Private Chef in Costa Rica
Rent one of our 240 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















A personal chef for any occasion in Costa Rica
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Costa Rica in April 2017, more than 240 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Costa Rica and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Jiménez.
Starting in 2017, 35,168 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Costa Rica. To book your chef in Costa Rica, just share your event details in our form. Receive proposals from top chefs and chat with them until you find your match.
Up until today, our chefs have shared 14,605 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 35,811 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.77 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 35,168 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Costa Rica usually book menus around 27,613 USD per person, including 3.88 courses, sharing an average of 5.46 messages with their chefs. If you've never had a chef at home but want to add an extra spice to your next celebration, just rent a chef in Costa Rica.












How it works
Personalize your request
Share with us the details of your dream meal, including type of cuisine, preferences, and intolerances.
Receive menu proposals
Our chefs will design menus based solely on your wants and needs.
Get chatty with your chefs
Don't be shy about exchanging some messages with your chefs until your perfect menu is ready!
Book your experience
Once you are happy with your choice, submit your payment to secure your experience.
Enjoy!
All there is left to do is count down the days till your culinary experience begins!
Find your chef
Customize your request and start talking with your chefs.
240 Private Chefs in Costa Rica
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Costa Rica












More than 35,100 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.5 Chef
The guests in Costa Rica have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.5.
4.8 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Costa Rica received an average score of 4.8.
4.81 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.81 average score.
4.9 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Costa Rica has been scored with a 4.9 on average.
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14,605 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Costa Rica
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Tico-peruvian ceviche fresh fish ceviche with the traditional peruvian touch of yellow chili and lime, paired with red onions, cilantro, and crispy fried yuca, topped with a hint of costa rican spicy chili
Tostones with rocoto sauce and tico guacamole crunchy tostones served with a spicy rocoto sauce from peru and creamy costa rican guacamole with fresh cilantro
Chicken anticuchos with tamarind sauce skewers of chicken marinated in panca chili, served with a costa rican tamarind sauce that balances the sweetness and heat
Quinoa salad with tropical fruits a fresh salad featuring quinoa, mango, papaya, and avocado, dressed in a passion fruit and cilantro vinaigrette
Seafood soup with coconut broth and dried fish a costa rican seafood soup with coconut broth, combined with peruvian dried fish, offering a blend of exotic and traditional flavors
Peruvian-style arroz con pollo with costa rican cilantro sauce a delicious arroz con pollo marinated with yellow chili and cumin, served with a fresh cilantro and lime sauce in the costa rican style
Lomo saltado with plantain puree and tamarind sauce a classic peruvian lomo saltado, with juicy pieces of beef stir-fried with onions and tomatoes, accompanied by a smooth plantain puree and a sweet costa rican tamarind sauce
Grilled fish with passion fruit sauce and yuca fries fresh grilled fish served with an exotic peruvian passion fruit sauce and crispy costa rican yuca fries
Chifrijo with shrimp-stuffed causa and rocoto sauce a fusion of the traditional costa rican chifrijo and the peruvian causa, filled with fresh shrimp and topped with a spicy rocoto sauce for the perfect balance of flavors
Pork ribs with cane honey and ají panca sauce glazed pork ribs with cane honey and served with a peruvian ají panca sauce, paired with black bean rice and a cabbage salad
Grilled shrimp with garlic mojo and corn-stuffed potatoes fresh grilled shrimp with costa rican-style garlic mojo, served with potatoes stuffed with peruvian choclo (corn) and fresh herbs
Peruvian-style seafood rice with costa rican ceviche peruvian-style seafood rice, bursting with bold flavors from yellow chili and cilantro, served alongside fresh costa rican ceviche with pineapple and avocado
Tres leches cake with peruvian and moist tres leches cake, soaked in a creamy blend of three milks, topped with a smooth and sauce for a delightful twist
Coconut flan with passion fruit syrup creamy coconut flan, infused with a subtle tropical flavor, drizzled with a refreshing passion fruit syrup to add a citrusy and tangy contrast
Tropical fruit tart with pisco pastry cream a delicate tart filled with a smooth, peruvian-style pisco pastry cream and topped with a variety of fresh tropical fruits like papaya, mango, and passion fruit
