Private chef at home
A restaurant evening at home
You host, I take care of everything else. A restaurant-quality dinner in your own home, without the kitchen stress.
A private chef at home means I arrive a few hours before your guests, bring the ingredients and specialist equipment, and look after the evening from start to finish. Suited to parties of 2–15. For larger tables of around 10–12, a server joins when needed so the evening flows smoothly.
The labour share qualifies for the Finnish household tax deduction when the dinner is cooked in your home or holiday home. Read about the tax deduction.
Included in the price
- ✦Ingredients and preparation
- ✦Table setting and service
- ✦Espresso and cappuccino to finish
- ✦Wine recommendations for every course
- ✦The kitchen left clean
Not included
- ·Wines and other drinks
- ·Tableware (available to rent)
- ·Table linens
How it works
Planning
We plan the menu together, I choose the wine pairings and we stay in touch before the evening.
Preparation
I arrive about three hours before your guests — with a server for larger events. We set the table and I prep all the food.
The dinner
I cook and serve each course and talk you through the dishes and wines — restaurant-level service in your own home.
To finish
Espresso-based drinks, the kitchen cleaned — and you simply relax.
Who a private chef at home suits
A private chef at home suits you when you want a restaurant-quality dinner without going out. The most common occasions are birthdays and milestones, wedding anniversaries, dinners with friends, and client or team dinners for companies.
Families with children book it too. At home the kids can be part of the evening and nobody has to watch the clock.
Group size and kitchen
Dinners work for 2–15 guests. From around 10–12 guests a server or kitchen helper joins when needed, so every course reaches the table on time.
An ordinary home kitchen is enough. For more than eight guests I ask about the kitchen in advance and plan the menu around it. Larger parties, from about 20 guests up, are handled as catering.
Where I work
I work across the Helsinki region, and further away by arrangement, a summer cottage for example. A dinner cooked at a holiday home qualifies for the household tax deduction just like one at home. Location and travel affect the price.
How booking works
- 01 Send an inquiry by form, email or phone: date, number of guests, location and wishes.
- 02 I reply whether the date is free and send menu suggestions with a price estimate.
- 03 We refine the menu together: courses, allergies and special diets.
- 04 The booking is confirmed once the menu, date, guest count and price are agreed.
- 05 The invoice follows on the day or the day after the event, payment within 7 days.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a private chef at home cost?
- Menus are typically about €130–170 per guest, VAT included. The price depends on the menu, ingredients, group size and location. The more guests, the lower the price per guest; dinners for just a few guests cost more. Wines and other drinks are not included.
How far ahead should I book?
- You can book at any time. Most dinners are booked 1–2 months ahead, and the earlier you ask, the more likely your date is free. It's still worth asking at short notice, even for next weekend.
What does the price include?
- Menu planning, wine recommendations, ingredients, cooking and service, table setting, espresso and cappuccino at the end, and cleaning the kitchen. Not included: wines and other drinks, tableware and table linen. Tableware can be rented through my partner Jubilee.
Does a private-chef dinner qualify for the household tax deduction?
- Yes, the labour share does, when the dinner is cooked in the payer's home or holiday home. The labour share is typically about 60–70% of the invoice, and the invoice itemises labour and ingredients for you. For 2026 and 2027 the deduction is 40% of the labour share, up to €2,100 per person, with a €150 excess. Check the current terms at vero.fi.
Can you cater for allergies and special diets?
- Yes. Gluten-free, lactose-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan menus are planned the same way as any other. Tell me about allergies by the time the menu is confirmed at the latest.
When does the chef arrive, and what is left after the evening?
- I arrive about three hours before your guests, set the table and prep the food. At the end the kitchen is cleaned to at least the state I found it in. Glasses and plates that stay on the table to the end may be left in the dishwasher.
Who buys the wine?
- You buy the wines, and I recommend one for each course. During the dinner I tell you at the table why each wine works with the food.
Can I cancel or change the number of guests?
- The whole dinner can be cancelled free of charge more than 3 days before. After that, 50% of the agreed price is charged. The guest count can be changed free of charge with at least 3 days' notice. Full details are in the terms.
Pricing
Tailored, not packaged
The price takes shape around the menu, the ingredients, your party size and the location — which is why we don't list fixed prices. You get exactly what suits your occasion.
Menus typically approx. €130–170 / guest
For intimate dinners of just a few guests, the per-guest price is higher than this.
The labour share qualifies for the Finnish household tax deduction.
Tell us about your evening