The Ultimate Guide to Private Chef Service in Rosemary Beach

Rosemary Beach sits at the quieter end of 30A, where the architecture feels intentional, the streets are walkable, and the crowds thin out (sometimes).

It's also one of the best places on the coast to hire a private chef.

The vacation rentals here are designed for entertaining. The kitchens are well-equipped. The dining spaces are built to gather a group around one table. And the overall vibe — upscale but relaxed — aligns perfectly with the kind of evening a private chef creates.

Here's everything you need to know about private chef service in Rosemary Beach.

Why Rosemary Beach Works for Private Chef Dinners

Not every vacation rental on 30A is ideal for private chef service. Some kitchens are too small. Some layouts make service awkward. Some homes just weren't designed with entertaining in mind.

Rosemary Beach is different.

The Homes Are Built for Gatherings

Rosemary Beach rentals tend to have open floor plans, spacious kitchens, and large dining tables. Many homes have chef's kitchens with gas ranges, double ovens, and plenty of counter space.

That matters. The better the kitchen, the smoother service runs. And when the dining space flows naturally from the kitchen, the chef can plate and serve without disrupting the evening.

Walkability and Atmosphere

Rosemary Beach is designed to be walkable. The town center is pedestrian-friendly, the beach is a short stroll from most homes, and the overall feel is intimate and European-inspired.

That same sense of intimacy carries into a private chef dinner. You're not in a sprawling resort or a generic condo. You're in a home that feels intentional, designed, and perfect for a meal you'll remember.

What Makes Private Chef Service Different from Dining Out

When you're on vacation in Rosemary Beach, you have options. There are excellent restaurants nearby — some in Rosemary Beach itself, others just down 30A in Alys Beach, Seaside, or WaterColor.

So why hire a private chef instead?

No Reservations, No Wait Times

30A restaurants book up fast, especially during peak season. You're calling weeks in advance to secure a table, and even then, you might not get your preferred time.

With a private chef, there's no reservation stress. You choose the time. You don't wait. You don't deal with a crowded dining room.

Everyone Eats Together

If you're traveling with a group of 10 or 12, finding a restaurant that can seat everyone together is difficult. Often, you're split across multiple tables, which defeats the purpose of gathering everyone in one place.

A private chef dinner solves that. Everyone sits at one table, in your rental, with no time limit and no pressure to finish quickly because the restaurant needs the table back.

Restaurant-Quality Food, Private Setting

You're not sacrificing quality by staying in. Marrow's chefs have worked in professional kitchens, trained under experienced chefs, and executed over 2,500 events. The food you get in your rental is plated and prepared with the same care you'd see at a high-end restaurant.

The difference is you're barefoot, comfortable, and never leaving your home.

Typical Rental Kitchens in Rosemary Beach

Most Rosemary Beach vacation rentals have well-equipped kitchens, but there's variation. Here's what we typically see:

What's Usually Available

• Gas ranges with 4-6 burners

• Double ovens or a convection oven

• Large refrigerators with ample space

• Plenty of counter space for prep and plating

• Quality cookware and serving dishes

What's Sometimes Missing

• Specialty pans (we bring our own)

• Sharp knives (chefs bring their own knife kit)

• Specific utensils or platters (we bring what's needed)

The great thing about Rosemary Beach homes is that even when something is missing, the kitchens are functional enough that our chefs can work around it. After 2,500+ events, we've cooked in every type of rental kitchen on 30A.

Menu Options for Rosemary Beach Dinners

The menu you choose depends on the kind of evening you're creating.

Signature Private Chef Experience

Our most popular option. Four courses, plated and served, with seasonal dishes that showcase Gulf seafood and premium ingredients. Fully customizable — swap dishes, adjust seasonings, modify techniques to fit your preferences.

Perfect for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or any occasion where you want the meal to feel refined without being fussy.

Chophouse Dinner

Prime beef, fresh Gulf seafood, elevated sides — all served family-style. This menu works beautifully for groups that want a steakhouse experience without leaving the rental.

It's also a great option for families with kids. The format is relaxed, the food is approachable, and everyone gets to customize their plate.

Michelin-Style Tasting Menu

Nine courses, completely personalized for your group, including wine pairings. This is our most elevated experience, designed for intimate gatherings (12 guests max) where the meal is the centerpiece of the evening.

If you're celebrating something significant and want a dining experience that feels truly special, this is the menu.

View all menu options here.

What's Included in Private Chef Service

When you hire Marrow for a private chef dinner in Rosemary Beach, here's what you get:

Full-Service Experience

• Chef arrives ~1 hour before service to set up

• All food prepared on-site in your rental kitchen

• Courses plated and served at the right pace

• Kitchen left spotless after service

Scratch-Made Quality

• Every component prepared from scratch

• Fresh Gulf seafood sourced locally

• No commercially produced sauces or shortcuts

• Premium ingredients we'll never compromise on

Appropriate Staffing

• For groups of 10 or fewer: one chef (prepares and serves)

• For groups of 10-20: two chefs or one chef plus a server

• For groups over 20: staffing scaled to ensure seamless service

What's Not Included

• Tableware (plates, silverware, glassware) — most rentals have these

• Linens (we bring linen-like napkins)

• Beverages — except wine pairings with our Tasting Menu

• Gratuity — always appreciated, but absolutely never expected

How to Prepare Your Rosemary Beach Rental for a Private Chef

You don't need to do much to get ready, but a few small things help:

Clear Counter Space

The more counter space the chef has to work with, the smoother service runs. Clear off any clutter or personal items before the chef arrives.

Set the Table

If you want a specific table setup — candles, centerpieces, place cards — go ahead and set it before the chef arrives. We'll work around it.

Make Room in the Fridge

The chef will bring ingredients in coolers, but some items may need to go in the fridge. A little extra space helps.

Communicate Any Allergies or Restrictions

Let us know about dietary restrictions when you book, and confirm them again 10 days before your event. We accommodate allergies with rigid safety protocols, but we need to know about them in advance.

Timing Your Private Chef Dinner

Most guests schedule their private chef dinner for the second or third night of their stay.

Why Mid-Stay Works

• You've had time to settle in and get comfortable in the rental

• You're not exhausted from travel on night one

• You still have a few days left to enjoy the rest of your vacation

Service Time

Most dinners start between 6 and 7 p.m., with appetizers served exactly when scheduled. A four-course meal typically runs about hours, depending on pacing.

You set the timeline. If you want a later start or a more leisurely pace, let us know. We adapt to your schedule.

Why Rosemary Beach Guests Keep Booking Private Chefs

Here's what we hear most often from guests who book private chef service in Rosemary Beach:

"It was the best meal of our trip."

"We didn't have to leave the house, and the food was better than any restaurant we went to."

"Our group has a tradition now — we book Marrow every year."

Private chef service works because it solves the three biggest challenges of vacation dining: reservations, group coordination, and the hassle of leaving your space.

You get restaurant-quality food, served in your rental, with no stress and no cleanup. The evening feels effortless because someone else is handling every detail.

Ready to Book?

Explore our menus to see what we can create for your Rosemary Beach vacation, or reach out to check availability.

We'll take care of the rest.