Private Chef in Traverse City
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 Traverse City
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Traverse City in March 2022, more than 16 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Traverse City and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Grand Traverse County.
Starting in 2022, 27,461 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Traverse City. To book your chef in Traverse City, 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 5,922 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 42,105 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, 27,461 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Traverse City usually book menus around 172 USD per person, including 3.68 courses, sharing an average of 4.4 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 Traverse City.












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!
16 Private Chefs in Traverse City
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Traverse City












More than 27,400 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.43 Chef
The guests in Traverse City have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.43.
4.77 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Traverse City 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.
4.81 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Traverse City has been scored with a 4.81 on average.
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5,922 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Traverse City
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Artichoke hearts - stuffed with creamy cognac laced mushrooms
Asparagus - lemon confit, goat cheese, croutes
Bacon skewers - bourbon maple glaze
Dumplings - ginger pork dumplings, sweet soy sauce
Smoked chicken skewers - sweet bbq sauce
Artichoke & fennel - shaved raw, lemon, olive oil, arugula
Arugula - truffle smoked tomatoes, goat cheese fondue, herb vinaigrette
Charred carrots - goat cheese, white balsamic vinaigrette, herbs
Scallops - peas, corn, bacon, leeks, brown butter citrus sauce
Beef sirloin – potato gratin, carrots, spiced red wine syrup
Halibut - capers, preserved lemons, butter, pomme fondant
Salmon - asparagus, black truffle vinaigrette
Lemon chicken - lemon butter sauce, herbs
Tiramisu – mascarpone mousse, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, cocoa
Crème brulee - burnt sugar, vanilla, mixed berries
Croastada - peach & apricot, vanilla gelato
Panna cotta - vanilla bean, fresh berry compote
French onion soup
Salad lyonnaise
Ratatouille
Coq au vin
Chocolate mousse
Crème brûlée
"linguini and clams on the half shell" - clams, white wine, garlic, mini linguini, herbs
Arancini - smoked ham, mascarpone cheese, spiced tomato sauce
Prosciutto - melon, aged balsamic
Antipasto - salami, prosciutto, olives, cheese, roasted red peppers, artichokes
Med spread pasta salad - cucumber, oven roasted tomatoes, roasted bell peppers, garbanzo beans, basil vinaigrette,
Classic caesar - romaine, parmesan cheese, creamy garlicky dressing, croutons
Charred carrots - goat cheese, white balsamic vinaigrette, herbs
Broccoli - walnuts, bacon, cashews, honey vinaigrette
Arugula pizza – truffle smoked tomatoes, goat cheese, herb vinaigrette
Caponata pizza - zucchini, peppers, red onion, capers, fennel, celery, raisins, green olives, tomatoes, mozzarella
Bbq chicken pizza- pulled chicken, bacon, sweet bbq sauce, mozzarella, red onions, cilantro pesto
Pepperoni pizza - pepperoni, tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoncini
Italian sausage pizza - garlic, tomato sauce, provolone, pecorino, oregano
Margharita pizza - tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, parmesan, olive oil, sea salt
Mushroom pizza - thyme roasted mushrooms, creamy cheese, balsamic glaze
Peperonata (stewed peppers with balsamic, basil, and mint)
Prosciutto wrapped figs with goat cheese, honey, and thyme
Acorn squash soup with turmeric and ginger
Mediterranean cucumber and tomato salad
Chickpea salad
Baked cod with lemon and garlic
Feta shrimp skillet
Greek roasted chicken and potatoes
Moroccan chickpea stew
Greek spaghetti
Apple cinnamon bursts
Cannoli
Pumpkin parfait
Prawn fennel and blood orange tartare with garlic crisp
Pan-seared monkfish with butter-poached and charred cauliflower, romesco, and sauce bonnefoy
Lobster and ricotta filled pasta with paprika, saffron and sauce fine herbs
Seafood paella
Herb crusted rack of lamb with couscous stir fry, pomegranate & harissa jus
Spiced chocolate gelato with kumquat marmalade and sherry infused whipped mascarpone
"linguini and clams on the half shell" - clams, white wine, garlic, mini linguini, herbs
Asparagus - lemon confit, goat cheese, croutes
Bruschetta - honey roasted tomatoes, seared belgian endive, balsamic
Focaccia - olive and herb, ricotta spread (this is included, no need to choose)
Smoked chicken skewers - balsamic glaze, oregano
Artichoke & fennel - shaved raw, lemon, olive oil, arugula
Arugula - truffle smoked tomatoes, goat cheese fondue, herb vinaigrette
Ahi tuna - shaved fennel, citrus vinaigrette, toasted almonds
Classic caesar - romaine, parmesan cheese, creamy garlicky dressing, croutons, white anchovies
Uncaesar - endive, radicchio, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, citrus vinaigrette, parmesan cheese, white anchovies
