Question 1

How much does a private chef cost in NYC?

Accepted Answer

Full-time private chef salaries in New York City typically range from $140,000 to $250,000 or more per year. Factors that affect cost include Michelin-star background, years of UHNW household experience, dietary specializations, and whether the chef manages multiple residences. Live-in private chefs and those traveling with families to the Hamptons or abroad generally command higher compensation. We provide transparent salary guidance tailored to your specific requirements during your consultation.

Question 2

How do I hire a private chef in Manhattan?

Accepted Answer

The best way to hire a private chef in Manhattan is through a specialist placement agency that focuses exclusively on private chefs—not a general domestic staffing firm. At Montclair Chef, we begin with a consultation to understand your household's needs, then deliver a curated shortlist of vetted candidates within 10 days. We arrange trial days in your home before any commitment, and provide up to 6 months placement protection.

Question 3

What's the difference between a private chef and a personal chef in New York?

Accepted Answer

A private chef works full-time for one household, available daily as part of your staff. A personal chef serves multiple clients and visits on a scheduled basis to batch-cook meals. UHNW families in Manhattan typically require a private chef for daily availability, consistency, and discretion. If you need someone in your home every day managing meals, sourcing, and entertaining—that's a private chef.

Question 4

Can a private chef work across my Manhattan apartment and Hamptons house?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Multi-property coordination is one of our specialties. Many New York families split time between Manhattan and the Hamptons, and we place chefs experienced in managing two or more residences. These chefs adapt menus seasonally, coordinate logistics between properties, and travel with the family as needed—whether to Southampton, East Hampton, Bridgehampton, or Sag Harbor.

Question 5

Where do private chefs in NYC source their ingredients?

Accepted Answer

Private chefs in New York typically source from the city's best purveyors, including Union Square Greenmarket, Lobel's Prime Meats, Citarella, Eataly, Whole Foods Market, and specialty suppliers in Chelsea Market. Many also work with direct farm deliveries and seasonal suppliers in the Hudson Valley and Long Island.
Your chef will manage all sourcing, inventory, and deliveries so your kitchen is always stocked.

Question 6

How long does it take to hire a private chef in New York?

Accepted Answer

We deliver a curated shortlist of qualified candidates within 10 days of your initial consultation. Full placement—including interviews, trial days in your home, and final selection—typically takes 3 to 6 weeks depending on your specific requirements and scheduling availability.

Question 7

Do private chefs in Manhattan sign NDAs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Discretion is standard for private chef placements in Manhattan's UHNW households. All our chefs understand confidentiality expectations, and non-disclosure agreements can be included as part of the employment contract. Many of our chefs have prior experience working with high-profile families, celebrities, and executives where strict privacy was required.

Question 8

What does a private estate chef do in a New York household?

Accepted Answer

A private estate chef manages your household's entire culinary operation. This includes daily meal planning and preparation, sourcing premium ingredients, accommodating dietary restrictions and preferences across family members, coordinating with household staff, and executing formal entertaining. For families with children, they prepare age-appropriate meals alongside adult dining. Many also manage kitchen inventory, supervise additional kitchen staff, and travel with the family.

Question 9

Can I hire a private chef for a family with allergies or special diets?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We place private chefs experienced with a wide range of dietary requirements—food allergies, gluten-free, kosher, halal, vegan, keto, anti-inflammatory, and medically prescribed diets. During your consultation, we discuss your family's specific needs and match you with chefs who have proven expertise in those areas.

Question 10

What if the private chef doesn't work out?

Accepted Answer

We offer up to 6 months placement protection with free replacement—longer than any agency we know of. If a placement isn't the right fit for your household, we work with you to understand what went wrong and begin a replacement search immediately, minimizing disruption to your family.

Question 11

Do you place private chefs in Brooklyn, Westchester, and Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While Manhattan is our primary New York market, we also place full-time private chefs in Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Park Slope, Westchester County, Greenwich, and throughout Connecticut's Gold Coast. Many of our placements involve families with properties across multiple locations in the Tri-State area.

Question 12

How do I find a Michelin-trained private chef in NYC?

Accepted Answer

Through a specialist agency with direct access to elite culinary talent. Montclair Chef was founded by a chef who trained in three-Michelin-star kitchens and spent 20 years as a private chef for UHNW families. We maintain relationships with top culinary professionals—many of whom you won't find on job boards—and can connect you with Michelin-trained candidates suited to your household.

Question 13

How do I get started hiring a private chef in New York?

Accepted Answer

Start with a complimentary consultation with our founder. We'll discuss your household's requirements—location, family size, dietary needs, schedule, and any specific preferences. From there, we activate your search and deliver a curated shortlist of vetted candidates within 10 days. Once you've selected your top choices, we arrange trial days in your home before you make any commitment.
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Elite Private Chef Placement in New York City

Private Chef Placement for Manhattan's UHNWs

Why New York Families Choose Us

Private Chef Placement Across New York's Most Exclusive Addresses

How It Works

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Find Your Private Chef?

Qucik Links

Register

Services

Need some help?

Newsletter

our address

Where we operate

Cookie Setting

Services

Resources

Company

Follow us

Our Philosophy

Headquarters