I craft thoughtful, modern food with an intuitive sense of flavour, timing and flow.

Ryan Hartel

I design refined, ingredient-led dining experiences with care and precision

I started in kitchens—preparing, learning, creating—and my love of food grew into cooking, food styling, food photography, and food and restaurant consulting. Over the years, I’ve opened and managed restaurants, led kitchen teams, consulted for food businesses, built lasting client relationships, and created custom food experiences across a wide range of settings.

Today, I focus on thoughtful, well-executed food guided by flavour, timing and flow. I work best in environments that value trust, care and quality—where food is not just fuel, but a daily ritual worth doing well.

Talk to me about your event

For me, cooking is all about passion and the experience of indulgence. Nothing beats the feeling of eating well‑prepared, honest cooking.

Services

For private clients

Private chef

New restaurant launch & concept refinement

Menu engineering & cost optimisation

Kitchen workflow & prep systems

Staff training & service standards

Perfect for 2–20 guests.

For hosts & planners

Event catering

Weddings & milestone events

Corporate functions & brand launches

Branded menus & plated or buffet service

Vendor coordination & service team

Scaled to your event, from 30 guests upwards.

For restaurants

Restaurant consulting

New restaurant launch & concept refinement

Menu engineering & cost optimisation

Kitchen workflow & prep systems

Staff training & service standards

Typically best for owners & head chefs.

Chef Ryan Hartel’s Menus

I offer modern, seasonal menus—from South African‑inspired to Mediterranean fire and smoke—crafted with refined technique and a focus on flavour, timing and flow. I’m happy to adapt dishes to your tastes and the occasion.

Request my menus