Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gradito?

Gradito is a private chef and hospitality company that brings high-end dining to your home or office. We connect curious clients with talented, Michelin-trained chefs and sommeliers for private dinners, events, and full-time placements, so you get a restaurant-level experience without leaving your space.

Who founded Gradito?

Gradito was founded by Sean Kommer, a chef with over 15 years of experience in Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, including Tetsuya’s in Sydney, Disfrutar in Barcelona, and Shiosaka in Tokyo. His goal is to bring that level of hospitality and craft into private homes.

What makes Gradito different from a regular catering company?

Gradito is not a drop-off caterer. Every experience is built around one chef cooking in your space, with a menu made for you. Our chefs are Michelin-trained and fully insured, and our focus is on hospitality, craftsmanship, and respecting your home.

Are Gradito chefs fully insured?

Yes. Gradito chefs are fully insured, which adds peace of mind when a professional is cooking and working in your home. If you have specific insurance or documentation needs for a venue, estate, or corporate event, contact our team and we will help.

How do I book a private chef with Gradito?

Submit a request through our website with your date, location, guest count, and any dietary needs. Our team reviews the details, matches you with a chef, and works with you on the menu. You can also call or message us to talk through your event first.

How does Gradito work?

You tell us about your event, guest count, location, and tastes. We match you with a chef who fits, then the chef builds a custom menu. On the day, the chef arrives, cooks, serves, and cleans up, so you can enjoy your guests.

What does “Gradito” mean?

Gradito is an Italian word that means “welcome.” Sean Kommer heard it often while traveling through Italy, where it was tied to warm hospitality, as in ospite gradito, a welcome guest. It reflects how we treat every client, home, and table we cook for.

Are Gradito chefs Michelin-trained?

Yes. Gradito chefs are Michelin-trained, with backgrounds in some of the world’s top restaurants. We select chefs for both technical skill and a warm, professional service style, so the food and the experience feel as polished as a fine dining reservation.

Where does Gradito provide private chef services?

Gradito serves New York City, the Hamptons, Westchester, the Jersey Shore, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Miami, Palm Beach, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. Our primary market is New York, and we continue to grow our chef network in other cities.

How far in advance should I book a private chef?

The sooner the better, especially for weekends, holidays, and summer dates in popular areas like the Hamptons and the Jersey Shore. Booking early gives you the best chef selection and time to plan your menu. For short notice requests, contact us and we will check availability.

How much does a private chef cost?

Private chef pricing depends on the chef, menu, guest count, location, and type of event. Gradito builds each experience around your needs, so there is no single flat rate. Send us your event details and our team will walk you through options that fit your budget.

Can I meet or speak with the chef before my event?

Yes. Before your event, our team helps you connect on the details so the chef understands your tastes, allergies, and goals. This is the time to discuss menu ideas, timing, and any special requests, so nothing is left to guesswork on the day.

Can Gradito chefs accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions?

Yes. Tell us about any allergies, intolerances, or dietary needs when you request a chef, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specific diets. Your chef designs the menu around them, so every guest can eat safely and enjoy the full experience.

Can I add wine pairings or a sommelier to my dinner?

Yes. Gradito works with sommeliers as well as chefs, so you can add expert wine pairings to your menu. Share your preferences and budget, and your pairings can be matched course by course to the food for a complete dining experience.

Can I hire a private chef for a birthday or anniversary dinner?

Yes. Birthdays and anniversaries are some of the most popular reasons to book Gradito. Your chef can design a special menu for the occasion, handle the cooking and service, and clean up afterward, so you can stay present with the people you are celebrating.

What factors affect the price of a private chef experience?

The main factors are the number of guests, the menu style and number of courses, ingredient quality, the chef’s experience, the date, and your location. Added services like sommeliers or extra staff can also change the total. We explain what drives your price before you commit.

Can I customize my private chef menu?

Yes. Every Gradito menu is customized. Your chef plans around your preferences, dietary needs, favorite cuisines, and the occasion. You can choose a theme, request signature dishes, or let the chef design a seasonal tasting menu using fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Do you offer omakase experiences at home?

Yes. Omakase is available in every city Gradito serves. The chef presents a multi-course tasting menu built from the best ingredients, bringing an intimate, chef-led restaurant experience to your table. It is a great fit for anniversaries, celebrations, and small gatherings.

What types of events can a Gradito private chef cater?

Gradito chefs cook for intimate dinners, birthdays, anniversaries, dinner parties, holiday gatherings, brunches, family celebrations, and corporate events. If you are planning something that is not on this list, reach out and we will let you know how we can help.

Can I hire a private chef for a corporate event or client dinner?

Yes. Gradito chefs can create polished, in-office or private dining experiences for client dinners, team celebrations, and executive gatherings. A chef cooking on site feels more personal than standard catering and gives your guests a memorable, high-end experience that reflects well on your brand.

How many guests can a private chef serve?

It depends on the event, menu, and your space. Gradito serves intimate dinners as well as larger private gatherings. Share your guest count when you contact us, and we will recommend the right chef and, if needed, additional staff to match your event.

Does the chef handle grocery shopping and cleanup?

Yes. Your chef takes care of the grocery shopping for your menu, prepares the meal in your kitchen, and cleans up when finished. You are left with a great meal and a tidy kitchen, without any of the planning, shopping, or dishes.

How does Gradito place full-time or seasonal private chefs?

Our placement specialists learn about your household, dietary needs, schedule, and expectations, then match you with a Michelin-trained chef who fits. We place full-time and seasonal chefs for families, family offices, and estates, and we stay involved to make sure the match works.

Do you offer private chefs in New York City?

Yes. New York City is our primary market, and we have private chefs serving Manhattan and the surrounding areas. Whether you are hosting an intimate apartment dinner or a larger celebration, we can match you with a chef who suits your event.

Do you serve Westchester and the Jersey Shore?

Yes. Gradito provides private chefs in Westchester, including Scarsdale, and along the Jersey Shore. We can arrange one-time dinners, special events, and seasonal chefs for your home. Contact us with your location and date to confirm availability in your town.

What does the chef bring, and what do I need to provide?

Your chef plans the menu and sources the ingredients, so you mainly need to provide access to your kitchen, a table, and serving space. Your chef will confirm any equipment needs with you ahead of time so the evening runs smoothly.

Can a private chef cook in a small kitchen or apartment?

Yes. Private chefs are used to working in all kinds of kitchens, including New York apartments. Tell us about your kitchen setup when you book, and your chef will design a menu and workflow that fits your space and equipment.

What is the difference between a one-time chef and a full-time chef?

A one-time chef cooks for a specific event or dinner, while a full-time or seasonal chef joins your household on an ongoing basis, handling daily meals, planning, and shopping. Gradito offers both, so you can choose what fits your lifestyle and schedule.

Do you have private chefs in the Hamptons?

Yes. Gradito offers private chefs in the Hamptons and Southampton for dinner parties, weekend stays, holiday gatherings, and seasonal placements throughout the year. Summer dates fill up fast, so we recommend reaching out early to secure the right chef for your home or rental.

Do you offer private chefs in Miami, Los Angeles, and other cities outside New York?

Yes. Beyond New York, Gradito serves Miami, Palm Beach, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Dallas, Washington DC, and Philadelphia. Availability varies by city and date, so contact us with your location and we will confirm the best chef for your event.