Chef Layla Nader

Chef At Home in Chicago

I was born in Colombia to Lebanese parents, and my love for cooking began at home. From my mother, I learned that food is more than nourishment, it is a way to express love and bring people together. I grew up watching her prepare meals for hours, only to see the joy on everyone’s faces when they gathered around the table. In those moments, I understood that gastronomy was my calling.

Now based in the United States, I bring over 15 years of experience working in catering companies, hotels, and restaurants. Throughout my career, I have combined tradition, technique, and creativity to craft memorable dining experiences. Whether it’s an intimate dinner, a gathering of friends and family, a corporate event, or weekly in-home meal preparation, I approach each occasion with care and attention to detail.

My philosophy is simple: food should connect people, inspire conversation, and transform every meal into a meaningful experience.

I am passionate, attentive, and deeply respectful of every guest I serve. I work with fresh, seasonal ingredients, carefully selecting high-quality products and preparing them with flavors designed to linger in your memory long after the last bite.

For me, cooking is...

For me, cooking is creating moments that connect people and inspire joy, is bringing elegance and soul to every table I serve.

I learned to cook at...

Institut Vatel Paris France Escuela de Restauracion y Hosteleria Madrid Espana

A cooking secret...

The secret is simple: Fresh Ingredients, bold Flavors, and love y passion in every dish. My cooking style is refined yet soulful—rooted in tradition

My menus

Sunlit Shores

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Caponata Antipasto (vegetarian)

Mediterranean Plate (vegetarian)

Eggplant Rollatini Parmigiana

Sicilian Arancini |Arborio rice stuffed with Mozzarella, Bolognese meat and Tiny Peas)

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Penne al Pesto with Parmigiano romano Cheese

Pasta Carbonara with Bacon an Parmigiano Cheese

Risotto ai Fungi | Mushroom risotto with herbs and Parmesan

Burrata with Local tomatoes & basil oil, Grilled Avocado and Peach

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Penne with Chicken in Vodka Tomato Sauce/Broccoli and sun-Dried Tomato

Eggplant Lasagna with Bolognese (Impossible meat) (vegetarian)

Atlantic Salmon Filet with lemon and capers Butter sauce, with Risotto Butternut Squash Roasted Vegetables

Chicken Saltimbocca | Scalloppini of Chicken with Prosciutto, sage and Mozzarella cheese with Wine sauce, pasta and carrots caramelized

Chicken Parmesan served with Buttered Fettuccine with Basil, Roasted Zucchini & Cherry Tomato

Pasta al Pomodoro e Basilico| Classic Pasta With Fresh Tomato Sauce an basil add Grilled Chicken or Shrimp

Chicken Picatta | Pan -seared chicken Breast, lemon, capers, white wine sauce. Served with roasted potatoes and Vegetable bouquet

Chicken Marsala | Chicken Breast in Marsala wine Mushrooms sauce, Served with potato gratin and Broccoli

Shrimp Scampi Pasta | Linguine tossed with Garlic, White wine, lemon, and parsley

Pasta al Pesto with Chicken and Vegetables

Salmon Parpadelle Alfredo

DESSERT

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Panna Cotta with Berries

Cheesecake with Berries

Classic Tiramisu

Chef's Signature Experience

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Mini Crab Cakes with lemon Alioli | Golden, delicate crab cakes served with a bright citrus aioli

Lobster Bisque with cognac cream | Silky lobster bisque finish with cognac and fresh herbs for deep, elegant flavor

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Salad: Baby Arugula, pear, candied Walnut & Gorgonzola with Honey Lavander Vinaigrette

Creamy Burrata with heirloom cherry tomatoes, basil oil, aged balsamic reduction & toasted focaccia

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Filet Mignon with red wine demi-Glace, Truffle Mashed potatoes & Grilled Asparagus, seasonal Vegetables

Filet Mignon & Seared Jumbo Shrimp Duo – With Garlic potato purée, charred asparagus, and red wine demi-glace

Bronzini Filet with lemon and capers Butter sauce, with Risotto Fungi, Roasted Vegetabled

