Private Chef in South Portland
Rent one of our 41 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















A personal chef for any occasion in South Portland
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in South Portland in April 2017, more than 41 Private Chefs have joined our platform in South Portland and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Cumberland County.
Starting in 2017, 8,618 guests have already enjoyed a chef in South Portland. To book your chef in South Portland, 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 1,208 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 3,140 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.81 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 8,618 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in South Portland usually book menus around 169 USD per person, including 4.14 courses, sharing an average of 4.07 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 South Portland.












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.
41 Private Chefs in South Portland
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in South Portland












More than 8,600 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.6 Chef
The guests in South Portland have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.6.
4.85 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in South Portland received an average score of 4.85.
4.8 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.8 average score.
4.9 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in South Portland has been scored with a 4.9 on average.
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1,208 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in South Portland
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Goma-dofu (savory sesame tofu) with a dab of wasabi
Edamame with sea salt and toasted sesame oil
Sunomono (cucumber and wakame seaweed salad in rice vinegar)
Nasu dengaku (miso-glazed broiled eggplant served with steamed rice and pickles)
Okonomiyaki (savory cabbage pancake with mayo and seaweed powder)
Nigiri & maki platter (avocado maki, pickled radish rolls, and inari sushi)
Oyakodon, rice served with chicken, egg, sliced scallion, and other ingredients are all simmered together
Anmitsu (agar jelly cubes, fruit, and sweet red bean paste)
Daifuku (soft mochi stuffed with red beans)
Mitarashi dango (rice dumplings with a sweet soy glaze)
Yellowfin tuna tartare with avocado, lime, and a hint of jerk seasoning
Grilled octopus with fingerling potatoes, smoked paprika, and celery salad
Burrata with heirloom tomatoes
Guava-glazed beef tenderloin served with smashed garlic plantains (tostones) and a watercress salad
Dry brined ribeye with seasonal vegetables
Baked cod with herb crust & asparagus
Arroz con leche (rice pudding) infused with star anise and topped with brûléed bananas
Classic strawberry cheese cake
Bacon wrapped dates stuffed with blue cheese
Salmon crudo with sesame ginger miso and kaffir lime
Ahi tuna tartare with sweet chili, citrus ponzu, avocado
Bruschetta alla pomodoro with basil chiffonade
Four cheese arancini with parmesan
Red wine braised beef ragu bolognese over rigatoni
Caprese limone pasta with fresh linguini in a lemon pesto with grana padano
Gnocchi in brown butter with sage and miso
Bucatini with pesto and chicken
Baked whole miso butter lobster stuffed with lemongrass sweet shrimp
Chicken marsala in a creamy cremini mushroom sauce with a side of bacon mashed potatos
Seared ribeye steak with red wine and peppercorn sauce with a side of garlic and olive spinach
Mediterranean branzino in a red pepper emulsion with snap pea crunch and bell pepper
Five spiced rack of lamb with a side of herbed spinach and miso butter asparagus
Key lime pie with biscoff crunch
Chocolate and pretzel bread pudding with ice cream of choice
Sea salt caramel cheesecake with dulce de leche ice cream
Classic homemade apple tarte from normandy
Chocolate lava cake with ice cream
French onion soup with gruyère croutons
Endive salad with roquefort and candied pecans: crisp endive leaves topped with crumbled roquefort cheese, candied pecans, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction (vegetarian)
Sautéed wild mushrooms on toasted sourdough with garlic and thyme (vegetarian)
Smoked salmon rillettes with pickled shallots: creamy smoked salmon spread mixed with crème fraîche and herbs, served with pickled shallots and crackers
Braised beef cheeks with red wine reduction and creamy polenta: beef cheeks slowly braised in red wine and aromatics until fork-tender, served with a rich red wine reduction sauce and creamy parmesan polenta
Roasted quail with pancetta and sage stuffing: quail marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon, and herbs, stuffed with a savory pancetta and sage filling, roasted until golden brown, and served with a red wine reduction
Duck breast over risotto with truffle oil and parmesan crisps: creamy arborio rice cooked with a medley of wild mushrooms, finished with a drizzle of truffle oil and garnished with crispy parmesan crisps for added texture
Wild mushroom risotto with truffle oil and parmesan crisps (vegetarian)
Mille-feuille. one thousand sheets, layers, puff pastry with layers of vanilla diplomat cream with dots of caramel
Lavender crème brûlée with fresh berries: creamy lavender-infused custard topped with a caramelized sugar crust, served with a medley of fresh berries and a sprig of mint
Chocolate pots de crème with espresso whipped cream: rich and indulgent chocolate pots de crème topped with espresso-infused whipped cream and chocolate shavings
Poached pear in red wine with vanilla bean ice cream: ripe pear poached in red wine and spices, served with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of reduced poaching liquid
Seafood gumbo with red curry
Shrimp satay with coconut and peanut dipping sauce
