, and roasted asparagus
Pan seared scallops with whipped potatoes and roasted vegetables
Hot fudge brownie sundae
Lemon olive oil cake
Key lime pie
Personal tres leche cakes with fresh berries
Bacon wrapped scallops
Tomato, mozzarella, and fresh basil with balsamic reduction (vegetarian)
Crispy wontons with jalapeño and cream cheese (vegetarian)
Cheviche
Local mixed greens with grilled peaches, goat cheese, candied almonds, and balsamic dressing (vegetarian)
Fresh local greens, cucumber, tomato, and red onion (vegetarian)
House caesar salad with parmesan and ciabatta croutons (vegetarian option available)
Local mixed greens with strawberries, goat cheese, candied almonds, and balsamic dressing (vegetarian)
Braised beef shortribs with thick cut pasta
Shrimp scampi with fresh pasta and asparagus
Fresh veggie lasagna (vegetarian)
Grilled veggie fajitas with rice and beans (vegetarian)
Flourless chocolate torte with mixed berry compote
Mini fruit tart
Tiramisu
Homemade churros with salted dulce de leche
Pan seared divers scallop with salsa verde, crispy prosciutto lardons & radish sprout salad
New orleans bbq head-on shrimp with garlic foccacia plank
Creamy bouillabaise with black cod, crab, clams & mussels
Salted graham cracker crust cheesecake with passionfruit-lemon curd
Pickled peach & bell pepper salad
Jerk pork belly skewers with toasted coconut & tamarind tuille
2-day brined roasted jerk chicken served with coconut rice, cuban-style black beans, ghee roasted plantains & charred scallions
Banana bread trifle with creme fraîche, passionfruit gelee + toasted pepitas
Charred artichokes with chef’s aioli
Antipasta skewers
Tomato, mozzarella, and fresh basil with balsamic reduction
Chicken meatballs with tzatziki, orzo, and roasted vegetables
Grilled portobello steaks, whipped mashed potatoes, and grilled vegetables
Eggplant parmesan with fresh pasta and homemade marinara
Chicken marsala
Tiramisu
Lemon olive oil cake
Key lime pie
- salty crepe with salmon: popular french dish. homemade tortillas, filled with fresh vegetables, salmon or avocado and cheeses
- cheese and broccoli souffle: typical french dish based on various cheeses, egg and broccoli
- charcuterie board: assortment of cheeses and charcuteries for all tastes
- big salad "insalatona": fresh combination of lettuce, arugula, tomato, carrots, radishes, cucumber and avocado, seasoned with balsamic cream
- canapés or tartlets: small and delicious typical italian tarts, with salmon or avocado, ricotta and a selected mixture of cooked vegetables
- stuffed tomatoes: fresh and delicious tomatoes stuffed with a sautéed vegetable mixture, rice and mayonnaise
- citrus salad: unique explosion of flavors between arugula, cherry tomatoes, grapefruit, orange and tangerine, seasoned with balsamic cream
- spinach and zucchini savory cake: salty cake with a touch of genoese style!
- potato gnocchi with asparagus: delicious gnocchetti topped with delicious asparagus cream sauce, vegetables and selected herbs
- penne all’arrabbiata: who said spicy? enjoy a touch of spicy peperoncino with tomato, parmesan, garlic and parsley sauce
- linguine al pesto: homemade pasta, garnished with a tasty ligurian pesto with fresh basil, parmesan and olives
- four cheeses tagliatelle: homemade pasta wrapped together with sauce of blue cheese, parmesan, cheddar and gouda
- pasta alla vodka: a little parmesan, tomato, heavy cream, onion, garlic, basil and vodka. yes, vodka!
- riso ai funghi: scented rice with mushrooms and typical italian vegetables
- filet mignon with patate al cartoccio: mythical beef steak with intense flavor, crispy crust, juicy interior finished with roasted vegetables
- salmon with purée 3 colors: our favorite fish without a doubt. delicious portion of salmon, along with a irresistible carrot and potato puree
- boneless chicken leg with orange juice: chicken with an explosion of flavors, marinated with orange, paprika and along with fine vegetables
- roasted pork with egg and plums: baked ham stuffed with plums and egg, along with a fresh salad
- tilapia with noisette potatoes: classic white fish, topped with a delicious green sauce and particular french noisette potatoes
- napolitana fette of aubergines with potatoes (mozzarella or avocado, tomato sauce, sage, oregano, olive oil, salt and pepper) v,gf,df
- chocolate mousse: popular creamy dessert loved by children and adults based on chocolate and eggs
- cream caramel: famous french dessert that combines a cream based on eggs, vanilla and cinnamon with orange, lemon and tangerine
- lemon sorbet: sorbet with a light and refreshing texture with fresh strawberries
- chocolate cake with nutella: dark chocolate cake filled with blueberry jam and fresh strawberries, topped with nutella cream
- melba cup: cup of chocolate and strawberry ice cream with fresh peach
- macedonia: seasonal fruits, put together to enjoy a healthy dessert
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.









