Hire a Private Chef in 24h
Premium Private Chef recruitment in Athens, Greece. Vetted candidates delivered fast, no upfront fees.




Why Elite Employers Choose Us
For over 20 years, Lighthouse Careers has been the trusted partner for discerning clients seeking exceptional Private Chef professionals. Our rigorous vetting process ensures only the highest caliber candidates.
Rigorous 7-Step Vetting
Background checks, reference verification, and skill assessments
24-Hour Candidate Delivery
Receive your first shortlist within two business days
Success-Fee Model
No upfront costs - you only pay when you hire
Replacement Guarantee
Free replacement if placement doesn't work out
How It Works
Our streamlined process gets you qualified candidates fast.
Share Your Requirements
Tell us about your household or yacht, the role you need filled, and your specific requirements.
Receive Matched Candidates
We search our network and present a shortlist of pre-vetted candidates tailored to your needs.
Interview & Hire
Meet your candidates, conduct interviews, and make your selection with our full support.
Trusted by Industry Leaders
Hear from captains, estate managers, and professionals who have found exceptional talent through Lighthouse Careers.
"I wanted to say a few words of thanks for your all your time and efforts over the past few years. You and your team has always been a massive help in trying to help find us the right candidate for the right job in this ever expanding and delicate industry."

"I've had the pleasure of knowing Milica, and using her recruitment services for many years. Her attention to what I'm looking for in a crew member, fast response and flexibility and understanding of feedback has always impressed me."

"Milica is always my first call when looking for new crew. She helped me get my first command 3 years ago and ever since has supplied me with great candidates for all positions onboard."

"Due to her industry knowledge, great candidates she has provided over the years and great sense of urgency, I decided to appoint Milica's agency to represent our fleet of yachts. It has certainly proved to be a great partnership."

"I have known Milica for over a decade. In that time I have come to value her judgement and advice on Crew Recruitment. She has placed a number of candidates on my commands and she has also helped me secure my dream job!"

"Throughout my 11 years in yachting, I have found Milica to be my go-to agent for jobs. Not only because she has a great reputation in the industry and great boats in her books but also for her care, kindness and professionalism."