Risotto Di Mare| Shrimp, Calamari, Scallops, Mussels and Clams

Filet Mignon and red wine demi-glace & Chicken breast supreme beurre Blanc – With Garlic potato purée, charred asparagus,

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Vanilla crème brûlée with Berries | A Classic French dessert with perfectly caramelized sugar crust

Warm Chocolate Lava Cake, with Vanilla ice Cream, Coulis and fresh Berries

The Italian Cheese Wheel Experience

STARTER

All inclusive

• Sicilian Arancini |Arborio rice stuffed with Mozzarella, Bolognese meat and Tiny Peas)

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Burrata with heirloom cherry tomatoes, basil oil, aged balsamic reduction & toasted focaccia

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Fresh linguine tossed tableside inside a wheel of imported Parmigiano Reggiano, emulsified with European butter and pasta water, finished with cracked black pepper

Herb-crusted Filet Mignon or Mediterranean Branzino with lemon caper beurre blanc

Served with roasted seasonal vegetables

DESSERT

All inclusive

Classic Tiramisu with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream

Limoncello Mascarpone Cake

Amalfi Indulgence

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Eggplant Rollatini Parmigiana

Caponata Antipasto (vegetarian)

Wild Mushroom Risotto Balls (vegetarian)

Sicilian Arancini |Arborio rice stuffed with Mozzarella, Bolognese meat and Tiny Peas)

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Agnolotti Carbonara

Creamy Tomato soup and Basil served on mini cheese Bread Crust

Roasted Carrot & Ginger Soup (vegetarian)

Creamy Wild Mushroom Soup

Lobster & Corn Risotto – Creamy risotto with lobster chunks and sweet corn. Asparagus and Zucchini with caramelized Onions

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Eggplant Lasagna with Bolognese (Impossible meat) (vegetarian)

Atlantic Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes & Basil Cream, Risotto & Asparagus

Risotto di Mare with Shrimp, Calamari, Mussels & Clams

Chicken Saltimbocca | Scalloppini of Chicken with Prosciutto, sage and Mozzarella cheese with Wine sauce, pasta Penne and carrots caramelized

Atlantic Salmon Filet with lemon and capers Butter sauce, with Risotto Fungi, Roasted Vegetabled

Cannelloni Scampi Di Mare| Shrimp, Fresh Mozzarella and Ricotta Cheeses blended and Stuffed into the pasta rolled pasta sheets. Oven Baked and Covered Creamy Cardinale Lobster Sauce

Bronzini Filet with lemon and capers Butter sauce, with Risotto Fungi, Roasted Vegetables

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Classic Tiramisu

Vanilla crème brûlée with Berries | A Classic French dessert with perfectly caramelized sugar crust

Limoncello Mascarpone Cake

Le Petit Classique

STARTER

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Charcuterie Board Our Classic Cheese Board, paired with a medley of cured and spiced meats

Baked Brie with Honey & Walnuts - Warm brie topped with honey, toasted walnuts, and fresh thyme. Served with crostinis

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

French Onion Soup with Gruyere and Bread

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

French Chicken Breast Stuffed with Fig & Apricot, Seasonal Veg and Gratin Potato

Beef Tenderloin with Demi-glace Mushroom sauce, Creamy Mashed Potatoes , grilled Asparagus, Carrots Caramelized

Roasted Salmon with Beurre Blanc, roasted Vegetables and potato au gratin

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Vanilla crème brûlée with Berries | A Classic French dessert with perfectly caramelized sugar crust

Spice Pear Tart with Ice Cream

Lemon Tartlet with Meringue

Raspberry tart with Mascarpone Ice cream

Mediterranean/Tapas & Paellas Menu

STARTER

Choose 3 dishes

Traditional Spanish egg and potato omelet Tortilla de patatas y cebolla

Garlic Shrimp

Octopus in Olive Sauce

Chicken or Ham Croquets/Croquetas de Jamón o Pollo

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Mediterranean Salad & Baguette Bread

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

SEAFOOD PAELLA - Shrimp, Scallops, Mussels, Calamari, Clams, Fish and Crab, Safron, Pearl Rice, and Vegetables, garnished with lemons and Roasted red Pepper

VALENCIAN PAELLA - Chicken, Pork Ribs, Vegetables, Safron, pearl rice, garnished with red roasted Peppers and Lemon

