compliments to the chef

Meaning

This is a polite, traditional phrase used to express high praise for a meal, directed at the person who prepared it. It is typically used in restaurants, either spoken to the server or directly to the chef, or at formal dinner parties. While formal, it can also be used slightly playfully in more casual settings to compliment a friend's cooking.

Examples

• That steak was absolutely perfect; please pass along my compliments to the chef.

  That steak was absolutely perfect; please pass along my compliments to the chef.

• My compliments to the chef—the seafood risotto was the best I've ever had.

  My compliments to the chef—the seafood risotto was the best I've ever had.

• We had an incredible dining experience, and we'd love to send our compliments to the chef.

  We had an incredible dining experience, and we'd love to send our compliments to the chef.

• After tasting the dessert, I just had to ask the waiter to give my compliments to the chef.

  After tasting the dessert, I just had to ask the waiter to give my compliments to the chef.

• Compliments to the chef, darling, this homemade pasta is outstanding!

  Compliments to the chef, darling, this homemade pasta is outstanding!

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Give my congratulations to the chef.

  ✓ Give my compliments to the chef.

  "Congratulations" is used for personal achievements like weddings or promotions. For praising food quality, we use the word "compliments".

• ✗ Compliments for the chef.

  ✓ Compliments to the chef.

  The correct preposition to use with this idiom is "to", not "for".

Related Expressions

Practice

• The lasagna was delicious; please give my ___.

  💡 A polite phrase to praise the cook.

  Show answer

  compliments to the chef

• ___! This is the most tender roast beef I have ever eaten.

  💡 Use this phrase to directly praise the creator of the meal.

  Show answer

  Compliments to the chef