About Private Chef Positions
When you decide to hire a Private Chef in Athens, Greece, you're investing in culinary excellence that transforms your household's dining experience. A professionally trained Private Chef brings restaurant-quality cuisine directly to your private residence, creating bespoke menus that reflect your family's preferences while accommodating dietary requirements and entertaining needs. In Athens, where Mediterranean culinary traditions meet international sophistication, the right Private Chef becomes an invaluable asset to your luxury household staff.
Essential Responsibilities of a Private Chef in Private Service
Unlike restaurant chefs, a Private Chef in Athens, Greece operates within the intimate setting of your home, requiring exceptional discretion and adaptability. Their responsibilities extend far beyond cooking, encompassing complete culinary household management:
- Creating personalized daily menus and special occasion dining experiences
- Managing all aspects of kitchen operations, including inventory, procurement, and supplier relationships
- Coordinating with other household staff for seamless service during dinner parties and events
- Maintaining impeccable food safety standards and kitchen organization
- Adapting menus for dietary restrictions, allergies, and cultural preferences
- Traveling with the family to secondary residences or yacht charters when required
Qualifications and Expertise to Seek
When you hire a Private Chef through Lighthouse Careers, expect candidates with exceptional credentials and experience in luxury private service. The ideal Private Chef possesses:
- Formal culinary education from prestigious institutions or equivalent professional experience
- Previous experience in ultra-high-net-worth households, luxury yachts, or five-star establishments
- Expertise in international cuisines, particularly Mediterranean and Greek specialties relevant to Athens
- Food safety certifications and wine knowledge
- Multilingual capabilities and cultural sensitivity
- Absolute discretion and impeccable references from previous private service roles
The Athens Advantage
Athens offers unique culinary opportunities, from sourcing fresh seafood from Piraeus to incorporating locally-grown olives and herbs into daily menus. A skilled Private Chef in Athens, Greece leverages the city's rich gastronomic heritage while maintaining the international standards expected in luxury private service, creating an unparalleled dining experience that reflects both local culture and your family's sophisticated tastes.
Private Chef Market in Athens, Greece
Private Chef Opportunities in Athens, Greece
The luxury private staffing market in Athens has experienced remarkable growth, particularly in prestigious neighborhoods like Kolonaki, Kifissia, and Glyfada. Ultra-high-net-worth families seeking to hire Private Chef Athens, Greece face increasing competition for exceptional culinary talent, as the city's affluent districts continue to attract international residents and prominent Greek families who demand world-class household staff.
Compensation and Market Insights
A Private Chef in Athens, Greece typically commands annual salaries ranging from €45,000 to €85,000, with elite positions in Psychiko and the Athens Riviera reaching €100,000+ for chefs with Michelin-starred backgrounds or extensive yacht experience. Live-in arrangements often include comprehensive benefits packages, reflecting the premium placed on discretionary service within Greece's UHNW community.
Local Market Considerations
- Cultural Integration: Successful candidates demonstrate appreciation for Greek culinary traditions while maintaining international cuisine expertise
- Seasonal Demands: Many positions involve travel to private islands and summer estates throughout the Greek islands
- Visa Requirements: EU citizenship preferred, though skilled non-EU chefs can secure work permits with employer sponsorship
- Language Skills: English fluency essential, with Greek language abilities highly valued
The competitive landscape in Athens requires exceptional candidates who can navigate both formal entertaining and intimate family dining, often incorporating organic ingredients from local markets while maintaining the sophisticated standards expected by Greece's most discerning households.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about hiring a Private Chef in Athens, Greece
How much does it cost to hire a Private Chef in Athens, Greece through Lighthouse Careers?
Lighthouse Careers operates on a success-fee model with no upfront costs to hire a Private Chef in Athens, Greece. You only pay our placement fee once we successfully match you with the right candidate and they begin working for you. This approach ensures we're fully committed to finding the perfect Private Chef for your household. Our fee structure is transparent and competitive within the luxury staffing market, allowing you to focus on finding the right talent without worrying about upfront financial commitments.
What is the typical timeline to hire a Private Chef in Athens, Greece?
Our streamlined process typically takes 1-2 weeks to successfully hire a Private Chef in Athens, Greece. We deliver your first shortlist of qualified candidates within 24 hours of receiving your requirements. This quick turnaround is possible due to our extensive network of vetted culinary professionals in the Athens area and our efficient matching process. The timeline may vary slightly depending on your specific requirements, such as specialized dietary needs or language preferences.
What qualifications should I look for when hiring a Private Chef in Athens, Greece?
When hiring a Private Chef Athens, Greece, look for formal culinary training from recognized institutions, experience in high-end restaurants or private households, and knowledge of Mediterranean cuisine. Key qualifications include:
- Culinary degree or equivalent professional training
- 3+ years of private chef or fine dining experience
- Knowledge of Greek cuisine and local ingredients
- Food safety certifications
- Multilingual abilities (Greek and English minimum)
- Wine knowledge and pairing expertise
