Chef Ramiro Villa

Chef At Home in Puerto Vallarta

Chef Ramiro Castañeda, founder of Vallarta Private Chefs, is a seasoned culinary professional with over 15 years of experience in prestigious, high-end restaurants.

His career has recently taken him into the exclusive world of superyachts, where he delivers refined, tailor-made dining experiences in some of the most luxurious settings.

Renowned for his mastery in desserts and pastries, Chef Ramiro combines technical precision with artistic expression, crafting elegant, beautifully plated dishes that elevate every course. His cuisine reflects a balance of innovation, sophistication, and a deep respect for fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Driven by a passion for excellence, he curates unforgettable culinary journeys, indulging guests with unique flavors and impeccable service. His goal is not only to satisfy, but to truly impress—creating memorable moments for every guest and crew member through exceptional food and warm, genuine hospitality.

For me, cooking is...

Cooking is more than preparing food, it is feeding and renewing bodies.

I learned to cook at...

I have been cooking since I was 15, with great chefs and in high-class places. I am currently a chef on a yacht in the Caribbean.

A cooking secret...

cooking seasonal products will always be the best option

My menus

VEGETARIAN MENU

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Starter HUMMUS & CRUDITES Cucumber, celery, bell pepper, carrot,

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

GREEK SALAD QUINOA Lettuce, mushrooms, feta cheese, fennel seed and white wine vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

CREAMY RISOTTO WITH A VARIETY OF MUSHROOMS, TOMATO, BASIL AND GARLIC BREAD

DESSERT

All inclusive

LEMON SORBET WITH RED FRUITS

Italian classics

STARTER

All inclusive

Classic Italian Bruschetta: chopped plum tomatoes, fresh basil, and grated cheese on top of toasted artisan bread brushed with oil and balsamic vinegar

Antipasta Plate: assorted cold meats – including prosciutto and salami; marinated olives and vegetables, artisan cheeses and breads

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Classic Caesar: fresh romaine lettuce and homemade croutons tossed with handmade caesar dressing, topped with grated parmesan cheese

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Chicken Parmesan: chicken breasts breaded and pan- fried, served with marinara sauce and provolone cheese baked over the top (with or without pasta)

DESSERT

All inclusive

Italian Tiramisu: this classic creamy dessert is made with lady fingers and mascarpone cheese, with or without nuts

MENU ESPECIAL VALLARTA

STARTER

All inclusive

Variety of Mexican appetizers( guacamole, pico de gallo, salsas and chips)

VARIETY OF DRINK ROUND. (CLASSIC MARGARITAS OR SEASONAL FRUIT FLAVORS)

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

TROPICAL SALAD , Mixed lettuces, mango, kiwi, strawberry, pistachios, and passion fruit vinaigrette

TORTILLA SOUP Chef's recipe

PERIVIAN CEVICHE , fresh fish, onion, corn, cilantro, yellow sweet potato, and tiger's milk with chili pepper

Baja-style FISH TACOS , battered fish, lettuce, pico de gallo, and chipotle dressing

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

ZARANDEADO FISH Fresh fish mahi mahi , Mexican rice, steamed vegetables, and peanut and holy leaf pipián

BEEF, CHICKEN, OR SHRIMP FAJITAS, served with rice, refried beans, and sauces

STUFFED CHICKEN BREAST Breast stuffed with mushrooms and goat cheese, with mashed potatoes, and garlic gravy

VEGETARIAN / CREAMY RISOTTO WITH A VARIETY OF MUSHROOMS, TOMATO, BASIL AND GARLIC BREAD

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

CARAMEL FLAN Mexican style

VANILLA CREME BRULLE A classic

VAINILLA PANNA COTTA

CHURROS & ICE CREAM

ROMANTIC DINNERS (TASTING)

STARTER

All inclusive

Tuna sashimi seared in fine herbs, avocado mousse, and soy and truffle vinaigrette

VARIETY OF DRINK ROUND. (CLASSIC MARGARITAS OR WINE FOR DINNER)

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

PEAR SALAD Spinach, arugula, Bosch pear, walnuts, blue cheese and caramel vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

SEALED SALMON Endives, creamy rissoto, and lemon Berry Blanc sauce

FILET MIGNON Herb-crusted beef fillet, mashed potatoes, vegetables, beef sauce and thyme

DESSERT

All inclusive

WARM CHOCOLATE CAKE Warm cake, strawberry sauce, red berries and vanilla ice cream

Menu Contemporaneo Mexicano

STARTER

All inclusive

Ceviche Verde of Nopal and Shrimp Fresh cactus paddle and shrimp marinated in lime and green chile sauce, garnished with cucumber pearls and avocado mousse

