Paella, S&S Kitchenette

For some travelers coming to the Island for more than a week, a common question is “where can I find a personal or private chef?” Whether it’s a couple arriving on the Island for the summer, looking for someone to create dinner parties with local produce, or a family with younger kids needing the constant support of a chef at home making meals, picnics, and snacks--private chefs are a wealth of knowledge and make any vacation easier and more delicious! 

If you’re thinking private chefs are just for the rich and famous, think again. Specifically on-Island, they are a great way to discover the Island’s food culture, its farmers, fishermen, and purveyors--because private chefs have deep relationships with them all, as sources for their menus. You’ll taste the freshest greens, the most amazing seafood and fish, and you’ll dine knowing you are supporting the Island in more ways than one. Additionally, you’ll get to enjoy a delicious and unique experience! 

Below is a round-up of several personal and private chefs on the Island, each bringing something tasty to your table: 

Chef Deon

Chef Deon is one of Martha’s Vineyard’s most beloved culinary figures, known Island-wide for his vibrant Caribbean-inspired cuisine and community-centered approach. He has built a reputation on dishes that celebrate local seafood and Island flavors, most notably his signature MV Conch Chowder, featuring sustainably harvested channel whelk that’s become a seasonal favorite. With deep ties to the Island and Caribbean roots, Chef Deon’s inspired menus, catered events, and private dinners stand out as experiences for both visitors and year-round residents.

Chef Carlos Montoya

Chef Carlos Montoya

Chef Carlos Montoya brings refined technique and thoughtful hospitality to every event he serves on Martha’s Vineyard. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America with over 20 years of professional experience, Carlos has cooked at some of the Island’s most respected restaurants, and in addition to bespoke private dining, he now owns and operates The Maker Pasta Shop in Vineyard Haven. Whether it’s a celebratory dinner party, intimate wedding reception, or a custom cooking class, he crafts menus that highlight seasonal Island produce, freshly caught seafood, and house-made pastas, all tailored to the client’s tastes and dietary preferences. 

On Time Catering (Chef Jimmy Alvarado)

Led by Peruvian-born Chef Jimmy Alvarado, On Time Catering has become one of Martha’s Vineyard’s premier culinary teams for weddings, formal events, and private chef experiences. Jimmy’s passion for bold, global flavors draws on his upbringing in a family of chefs, and his extensive work in island kitchens, blending Peruvian heritage with New England seafood and seasonal produce. Full-service offerings include multi-course plated dinners, lobster boils, clam bakes, and chef’s tastings, with sample dishes ranging from ceviche spoons and tuna tartare to pan-roasted filet and cast-iron scallops. His meticulous technique and creative fusion make every event menu a memorable celebration. You can also enjoy Chef Jimmy’s culinary creations at his restaurant Tigerhawk Sandwich Co. in Oak Bluffs. 

My Vineyard Concierge

My Vineyard Concierge offers a unique take on the private chef experience by pairing luxury lifestyle services with personalized culinary programming for visitors and homeowners alike. Beyond preparing chef-driven meals, this service coordinates everything from grocery shopping and menu planning to table setup and cleanup, ensuring that every in-home dinner, vacation rental welcome meal, or special celebration is effortless and elevated. With deep knowledge of local purveyors and a commitment to warm, attentive service, My Vineyard Concierge transforms every gathering into a seamless, Island-inspired experience.

Darya Hryniuk Shelby (Soiree MV)

Darya Hryniuk Shelby, behind Soiree MV, has mastered the art of turning meals into memorable moments on Martha’s Vineyard. Specializing in curated chef experiences, from private dinners and wine-paired tasting menus to intimate celebration menus, Darya combines seasonal Island ingredients with global culinary influences. Her approach emphasizes fresh produce, artisanal products, and beautifully presented courses that reflect both her creative flair and meticulous planning. Clients seeking bespoke menus that tell a story will find Soiree MV’s offerings both personal and unforgettable.

Theresa Manning (Quitsa Cuisine)

Theresa Manning’s Quitsa Cuisine brings a touch of Island warmth and tradition to private dining and catering across Martha’s Vineyard. With an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and time-honored family recipes, Quitsa Cuisine crafts menus full of seasonal vegetables, fresh seafood, and comforting classics that capture the essence of Vineyard living. Whether it’s a family dinner, small event, or custom catering request, Theresa’s team works closely with clients to design a menu that feels both elevated and deeply satisfying, with every detail chosen to reflect their tastes and the Island’s vibrant food culture. You can also enjoy Chef Manning’s food at Quitsa Kitchen in Vineyard Haven. 

