Private Chefs
Find the Right Private Chef for Your Event
Planning a private dinner, villa stay, small celebration, or intimate event? Hiring the right private chef can completely transform the experience. Read through our handy guide to subcategories and learn how to find the type of private chef that best suits your needs.
Work as a private chef? Try browsing Private Chef Jobs.
SELECTION
How to Choose the Right Private Chef
1. Match the Chef to Your Event
Match your chef to the task: whether it’s creating fine dining experiences, cooking outdoors, or managing meals during a holiday stay, the right chef makes all the difference. Many private chefs can also handle small catering jobs, giving you extra flexibility to make your event run smoothly.
2. Think About Menu, Cuisine & Special Diets
Decide what type of cuisine you want — local Spanish dishes, Mediterranean flavours, Asian specialties, or vegan and vegetarian menus. Don’t forget to consider any dietary requirements, like gluten-free or other restrictions. Most private chefs offer adaptable menus tailored to your needs.
3. Consider the Venue & Equipment
Some chefs cook entirely on-site, while others may prepare parts of the meal in advance. Confirm that your chef is equipped for your kitchen or venue and clarify any additional equipment, setup requirements, or costs that may be involved.
4. Experience & Service Style
Private chefs offer different service styles, from plated fine dining to buffet-style or grazing tables. Discuss timing, presentation, and staff coordination to make sure the experience matches your expectations.
Private chef services
Private chef Categories
Explore the different types of private chefs services available and see what each typically involves.
Barbecue Chef
Specialises in outdoor cooking, managing heat, flavour, and timing for relaxed BBQs, garden parties, and villa gatherings.
Villa Chef
Provides full-service dining for private villas or retreats, including menu planning, on-site cooking, and ongoing meal service during stays.
Paella Chef
Prepares paella on-site using traditional pans and burners, perfect for family events, villa parties, or small corporate gatherings.
Fine Dining Chef
Delivers high-end, multi-course dining experiences with a focus on presentation, timing, and refined menus.
Canapé Chef
Creates bite-sized dishes designed for receptions, small events, or pre-dinner service, balancing flavour and presentation.
Breakfast Chef
Handles morning service, preparing hot dishes, pastries, and beverages for villa stays, brunches, private groups and business retreats
Ideal for intimate celebrations and small events, offering flexible menus and service similar to catering but on a smaller scale.
Spanish Cuisine Chef
Focuses on traditional and modern Spanish dishes, from tapas to regional specialities with local ingredients.
Mediterranean Cuisine Chef
Offers fresh, seasonal menus inspired by Mediterranean cooking, suited to private dining and relaxed events. Great for extended lunches.
Asian Cuisine Chef
Specialises in Asian flavours and techniques, including Japanese, Thai, or fusion menus for private clients.
European Cuisine Chef
Cooks classic and contemporary European dishes, suitable for formal dinners or small catered events.
Vegan Chef
Creates balanced, flavourful plant-based menus tailored to vegan diets and dietary preferences.
Vegetarian Chef
Specialises in seasonal vegetarian dishes with a focus on variety, flavour, and presentation.
Buffet and Grazing Table Chef
Designs buffet-style meals or grazing tables, ideal for casual gatherings, villa parties, and small events.
Sushi Chef
Prepares sushi and sashimi on-site, offering a fresh and interactive dining experience for private events.
Independent Food Truck
Operates a mobile kitchen for private hire, suitable for casual events, parties, or small festivals.
Jamon Cutter
Provides professional Iberian ham carving, adding a traditional and visual element to private events and tastings.
Special Diet and Nutritional Chef
Focuses on tailored menus for specific dietary needs, allergies, or nutritional plans, ideal for private clients and small groups.
Tips & tricks
Quick Tips for Hiring a Private Chef
- Define the dining experience you want
- Check menu flexibility and dietary options for your guests
- Make sure the chef is equipped for your kitchen or venue
- Confirm service style, timing, and whether cleanup is included
- Understand costs upfront, including staff and extra equipment
Need help finding a private chef? Let them come to you!