GUACAMOLE Avocado, tomato, onion, cilantro, jalapeno pepper, a touch of lemon

SEASONAL FRESH FRUIT DRINKS

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

TRIO OF SOPES, poblano chile strips, chicken with mole, regional fresh cheese

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

MAHI MAHI FISH FILLET GLAZED WITH PILONCILLO AND GUAJILLO CHILI, served with red rice and roasted vegetables

DESSERT

All inclusive

CARAMEL FLAN Mexican style

Mediterranea

STARTER

All inclusive

Antipasta Plate: assorted cold meats – including prosciutto and salami; marinated olives and vegetables, artisan cheeses and breads

Brie and Apple Rolls: tangy green apples and sharp brie cheese topped with pecans and rolled in puff pastry, baked until brown and flakey

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Roquefort Pear Salad: mild bibb lettuce with onions and caramelized pecans, tossed in a light vinaigrette dressing; topped with slices of pear and roquefort cheese

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Stuffed Fresh Fish: local fish rolled and stuffed with crabmeat, seasoned with a touch of cayenne and lemon, baked until moist and flaky

DESSERT

All inclusive

VANILLA OR MANGO CREME BRULLE A classic

SEAFOOD MENU

STARTER

All inclusive

Tuna and avocado tartar

Market ceviche with tender fish

Shrimp aguachile

Round of drinks margaritas of your choice or beer

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Marinated octopus With green salad and lemon vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Steamed fish fillet of sea bass or mahi mahi Accompanied by mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables and garlic sauce

DESSERT

All inclusive

Lemon and red berry panna cotta

BOTTLE OF TEQUILA AND FRESH MIXERS FOR MARGARITAS

BACHELORETTE PARTY MENU

STARTER

All inclusive

Margarita with tequila, daiquiris or aperol spritz

Antipasta Plate: assorted cold meats – including prosciutto and salami; marinated olives and vegetables, artisan cheeses and breads

Fine cheese platter

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Sweet and Sour Salad Mixed greens, arugula, strawberries, poached pear, walnuts, goat cheese, and caramel vinaigrette

CAESAR SALAD Babis lettuce, anchovies, croutons, Caesar dressing and parmesan cheese

PERUVIAN CEVICHE Squared fish, celery, tomato, cucumber, chili, corn and tiger's milk

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Roasted Harissa Shrimp Served with creamy risotto, asparagus, and garlic sauce

Cocoa-Marinated Filet Mignon Mashed potatoes and smooth white chocolate, roasted peppers, asparagus, and red wine gravy

MAHI MAHI FISH FILLET GLAZED WITH PILONCILLO AND GUAJILLO CHILI, served with red rice and roasted vegetables

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

VANILLA CREME BRULLE A classic

WARM CHOCOLATE CAKE Warm cake, strawberry sauce, red berries and vanilla ice cream

CARAMEL FLAN Mexican style

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Chef Ramiro's reviews

4.71

•

40 services

We had a fabulous meal in Sayulita, Mexico for our birthday fiesta. The food was fresh, tasty and beautifully presented. Thank you to Chef Ramiro's team!

Chef Ramiro was beyond amazing!!! I can’t even believe how fantastic this was, we started with a round of drinks, had amazing salsa and fantastic tacos. Highlight of the whole night was the chocolate lava cake, every single girl raveddd about it! 100% would recommend him and use his services again! Thank you Chef Ramiro for making our night so incredible

Chef Ramilo and his team were so amazing!! They were very accomodating of our needs since we had two vegetarians in the group. He was also super communicative in answering my questions prior to the event as well. You also definitely get the bang for your buck with the amazing appetizers (our favorite was the homemade chips and guac) as well as the delicious margaritas and cocktails they make for you too. The main entree was cooked SO well, we were all so happy with our dishes! The team was super nice, communicative, and they did an amazing job of cleaning up the space after they were done too. Overall we had such an amazing experience thanks to Chef Ramilo and his team!

We had Chef Ramiro’s team cook for us last night. The food was amazing. The team was engaging and took care of every last detail right to the clean up. Everything was cooked in our kitchen right from scratch. We all had so much fun! Do not hesitate to book your dinner today!!

Wow! This chef delivered what was promised (and more) with artistry and kindness! Our guests were impressed with an outstanding meal from beginning to end! We recommend this chef without any reservations!

I'm so glad I found "Take a Chef." It made the process of finding a chef so much easier. We made the right choice in choosing Ramiro Villa's team. Humberto created a high-quality, fresh, and delicious meal. We had a gourmet meal without leaving our home, and they left our kitchen spotless. It was a great experience and I would do it again!

Humberto and his staff were absolutely amazing… The food was unbelievable… Pedro was our server and he was amazing! The stories behind each dish were incredible… The food preparation and cleanup were fantastic… The pricing was fair, and I cannot wait to enjoy future meals from Humberto again… If I could give a 10 star review I would…