Chef Luis Antonio Márquez Figueroa

Private Chef in Ensenada

I come from a family of cooks, where food was always at the center of our lives. My mother was a pastry chef, and my grandfather was both a rancher and a grill master, so I grew up surrounded by the aromas of freshly baked desserts and open-fire cooking. I have been in the kitchen with my family since I was very young, learning traditions that continue to shape my cuisine today.

After studying gastronomy, I officially entered the professional culinary world at 25. Now, at 38, I continue to evolve my craft, working alongside my sous chef — my daughter — making this journey not only professional but deeply personal. Together, we bring heart and heritage into every service.

My specialty is Mexican and Mediterranean fusion cuisine, blending bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and balanced techniques. I am especially passionate about grilling, homemade salsas, and honoring family recipes that have been passed down through generations.

I am currently a member of the Univision Chefs Latinos community and serve as an Airbnb Experiences Ambassador. Previously, I was Executive Chef at some of the state’s most iconic and acclaimed restaurants, including Cervecería Aguamala in Ensenada and Ensamble 43 in Tecate.

I firmly believe that every dish should tell a story — one that evokes meaningful memories, celebrates culture, and brings genuine happiness to those who share it. My goal is not only to create incredible meals, but to create moments so special that guests leave not just satisfied, but feeling like friends.

For me, cooking is...

For me, cooking is everything, it is the greatest expression of love!

I learned to cook at...

I learned to cook alongside my family, and worked and learned alongside some friends around Mexico and California. (UVA culinary school)

A cooking secret...

The secret is always to be open to learning and knowing more, not to be closed off and believe we know everything, and to cook with love.

My menus

Mexican menu

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Guacamole and chips

Hand made quesadillas

Steak stew

Chicken stew

Salpicon (shredded meat) ceviche style

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Carne en su jugo (from guadalajara) stove steak in green salsa NOT spicy with bacon and beans, with corn tortilla and cheese

Chicken and steak tamales

Tortilla soup

Fresh cheese stew

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Barbacoa Guadalajara style with beans and tortillas, icludes pico de gallo and salsa

Empapelado fish (Slow-cooked fish accompanied by chilies, grilled onions, and tomatoes, served with red rice)

Ensenada style fish tacos

Chicken or steak sopes

Chicken or steak flautas

Asada big burritos

Chile relleno with streak or shrimps

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

3 leches cake

Mexican sugar churro with chocolate ganage and mole

Flan

Jericallas (a dessert from the heart of Mexico)

Steak house menu

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Smoked salad

Ribeye tiradito

Brisket sliders

Pastrami tapas

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Hand made pasta with ribeye steak

Chamorro

Pork wings

Arrachera fajitas

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Grilled rib fingers with bethroot sauce on the bottom

Grilled on kilo tomahawk to share at the middle of the table, includes guacamole, potatoe pure, veggies, grilled onions and carrots

Pork short ribs

Lamb chops with chimichurri or berries sauce

DESSERT

All inclusive

Grilled brownies

Chocolate eclair with bacon candy

Baja menu

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Shrimp quedadillas

Tuna fish ceviche

Cesar salad

Grilled octopus sticks

Betrooth smoked salad

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Clam chowder

Fish tacos (ensenada style)

Arrachera tacos

Menudo

Pozole

Birria

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Hand made black pasta with grilled octopus

File mignon and shrimps with sweet potato and grilled vegetables

Ribeye with garlic butter, includes rustic potatoe pure and vegetables

New york burger

Smoked salmon with sweet potato and vegetables with demiglass

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Caramelized fresh fruit tartlet

Coffee eclair with red fruits sauce mix with tequila or wine

Mexican sugar churro with chocolate ganage and mole

Show me more

Chef Luis Antonio's reviews

4.79

•

89 services

Excellent service and chef was very professional and had some deep rooted mexican food recipes. Loved the chicharrones.

Chef ????‍???? was Amazing his dishes were super delicious great communication with the menu chef was very attentive and knowledgeable about his dishes love the experience and so did my friends chef was so amazing can’t wait to book him again ???????? Private Feedback: Chef sorry for the delay on the review. Just wanted to let you know me and my friends had a great great meal with you. You were super awesome and your food was super delicious. Can’t wait to book again with you. Enjoy the rest of your day chef.

Excellent experience would Highly recommend. He was so kind and fun to Converse with.

We loved having chef Toni cook for us during a weekend away in Valle de Guadalupe! We had his breakfast menu which was incredibly flavorful with the best chilaquiles I’ve ever had, tender beef ribs, homemade carnitas, tamales, his family recipe for beans, and more. He told us about each dish and it is clear that he is passionate about cooking and sharing his dishes with others. We had plenty of food leftover to take home. Would love to book him again for dinner sometime! Private Feedback: Thanks for the great experience!!

Toni was great and my family had a wonderful time with his food and experience

We recently celebrated my wife’s birthday in Valle de Guadalupe, and hiring a private chef through Airbnb Experiences was the highlight of our trip. With a group of six, we enjoyed an exquisite four-course dinner that showcased local ingredients and flavors. The chef was not only skilled but also engaging, providing insights into each dish while we relaxed in our beautiful Airbnb. Each course was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented, making the experience feel truly special. From start to finish, it was a seamless blend of delicious food and personal touch. Having a chef cook for us in such a stunning setting transformed our evening into an unforgettable celebration. Highly recommended for anyone looking to elevate their dining experience!

This was an amazing experience! Went out of their way for my birthday and accommodated all dietary restrictions, was on time and the meal was insanely delish 11/10 recommend

There was a mix up with address (no error on either of our parts) and they tried really hard to figure it out when they could have cancelled. Food was amazing and they tailored stuff for one of our guests who doesn’t eat meat. Super personable. Would hire again if I traveled to valle again!

Toni cooked an amazing meal for us! We were so happy and stuffed! Gracias!

Best experience ever!

Chef Tony was amazing! Each course was beautifully prepared and delicious. It was a comfortable, fun and lovely experience. We felt his love of cooking and his family history through each dish. So appreciated this experience with him.

Excelente servicio, altamente recomendado.

Amazing meal with Toni!

Toni was an excellent story teller, a great culinary expert, and delightful to have share a wonderful evening under the stars with us. His food and his company were welcome additions to our stay. Thank you Toni!

Had a great experience with Chef Toni. He and his wife made us feel as if we were storing time with old friends.

Delicious meal with very friendly Chef Tony and his wife Irene. Thank you for making our evening so special. The food was amazing, as well as the company.

Luiz was such a wonderful chef, is so friendly, and made our trip even better. His food was incredible, especially the barbacoa and fish tacos! He, his wife, and his assistant were very professional and took care to clean up quickly. We really enjoyed hiring him for our weekend in Mexico and would definitely do it again. We highly highly recommend him!

Chef Luis was wonderful! He was kind, responsive and efficient. The food delicious and felt meaningful. I would happily have him cook for us again!