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How Much Does a Private Chef Cost on Long Island? Menus, Packages & What’s Included

  • qualitythymeco
  • Dec 12, 2025
  • 4 min read

Hiring a private chef on Long Island turns any gathering into an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner at home, celebrating a milestone, hosting a backyard soirée, or creating a memorable Hamptons weekend, a private chef brings restaurant-quality cuisine directly to you — without the stress, prep, or cleanup.

But one of the first questions clients ask is:“How much does a private chef cost on Long Island?”

The short answer: it depends on your menu, guest count, and the style of service you’re looking for.The long answer? Let’s break it all down so you know exactly what to expect — and how to choose the right experience for your event.


Private Chef Long Island

What Influences Private Chef Pricing on Long Island?

Private chef pricing varies because every event is completely customized. Here are the key factors that determine your total cost:

✔ Guest Count

More guests means more ingredients, prep time, and staffing.

✔ Type of Event

A casual in-home dinner is priced differently than a full-service event or Hamptons weekend.

✔ Menu Style

Plated dinners, family-style meals, brunch spreads, grazing tables, tasting menus, and luxury add-ons each have different price points.

✔ Ingredients & Dietary Needs

Premium items like filet mignon, lobster, truffle, burrata, caviar, or specialty dietary requests can adjust pricing.

✔ Staffing Requirements

Servers, bartenders, event assistants, and rentals may be necessary depending on the size and flow of your gathering.

✔ Travel or Onsite Time

Setup time, travel to the Hamptons, and larger event logistics can influence your quote.

A good private chef doesn’t just cook — they plan, shop, prepare, plate, serve, and clean. The pricing reflects the full experience.

Average Private Chef Pricing on Long Island

While prices vary by chef and season, here is a general guide for what you can expect:

🍽 In-Home Private Dinner Experience

Typical Range: $100–$200+ per personIdeal for intimate dinners, anniversaries, birthdays, or special nights in.

Includes:

  • Customized menu planning

  • Grocery sourcing

  • Onsite cooking & plating

  • Table-ready presentation

  • Light cleanup

✨ Family-Style or Buffet Dinner Events

Typical Range: $85–$150 per personGreat for holiday gatherings, celebrations, or hosting without lifting a finger.

Includes:

  • Multi-course family-style or buffet

  • Seasonal sides and accompaniments

  • Setup and breakdown

  • Staffing support depending on guest count

🎉 Private Chef for Parties & Larger Events

Typical Range: $1,000–$4,000+ total, depending on sizeCommon for showers, engagement parties, milestone birthdays, home events, and corporate gatherings.

Includes:

  • Customized menu and theme

  • Professional presentation

  • Full-service setup

  • Additional staff if needed

  • Optional add-ons (grazing tables, dessert spreads, bar service, etc.)

🏡 Weekend or Multi-Day Hamptons Chef Services

Typical Range: $600–$1,500/day + groceriesPerfect for summer weekends, vacation home rentals, or wellness retreats.

Includes:

  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner, or any combination

  • On-call prep and cooking

  • Grocery shopping & stocking

  • Multi-meal planning and execution

This is one of the most popular options during peak season.

What’s Included When You Hire a Private Chef?

A private chef’s value is in the details. Every service typically includes:

✔ Personalized menu creation

No generic menus — everything is curated for your tastes and dietary needs.

✔ Grocery shopping & ingredient sourcing

High-quality, fresh, seasonal ingredients hand-selected by the chef.

✔ Onsite culinary execution

Cooking every dish fresh in your home or event space.

✔ Professional plating & presentation

Restaurant-quality aesthetics, thoughtfully styled.

✔ Stress-free service

Some services include servers or assistants depending on event size.

✔ Light cleanup

A huge perk — you get to enjoy your guests, not your sink.

Your only job? Relax, sip something you love, and enjoy the experience.

Sample Menus to Inspire Your Event

Here are a few examples of menus clients love:

Intimate Dinner Menu

  • Whipped ricotta crostini with honey

  • Lemon herb roasted chicken or steak au poivre

  • Parmesan risotto or roasted seasonal vegetables

  • Flourless chocolate cake with berries

Family-Style Celebration Menu

  • Seasonal salad

  • Baked salmon with dill and citrus

  • Garlic roasted potatoes

  • Grilled vegetables

  • Mini dessert assortment

Hamptons Weekend Menu

  • Breakfast boards

  • Fresh seasonal salads

  • Protein-forward mains

  • Charcuterie add-ons

  • Family-style dinners

Menus are tailored to your preferences — every detail is designed around your event.

Why Clients Love Booking a Private Chef

Long Island hosts some of the best gatherings — and clients turn to private chefs because:

✔ It elevates your entire event

Restaurant-quality food without leaving home.

✔ You get personalized service

Menus built just for you and your guests.

✔ There’s no stress

No shopping. No prepping. No cooking. No cleaning.

✔ It’s surprisingly cost-effective compared to dining out

Especially for larger groups or special occasions.

✔ It makes hosting effortless and memorable

You get to enjoy your own event — not work it.

How to Book a Private Chef on Long Island

The process is simple:

1. Share your event details

Date, guest count, menu preferences, dietary needs.

2. Receive a custom quote

Every event is unique — your quote reflects your exact needs.

3. Approve your menu

We’ll finalize your meal plan and any add-ons.

4. Relax — your private chef handles everything

From groceries to plating to cleanup, it’s all taken care of.

Ready to Hire a Private Chef for Your Long Island Event?

Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or a large celebration, I bring a personalized, chef-driven experience right to your home or venue.

Click here to request a custom quote or check availability. Let’s make your event unforgettable — one course at a time.

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