Gavin Smith (Food Minded Fellow)

Known as the Food Minded Fellow, Chef Gavin Smith blends his roles as private chef, writer and avid local fisherman into a culinary philosophy shaped by Martha’s Vineyard’s rich local ecosystem. Gavin splits his time between Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod, creating thoughtful, in-home dining experiences that range from laid-back family dinners to fine-tuned tasting menus and interactive cooking classes. Central to his work is a celebration of fresh, local ingredients, from Island-caught seafood to farmers’ market produce, and a desire to connect guests with the stories behind the food they enjoy.

Shane Tank (Premier Chef Services)

Chef Shane Tank’s Premier Chef Services is synonymous with tailored, high-end private dining and event catering on Martha’s Vineyard. With a team of seasoned professionals and an eye for seasonal ingredients, Shane creates custom menus that elevate everything from intimate dinners to large celebrations. His services extend beyond food preparation to full event coordination, ensuring each detail, from first course to last bite, reflects the client’s vision and the island’s bounty. Known for reliable execution and creative menu design, Premier Chef Services is a go-to choice for those seeking refined, personalized culinary experiences.

Chef Ting (Black Joy Kitchen)

Chef Ting & Team, Black Joy Kitchen

Chef Ting, the visionary behind Black Joy Kitchen in Oak Bluffs, offers a soulful culinary voice rooted in the flavors and traditions of the African Diaspora. Since opening in 2025, her kitchen has become a hub for joyous, community-centered dining with menus that celebrate seasonal produce, bold spices, and comforting favorites, all presented with heart and creativity. Through Chef Ting’s in-home chef services, suppers, brunch events, and special meal offerings, Chef Ting crafts dishes that are both deeply flavorful and culturally resonant, creating experiences that nourish both body and spirit.

Chef Canieka

Chef Canieka is an emerging culinary creator on Martha’s Vineyard, known for her vibrant presence in the local food and arts scene. With a flair for bold flavors and community engagement, she brings passion and creativity to private chef services and pop-up events, often blending Island-fresh ingredients with global inspiration. Whether preparing a custom dinner party menu or leading a collaborative culinary experience, Chef Canieka’s approach centers on joyful connection, thoughtful presentation, and menus that reflect both her personality and the Island’s culinary richness.

Chef Spring Sheldon (S&S Kitchenette / S&S Catering)

S&S Kitchenette Table

Spring Sheldon is the creative force behind S&S Kitchenette, a beloved Main Street destination in Vineyard Haven that doubles as a vibrant culinary hub and intimate dining space. A Martha’s Vineyard local since childhood and a graduate of Boston University’s gastronomy program, Spring draws on years of professional kitchen experience to offer bespoke private dining, full-service catering for weddings and special events, and thoughtfully crafted meals for families and groups alike. At S&S Kitchenette, guests can enjoy seasonal lunch and dinner service, chef-prepared meal kits, and grab-and-go offerings, and an inviting communal table setting that feels like dining in a friend’s home.  Her food is perfect for family-style dinners, intimate celebrations, and curated chef experiences on the Island. Beyond daily service, Spring’s catering arm brings her fresh, locally influenced menus to events throughout Martha’s Vineyard, blending regional produce, seafood, and thoughtful flavor pairings that set her apart as a versatile and community-minded culinary personality.

Chef Lori (Good Food for the Soul)

Chef Lori, the heart and soul behind Good Food For Your Soul on Martha’s Vineyard, brings a warm, homestyle approach to private dining and event catering that feels both deeply personal and joyfully celebratory. A third-generation Vineyarder, Lori’s love of cooking began in childhood with recipes passed down from her mother and grandmother.  And today that legacy shines through in every dish she creates--from seasonal seafood and garden produce, to beloved classics like stuffed lobster and chicken piccata. Her services include fully customizable private dinners, intimate celebrations, alfresco feasts by the beach, and catered functions for weddings, reunions, and community gatherings--all designed to be stress-free and tailored to each client’s tastes. Chef Lori is known for her exceptional presentations, including signature charcuterie displays that become centerpiece attractions. 

No matter your needs - a one-time special dinner party or an everyday meal, a private chef on Martha’s Vineyard is just the way to treat yourself!