Lobster bisque with miso butter lobster and tom yum spice
Mussels in white wine garlic or zesty arrabiata sauce with garlic bread crostada
Classic caesar salad with homemade dressing topped with shrimp
Baby gems salad with hearts of palm, avocados, and crispy shrimp
Beet carpaccio with asian pear crunch in a citrus ponzu sauce
Salmon carpaccio in a soy garlic ponzu with jalapeño
Tuna tartare in sweet chili and kaffir lime ponzu
Steamed ginger seabass in a coconut green curry
Seared scallops in a delicate lemongrass and ginger sauce
Baked salmon marinated in yellow curry with sautéed bok choy and spinach
Baked whole miso butter lobsters stuffed with tom yum shrimp
Sesame crusted ahi tuna tuna steak with sweet soy ginger marinade
Mango coconut sticky rice with coconut sorbet
Coconut cream pie with whipped cream
Sweet cream butter waffle with green tea ice cream
Classic key lime pie with ice cream of choice
Mango shrimp salad (fresh cooked shrimp, w/ vinaigrette) (gluten free)
Spring rolls (crispy rolls w/ chicken, shrimp or veggie filling)
Festive eggs ( with seasonal filling)
Bao bun (w/schezwan barbecue chicken)
Tofu kebobs (spicy skewers w/veggies & tofu)
Wonton soup (clear, w/shrimp or chicken)
Sweet corn egg drop soup (fresh corn, optional bacon topping)
Hong kong high tea (3x steamed dimsums, 3x bao buns)
Pork belly (char siu) w/ asian glazed vegetables
Beef broccoli (stir fry w/ sesame seeds)
Sichuan style steam fish (fresh white fish, scallions, aromatic sauce)
Thai pumpkin curry (w/lentils)
Asian stir fry noodles (egg noodles, pork, chicken/shrimp or vegetarian) (choose as standalone dish)
Chinese fried rice (short grain rice, pork/chicken/shrimp/veggies) (choose as standalone dish)
Mango & passion fruit pudding (topped w/mint)
Vietnamese banh flan (baked coconut milk custard)
Ube tapioca pudding (w/purple yam, coconut milk)
Four cheese arancini with parmesan
Caprese skewers with fresh basil and pesto vinaigrette
Homemade bruschetta alla pomodoro
Miso caesar salad with homemade dressing
Steakhouse cobb salad with blue cheese topped with seared bacon and egg in a maple balsamic vinaigrette
Gluten free liniguini vongolé with white clams, white wine and garlic
Manila clams in a sweet chili tom yum broth with scallions
Clams casino with gluten free panko crunch
Miso butter lobsters stuffed with garlic butter shrimp
Chocolate lava cake with cookie butter ice cream
Homemade key lime pie
Classic cheesecake with raspberry coulis and whipped cream
Crème brulée with berries
Brioche bread pudding with ice cream
Homemade caponata on grilled olive foccacia
Fresh made bruschetta with basil chiffonade and balsamic reduction
Baby greens chopped salad in a pesto vinaigrette
Burrata with arugula in a maple pesto vinaigrette
Zucchini alla scapece: a traditional sicilian dish featuring fried and marinated zucchini
Braised beef ragu with fresh imported pasta
Spaghetti carbonara with smoked bacon
Gnocchi in a brown butter sage sauce
Fiochetti al limone (fresh tortellini pasta filled with cheese in a lemon pesto from capri)
Cellantani with sausage, tomatoes, basil and lemonade zesty chili
Chicken parmesan wrapped in prosciutto with a mushroom medley
Baked salmon oregonata with braised carrots in a pecan crunch
Acqua pazza: baked seabass with white wine, lemon, capers sauce
Chicken marsala with mushrooms and side of bacon mashed potatoes
Bresoala au barolo: pietmontese beef stew with red wine, carrots and baby red potatoes
Classic beef lasagne with four cheese (can be vegetarian upon request)
Chocolate fondant cake (chocolate lava cake) with vanilla ice cream
Classic tiramisu
Key lime panna cotta
Banana crema pudding with biscotti crunch
Pannetone bread pudding (specialty ⭐️)
Lemon ricotta cheesecake
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 South Portland.
What does a private chef service include in South Portland?
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 South Portland?
The price of renting a chef in South Portland 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 157 USD to 250 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 157 USD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 151 USD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 182 USD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 250 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 South Portland?
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 41 chefs available in South Portland. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in South Portland 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 South Portland?
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 South Portland
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in South Portland
Percentage of our women chefs in South Portland.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in South Portland.
Percentage of services with kids in South Portland.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in South Portland.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in South Portland.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in South Portland.
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 South Portland.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in South Portland each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In South Portland, 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 South Portland.
Cost of a private chef in South Portland
The cost of hiring a private chef in South Portland 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 157 USD to 250 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 157 USD
For 7 to 12 people: 151 USD
For 3 to 6 people: 182 USD
For 2 people: 250 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 South Portland?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in South Portland: 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 South Portland!






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









