Private Chef in Santa Cruz
Rent one of our 179 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















A personal chef for any occasion in Santa Cruz
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Santa Cruz in April 2017, more than 179 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Santa Cruz and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Santa Cruz.
Starting in 2017, 14,660 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Santa Cruz. To book your chef in Santa Cruz, 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 5,495 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 13,929 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.85 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 14,660 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Santa Cruz usually book menus around 28,481.1 USD per person, including 4.11 courses, sharing an average of 5.7 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 Santa Cruz.












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.
179 Private Chefs in Santa Cruz
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Santa Cruz












More than 14,600 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.66 Chef
The guests in Santa Cruz have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.66.
4.9 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Santa Cruz received an average score of 4.9.
4.85 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.85 average score.
4.91 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Santa Cruz has been scored with a 4.91 on average.
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5,495 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Santa Cruz
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Prosciutto with burratta, bread and arugula salad
Salmon carpaccio, capers, and bread
Brusquetas with roasted vegetables and gratin cheeses
Caprese salad, tomato, mozzarella cheese and basil pesto
Antipasto with grilled vegetables, cheeses and jams
Mussels in white wine and garlic sauce
Tomato soup with croutons and parmesan cheese
Caprese focaccia
Romaine salad , spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, anchovies, croutons and parmesan cheese dressing
Squash cream with cane honey and pinky shrimp
Caesar salad with crotons and grilled chicken
Breaded squid and shrimp with natural tomato sauce
Risotto with mushrooms and truffle with beef tenderloin in wine sauce
Risotto with asparagus and shrimp
Rissoto seafood in pomodoro sauce
Rissoto created with parmesan in aurora sauce with salmon
Rissoto vegetariano con verduras frescas y parmesano
Spaghetti ala carbonara, with guanciale and egg
Fetuccini alfredo with mushrooms and ham accompanied by chicken breast
Rigatoni with meatballs in red sauce with guanciale
Espagueti bolognese-style
Fetuccini a la matriciana, olives, capers, onion, garlic and shrimp
Sautéed seafood over pasta or risotto
Milanese chicken breast with sauce and cheese, vegetables and potato
Beef milanese with sauce and cheese, potatoes and vegetables
Any dish that comes to mind lk we can make
Tiramizu
Panacotta
Angelottis with nutella
Portobello mushroom fill with goat cheese, parmesan truffle foam
Beef carpaccio with arugula salad and fresh parmesan cheese
Garlic butter clams with baguette toast
Focaccia bruschetta with fresh mozzarella,tomato and basil
Arancini filled with goat cheese and garlic aioli
Octopus marinated with kalamata olives, roasted yellow potatoes with parmesan,garlic aioli sauce
Salmon tartar cornet,cream cheese,parmesan foam
Eggplant parmigiana
Greek salad with jumbo shrimp
Chicken skewers with tzatziki sauce
Prawns risotto,coral tuile, watercress salad with lemon vinaigrette
Tenderloin with demi glace sauce,potato gratin,green pea puree, sauteed asparagus
Black spaghetti frutti di mare
Lamb chop's,demi glace sauce,green peas, butternut squash puree
Potato gnocchi, ossobuco sauce with bacon and almond crumble
Fresh ravioli pasta filled with ricotta cheese and spinach,salmon ,truffle butter sauce
Sparkling wine mousse, raspberry coulis,chocolate tuille
Tiramisú
Crême brûlée
Burnt cheese cake with pistachio and white chocolate ganache
Opera cake
Los santos coffee
Orange juice
Cacao shot
Seasonal fruit platter
Gallo pinto: gallo pinto, fried egg with tomatoes creole sauce, over a cheese corn tortilla
Omellette de la huerta: stuffed with local cheese, spinach, ham and roasted tomatoes sauce
Croissant tico: croissant relleno de natilla criolla, jamon and coffee reduction
Avocado toast: local bread, avocado, volcano salt, and crispy chichcarron topping on the top
Banana cake and nuts sidede with fruits
Welcome bites: garlic mojo, pesto, vegetable escabeche, malanga chips
Cassava basket with pejibaye salad (finger food)
Pico de gallo, guacamole, and malanga chips
Casado with beef tenderloin, rice, beans, salad, fried plantain, and picadillo
Gallo pinto with fried eggs and cheese
Chifrijo (rice, beans, crispy pork, pico de gallo, and tortilla chips)
