If you’re thinking about hiring a private chef in Pittsburgh — whether it’s for a special occasion, an anniversary dinner, a family gathering, or just a break from takeout — I want to help make that process easier for you. Bringing someone into your home to cook isn’t just about the food; it’s about trust, comfort, and creating an unforgettable experience.

Over the years, I’ve seen clients unsure of where to start, what to expect, or how to tell if a private chef is the right fit. So I put together this guide to walk you through what I believe are the ten most important things to know before hiring a private chef in Pittsburgh, PA.

Before We Start, Let Me Introduce Myself

I’m Chef Frank Tokach, a private chef in Pittsburgh with over 20 years of experience in both fine dining and in-home service. Cooking isn’t just my career — it’s in my blood. My great-great-grandfather, great-grandfather, and my Italian grandmother Nunny all inspired my passion from a young age.

I’ve held Executive Chef roles at places like PNC Park, Nordstrom, and Pittsburgh Rare (named Best New Restaurant just six months after opening), and my dishes have even been featured in Food & Wine. I’m also a Certified Personal Chef (CPC) through the USPCA and teach culinary arts and cooking classes here in Pittsburgh.

From menu planning and sourcing to cooking and clean-up, I take care of it all — so you can simply enjoy. Whether it’s a private dinner or a hands-on class, I tailor every experience to your taste.

Now, let’s dive into the ten things you should know before hiring a private chef in Pittsburgh.

1. Not All Private Chefs Are the Same

If there's one thing I’ve learned in over 20 years of working as a private chef in Pittsburgh, it’s that the title "private chef" means different things to different people — and not always in a good way.

Being one of the best private chefs in Pittsburgh PA means more than knowing how to make a great dish — it’s about understanding people, pacing, dietary needs, and atmosphere. Some folks out there call themselves private chefs but are really just offering pre-made meals or mass-produced menus with zero customization. Others might be great cooks but lack the experience to deliver restaurant-level service in a home setting. 

Here’s what sets a true private chef apart:

• Customization: Your menu should be built for you, not copied from the last party I catered.

• Adaptability: Whether I’m cooking in a luxury kitchen or a cozy apartment, I adjust to the space and tools available.

• Service: A private dining experience should feel seamless, from the first bite to the spotless kitchen I leave behind.

It’s okay — and smart — to ask a potential chef how they define their services. Ask if they create custom menus. Ask how many events they take per week. You deserve someone who shows up just for you, not with a cookie-cutter game plan.

2. Ask About Experience — Not Just Cooking Skills

Being a good cook is one thing. But being a great private chef? That takes a whole different level of experience.

When you’re hiring a private chef in Pittsburgh, you’re not just looking for someone who can sear a steak or bake a soufflé — you’re trusting them to manage timing, atmosphere, dietary preferences, guest interactions, and sometimes even last-minute surprises. And trust me, there are always surprises.

I've worked everywhere from bustling restaurant kitchens to elegant private homes and corporate events. Once, I had to adjust an entire five-course dinner on the fly when a guest mentioned a last-minute seafood allergy. That’s where years of experience kick in — not just in technique, but in staying calm, confident, and solution-oriented.

Here’s what to ask:

• “Where have you worked before?” This tells you if they’ve cooked in high-pressure environments or if this is a side gig.

• “How do you handle dietary restrictions or unexpected changes?” A seasoned chef should have a plan (and a calm demeanor) ready.

• “What kinds of events have you worked on?” From romantic dinners to big family celebrations, the scale and type of experience matter.

  
  

Hiring a chef should be about more than flavor — it’s about trusting someone to bring calm, joy, and excellence into your space. The best private chefs in Pittsburgh PA aren’t just good with food — they’re great with people.

3. Know What You’re Really Paying For

One of the biggest misconceptions I run into as a private chef in Pittsburgh is that people think they’re just paying for the food. But the truth is, when you hire a private chef — especially one with experience — you’re investing in an entire experience from start to finish.

Let me break it down:

When a client books me, I’m not just showing up to cook. I handle the menu planning, grocery shopping, ingredient sourcing (I work with trusted local Pittsburgh suppliers), preparation, cooking, serving, and clean-up. I bring my own tools and equipment when needed, I plan everything according to your kitchen space, and I’m often in and out without you lifting a finger.

You’re also paying for:

• Time and expertise – Over two decades of training, executive chef experience, and personal chef certification

• Peace of mind – Knowing that allergies, dietary preferences, and timing are all taken care of

• Customization – I don’t hand you a stock menu. I create something personal every single time

  
  

When people search for the best private chefs in Pittsburgh PA, they often compare price tags — but they’re not always comparing the value behind those prices. A lower fee might mean a rushed service, pre-made food, or limited options. A slightly higher investment gets you a chef who is fully present, fully prepared, and focused entirely on you.

