Want to host an elegant dinner at home? Looking to celebrate a special event at a venue in one of the top cities across the country and want to do a bit more than the usual catering or food truck? We asked our editors to name the best private chef services in their area, and we're listing the best of the best below.
See also: 21 Best Brunches Across The Country
These private chef teams are a great first place to check when you’re ready to host or bring an elevated experience to your home.
Atlanta - Amanda Beck, Chic Atlanta Chef
Having worked in the restaurant industry for over 18 years, chef Amanda Beck offers premium dinner party and catering services, which include crafting personalized menus, grocery shopping, cooking, serving and cleaning. She expertly caters to her clientele’s dietary restrictions, dishing out delicious vegan, gluten-free, Whole30, paleo, dairy-free and vegetarian cuisine. Chef Beck says her favorite part of the job is building relationships with clients—and with her highly creative, innovative and passionate drive behind her culinary work, we can see why so many come back for more. See more on Atlanta's full list.
Austin - ATX Chefs
Led by Chef Blake Calfin, this service crafts intimate culinary experiences inspired by Austin's vibrant food scene. Representing Austin's local talent and putting Texas hospitality at the forefront, ATX Chefs offer in-home services for any occasion. Led by chef Blake Calfin, this team focuses on local farmers' markets to gather ingredients and blend traditional recipes with innovative techniques. The chefs don't just cook. They also create an ambiance perfectly catered to the mood of your evening. Packages include three-course meals, family-style meals, influencer buffet-style meals, "graze and mingle" hors d'oeuvres and tapas meals and more. See more on Austin's full list.
Chicago - Francis Pascal, Vendador
Chef Francis Pascal is at the helm of Chicago’s highest-rated luxury private dining company, Vendador, which is known for its personalized tasting menus and Michelin-trained team. Formerly of Japonais by Morimoto, Momotaro and Roister of The Alinea Group, chef Pascal brings his Albanian heritage and farm-to-table philosophy to customized, in-home culinary experiences. Skillfully plated and indulgent dishes like hand-rolled garganelli with lobster, stuffed saddle of lamb and locally sourced specialties showcase his technical mastery and relentless commitment to hospitality. See more on Chicago's full list.
Las Vegas - Johnny C’s Catering
Chef Johnny Church puts his 20 years of Las Vegas-based culinary experience to work with Johnny C’s Catering, focusing on work as a private chef and elite caterer. The Chopped champion caters a wide variety of events, ranging from intimate dinners to a large-scale event. The menu options show off chef Church’s range with plenty of options for all meals, including options for themed menus. The hor d’oeuvres menu displays chef Johnny’s high-end culinary skills with options like duck breast sliders and a Morro Bay oyster station. See more on Vegas' full list.
Los Angeles - Wolfgang Puck Catering
Bring A-list-approved quality to your home or event with Wolfgang Puck Catering’s private chef services. Customizable menus from the highly esteemed company allows clients to enjoy the cutting edge of the culinary world in the comfort of their own homes. You likely know the talents of Wolfgang and team yourself through dinners at Spago, Cut or Merois, but you’ll be convinced to opt for their private chef services knowing Wolfgang Puck Catering helms the food for the official Academy Awards afterparty, the Governors Ball. See more on Los Angeles' full list.
Miami - Executive Chef Elgin Woodman
Chef Elgin Woodman, executive chef at Constellation Culinary Group, brings over 25 years of expertise in high-end catering, crafting large-scale event menus with precision and artistry. Raised in Lima, Peru, her culinary style is infused with vibrant flavors and refined techniques, honed through years of experience and collaborations with renowned chefs worldwide. Known for maintaining exceptional quality at any scale, she curates trend-setting menus for Miami’s most exclusive clientele, ensuring each event is a seamless fusion of creativity, elegance, and culinary excellence. See more on Miami's full list.
Nashville - Chance Smith, Peace Love and Grub
Specializing in a range of cuisines, chef Chance Smith focuses on Americana classics with an upscale and modern twist. He utilizes 85% local ingredients and provides weekly meal prep deliveries, private dinner parties and full-service boutique catering. As a private chef, he offers a delectable four-course menu, a brunch package and a “Taste of Nashville” meal, which showcases the rich history of Music City cuisine. In the event of dietary restrictions, chef Smith can create dishes that are gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan and nut-free. See more on Nashville's full list.
NYC - Lena Goldin
Lena Goldin is an exceptional private chef in New York City. Offering a wide range of food, like swordfish carpaccio and ricotta cappelletti, her menus will definitely give you an unforgettable culinary experience. This culinarian's attention to detail and dedication to her craft are unmatched. See more on New York City's full list.
Palm Beach - Chef Segreto
With over two decades of expertise, chef Segreto brings restaurant-quality dining into the comfort of your home or special event. Each menu is thoughtfully crafted to reflect your tastes, blending unexpected ingredients for a unique culinary experience. Whether you prefer an intimate multi-course tasting or a lively gathering with impeccable tableside service, every dish is prepared fresh on-site using only the finest ingredients. From refined French cuisine to vibrant Latin American flavors, his globally inspired offerings are elevated by a highly skilled team of servers and bartenders, ensuring an unforgettable occasion tailored to perfection. See more on Palm Beach's full list.
San Francisco - Private Chefs of the SF Bay
Whether you're looking to host a dinner party or a live cooking demonstration, Private Chefs of the SFBay are on the ready to make your unforgettable evening even more magical. The team of vetted chefs carry Michelin stars, cookbook authorships and even one Top Chef alumnus; and all work with local farmers to source the freshest ingredients. Sommelier and mixology services are also available. See more on San Francisco's full list.
Silicon Valley - AWG Private Chefs
A leader in the private chef industry servicing Bay Area locals with style, the AWG Private Chefs team is led by two Certified Master Chefs and ready to curate a bespoke dining experience, from champagne and caviar brunches to cocktail parties, dining in the dark experiences, Japanese hibachi at home and so much more. All ingredients used are local, organic and sustainably sourced, so you can host a farm-to-table meal while relaxing in your own home. Decor, clean-up and event rental services are also part of the deal. See more on Silicon Valley's full list.
Maybe you're on the move and just want to sit down to a great meal? Check our list of the best brunches across the country.