Tres leches cake (costa rican traditional recipe)
Coconut flan
Banana bread with whipped cream
Tico ceviche
Guacamole & pico de gallo with chips
Bread & butter
Hearth of palm salad
Chef special ceviche
Green salad with turmeric dressing
Pejibaye cream with ginger glaze
Pumpkin soup with sour cream and ginger chips
Costarrican casado with the protein to choose
Costarrican fried rice with chicken
Roasted whole chicken
Bbq platter
Caribbean whole fish with patacones
Beef stew with mash potato and veggies
Costarrican tradicional rice pudding
3 leches cake with ice cream
Corn bread with ice cream
Ripe plantain flambé with tequila
Papaya mince with pork belly
Gallos: in costa rican gastronomy, a "rooster" does not refer to the bird, but to a preparation that consists of a tortilla (usually corn) with some kind of accompaniment on top
Patí caribbean zone a yellow dough pastry filled with well-seasoned ground beef, spiced with caribbean spices and chili, with an intense and slightly spicy flavor
Mini costa rican empanadas with a creole sauce
Sautéed yucca with garlic and butter and rib with caribbean sauce
Caldosa: a popular costa rican street-food classic that combines ceviche with tcorn chips
Caribbean chicken in coconut sauce slow-cooked chicken in coconut milk with spices and vegetables, aromatic and comforting
Beef tongue in sauce slow-cooked beef tongue bathed in a smooth and flavorful creole tomato sauce
Achiote chicken slow-cooked chicken with achiote and spices, with an intense and traditional flavor
Corn rice rice prepared with dried corn, pork, and annatto, an ancestral chorotega dish
Coconut cake a soft sponge cake made with shredded coconut and coconut milk, with a tropical flavor
Pumpkin honey a traditional dessert made with pumpkin slowly cooked in a sugar cane syrup with cinnamon and cloves, until a thick and aromatic syrup is obtained
Fresh lobster ceviche with heart of palm, coconut milk, red onion, ginger, and malanga chips
"turn the life" ceviche (shrimp, scallops, and fish) with mandarin lemon juice and cilantro
Costa rican enyucados with cilantro mayonnaise and turmeric coral tuile
Surf & turf (ribeye steak and whole jumbo shrimp) with rosemary potatoes and red wine sauce
Whole grilled red snapper caribbean-style with coconut milk sauce and patacones
Lobster tail with tamarind glaze, roasted potatoes, and chimichurri
Avocado homemade ice cream with organic chocolate syrup
Coconut flan with blue zone cacao ganache
Tarte tatin with fresh blueberries
Summer rolls
Chilled avocado gazpacho
Summer melon salad
Roasted beet salad
Smashed sweet potato
Vegan moussaka
Lentil bolognese
Mushroom risotto
Curried cauliflower casserole
Marble bundt cake
Chocolate mug cake
Zucchini brownie
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 Santa Cruz.
What does a private chef service include in Santa Cruz?
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 Santa Cruz?
The price of renting a chef in Santa Cruz 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 48,533 USD to 69,096 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 48,533 USD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 32,247 USD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 32,977 USD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 69,096 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 Santa Cruz?
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 179 chefs available in Santa Cruz. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz?
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 Santa Cruz
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Santa Cruz
Percentage of our women chefs in Santa Cruz.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Santa Cruz.
Percentage of services with kids in Santa Cruz.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Santa Cruz.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Santa Cruz.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Santa Cruz.
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 Santa Cruz.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Santa Cruz each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz.
Cost of a private chef in Santa Cruz
The cost of hiring a private chef in Santa Cruz 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 48,533 USD to 69,096 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 48,533 USD
For 7 to 12 people: 32,247 USD
For 3 to 6 people: 32,977 USD
For 2 people: 69,096 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 Santa Cruz!
1 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 Santa Cruz?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Santa Cruz: 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 Santa Cruz!






Talk to our chefs in Santa Cruz
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 Santa Cruz? You’ll get it. Tell us about your event in Santa Cruz, and discover the best chefs who will customize every detail of your experience.










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