Private Chef in Tompkins County
Rent one of our 13 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















A personal chef for any occasion in Tompkins County
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Tompkins County in March 2017, more than 13 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Tompkins County and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Tompkins County.
Starting in 2017, 64,798 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Tompkins County. To book your chef in Tompkins 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 12,217 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 23,325 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.68 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 64,798 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Tompkins County usually book menus around 165 USD per person, including 4.24 courses, sharing an average of 5.76 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 Tompkins 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!
13 Private Chefs in Tompkins County
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Tompkins County












More than 64,700 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.38 Chef
The guests in Tompkins County have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.38.
4.76 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Tompkins County received an average score of 4.76.
4.65 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.65 average score.
4.8 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Tompkins County has been scored with a 4.8 on average.
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12,217 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Tompkins County
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Korean bbq beef sliders, cucumber kimchi, cabbage slaw
Pork belly jumeokbap, cucumber, gochujang vinaigrette
Korean dumplings, petit greens, sweet soy vinaigrette
Vegetable kimbap & tteokbokki platter
Korean marinated chicken thighs, soy stewed potatoes, heirloom carrots, korean sweet potato
Beef bulgogi, kabocha squash puree, bok choy, korean miso
Spicy korean pork, braised cabbage, root vegetables
Shrimp japchae, vermicelli noodles, sautéed vegetables, garlic soy glaze
Sujeonggwa cheesecake, persimmon, pine nut
Hotteok, sweet red bean pancake, peanut
Chocolate cake, fresh fruit, vanilla cream
Authentic chinese steamed shrimp and pork dumplings sesame ginger ponzu sauce (can do chicken and watercress or vegetarian)
Assorted hand rolled sushi platter including unagi, yellowtail, toro and crab, seaweed salad
Japanese style chicken or pork lettuce wraps - wok seared ground pork or chicken served warm with crispy wontons, toasted peanuts, scallions, blistered peppers, napa cabbage and iceberg lettuce wraps
Tuna tartar with avocado, scallions, jalapeno and ginger soy sesame glaze, on crispy wonton strips
Black sesame crusted black fin tuna loin, sliced and served rare with ponzu dipping sauce and crispy wonton tortillas with guacamole
Sesame crusted sea scallops, pan seared - seaweed salad - roasted enoki mushroom salad - ponzu sauce
1 dozen fresh oysters - pacific / atlantic and canadian with shallot red wine mignonette, lemon horseradish and homemade wheat crackers
Assorted hand rolled mediterranean style sushi platter with selected items (smoked salmon / tuna / salmon / crab / uni)
Batter dipped calamari and rock shrimp with roasted peppers and a catalonian mayonnaise dipping sauce
Petite filet mignon with bordelaise sauce, roasted forest mushrooms and shallots, grilled zucchini with herbed potato puree
Tempura shrimp and vegetables - jumbo prawns tempura style with stir-fried baby bok choy, carrot, broccoli and snow peas, steamed ginger rice
Roast asian pork shoulder - broccoli stir-fry with baby carrots, peppers, snap peas, and steamed ginger rice - sticky soy plum glaze
Tan tan ramen - ground pork, ginger beef, peanuts, bok choy and ramen noodles served with a flavorful hot pork broth (fried egg optional)
Chili and soy glazed organic salmon steak, grilled and served with roasted japanese eggplant, steamed ginger rice
Pork tonkatsu - thin pork cutlets, panko crusted, crispy pan fried - plum sauce - ramen noodles and stir-fried vegetables
Crispy whitefish tempura with asparagus and roasted peppers - stir fried rice with edamame - double xx soy ginger orange glaze
Surf and turf - grill tenderloin steak and baked cold water lobster - house special sauce, crispy potato cakes and steamed broccolini
Fresh sliced mangos served chilled with a raspberry sauce - lemon sorbet and almond cookies
5 layer chocolate cake served warm with vanilla ice cream and berries
