Private Chef in Reading
Rent one of our 99 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















A personal chef for any occasion in Reading
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Reading in March 2017, more than 99 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Reading and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Berks County.
Starting in 2017, 28,662 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Reading. To book your chef in Reading, 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 4,328 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 9,413 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.8 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 28,662 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Reading usually book menus around 175 USD per person, including 3.9 courses, sharing an average of 5.25 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 Reading.












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.
99 Private Chefs in Reading
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Reading












More than 28,600 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.56 Chef
The guests in Reading have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.56.
4.88 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Reading received an average score of 4.88.
4.79 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.79 average score.
4.87 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Reading has been scored with a 4.87 on average.
View full review
View full review
View full review
View full review
4,328 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Reading
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Basil cucumber gazpacho shooters
Greens with goat cheese & honey
Filet mignon with red wine reduction sautéed asparagus and potatoes
Atlantic salmon with lemon glaze with sautéed asparagus & red potatoes
Red wine poached pears
Chocolate soufflé
Arugula, tomato, fig, and mozzarella with creamy aged balsamic vinaigrette
Cheese, charcuterie, seasonal jams & accoutrements, roasted marinated carrots, crudite, bread
Shrimp cocktail, spicy house cocktail sauce, cilantro, lime
Mini lump crab cakes, remoulade
Baked apple, bacon, and brie sliders
Deviled eggs, pickled red onion, chives
Fried arancini with house tomato sauce, pecorino
Philly cheesesteak egg rolls with caramelized onions, cooper sharp, and chipotle ketchup
Side dish- hatch cover mac n’ cheese- 3 kerrygold cheeses, extruded elbow noodles
Side dish- mashed sweet potatoes with maple and crushed walnuts
Side dish- roasted & fried brussels sprouts, black garlic ginger glaze, crispy rice pearls
Side dish- sauteed green beans and almonds with garlic butter
Side dish- charred scallion mashed potatoes with pickled red onions
Traditional mashed potatoes with gravy
Manicotti with ricotta, homemade cream sherry tomato sauce
Turkey breasts- brined lancaster turkey breasts, soy cinnamon & orange glaze, scallion, milk bread stuffing, roasted carrots
Whole turkey- traditional homemade gravy, basil garlic rosemary glaze, focaccia stuffing with pork sausage, broccoli rabe
½ turkey breasts ½ turkey legs- herbes de provence, demi-glace, brûléed onion, garlic thyme brioche stuffing, creamed spinach
Roast chicken with any of the above preparations
Prime rib with demi-glace, pomme puree, haricot verts
Freshly made cannelloni/crespelle with braised beef or lamb and local ricotta andherb pesto
French silk pie with graham cracker and warming spices
Ricotta mascarpone cheesecake with chocolate and orange
Pumpkin pie
Ny style pumpkin cheesecake with local perrystead schmear cheese, warming spices, chantilly
Creme brulee with cinnamon apple reduction
Pear, prosciutto & honey goat cheese bites
Smoked salmon with herbed cream cheese & chives on puff pastry
Mini steak frites with caramelized shallots in a garlic & herb butter sauce
Mixed green salad with herbed goat cheese and honey
French onion soup with garlic parmesan crostini
Salad nicoise with seared chicken breast
Coq au riesling , fondant potatoes & green bean & carrot almondine
Coquille st. jacque, garlic parmesan risotto & asparagus almondine
Beef bourguignon , puréed herb infused potatoes & roasted brussels sprouts
Crepes with chocolate hazelnut sauce & whipped marscapone
Crème brûlée with seasonal sugared berries
Chocolate ganache tart with sugared berries and shaved white chocolate
Golden, crispy croquettes filled with sweet caramelized onions, juicy honeycrisp apple, creamy goat’s cheese, and a luxurious hint of truffle
Toasted ciabatta bruschetta drizzled with fragrant basil and garlic evoo, topped with juicy fresh tomatoes, creamy italian mozzarella, and delicate slices of prosciutto
Tortilla de patatas – a classic spanish potato and onion omelette, perfectly golden and tender, served with authentic, creamy garlic aioli,
Crispy arborio rice crowned with delicate marinated tuna tataki, tangy pickled red onion, and a bold wasabi drizzle
French pâté - rich, savory french pâté served with crispy toasted baguette slices and topped with sweet, caramelized onion jam
Crispy fried brie wedges - creamy brie wedges wrapped in a golden panko crust, deep-fried to perfection and served with sweet strawberry jam
Crispy calamari served with creamy homemade garlic aioli and a sweet, spicy garlic-chili thai sauce
Gambas al ajillo – succulent jumbo shrimp pan-seared to perfection, topped with crisp garlic chips and finished with a dramatic brandy flambé
Croquetas de jamón y queso – jumbo golden, crispy croquettes filled with savory iberian ham and creamy manchego cheese, lightly fried to perfection and finished with a drizzle of traditional spanish salmorejo
Hand-cut traditional french steak tartare, delicately seasoned and full of bold, fresh flavor, paired with light and crispy wonton crackers
Salmon & avocado tartare—fresh, buttery salmon and creamy avocado delicately marinated with ginger, wasabi, sesame seeds, chives, dijon mustard, and a splash of lemon juice
Panko-breaded chicken or pork bites, marinated with fresh parsley, garlic, and lemon juice for vibrant flavor, then topped with zesty spicy mayo dip
Butternut squash & coconut milk soup – silky, velvety, and infused with natural sweetness, finished with a sprinkle of roasted pistachios,
Shrimp, apple or pineapple, and avocado salad layered over crisp iceberg lettuce, drizzled with a rich homemade cocktail dressing
