What You May Want to Know

How much does a private chef cost?

Full-time private chef salaries range from $80,000 to $200,000+ annually, depending on experience, location, and household complexity. Michelin-trained chefs with UHNW experience typically command $150,000 or more. We provide transparent salary guidance during your consultation.1 - Initial Consultation - We begin with a detailed discussion to understand your culinary preferences and household needs.

How do I hire a private chef for a luxury home?

Work with a specialist placement agency—not a general staffing firm. At Montclair Chef, we focus exclusively on private chef placement for UHNW families. We vet all candidates, deliver a curated shortlist within 10 days, and arrange trials in your home before any commitment.

What does a private estate chef do?

A private estate chef manages your household's entire culinary operation—menu planning, sourcing premium ingredients, preparing daily meals, accommodating dietary needs, and coordinating with household staff. For families with multiple residences, they travel between properties and maintain consistency wherever you are.

Should I employ a private chef or hire a self-employed contractor?

You can do either. Some families hire self-employed chefs who invoice monthly. However, contracted chefs often take on multiple clients and may seek other work—potentially leaving you without coverage when you need them most.
Montclair Chef specializes in full-time employed private chefs. These professionals work exclusively for your household, fully dedicated to your family's needs. There's no competing priorities, no divided attention—just complete commitment.
For UHNW families who value consistency and reliability, this is the model we recommend.

What is the difference between a private chef and a personal chef?

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 typically require a private chef for availability, consistency, and discretion.

How do I find a Michelin-trained private chef?

Through an agency with direct access to elite culinary talent. Montclair Chef operates one of the world's largest networks of Michelin-trained private chefs—professionals you won't find on job boards. Our founder's background in three-Michelin-star kitchens means we know what excellence looks like.If you're not satisfied, we’ve got you covered. We offer a satisfaction guarantee, full support throughout the hiring process, and free chef replacements if needed — ensuring peace of mind every step of the way.

Do all your chefs have Michelin-star training?

Not all—but many do. Our founder's background in three-Michelin-star kitchens gives us strong connections to elite culinary talent. That said, we match chefs to your actual needs. Some families want fine-dining precision; others prefer a chef skilled in healthy, delicious family-style cooking without the Michelin pedigree. We place both, depending on what matters most to your household.

How long does it take to hire a private chef?

With a specialist agency, you can receive a curated shortlist within 10 days. Full placement—including trials and final selection—typically takes 2–6 weeks depending on your location and requirements.

What should I look for when hiring a private chef?

Culinary credentials matter, but so does private household experience. Look for discretion, adaptability, and a service mindset. Trials in your home are essential—they reveal whether the chef integrates well with your family and staff. We handle all of this as part of our placement process.

How do you vet private chefs?

We verify culinary background, confirm references from previous UHNW households, and conduct thorough background checks. Every chef is assessed by our founder, who spent 20+ years as a private chef at this level. Up to 3 background checks are included in select packages.

Can a private chef cook for families with children?

Yes. Our chefs prepare kid-friendly meals alongside adult dining, accommodating different tastes, schedules, and nutritional needs. They coordinate seamlessly with nannies and household staff to ensure mealtimes run smoothly for the whole family.

Can a private chef prepare business lunches or corporate dinners?

Absolutely. Your private chef works exclusively for you, so they can prepare anything you need—from daily family meals to business lunches, client dinners, or corporate entertaining at home. Many of our clients also employ their chef through a family office or company, which may allow the cost to be treated as a business expense. Your chef adapts to your lifestyle, whatever that includes.

Can a private chef handle dietary restrictions and allergies?

Yes. Our chefs are experienced with medical diets, food allergies, religious requirements (kosher, halal), and lifestyle protocols—from anti-inflammatory and keto to plant-based nutrition. We match chefs to your family's specific needs.

Does a private chef handle grocery shopping?

Yes. Your private chef manages your entire kitchen operation—sourcing ingredients, keeping your fridge and pantry stocked, and ensuring everything is fresh and ready. They also maintain a clean, sanitized kitchen at all times. Many chefs prepare fresh juices, healthy snacks, and kid-friendly meals as part of their daily routine.

How does payment for groceries work?

Most families provide a dedicated household card or set up accounts with preferred suppliers. Your chef handles all purchasing and can arrange deliveries directly to your residence. This keeps the process seamless and transparent.

Can we choose where the chef sources ingredients?

Yes. Your private chef works exclusively for your household—no other clients, no distractions. They follow your preferences for suppliers, whether that's specific farmers' markets, organic providers, or premium butchers. You set the standards; they execute.

Are private chefs discreet when clients work from home?

Absolutely. Our chefs understand how to work quietly and invisibly within your home. Whether you have a home office, take calls throughout the day, or require minimal disruption, discretion and professionalism are standard.

Can a private chef travel with my family?

Yes. Many of our chefs are experienced in traveling between residences, joining families on holiday, or relocating seasonally. We specifically vet for chefs comfortable with travel and multi-property coordination.

Do private chefs sign NDAs?

Yes. Discretion is standard for UHNW placements. All high-profile placements through Montclair Chef can include NDA compliance if required and always follow a strict confidentiality protocols.

Do you place private chefs internationally?

Yes. We serve UHNW families across the US, UK, Monaco, Switzerland, the Middle East, and other major markets worldwide. Whether you need a chef for your primary residence or across multiple properties, we place globally.

What guarantees do you offer on placements?

Depending on your package, you receive up to 6 months placement protection—more than any agency we know of. If a placement doesn't work out, we support you through a replacement process designed to minimise disruption.

How is Montclair Chef different from other agencies?

We only do private chef placement—nothing else. Our founder spent 20+ years as a private chef for UHNW families, so we understand the role from the inside. We offer up to 6 months placement protection, deliver shortlists within 10 days, and personally vet every chef. It's a level of specialization and guarantee most agencies can't match.

How do I get started?

Contact us for a confidential consultation. We'll discuss your requirements, then activate your search. Depending on your package, this includes a curated shortlist within 10 days, up to 3 trial days with no agency fees, and up to 3 background checks.

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Headquarters: Boulevard d’Italie, 98000 Monaco

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Dubai - Geneva - London - Los Angeles - Miami - Monaco - New York - Paris - Riyadh

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Focused on chef excellence. Founded on Michelin standards. Dedicated to precise placement.

Headquarters

Boulevard d’Italie, 98000 Monaco

This website is intended for principals, private estate managers, and family offices seeking private chef placement services.

Elite Private Chef Placement Agency | For Luxury Estates & UHNW Families

Michelin-Trained Private Chefs • Background Check Included • Global Placement
Trial-led recruitment • Long-term placement protection

Background Checks Included | Shortlist in 10 Days | Trial Days Available

Founder-Led Agency, Built on Proven Standards

Specialist Chef Placement Services

Private Estate Chef Placement

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What You May Want to Know

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