Private Chef Michael Pleasantville, NJ, United States

“A recipe has no soul, you as the cook must bring soul to the recipe.”

French-American Fusion; Italian; Asian, fine-dining, Michelin-trained.

Michael Reilly is an Executive Chef and Private Chef devoted to the art of modern gastronomy, where classical discipline, exceptional ingredients, and quiet refinement converge to create truly memorable dining experiences. With a career rooted in professional kitchens and elevated private dining, Michael has cultivated a culinary identity defined by precision, restraint, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His approach to cuisine is deeply ingredient-driven, allowing the finest seasonal products—pristine seafood, vibrant produce, and thoughtfully sourced proteins—to guide each composition. As an Executive Chef, Michael leads with calm authority and unwavering standards, orchestrating kitchens where craftsmanship, consistency, and respect for the culinary craft are paramount. From the architecture of a tasting menu to the smallest detail of a finished plate, every element reflects his commitment to balance, elegance, and technical mastery. Beyond the restaurant kitchen, Michael’s work as a Private Chef brings this same philosophy to bespoke dining experiences for discerning clientele. Each menu is carefully curated and deeply personal, transforming intimate gatherings into refined culinary journeys that celebrate seasonality, artistry, and hospitality at its highest expression. Michael Reilly’s cuisine reflects the ethos of the world’s most celebrated dining rooms—where precision, creativity, and reverence for ingredients come together in pursuit of culinary excellence.

American, Asian, BBQ, Caribbean, Chinese, Decadent, Europe, French, Fusion, Greek, Health, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Mediterranean, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Soul/Southern, Spanish, Thai, Vegan, Vegetarian