I create refined, unforgettable dining experiences by blending South African flavours with global inspiration—tailored to you and your home.

Lerato Swartz

I bring fine-dining elegance into your home with bold African flavours and global technique.

My name is Chef Lerato, and I’m a professional chef with over 13 years of experience. I studied at the International Hotel School in Cape Town (2013) and then sharpened my craft in some of Cape Town’s renowned 5-star hotels, where I fell in love with fine dining and exceptional service.

Since founding my own company in 2014, I’ve travelled across Africa and let those flavours, ingredients, and techniques shape my cooking. Today I focus on private cheffing, creating bespoke menus around your tastes and dietary needs—combining creativity, flavour, and artistry so every detail feels considered and memorable.

Let’s plan your menu

My secret in the kitchen is balancing creativity with simplicity, using fresh ingredients and passion to craft dishes that evoke emotion and create.

What you can expect when you dine with me

I cook with love, creativity, and culture

For me, cooking is a way to express love, creativity, and culture—transforming simple ingredients into memorable experiences that connect and inspire.

I’ve learned in high-end kitchens and at home

I was fortunate to work with a few of the best chefs at Nobus @The One & Only and the President Hotel in Bantry Bay as well, though my mother was my best.

I keep it fresh, intentional, and emotional

My secret in the kitchen is balancing creativity with simplicity, using fresh ingredients and passion to craft dishes that evoke emotion and create.

Chef Lerato’s Menus

I offer curated menus that celebrate South African heritage while embracing global trends—perfect for intimate dinners or larger gatherings. I tailor each experience to your preferences, dietary needs, and the kind of moment you want to create.

Request a menu proposal

Reviews

My family had the best time with chef Lerato! We were looking for a menu that would help us learn about South Africa, and she had the most unique option. She was furthermore willing to personalize it for our group and shared more about the history of each dish when we asked questions. Lerato and her partner made the environment fun, singing and dancing with us as they prepared dinner. Not only did we have a blast, but we were spoiled with the most gorgeous and delicious food. Everyone was talking about the Malva pudding for the rest of the trip ???? thank you so much Lerato!

Annie Nielsen

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lerato & Team - Private Chef, Langebaan We booked Lerato through TakeAChef for my good friend Brad's bachelor weekend in Langebaan. A house full of loud guys, big expectations, big appetites - she nailed it from start to finish. Friday night was a full traditional braai - lamb chops, marinated pork belly, peri-peri chicken, sharing steaks, boerewors pinwheels with chakalaka, braai'd corn ribs with cream cheese and chilli, peri-peri chicken livers, pap with relish, braai broodjies, and an Amarula malva pudding to finish. Almost the entire menu was her own concept and inspiration - I just tweaked a couple of things when we chatted it through. Genuinely some of the best food I've eaten at any event. She came back Saturday morning and did a full cooked breakfast - eggs every way, bacon, boerewors, hash browns, corn fritters, fruit platter, coffee, a DIY mimosa station and a Bloody Mary bar. Perfect for the state most of us were in by that point. She brought her daughters along to help and honestly the whole team were just such lovely, kind people. Warm, happy, totally unfazed by a rowdy group of guys - you could just tell they genuinely enjoy what they do. The girls were amazing and everyone loved them. The bachelorette party actually got jealous when they heard about the food. That says it all really. Outstanding value, incredible food, brilliant people. I'd use Lerato again without hesitation and recommend her to absolutely anyone. Thank you Lerato - it's one of the highlights of the whole weekend and people still talk about it now. ????

Callum Du Plessis

Lerato and her team made my mother’s 80th birthday. She prepared and presented beautiful food. From planning the menus to final execution it was a wonderful experience having her cook for us.

Alexander Koutny

We had the absolute pleasure of having chef Leraro cater a 40th birthday celebration, and the experience was outstanding. The food was truly exceptional – guests couldn’t stop talking about it throughout the evening and afterwards. Her team was equally impressive – professional, attentive, and ensured everything ran seamlessly from start to finish. What stood out even more was the level of care and attention to detail. She went out of her way to arrange a beautiful birthday cake and also prepared a separate meal to accommodate specific dietary needs for 1 person, which meant a lot to us and was handled with genuine thoughtfulness. Highly recommended for any special occasion – professional, accommodating, and delivering food of an incredibly high standard. Thanks Chef Lerato.

Lerato was awesome from start to end. Understood our needs and constraints and even assisted with other stuff that we need for my mums celebration dinner. Highly recommend her.

Seshnee Seetaram

So delicious food. All was perfect.

Julius Nemeth-Thurøe

Our dinner was amazing, thanks so much!

Hajo Kallsen

10/10 overall. Lerota was great. Communication was excellent with flexible menu options. She arrived on time with everything needed and was always super polite and friendly. The food prepared was absolutely delicious and plenty for our group of 6. Certainly recommend very highly. First class. Thank you again

Anne Lonergan

Wir waren unglaublich zufrieden mit Chef Lerato. Das Essen war sehr sehr gut und Chef Lerato sehr sympathisch. Sie hat trotz der offenen Küche in unserem Haus sehr diskret alles zubereitet und die Küche sehr sauber hinterlassen. Wir würden sie immer wieder buchen.

Marie Kling

We had an amazing experience! The food was absolutely delicious, beautifully prepared, and full of flavor. She cooked for me and my friends, and everyone was impressed. Very professional, warm, and attentive to details – we felt truly taken care of. Highly recommended!

Julia Leipold

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a private chef experience with Chef Lerato cost?

The average menu price for Chef Lerato is 1090 ZAR per person. Final pricing may vary depending on the menu, number of guests, and event details.

What type of cuisine does Chef Lerato cook?

Chef Lerato offers Seafood/Fish, Italian, Mediterranean, Local and Fusion cuisine for private dining experiences.

Where does Chef Lerato offer private chef services?

Chef Lerato offers private chef services in Cape Town, ZA.

Which occasions can I book Chef Lerato for?

You can book Chef Lerato for Birthday, Family reunion, Bachelor/Bachelorette, Friends gathering, Romantic night and Foodie adventure, depending on availability and the event details.

How do I book this private chef experience?

Choose a menu, share your event details, and the Take a Chef team will help confirm the experience with the chef.

I’d love to cook for you—email me and let’s plan something special.

[email protected]
+27 797295747

West beach, Cape Town

Chef Lerato Swartz

I create refined, unforgettable dining experiences by blending South African flavours with global inspiration—tailored to you and your home.

I bring fine-dining elegance into your home with bold African flavours and global technique.

What you can expect when you dine with me

I cook with love, creativity, and culture

I’ve learned in high-end kitchens and at home

I keep it fresh, intentional, and emotional

Chef Lerato’s Menus

Surf & Turf

Italian fusion

Mediterranean essence

South African flair- Ubuntu menu

Middle Eastern spread

Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions