Rapper Jay-Z is taking his Kiwi personal chef, Mike Shand, to court for US$1.5 million ($1.8 million). 

The hip-hop star has filed the lawsuit against Shand, who worked at his restaurant Manhattan 40/40 Club and cooked for him and his wife Beyonce, the NYPost.com reported. 

In court papers, Shand is accused of failing to "perform on significant aspects" of a deal to make the menu better for the luxury sports bar's US$10m ($12.3m) reopening earlier this year.

Jay-Z and his partner Juan Perez claimed they were therefore unable to deliver promised offerings, "costing the club lost profits, loss of good will [and] alienation of clientele".

"The club has not been able to adequately replace the items and services defendant was paid to provide," the suit said.

The online menu currently features foods such as "40/40 Nachos" for US$11 ($13), "Herb Crusted Mac 'n' Cheese" for US$12 ($14.5) and "Flame Grilled Tequila Chicken Breast" for US$24 ($29.5).

Shand's lawyer, Vik Pawar, said the New Zealander was a great chef and it was unclear why the 40/40 would contemplate a lawsuit against him.

"Nevertheless, we will respond accordingly when he gets served with the complaint."

Shand is from Christchurch but now lives in California.

- © Fairfax NZ News