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Vanilla crème brûlée with Berries

Churros with chocolate or dulce de leche,

Heritage Reserve

STARTER

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Tuna and Avocado Timbale

Oysters Rockefeller – Baked oysters with spinach, butter, and breadcrumbs

Smoked Salmon Plate | Dill cream cheese, cucumber, red onion, Capers, and rye crisps

Maryland Crab Cakes With Remoulade Sauce

Mini lobster Rolls-Mini Buttery lobster rolls on Brioche

Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese bites with Chiplote Aioli

Beef Short rib Sliders | Slow-braised Short ribs, Brioche buns, caramelized onions, and truffle aioli

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Butternut Squash soup with Maple Cream

New England Clam Chowder | Creamy chowder with clams, potatoes, and herbs, sereved in a small Bowl

Maryland Crab Bisque

Sweet Corn &Lobster Chowder

Heirloom Tomato Bisque with Grilled cheese croutons

Wedge Salad | Iceberg lettuce, blue cheese, crispy bacon, heirloom tomatoes and Chive Dressing

Creamy Wild Mushroom Soup

Burrata with Local tomatoes & basil oil, Grilled Avocado and Peach

Chilled Sweet Corn Soup

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Filet Mignon With Red Wine Reduction, truffle mashed potatoes & Roasted Asparagus,Carrots

Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb served with Creamy Polenta & Grilled Asparagus

Pan-Seared Atlantic Salmon Fillet with Lemon Butter Sauce served with Wild Rice Pilaf & Sauteed Spinach

Lobster Tail & Shrimp with Champagne Cream Sauce Served with Garlic butter baby Potatoes & Seasonal Vegetables

Braised Short Ribs With Demi-Glace Served with Parmesan mashed potatoes & roasted root Vegetables

Grilled Ribeye Steak With Herb Butter, served with: Yukon gold potato gratin & roasted Brussels Sprouts

Seared Scallops & Shrimps with Corn Puree. Served with: Aparagus & Crisp pancetta

Beef Wellintong (Individual Portion) Served with: Duchess potatoes & Glazed Baby Carrots

Maple- Glazed Pork Tenderloin served with: Sweet potato mash & sauteed Spinach

Blackened Cod ( Southern U.S. Style) served with: Mashed Potatoes & grilled Zucchini

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Vanilla Crème Brulee with Berries

Classic Tiramisu

Panna Cotta with Berries

Carrot Cake with a Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

New York style Cheesecake with triple berry

Limoncello Mascarpone Cake

L’Atelier Gourmand

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Large Brie in Puff Pastry with Apricot Preserve (vegetarian) served with crostini

Fresh Oysters with Champagne Mignonette and Caviar Premium oysters served chilled with shallot vinaigrette, champagne, and caviar pearls

Crab or Tuna & Avocado Timbale with Lemon Emulsion Elegant layered presentation, fresh and delicate

Black Truffle Blinis with Crème Fraîche and Smoked Salmon Mini French pancakes topped with smoked salmon, crème fraîche, and truffle oil

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Provençal Bouillabaisse (French Seafood Stew) Saffron-infused broth with premium seafood, refined portion

French Onion Soup Gratinée Caramelized onion soup topped with melted Gruyère cheese

Ricotta & Truffle Ravioli in Sage Butter Fresh handmade pasta infused with truffle aroma

Golden Seared Scallops with Osetra Caviar & Truffled Cauliflower Cream

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Atlantic salmon topped with sautéed cherry tomatoes and a basil Creamy Sauce, Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Asparagus, Carrots Caramelized

French Chicken Breast Stuffed with Fig & Apricot, Seasonal Veg and Gratin Potato

Chilean Sea Bass with Beurre Blanc – Chilean sea bass with white wine and butter sauce

Herb & Dijon Crusted Rack of Lamb Served with cauliflower purée and glazed baby vegetables

Red Wine Braised Short Ribs (Modern Bourguignon Style) Served with celery root purée and glazed pearl carrots

Pistachio & Honey Crusted Salmon With lemon beurre blanc and couscous

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Vanilla crème brûlée with Berries | A Classic French dessert with perfectly caramelized sugar crust

Dark Chocolate Mousse with Edible Gold Rich, silky, and visually stunning

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Chef Layla's reviews

4.91

•

41 services

Excellent experience, delicious food

Layla is such an incredible chef and human being! She and her husband made my bachelorette dinner so special. Her dishes were presented so beautifully but tasted even better. They navigated cooking in my small apartment and left everything impeccably clean. I hope to throw another dinner party with Layla soon!