Arugula salad with crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and sweet caramelized onion, tossed in fragrant evoo and balsamic vinegar —all elegantly served in a golden parmigiano basket
Authentic paella valenciana – prepared with traditional countryside ingredients or fresh seafood, slow-cooked to perfection for rich, smoky flavors and a golden socarrat that captures the true essence of spain,
Arròs negre – a rich paella-style rice infused with squid ink for deep, savory flavor, topped with fresh shellfish and finished with the signature taste of the mediterranean coast
Fideuà – a traditional mediterranean specialty, reminiscent of paella, prepared with delicate short noodles slowly simmered in a rich, savory fish broth for deep, authentic flavor
Mushroom & truffle risotto – velvety arborio rice enriched with earthy mushrooms and decadent truffle, topped with tender steamed asparagus
Chicken & shrimp meatballs – tender, flavorful meatballs seasoned with fresh parsley, garlic, and ginger, gently simmered in a rich, creamy chicken broth
Filet mignon – perfectly cooked and finished with zesty argentinian chimichurri, served alongside a delicate potato garnish
Ribeye or ny strip – expertly cooked to perfection and topped with vibrant argentinian chimichurri, accompanied by a delicate potato garnish
Pan-seared sea bass – perfectly seared and finished in a bright lemon-caper butter sauce, accompanied by a medley of roasted asparagus
Pan-seared salmon– perfectly seared and finished in a bright lemon-caper butter sauce, accompanied by a medley of roasted asparagus
French raspberry bavarois – silky, delicate raspberry mousse crowned with fresh chantilly, a buttery shortbread crumble, and plump, juicy raspberries
Lemon and lime infused crème brûlée - a velvety, rich custard delicately infused with fresh lemon and lime zest, topped with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust for a crisp, golden finish
Italian tiramisu - layers of delicate espresso-soaked ladyfingers nestled beneath a silky mascarpone cream, dusted with rich cocoa powder
Honey crisp apple crumble - warm, tender honey crisp apples baked under a buttery, golden crumble, served with creamy vanilla ice cream and finished with a vibrant raspberry coulis
Chocolate brownie skillet - warm, fudgy brownie skillet crowned with rich chocolate ganache, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, and a delicate shortbread crumble
Caprese salad with balsamic
Ultimate caesar salad
Chicken piccata with cavatappi & broccol
Angus ny strip steak with sautéed asparagus with potatoes
Atlantic salmon stuffed with crab meat and pasta with cream sauce
Strawberry upside down cake with sweet mascarpone frosting
Homemade tiramisu
Can customize starter course
Can customize first course dish
Can customize main course
Can customize a seasonal dessert course
Mediterranean platter: smoked paprika hummus, spain salmorejo, zuchinni baba ghanoush served with pita bread and assorted vegetables
Deep fried panko breaded broccoli stems with cilantro mojo picón dip
Olive and caper tapenade with rosemary and raisin crackers
Guac and homemade potato crisps
Butternut squash & coconut milk soup served with roasted pistachios
Lentil and raisin salad with honey, curry, lemon juice and chive vinaigrette
Pan seared bella mushroom with argentinian chimichurri
Vegan arancini with pesto center
Avocado and pineapple salad (avocado, pineapple, lettuce, tomato, cashew, chive)
Andalusian spinach & chickpea stew
Vegan bella mushroom risotto
Vegan eggplant rolatini
Vegetable spain paella
Tofu shakshuka
Honey crisp apple risotto with vegan caramel
Avocado chocolate mousse topped with glazed almonds
Mojito infused fruit salad with fresh mint and raspberry coulis
Jumbo shrimp cocktail with arugula salad
Shrimp, avocado & mango salsa lettuce wraps
Seared scallops in a white wine & sage demi glace
Caesar salad with freshly made parmesan crisps
Mixed green salad with herbed goat cheese and honey with mango vinaigrette
Avocado & hearts of palm salad with quail eggs & coriander fennel vinaigrette
Seared salmon , garlic & parmesan risotto & asparagus almondine
Seafood bouillabaisse with garlic parmesan crostini, rosemary potatoes & sautéed asparagus
Red snapper with lemon dill sauce, saffron rice & roasted root vegetables
Chocolate souffle
Chocolate pomegranate tart with whipped marscapone
Crème brûlée with seasonal sugared berries
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 Reading.
What does a private chef service include in Reading?
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 Reading?
The price of renting a chef in Reading 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 113 USD to 137 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 113 USD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 106 USD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 133 USD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 137 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 Reading?
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 99 chefs available in Reading. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Reading 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 Reading?
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 Reading
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Reading
Percentage of our women chefs in Reading.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Reading.
Percentage of services with kids in Reading.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Reading.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Reading.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Reading.
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 Reading.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Reading each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Reading, 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 Reading.
Cost of a private chef in Reading
The cost of hiring a private chef in Reading 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 113 USD to 137 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 113 USD
For 7 to 12 people: 106 USD
For 3 to 6 people: 133 USD
For 2 people: 137 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 Reading?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Reading: 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 Reading!






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