Peruvian rice pudding with costa rican rum and raisins a creamy peruvian arroz con leche, spiced with cinnamon and clove, enriched with a touch of costa rican rum and raisins for added depth and flavor
Seafood ceviche with mango sauce: a ceviche made with shrimp, and squid, marinated in lime juice and served with a fresh mango sauce for a tropical and elegant twist
Tuna tartare with avocado and sweet chili: fresh tuna chopped into small cubes, combined with avocado, red onion, cilantro, and a touch of watermeloon
Chicken empanadas with spicy mango sauce: empanadas filled with seasoned chicken, accompanied by a spicy mango sauce. the sweet and spicy flavor combination offers a unique experience
Fish tacos with pickled vegetables: small, soft corn tortillas filled with seared fish, and topped with a refreshing mix of pickled vegetables like carrots, onions, and jalapeños, drizzled with a tangy cilantro sauce
Grilled fish fillet with seafood sauce and coconut rice: a fresh fish fillet (such as dorado or snapper), topped with a creamy seafood sauce (shrimp, squid, mussels), served with coconut rice and a fresh salad
Churrasco with rosemary sauce and rustic potatoes: a grilled flank steak, served with a rosemary and red wine sauce, accompanied by rustic roasted potatoes and a heart of palm salad with cilantro and lime
Seafood rice with garlic cream sauce: a seafood rice dish made with shrimp, squid, mussels, and fish, cooked in seafood broth and topped with a smooth garlic cream sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro and fried ripe plantain
Grilled beef steak with red wine reduction and rosemary potatoes: a grilled beef steak, served with a red wine reduction and caramelized onions, accompanied by rosemary potatoes and a fresh arugula salad
Garlic shrimp with basil tagliatelle: shrimp sautéed in olive oil with garlic and parsley, served over a bed of tagliatelle (fresh pasta) with a light basil sauce
Chocolate tart with passion fruit sauce: a crunchy cookie crust filled with dark chocolate mousse, accompanied by a fresh passion fruit sauce
Coffee cake with rum cream: a moist, flavorful costa rican coffee cake served with a smooth rum-infused cream
Tropical fruit pavlova: a crispy meringue base with a soft interior, topped with fresh tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and papaya, and finished with a dollop of whipped cream. a light and flavorful option that showcases vibrant tropical fruits
Coconut panna cotta with guava coulis: a rich and creamy coconut panna cotta, served with a sweet and tangy guava coulis, combining the smooth texture of the panna cotta with the vibrant, tropical fruit sauce
Heart of palm & passion fruit carpaccio: shaved fresh hearts of palm, passion fruit "leche de tigre," cilantro oil, and chili curls
Creamy pejibaye & heart of palm picadillo (braised in coconut cream with culantro coyote oil over handmade corn tortillas)
Caprese 2.0: high-quality burrata, pesto, and tomatoes
Chicken satay with peanut sauce : chicken skewers marinated in turmeric and coconut milk, grilled to perfection. served with a rich and creamy peanut sauce and a pickled cucumber relish
Costa rican cobb salad
Caribbean patí – traditional caribbean-style empanadas filled with seasoned meat or fish, herbs, and a touch of coconut, baked or fried to golden perfection
Fetuccinni with spicy mango and roasted pepper sauce with chicken, cashew seeds and roasted sparragus
Coffee-rubbed beef tenderloin with creamy cassava mousseline & guava-red wine reduction
Salmon with mashed potato, grilled sparragus with sesame oil and a spicy asian goose berry souce
Strawberry cheescake
Churchill 2.0: condensed milk panna cotta & kola granita
Spiced pineapple & coconut "panna cotta"
Affogato al caffe
Bruschetta al pomodoro (bruschetta with tomato and basil)
Insalata caprese (caprese salad with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil)
Frittata di zucchine (zucchini frittata)
Risotto ai funghi (mushroom risotto) guarniciones: parmigiano reggiano (grated parmesan) y insalata verde (green salad)
Pollo alla cacciatora (chicken cacciatore) guarniciones: patate al rosmarino (rosemary roasted potatoes) y verdure grigliate (grilled vegetables)
Pasta alla norma (pasta with eggplant, tomato, and ricotta salata)
Frittura di pesce (fried mixed fish) guarniciones: riso pilaf (pilaf rice) y insalata di cetrioli (cucumber salad)
Tiramisu (tiramisu)
Panna cotta con frutti di bosco (panna cotta with berries)
Ricotta e pere (ricotta cheese with pears)
Mediterranean bruschetta – toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, olives, basil, and feta cheese
Andalusian gazpacho – refreshing cold soup made with tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and garlic
Greek salad – fresh cucumber, tomatoes, olives, red onion, and feta cheese with a lemon dressing
Marinera-style mussels – steamed mussels cooked with white wine, garlic, and parsley
Hummus with pita bread – creamy chickpea dip with tahini, lemon, and olive oil, served with warm pita
Spanish tortilla – traditional potato and onion omelet, cooked slowly until golden and tender
Mixed paella – traditional saffron-infused rice with seafood, chicken, and vegetables
Ratatouille – classic provençal dish made with slow-cooked eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and bell peppers. served with garlic-infused toasted country bread