Food is important, but experience is everything.

4. Menu Customization Is Key (and Should Be Expected)

This one’s personal for me — because no two clients, no two dinners, and no two tastes are ever the same. So why should the menu be?

When you’re looking to hire a private chef in Pittsburgh, make sure you’re not getting handed a “standard” menu that’s been passed around like a flyer. A true private chef will take the time to learn about you — your favorite flavors, dietary needs, cultural preferences, allergies, and even the vibe of your night. Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two or a plant-based feast for ten, the best private chefs in Pittsburgh PA build the experience around you.

Here’s how I approach it:

• I ask questions first — What do you love? What don’t you like? Any favorite childhood dishes?

• I build the menu from scratch — Seasonally inspired, locally sourced, and tailored to your event.

I send a proposed menu with flexibility — Want to swap something? No problem.

I’ve created everything from Italian tasting menus to low-carb vegan meals to elevated versions of Pittsburgh comfort food. No request is too big or too small — I will personally import any ingredient needed to make your dining experience unforgettable, whether it's black truffles from France, true San Marzano tomatoes from Italy, or the freshest fish available.

5. Great Private Chefs Know How to Work in Any Kitchen 

One of the most common things I hear from new clients is: “I’m not sure my kitchen is good enough.”

Let me put your mind at ease: I’ve cooked in luxury homes with state-of-the-art appliances and I’ve cooked in tiny apartment kitchens with barely enough counter space to plate. A true private chef doesn’t need a commercial kitchen to deliver a five-star experience — they just need to be prepared, adaptable, and organized.

When you hire a private chef in Pittsburgh, you’re not expected to have a sous vide machine or a double oven. You don’t even need to have fancy dinnerware. I bring my own equipment when needed, plan around your setup, and let you know in advance if I’ll need access to something specific — like the fridge or stovetop.

Some things I always consider:

• Available burners and oven space

• Countertop layout for plating

• Cleanup logistics (don’t worry — I handle this too!)

• Guest flow — I’ll never get in the way of the fun

  
  

Being one of the best private chefs in Pittsburgh PA isn’t about showing off — it’s about making your kitchen work like magic. Whether you’re hosting in a rental, a family home, or even outdoors, I adjust the plan so the food is flawless and the experience feels effortless.

So no, you don’t need a dream kitchen. You just need a chef who knows how to move in any space.

6. Look for a Private Chef Who Understands Presentation

Let’s be honest — we eat with our eyes first. And when you’re hosting a special dinner, the way the food looks is just as important as how it tastes. A beautifully plated dish sets the tone for the entire experience. It turns dinner into a moment.

I’ve always believed that the plate is a canvas, and every dish should look as good as it tastes. That doesn’t mean it has to be over-the-top or full of gimmicks. But the best private chefs in Pittsburgh PA know how to present a meal that feels elevated, intentional, and photogenic (because yes — your guests will take pictures).

When I plan a menu, I don’t just think about flavors. I think about:

• Color balance

• Texture contrast

• Plate size and composition

• How each course flows into the next visually and flavor-wise

  
  

Whether it’s a rustic Italian pasta or a five-course fine dining experience, I believe presentation should match the energy of your event. Casual doesn’t mean messy. Fancy doesn’t mean stuffy.

I once prepared a private birthday dinner where each course had a subtle color theme to match the host’s decor — just one small touch that turned the whole night into something memorable.

So if you’re hiring a private chef in Pittsburgh, don’t be afraid to ask to see photos of past dishes. You’re not just booking a meal. You’re curating an experience — and visuals are a huge part of that.

7. Reviews Matter — But So Does Vibe

Reading reviews is a great place to start when you’re searching for the best private chefs in Pittsburgh PA. They tell you a lot — not just about the food, but the experience. Did the chef arrive on time? Were they professional, prepared, and pleasant to be around? Did they leave the kitchen clean?

I always encourage potential clients to read my reviews and testimonials. They offer real insight into what it’s like to work with me — the attention to detail, the warmth I bring to the table, and the joy I feel in helping people celebrate life’s moments through food.

But reviews are just the beginning.

Here’s the truth: you have to vibe with your chef. This is someone you’re welcoming into your home, often during meaningful moments — an anniversary, a proposal, a birthday, or just a much-needed night of peace. You should feel comfortable, listened to, and never rushed.