Med spread - cucumber, oven dried tomatoes, roasted bell peppers, garbanzo beans, basil vinaigrette, avocado hummus
Lamb rotolo - spinach ricotta cheese filled pasta, wood-fired lamb ragu, tomatoes, olives, mint
Mushroom cavetelli asparagus, wood-roasted locally grown mushrooms, lemon, truffles, parmesan
Perciatelli - lobster, artichokes, tomatoes, chilies, basil
Seafood stew - bass, clams, mussels, lobsters, saffron, tomatoes, fennel, seafood broth
Braciole - stuffed braised flank steak, herbs, parmesan cheese, tomato sauce
Pork milanese - breaded pork chop, honey roasted tomatoes, balsamic shallots
Beef bisteca - rosemary & garlic potatoes, portobello jus (up-charge for this item)
Panna cotta - vanilla bean, fresh berry compote
Tiramisu - mascarpone mousse, coffee soaked lady fingers, cocoa
Croastada - peach & apricot, vanilla gelato
Spanakopita pinwheel
Hummus and pita chips
Chicken schwarma in pita pockets
Amogue relish( fragrant tomato and basil relish) with veggie spears and faccacia bread
Village greek salad (pita, feta, olives, red onion, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers)
Fattoush salad (lettuce, cucumber, roma, radish, green onions. parsley. mint )
Mediterranean bean soup
Rack of lamb marinaded in olive oil, garlic and oregano, roasted and served with raspberry jus and salsa verde (herb oil), roasted tuscan style potatoes, garlic green bean's
Cod steak with coconut, ginger and orange sauce, creamy boursin potatoes, melange of vegetables
Ratatouille stack with marinara sauce and noodles
Baked seabass provencal in a rich heirloom tomato, olive and wine sauce with garlic green beans and gnocchi accented with lemon
Salmon escalope pan seared served with capellini pasta, garlic, olive oil, parsley and blistered tomatoes
Creme brulee with baklava topping
Greek dessert samosa flaky envelopes filled with honey, walnuts, cinnamon and feta cheese
Cream puffs with whipped cream, chocolate fudge and ice cream
Large shrimp and cocktail sauce
Antipasto - platter of meats, marinaded mozzarella, marinaded artichokes, peppers and olives with crusty baguette (6 guests and over,)
Antipasto bites cheese tortellini mozzarella balls salami roasted red pepper artichoke olive
Brown butter scallops on a lemon risotto with shaved parmesan
Caprese skewers cherry tomatoes mozzarella balls pesto basil and balsamic glaze
Caesar salad romaine parmigiano - reggiano garlic crouton parmesan dressing
Caprese salad buffalo mozzarella sliced tomatoes basil balsamic reduction
Italian panzanella bread tomatoes cucumber red bell pepper red onion basil
Sonoma salad mixed leaves strawberries red onion walnuts maple and dijon dressing
Filet mignon with white wine mushrooms bell peppers tomatoes & oregano and fettucine pasta
Salmon and halibut duet, beurre blanc, potato gnocchi, shallots, leeks, mushrooms and tomatoes
Roast rack of lamb genghis khan (marinaded in spices and then brushed with hoi sin before roasting)with celery root puree and haricot vertes
Vegetarian pasta sauteed in olive oil with peppers, olives, artichokes, mushrooms and parmigiano
Cannoli
Vanilla bean pannacotta
Tiramisu
Cream puffs with whipped cream, chocolate fudge and ice cream
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 Traverse City.
What does a private chef service include in Traverse City?
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 Traverse City?
The price of renting a chef in Traverse City 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 121 USD to 122 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 121 USD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 115 USD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 130 USD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 122 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 Traverse City?
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 Traverse City. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Traverse City 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 Traverse City?
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 Traverse City
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Traverse City
Percentage of our women chefs in Traverse City.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Traverse City.
Percentage of services with kids in Traverse City.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Traverse City.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Traverse City.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Traverse City.
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 Traverse City.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Traverse City each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Traverse City, 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 Traverse City.
Cost of a private chef in Traverse City
The cost of hiring a private chef in Traverse City 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 121 USD to 122 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 121 USD
For 7 to 12 people: 115 USD
For 3 to 6 people: 130 USD
For 2 people: 122 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 Traverse City?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Traverse City: 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 Traverse City!






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









