My culinary journey is a story of roots, travels, and a deep respect for the land and the sea:

It all began in Argentina, where I first discovered the magic of the kitchen and the beauty of diverse traditions. That spark took me across the ocean to Europe, where I spent a season refining my craft and exploring the soul of different cuisines. When I finally landed in Australia, I brought those global influences with me, settling into the world of fine dining to perfect the techniques I use today.

After a rewarding chapter in Byron Bay, I’ve found my home here in Margaret River. There is something truly special about this region; the way the land and sea harmonize is reflected in every ingredient I choose. For me, cooking is about more than just a meal, it’s about supporting our local farmers, honoring sustainable practices, and celebrating the honest, fresh flavors of Western Australia.

Today, I focus on creating intimate, sophisticated dining experiences. I take pride in crafting bespoke menus that tell a story, allowing you and your guests to simply relax and enjoy the moment.

I invite you to my table to share in a celebration of local produce, refined technique, and the joy of a shared meal.

For me, cooking is...

For me, cooking is storytelling: respecting the land and ocean's bounty to create honest flavors for loved ones to share around the table

I learned to cook at...

My first steps and my understanding of the kitchen, I owe to my mother and grandmother. They taught me the heart behind every flavor I create today.

A cooking secret...

Sourcing local, seasonal gems and using refined techniques to unlock their full potential, letting the true essence shine on every plate

My menus

Locally Crafted

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Local Sourdough & whipped noisette butter

Albany Rocky Oysters, Vinagrete

Local Stracciatella, Seasonal Veggies, Green oil

Ajo Blanco, Charred Seasonal Veggies, Gremolata, Pangratato

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Augusta Kignfish Ceviche , Coconut, Corn Tortillas

Augusta Kinfish Crudo, Salsa Verde, Pickles, Corn Tortilla

MAIN COURSE

Choose 3 dishes

Charred Dardanup Ribeye on the Bone, Chimichurri, Veal Jus

Charred Boynup Chicken Breast, Lemon, Garlic , Bone Jus

Roasted Chat Potatoes, Rosemary, Herbs & Garlic (SIDE)

Local Green Leaves, Beetroot, Kohlrabi, Orange Dressing (SIDE)

Almond Cream, Roasted Pumpkin, Gremolata

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Yogourt Pannacota, Forest berry coulis, Almond Crumble

Cheesecake, seasonal berry coulis, almond crumble

Chocolate Mus Cake

Lemon & Polenta Pudding, Creme Fraiche

Poached Pears, Mai Tardi Gelato, Macadamia Crumble

Coastal Harvest

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Grilled Shark Bay prawns, lemon, garlic butter

Whipped feta on house focaccia, roasted capsicum & olive tapenade

Albany Rocky Oysters, Vinagrete

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Ausgusta Kingfish Crudo Canape

Grilled Octopus, Romesco Sauce, Pickles

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Goldband Snapper, Saffron foam, herb oil & premium caviar

Green Papaya, green beans, macadamias & tamarind dressing (SIDE)

Kipfler Potatoes, Miso Butter (SIDE)

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Citrus Panna Cotta, passionfruit & macadamia crumble

Cheesecake, seasonal berry coulis, almond crumble

Lemon & Polenta Pudding, Creme Fraiche

Mediterranean Fusion

STARTER

All inclusive

Bread and Whipped Herb Butter

Local Fresh Oysters, Kosho Vinagrete

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

King Fish Crudo, Salsa Verde, Thai Basil, lemon Balm

Roasted Carrot Dip, Pickles and Seed Crackers

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Amelia Park Lamb Rump, Roasted Eggplant, Lamb Escense

Chat Potatoes, Rosemary, Garlic and Polenta (SIDE)

Roasted Pumpkin, Macadamia Cream and Herb Salsa (SIDE)

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Creme Brulee

Chocolate Mus Cake

Tiramisu, chocolate crumble, coffee cream

Show me more

Chef Juan Ignacio's reviews

4.67

•

20 services

Fantastic time, I would do it over and over again.

We hired Juan as a private chef to cater a 40th birthday dinner, and the entire experience was exceptional from start to finish. He prepared a beautifully executed 7-course menu that was customised especially for us, and every dish was absolutely incredible. He also went above and beyond by preparing a separate kids’ meal for the children, which was such a thoughtful touch and very much appreciated. The wait staff and bartender he supplied were fantastic as well professional, friendly, and attentive and they helped make the whole night feel seamless, relaxed, and really special. The wine pairings and cocktails were also outstanding and added so much to the experience. I honestly could not recommend him highly enough. He made the night amazing, and we can’t wait to book him again.

I will not stop recommending Juan to anyone who will listen! Juan was the perfect private chef to our celebration. Juan effortlessly slipped into the background while we all enjoyed our evening to indulge and celebrate. The food was magnificent, the eye for detail was unmatched and the kindness he had to making sure every guest was catered for exceeded my expectations. We will all be dreaming of your food forever! We will be coming up with fake celebrations just to hire Chef Juan!! During the initial consultation, Juan was fast to reply, very flexible and offered so many options and variety to ensure a smooth and well catered for evening

We couldn’t more highly recommend Juan. He helped tailor our menu to make our special occasion that little bit more special with incorporating dishes that everyone loved. The food was delicious and beautifully presented. Juan was engaging with us and told us the background each dish. Fabulous evening. Thank you!

Juan was very professional and communicative. The menu suited our event perfectly and every course was delicious. The presentation of the food and the table was excellent. I was also so impressed with how he managed to be so efficient in a kitchen he’d never been in before! Thank you so much for a wonderful evening.

We stayed in Margaret River and for a few nights and wanted a special night to celebrate my wife's birthday. A couple of us were feeling under the weather on the night however Juan made the night an unforgettable one. He was attentive and interactive with us, made sure everything was in order throughout the night, cooked up some amazing food being fresh and local to the area, and to top it off, cleaned everything up! We could not have asked anything more from the service and in particular, Juan. Absolute legend. Thanks mate

Our first private chef dining experience was fabulous and one that we will definitely do again. Everything was just perfect . The quality of ingredients and the flavours of the food was just delicious. We have leftovers for our dinner today too . Our chef Juan was friendly too and it was nice not to have to clean up too . Can’t recommend enough