- Menu planning and dietary accommodation skills
What does Lighthouse Careers' vetting process include for Private Chef candidates?
Our comprehensive vetting process ensures you hire a Private Chef of the highest caliber. We conduct thorough background checks, verify all professional references from previous employers, and assess culinary skills through practical evaluations. Our process includes:
- Criminal background verification
- Employment history validation
- Professional reference checks
- Skills assessment and cooking demonstrations
- Personality and cultural fit evaluation
- Documentation verification for work authorization in Greece
This rigorous approach guarantees that every Private Chef we present meets our exacting standards.
Does Lighthouse Careers offer a replacement guarantee for Private Chef placements?
Yes, we offer a comprehensive replacement guarantee when you hire a Private Chef through Lighthouse Careers. If your Private Chef doesn't meet expectations or the placement doesn't work out within the guarantee period, we will find a suitable replacement at no additional cost. This guarantee reflects our confidence in our matching process and our commitment to your satisfaction. The specific terms and duration of the guarantee will be clearly outlined in your service agreement.
Are there specific advantages to hiring a Private Chef in Athens, Greece?
Athens offers unique advantages for hiring a Private Chef, including access to exceptional Mediterranean ingredients and rich culinary traditions. The city's proximity to fresh seafood, olive groves, and local markets provides your Private Chef with premium ingredients year-round. Athens-based chefs often have deep knowledge of authentic Greek cuisine, wine pairings, and seasonal specialties. Additionally, the cost of hiring a Private Chef Athens, Greece may be more competitive compared to other major European cities, while still maintaining world-class culinary standards.
What services are included when I work with Lighthouse Careers to hire a Private Chef?
Our comprehensive service includes initial consultation to understand your culinary preferences, candidate sourcing and screening, interview coordination, reference verification, and placement support. We provide:
- Detailed needs assessment and job specification development
- Access to our vetted candidate network
- Interview scheduling and coordination
- Salary negotiation assistance
- Contract preparation support
- Onboarding guidance
- Post-placement support and check-ins
Our goal is to make the entire process of hiring a Private Chef seamless and stress-free.
How do I get started with hiring a Private Chef in Athens, Greece through Lighthouse Careers?
Getting started is simple and straightforward. Contact us for an initial consultation where we'll discuss your household's culinary needs, dining preferences, schedule requirements, and budget expectations. We'll create a detailed job specification for your Private Chef position and begin our search immediately. Within 24 hours, you'll receive your first shortlist of qualified candidates. Our team will guide you through every step, from initial interviews to final placement, ensuring a smooth hiring process.
What salary should I expect when hiring a Private Chef in Athens, Greece?
Private Chef salaries in Athens, Greece typically range from €35,000 to €65,000 annually, depending on experience, qualifications, and scope of responsibilities. Factors affecting compensation include:
- Years of professional experience
- Formal culinary training and certifications
- Language skills and international experience
- Household size and entertaining frequency
- Additional duties beyond cooking
- Live-in vs. live-out arrangements
We'll help you determine competitive compensation based on your specific requirements and current market conditions in Athens.
Should I hire a live-in or live-out Private Chef in Athens, Greece?
The choice between live-in and live-out depends on your household's needs and lifestyle. Live-in Private Chefs offer greater flexibility for entertaining, early breakfast preparation, and last-minute meal requests. Live-out arrangements often work well for families with regular schedules and provide the chef with work-life balance. In Athens, both arrangements are common, and the city's compact size makes live-out positions very practical. We'll help you evaluate which option best suits your household's dining patterns, budget, and privacy preferences.
Will my Private Chef be available for travel from Athens to other locations?
Many Private Chefs in Athens are willing to travel with their employers to vacation homes, yachts, or other destinations. Travel availability should be discussed during the hiring process and clearly outlined in the employment contract. Factors to consider include:
- Frequency and duration of travel
- Compensation for travel time
- Accommodation and meal arrangements
- Equipment and ingredient sourcing abroad
- Travel documentation requirements
We can help you find a Private Chef whose travel flexibility aligns with your lifestyle and ensure all travel expectations are clearly communicated.
How do trial periods and contracts work when hiring a Private Chef in Athens, Greece?
We recommend establishing a trial period (typically 2-4 weeks) when you hire a Private Chef, allowing both parties to ensure a good fit. During this time, you can evaluate the chef's culinary skills, work style, and compatibility with your household routine. Employment contracts should clearly outline:
- Compensation and benefits
- Working hours and days off
- Specific duties and responsibilities
- Confidentiality agreements
- Termination procedures
- Greek labor law compliance
We provide contract guidance to ensure all legal requirements are met and both parties' interests are protected.
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Our Placement Guarantee
We're so confident in our matching process that we offer a replacement guarantee. If your placed Private Chef doesn't meet expectations within the guarantee period, we'll find a replacement at no additional cost.

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