When I speak with new clients, I’m not just listening for what they want to eat — I’m listening for who they are. Are they more casual or more formal? Do they want something adventurous or something nostalgic? Do they want me in the background, or are they looking to learn and chat as I cook?

Ask yourself:

• Do they respond quickly and clearly?

• Do they seem flexible and friendly?

• Do they actually ask questions about your preferences?

  
  

Hiring a private chef in Pittsburgh should feel easy — like working with someone who just gets it. Because food is personal, and so is the person preparing it.

8. A Chef’s Network Is Their Secret Ingredient

When you think about hiring a private chef in Pittsburgh, you might picture the chef alone — prepping, cooking, plating. But what most people don’t see is everything that happens before the apron goes on. One of the biggest advantages of working with an experienced chef is access to a network that elevates the entire meal.

Over the years, I’ve built strong relationships with local farmers, specialty butchers, fishmongers, spice importers, and gourmet purveyors throughout the Pittsburgh area. Why does this matter? Because great food starts long before it hits the pan.

When clients ask how I’m able to source ingredients that taste noticeably fresher, or where I find that perfect dry-aged cut of beef or farm-picked produce — it all comes down to these connections. I don’t just shop; I curate every element of your meal.

Here’s what my network brings to the table:

• Fresh, locally sourced ingredients that support Pittsburgh farms and small businesses

• Access to specialty items that aren’t found in big-box grocery stores

• Better quality at better value, because I know exactly who to call for what

  
  

Being one of the best private chefs in Pittsburgh PA isn’t just about cooking — it’s about delivering an experience that feels rare, even if you’re sitting in your own dining room. And a big part of that comes from the secret ingredient you’ll never see on the plate: trusted relationships.

So when you're hiring a private chef, don’t hesitate to ask: “Where do you source your ingredients?” If they light up talking about it — you're on the right track.

9. Clean-Up Should Be Non-Negotiable

Let’s be real — no one wants to wake up the next day to a sink full of dishes after what was supposed to be a relaxing evening. And yet, I’ve heard so many stories of chefs who serve a beautiful meal… and then leave the kitchen looking like a tornado came through.

In my opinion, cleanup is non-negotiable. When you hire a private chef in Pittsburgh, you’re not just hiring someone to cook — you’re hiring someone to handle it all. That includes leaving your kitchen as clean (if not cleaner) than it was before.

Here’s what cleanup looks like when I work with clients:

• All surfaces sanitized and wiped down

• Pots, pans, and tools washed and put away (mine and yours)

• Dishes done, dried, and put back in their place

• Trash taken out if needed

• A spotless kitchen and a peaceful end to your night

  
  

It’s not just about professionalism — it’s about respect. I’ve worked hard to earn a reputation as one of the best private chefs in Pittsburgh PA, and a huge part of that is how I make clients feel from start to finish. No stress. No mess. Just a seamless, enjoyable experience.

Before booking any chef, I recommend asking directly: “Do you take care of cleanup?” If the answer isn’t an immediate yes, keep looking.

Trust me, your future self will thank you.

10. Communication Is the Key Ingredient

You can have the freshest ingredients, the most beautifully designed menu, and the most experienced chef — but if the communication is off, the experience won’t feel effortless.

That’s why I always emphasize clear, friendly, and open communication from day one. When you're hiring a private chef in Pittsburgh, you’re not just booking a service — you’re building a short-term partnership. The more aligned we are, the better the food, the timing, the flow, and the overall experience will be.

Here’s what you should look for:

• Prompt and professional replies

• Willingness to ask questions about your event

• Transparency in pricing, timelines, and expectations

• Flexibility and kindness — especially when things change last-minute

  
  

From our first conversation to the moment I wipe down your counters at the end of the night, I want you to feel like everything is under control — and that you’re in great hands.

Some of the best meals I’ve ever cooked came from deep collaboration with my clients. They told me stories, shared memories tied to food, or gave me creative freedom to surprise them. And that all started with great communication.

If you're searching for the best private chef in Pittsburgh PA, don’t just look at their dishes — look at how they talk to you. That’s where the magic begins.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a private chef in Pittsburgh isn’t just about what’s on the plate — it’s about creating moments that matter. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner, celebrating a milestone, or simply want to enjoy a gourmet meal without lifting a finger, the right chef can turn any evening into something unforgettable.

If these tips helped you feel more confident in what to look for, then my job here is already halfway done. The rest? Well, I’d be honored to help you with that.

Let’s talk about your vision, your tastes, and how I can bring your next dining experience to life.

Contact me today to get started, and let’s cook up something truly special — right in the comfort of your own home.