Key lime pie with whipped cream and fresh berries
Assorted house made cookies and apricot rugalach platter with fresh picked raspberries, strawberries, blackberries and mint
Fresh berry and fruit tartlets with pastry cream and fresh mint
Cole mezze of hummus, labneh & mouhamara with crudite and warm pita (vegetarian)
Roasted fennel & orange salad with pepitas & aleppo chili vinaigrette (vegetarian)
Roasted cauliflower velouté with herb-truffle oil and hazelnuts (vegetarian)
Ceviche of shrimp & mahi mahi with mango-habañero dressing on tostadas
Cacio e pepe – bucatini with pecorino romano & crushed peppercorns (vegetarian)
Hot mezze of fried kibbeh, spinach fatayer and falafel
Chickpea croquetas over tomato fondue and chermoula sauce (vegetarian)
Pistachio crusted sea scallops with labneh tahini and red chilis
Lamb makloubeh with roasted eggplant, piquillo peppers and nuts
Samkeh harra – roasted branzino over rice, herb-tahini dressing
Local whole roasted trout with cinnamon rice & almonds
Roasted eggplant “branzino” with pistachio & lemon gremolata (vegetarian)
Homemade baklava with orange blossom honey and crushed pistachios
Flourless chocolate torte with raspberry coulis
Seasonal fruit tartlet with saba and mint
Mousse au chocolat with sea salt & honey chantilly cream
Octopus & mahi mahi ceviche with mango-habañero dressing
Roasted local cauliflower velouté with truffle oil and hazelnuts (vegetarian)
Local harvest greens with pickled red onions, toasted walnuts and tahini dressing (vegetarian)
Grilled hearts of romaine with creamy caesar and parmigiano
Crispy cod goujons with pickled cabbage and red pepper remoulade
Chickpea croquetas over tomato fondue with chermoula sauce (vegetarian)
Pistachio crusted sea scallops with labneh tahini and red finger chilis
Mezze vegetable tasting – tabbouleh, lebanese moussaka, loubia bil zeit (vegetarian)
Samkeh harra – roasted branzino over rice with herb-tahini & grapefruit dukkah
Whole roasted branzino with preserved lemon & fried caper gremolata
Scallops à la meunière over toasted almond risotto with pickled endive salad
Roasted marinated lion’s mane mushrooms over pommes aligot (vegetarian)
Awamaat – lebanese beignets with orange blossom glaze
Flourless chocolate torte with local raspberry coulis
Seasonal fruit tartlet with saba & local mint
Budino cake – dark chocolate mousse cake with sea salt cream
Citrus shrimps ceviche with avocado
Roasted beet and citrus salad
Grilled mediterranean herbs salmon fillet
Dijon mustard chicken thighs
Pineapple fried rice with shrimp
Crispy rosemary potatoes
Grilled asparagus with citrus butter
Honey and balsamic rainbow carrots
Tres leche cake
Arancini with spicy marinara and grana padano
Grilled hearts of romaine with creamy caesar and herbed breadcrumbs
Roasted olives with fried rosemary (vegetarian)
Mezze tasting – hummus, labneh & mouhamara with warm pita (vegetarian)
Campanelle in pesto with toasted pine nuts & pecorino (vegetarian)
Tuscan-style roasted sirloin steak over sage-butter sweet potato
Moroccan spiced braised chicken with toasted walnut chermoula
Pan roasted branzino fillet with lemon & pistachio gremolata
Tiramisu - ladyfingers in vanilla custard, dusted with cocoa & coffee
Sweet cheese tart with kataifi & orange blossom syrup
Budino - dark chocolate mousse with sea salt caramel cream
Fresh cut fruit with ashta cream and crumbled halva (vegetarian)
Shrimp & mahi mahi ceviche with handmade tostadas
Smoked shrimp & jalapeño arepas with coconut-avocado crema
Roasted fennel & orange salad with toasted pepitas and aleppo chili vinaigrette (vegetarian)
Arugula & mint salad with crispy chickpeas and sumac vinaigrette (vegetarian)
Local whole roasted trout with cinnamon rice & toasted almonds, finished with grapefruit pico de gallo
Roasted eggplant “branzino” with cinnamon rice & preserved lemon gremolata (vegetarian)
Samkeh harra – roasted branzino over rice with herb-tahini dressing & grapefruit dukkah
Ny style cheesecake with seasonal berry coulis
Sweet cheese tart with kataifi, crushed pistachio and orange blossom syrup
Churro waffle, spiced dark chocolate sauce, mexican hot chocolate gelato
Fresh cut fruit with warmed honey & tajin
Anchovy caesar salad with organic red romaine and endive, hearts of palm, roasted garlic, romano parmesan and focaccia croutons
Antipasti plate with grilled eggplant, red bell peppers, grilled prawns, radicchio, heirloom tomato, burrata, prosciutto, olives, figs,
Fresh spaghetti al fresco with crushed heirloom tomatoes, kalamata olives, garlic, grilled eggplant, ny state basil and pecorino romano
Affettati misti chef's selection meats and cheese, roasted peppers, artichoke alla romana and kalamata olives