Garlic chicken (pollo al ajillo) – juicy chicken cooked with garlic, white wine, and fresh parsley. served with rosemary potatoes and grilled asparagus
Salt-crusted sea bream (dorada a la sal) – whole sea bream baked in a salt crust for a tender, flavorful result. served with arugula, fennel, and orange salad
Herb-roasted lamb – slow-roasted lamb marinated with rosemary, garlic, and olive oil. served with creamy chickpea purée and roasted vegetables
Pasta with basil pesto – fresh pasta tossed in a fragrant basil, pine nut, and parmesan pesto sauce. served with a cherry tomato and mozzarella salad
Moussaka – greek-style baked eggplant with ground lamb, tomato sauce, and béchamel. served with a cucumber, yogurt, and mint salad
Grilled calamari – tender grilled squid with lemon, olive oil, and fresh herbs. served with aromatic basmati rice and fresh herbs
Catalan cream (crema catalana) – spanish-style crème brûlée with a caramelized sugar crust
Baklava – flaky pastry layers filled with honey and nuts
Santiago almond cake (tarta de santiago) – moist almond cake dusted with powdered sugar
Yogurt ice cream with honey and walnuts – creamy and refreshing dessert with mediterranean flavors
Panna cotta with berries – silky italian vanilla cream topped with a mixed berry sauce
Traditional spanish omelette
Homemade iberian ham croquettes
Tomato bread with serrano ham
Garlic shrimp
Scrambled eggs with chistorra
Marinated anchovies with olive oil
Galician-style octopus (tapas portion)
Spanish meatballs in tomato sauce
Patatas bravas with spicy tomato sauce and aioli
Spanish cheese selection with honey and walnuts
Traditional valencian paella (chicken, rabbit, and vegetables)
Seafood paella (shrimp, squid, mussels, and catch of the day
Black rice with squid and aioli
Arroz del señorito (peeled seafood and catch of the day)
Creamy seafood rice with catch of the day
6. classic seafood fideuá with aioli
Black fideuá with squid and cuttlefish
Mixed fideuá (seafood and pork)
Oven-baked catch of the day with papas panaderas
Catch of the day (or choice of fish) in vizcaína sauce
Grilled skirt steak with piquillo peppers and oven-baked mashed potatoes
Beef tenderloin with red wine reduction and papas panaderas
Pork chop with spanish-style sauce or whole-grain mustard, papas panaderas, and roasted vegetables
Caramelized catalan cream
Santiago almond cake
Churros with hot chocolate
Ceviche: made with fresh fish, seafood, or a mix, marinated in lime juice, onions, cilantro, and spices. it's fresh and light
Patacones: fried green plantain slices that are smashed. they are served with sauce or mashed beans, pico de gallo and guacamole
Fried yuca: yuca cut into pieces and fried, served with a sauce or just salted. it's a simple and tasty option
Fried snapper (pargo frito): a whole fried fish, very popular along costa rica’s coasts, usually served with rice and salad
Chifrijo: a dish made of rice, beans, fried pork (chicharrón), pico de gallo, and often accompanied by tortillas
Rice with seafood (arroz con mariscos): rice cooked with fresh seafood like shrimp, mussels, and squid. it’s a flavorful dish, especially popular in coastal regions
Steak in sauce (bistec en salsa): beef steak cooked in a sauce made with onions, bell peppers, and spices, typically served with rice, beans, or salad
Arroz con leche: a creamy dessert made with rice, milk, sugar, and cinnamon
Churros: often sold at fairs or by street vendors, costa rican churros are fried dough sticks sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon
Flan de leche: a creamy custard dessert made with milk, eggs, sugar, and a touch of vanilla. it’s smooth and delicious
Buñuelos: fried dough balls soaked in sugar syrup. they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside
Arugula and prosciutto brusquetta
Caesar salad
Tomato and olive oil gazpacho, lavash bread
Salmon carpaccio, avocado cream, mustard mayonnaise
Thousand potato leaves, cream cheese and french style chicken thigh
Galician octopus, creamy potato, red pepper salad
Robalo in pistachio crust, pure of peas and romanezco
Chicken souvlaki - grilled chicken skewers marinated in lemon and herbs, served with tzatziki and pita
Falafel - deep-fried chickpea patties, usually served with hummus, pita, and salad
Grilled octopus - tender octopus grilled and seasoned with olive oil, lemon, and herbs
Seafood risotto - creamy italian rice dish cooked with seafood such as shrimp, clams, and mussels
Paella - spanish rice dish with seafood, saffron, and a variety of vegetables
Gyro - greek pita sandwich filled with spiced meat (usually lamb or chicken), tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce
Fattoush - lebanese salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and crispy pieces of pita bread
Turkish kebab - grilled skewers of marinated meat, often served with rice, salad, and flatbread
Grilled swordfish - swordfish steaks grilled with olive oil, lemon, and herbs, often served with a side of vegetables
Catalan cream, vanilla ice cream and red fruits
Profiteroles with chocolate cream, and chocolate ice cream
Lemon pie coupled with crispy lemon, candied orange, cookie earth and lime sauce
Personalize your menu
A romantic dinner or a gathering of friends. Traditional dishes or exotic flavours. A fine dining experience or a family-style meal. Every private chef experience is unique! Submit your request and personalize yours.