Chef Layla was amazing. She was professional, funny, and engaged with our group. The food and the presentation was incredible! I would 1000% recommend.

Chef Layla was amazing. She accommodated all of our requests and even baked a surprise birthday cake for the guest of honor. She was kind and engaging, I would highly recommend.

Chef Layla was amazing, she made my sisters bachelorette party and birthday dinner a very special and memorable evening. The food was incredible, presentation was beautiful, and her signature crème brûlée was the best we’ve ever had. We were thankful for the elegant place settings and the printed menu was a very nice touch. It was very easy working with Chef Layla to hone in the menu, she was very communicative through out the planning process. We will definitely be using her again, thanks Chef Layla!

Layla and Diego were very professional. We had a last emergency and they prepared for the food for us to enjoy the next day. We hope to have dinner with them soon

We hired Chef Layla and her assistant Oscar for two nights during a snowy lake house getaway with my husband, my mom, and our dog, and they somehow transformed an already cozy vacation into something truly unforgettable. Having restaurant-level plates arrive at our table in the middle of a quiet lake house felt surreal in the best possible way. Night one was an absolute showstopper. Perfectly caramelized scallops with a golden crust and a silky, decadent lobster bisque that tasted like it came straight out of a fine dining kitchen. The steak was beautifully cooked, and I still cannot believe how tender the short ribs were given the timeframe. And the desserts? Unreal. Layla torched the crème brûlée to perfection. Every bite somehow outdid the last. The second night was a gorgeous Mediterranean Lebanese feast that felt both elevated and deeply comforting. The flavors were vibrant and authentic, the portions were incredibly generous (we had leftovers for days!), and every plate was styled so elegantly — truly restaurant-worthy presentation in a home setting. Beyond the food, which was DELICIOUS, Layla and Oscar were such a joy to have around. They explained each dish, shared stories, and made the whole experience feel warm and personal. They brought absolutely everything they needed, required nothing from us, and left the kitchen spotless. Effortless luxury. By the end of the weekend, it genuinely felt like we had hosted talented friends rather than hired chefs. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience. If you’re considering booking Chef Layla — don’t hesitate.

Chef Layla made my dad’s 70th birthday so special! She was so accommodating for our family and the food was so delicious!! She also made extra for my nieces to try her dishes and got them ice cream. So so kind and so great with families!

Our experience with Chef Layla was incredible. The food was better than we could've ever imagined. She took care of everything and all we had to do was enjoy the meal. I would highly recommend Chef Layla for any occasion. It was truly a memorable experience for myself and my family.

Chef Layla was a warm and kind chef for our birthday dinner. We threw her some curve balls (4 kids, a change in the head count) and she adapted gracefully. The kids ate well and they loved her soup! The pace of the meal was steady & comfortable. Excellent food and a really memorable experience. Also Sous Chef Oscar was a kind, attentive, and clearly as passionate as Layla. Great team.

Layla is amazing! She has a broad repertoire and loves what she does. She cooks with her whole heart! The food was delicious and well presented and her signature bon bons are the best!

We had Chef Layla come to our home to celebrate my fiancé’s 30th birthday, and it was such a special experience from start to finish! The food was absolutely incredible - every dish was beautifully prepared, full of flavor, and made with the freshest ingredients. Beyond her amazing cooking, Chef Layla was such a joy to have in our home! She’s warm, professional and clearly so passionate about what she does. To top it all off, her vanilla crème brûlée was one of the best I’ve ever had (and I love crème brûlée). It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable meal. I can’t recommend Chef Layla enough!! She’s talented, personable, and made the whole night feel so special. We’ll definitely be booking her again!

Layla was phenomenal! She was so sweet and made our experience one of a kind. We will definitely be using her again in the future!