Arancini pomodoro - crispy carnaroli rice balls, crushed san marzano tomato, basil, mozzarella di bufalo
Fettuccine carbonara - sauteed shallots, guanciale, organic egg yolk and grated 24 month aged pecorino romano
Arcadian field greens salad with mache, arugula and bibb lettuce, heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers and 360 balsamic vinaigrette
Assorted goccettis - smoked salmon with robiola cream and parsley, tuna tartar with capers and anchovy, spicy eggplant caponata on bruschetta
Burrata with roasted butternut squash, radicchio frisee salad , balsamic reduction and grilled italian bread
Fettuccine al salmone fresh fettuccine sauteed with salmon wild mushrooms, garlic and herbs in a light tomato cream sauce
Chicken breast scaloppini with capers, parsley, vermouth and lemon butter, roasted fingerling potatoes and roasted broccolini
Bershire county pork - brown sugar cured porterhouse loin chop, pan roasted and served over whipped yukon gold potatoes with sauteed fiddlehead fern and carrots
Fettuccini bolognese - traditional ground veal and pork ragů, dop san marzano tomato sauce, 24-month aged parmigiano-reggiano
Fettuccini con funghi - northern style dried porcini mushrooms braised in cream, cognac and vegetable stock, fresh pasta, aged 24 month pecorino romano cheese, fresh chives
Crisp lemon and oregano organic free range roast chicken with grilled baby onions, french bean salad, and roasted forest mushroom faro
Jumbo prawns provençal - baked shrimp in casserole with white wine, black garlic, chopped tomato and black olives over homemade linguini
Florentine style grilled lamb chops with roast fennel and broccoli - saffron rice
Pan seared sirloin steak, sliced and served with roasted brussels sprouts, mushrooms and carrots, baked potato and shallot brown butter sauce
8 oz filet mignon with bordelaise sauce, roasted forest mushrooms and shallots, grilled butter beets and zucchini with charred poblano potato puree
Atlantic wild caught salmon - white wine, caper, dill lemon butter - farro risotto with baby heirloom ginger carrots
Peach and blueberry crumble with premium vanilla bean ice cream and dulce du leche
5 layer chocolate cake served warm with vanilla ice cream and berries
Assorted house made cookies and apricot rugalach platter with fresh picked raspberries, strawberries, blackberries and mint
Italian cookies with citrus gelato and fresh berries
Deluxe creamy vanilla cheese cake with homemade strawberry jam and toasted pecan
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 Tompkins County.
What does a private chef service include in Tompkins 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 Tompkins County?
The price of renting a chef in Tompkins 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 112 USD to 141 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 112 USD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 98 USD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 118 USD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 141 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 Tompkins 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 13 chefs available in Tompkins County. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Tompkins 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 Tompkins 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 Tompkins County
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Tompkins County
Percentage of our women chefs in Tompkins County.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Tompkins County.
Percentage of services with kids in Tompkins County.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Tompkins County.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Tompkins County.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Tompkins 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 Tompkins County.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Tompkins County each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Tompkins 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 Tompkins County.
Cost of a private chef in Tompkins County
The cost of hiring a private chef in Tompkins 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 112 USD to 141 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 112 USD
For 7 to 12 people: 98 USD
For 3 to 6 people: 118 USD
For 2 people: 141 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 Tompkins County?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Tompkins 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 Tompkins County!






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