Frequently asked questions
Below, you can find the most common questions about private chef services in Costa Rica.
What does a private chef service include in Costa Rica?
A private chef service includes everything necessary to enjoy a personalized dining experience at home. This includes:
- Customization of a menu based on your preferences;
- Purchase of ingredients;
- Mise en place (preparation of ingredients) before arrival;
- Preparation of the menu at your home;
- Complete table service;
- Set up and cleaning of the kitchen and used spaces.
Please note that tableware and glassware are not included. Gratuity is entirely at your discretion.
How much does a private chef cost in Costa Rica?
The price of renting a chef in Costa Rica can vary depending on the specifics, but smaller groups tend to have a slightly different price per person compared to larger gatherings.
Booking prices range from 30,072 USD to 55,785 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 30,072 USD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 31,795 USD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 22,201 USD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 55,785 USD per person.
Seasonal ingredients, your location, and how soon you book also affect the final price. If you're interested in getting free quotes with no obligation, fill out our form and let the best chefs near you send unique proposals for your event.
How can I hire a private chef in Costa Rica?
Booking is easy! Just tell us the date of your event, number of guests, dietary preferences and any allergies, and a few details about your kitchen. Within a few hours, you'll receive customized menus from qualified chefs. Each chef's profile will include their experience, reviews, and photos of their dishes.
Feel free to chat directly with the chefs through our platform. Ask them to modify menus, discuss pricing, or get answers to any questions you might have. Once you've found the perfect chef and menu, finalize your reservation online. We'll then provide the chef's contact information to confirm any final details.
How can I find a private chef near me?
There are currently 240 chefs available in Costa Rica. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Costa Rica who will send you their menu proposals. You can then choose the chef and menu that suits you best.
Is there a maximum number of guests for a private chef service?
While there's no strict limit on guest count, private chef experiences are designed to create a more intimate atmosphere, perfect for gatherings of friends and family. Since most homes have limited space to accommodate large groups, parties typically don't exceed 15 people.
Does the chef cook at my house?
Yes, the chef always prepares the menu at your home for a more personalized experience. However, some prep work might be done beforehand for complex dishes.
Can I cook along with the chef?
Absolutely! Many guests are passionate about food and relish the chance to learn from the chef. You can pick up new kitchen skills and get a behind-the-scenes look at each dish on the menu. Feel free to jump in and cook alongside the chef for a truly interactive experience!
Are the ingredients fresh?
Yes, they're 100% fresh. Unlike restaurants with pre-made dishes, private chefs prioritize using the freshest ingredients possible. This is because the chef creates a customized menu specifically for you, then goes out and sources the finest ingredients to bring your chosen dishes to life.
Are drinks included in the personal chef service?
Drinks are not typically included, but you can discuss adding them to the menu proposal with the chef.
How much should I tip my private chef in Costa Rica?
Tipping for private chefs is entirely at your discretion. Our goal is for you to have an unforgettable experience, and the chef always appreciates a nice tip. However, the decision and amount are completely up to you.
Key information about our chefs in Costa Rica
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Costa Rica
Percentage of our women chefs in Costa Rica.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Costa Rica.
Percentage of services with kids in Costa Rica.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Costa Rica.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Costa Rica.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Costa Rica.
Percentage of guests that hired a chef more than once.
Average number of days booked for multiple services at home with a private chef.
Photos uploaded to the platform by our private chefs in Costa Rica.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Costa Rica each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Costa Rica, for example, demand often increases during special dates like Valentine's Day or Mother's Day, so it's best to book in advance.
If you're wondering about the best time to hire a chef, any month is perfect for enjoying a private chef. Just keep in mind that prices may vary, especially for last-minute bookings. So, don't wait—book your chef early to secure your unique dining experience in Costa Rica.
Cost of a private chef in Costa Rica
The cost of hiring a private chef in Costa Rica can vary based on several factors, including the number of people in your group or seasonality. Larger groups tend to have a different average rate per person compared to smaller groups that hire a chef:
Booking prices range from 30,072 USD to 55,785 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 30,072 USD
For 7 to 12 people: 31,795 USD
For 3 to 6 people: 22,201 USD
For 2 people: 55,785 USD.
Additionally, prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year, location, and how soon you book your personal chef. If you want to get free quotes, just fill out our form and receive tailored proposals for your event. No committment at all.
Private chefs registrations
After many years of offering our services, we are lucky to have a fantastic team of chefs that keeps growing in Costa Rica!
2 personal chefs register with us every month. Our verification team reviews these new chef profiles daily to categorize them, allowing you to discover incredible new chefs every month.
What is the most reserved type of cuisine in Costa Rica?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Costa Rica: Mediterranean, Italian, French, Japanese, Mexican, and surprise. The type of cuisine with the highest number of bookings is the Chef's special, but you can have anything you want (our surprise menu will cover that!).
Beyond these six types of cuisine, our private chefs personalize diverse menus for their clients every day, adjusting every detail to find the perfect menu for every occasion and every group. Our private chefs can accommodate any allergy or dietary restriction and suggest other cuisines or fusion dishes. Submit your request and hire a chef in Costa Rica!

A Private Chef in Little Harbor makes you enjoy the best gastronomy
Take a Chef offers you the possibility to enjoy the best dishes of a Private Chef in your home. Our chefs have developed a cuisine updated with novel techniques, respecting the local products with influences from cultures from other countries. Our Private Chefs have been trained in the best hospitality schools in the world and in restaurants of international prestige, this allows them to transfer to your home the avant-garde cuisine and dishes based on Michelin Stars. Quality and innovation are knocking on your door in Little Harbor, hand in hand with a Private Chef.

Experience culinary perfection
All of our chefs have at least ten years’ worth of experience in the industry and have graduated from the best cooking schools. So our goal is to find the perfect chef for you and to make this the best dining experience. With over 30 chefs in Oporto, we know we can find the right match for you! Once you receive menu proposals, you’ll be able to view the professional profiles of each chef who has contacted you and choose the one that suits you. At this point you’ll also be able to contact them directly through our messaging service to make sure that every detail is to your liking

Try something different! Try a Private Chef service in Lurin.
The best and most original experiences are those that surprise you from the very beginning and do not stop until the end. These are the experiences that make the best memories. This is Take a Chef’s philosophy. We offer a completely personalized service, show cooking, gastronomic advice and the chance to understand how the dishes on your menu are made. Any American, Asian or Mediterranean dishes can be showstoppers on your dining table with the expertise of one of our Private Chefs.






Talk to our chefs in Costa Rica
Each of our chefs is one-of-a-kind, with professional culinary training and years of experience in diverse restaurants. Craving Italian pasta, Spanish paella, or traditional sushi in Costa Rica? You’ll get it. Tell us about your event in Costa Rica, and discover the best chefs who will customize every detail of your experience.










Cities where you can enjoy a Private Chef
Discover cities of Costa Rica where you can enjoy our experiences.
Other types of services
Discover the services offered by Take a Chef in Costa Rica.