Private Chef in Isla Vista
Rent one of our 44 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















A personal chef for any occasion in Isla Vista
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Isla Vista in March 2017, more than 44 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Isla Vista and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in California.
Starting in 2017, 3,970 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Isla Vista. To book your chef in Isla Vista, 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 748 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 2,019 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.65 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 3,970 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Isla Vista usually book menus around 169 USD per person, including 4.83 courses, sharing an average of 4.52 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 Isla Vista.












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.
44 Private Chefs in Isla Vista
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Isla Vista












More than 3,900 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.25 Chef
The guests in Isla Vista have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.25.
4.75 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Isla Vista received an average score of 4.75.
4.63 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.63 average score.
5 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Isla Vista has been scored with a 5 on average.
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748 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Isla Vista
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Peruvian scallops on the half shell, shallot yuzu mignonette 1/2 oz vibe caviar
Prawn shrimp cake, bigeye tuna, kaluga vibe caviar, chive labna
“foraged “an array of wild mushrooms together with charcoal soil organic vegetables and sherry vinaigrette
Creamy roasted garlic eggplant soup, cheesy buttermilk biscuit, pepita pesto
Vichyssoise- chilled golden eye, potato, leek, soup, vegetable, and herb mosaic
Arugula fennel salad, shaved parmesan , myers lemon and cheven‘s final touch extra-virgin olive oil
Sautéed foraged mushrooms, chilled somen noodle, rich miso umami dashi broth
Goat cheese gnocchi with white truffle corn custard
, 30 day dry age new york steak, braised fennel gorgonzola bread pudding, roasted purple cauliflower
Baked black cod, celeriac root parmesan, caper castelvetrano olive tepanad
Salmon piccata, brûlée lemon, charred purple cauliflower, cheven’s olive oil and mushroom friccase tagliatelle pasta
24 hour braisd pork belly , red curry coconut lentil risotto, ginger roasted rainbow carrots, wasabi foam
Sticky, toffee, pudding, date, cake, toffee caramel, orange blossom anglaze
1921 tequila tiramisu amaretto soil, raspberries and pistachio frangipani
Blue crab beignets, sauce gribiche
Grilled avocado, salsa macha, herb salad (vegetarian)
Pupusa, orange mojo sauce
Dashi soup with matsutake mushrooms (vegetarian)
Black bean tacos, salsa verde, avocado crema (vegetarian)
Little gem lettuce, beet, pistachio, goat cheese (vegetarian)
Red butter lettuce, english cucumber, heirloom tomato, mint (vegetarian)
Pasta, prawn, ricotta, capers, romesco
Grilled salmon, lemon garlic sauce, israeli couscous, arugula pesto
Branzino, smoked corn broth, romanesco, seasonal vegetables
Smoked short ribs, red wine jus, aligot potato, romanesco, asparagus
Churros, mexican chocolate
Lemon tart, citrus, passionfruit ice cream
White chocolate verrine, almond crumble, roasted pineapple, yuzu
Sweet potato cake, coconut ice cream
Caprese salad with mozzarella di bufala, tomatoes, and basil (vegetarian)
Dungeness crab & avocado tartlet
Smoked brisket tartlet
Tabbouleh (vegetarian)
Harvest salad with apples, walnuts, cranberries, and feta (vegetarian)
Pescadillas – fried corn empanadas filled with seasoned fish
Grilled mushroom skewers with lemon and herb marinade (vegetarian)
Shrimp baja style taco
New york steak, creamy polenta, broccolini, balsamic glaze
Grilled chicken with mediterranean salsa
Cilantro lime skirt steak tacos, morita salsa
Vegetarian paella with mushrooms, chickpeas, squash, asparagus (vegetarian)
Olive oil & almond cake with strawberry rosé compote
Tres leches cake
Coconut mango pudding (vegetarian)
Red velvet cake
Creamy roasted pumpkin soup with nutmeg (vegetarian)
Acapulco ceviche
Broiled brussel sprouts, bacon, balsamic garlic lemon aioli
Vegan ceviche (soy based, tomato, avocado, orange, lime, cilantro, parsley, served with chips) (vegetarian)
Carnitas, green salsa, rice and beans
Grilled chicken breast with quinoa and roasted vegetables
Mushroom al pastor tacos, corn tortilla, green salsa, lime (vegetarian)
Spiced apple crisp topped with vanilla whipped cream
Cheesecake
Chocolate mousee
Arroz con leche
Welcome bites • mini crab cakes with lemon aioli • mini truffle mushroom tartlets (rich and savory, perfect for the season) • roasted butternut squash soup shots with maple drizzle
Winter burrata salad roasted beets, arugula, candied walnuts, pomegranate, balsamic reduction
Beef tenderloin with red wine demi-glace
Side dishes (family style) • creamy mac & cheese • roasted garlic mashed potatoes • sautéed broccolini with lemon butter
Choice of: • warm apple crumble with vanilla bean ice cream or • classic pecan tart with maple syrup (house-made)
Smoked salmon crostini, topped with herbed cream cheese, cappers, and fresh dill
Caramilized date, bacon rosmery crostini, cream cheese, honey
Truffle caulifour soup, garnished with chives and truffle
Crab egg benedicts, english muffin, topped with a poached egg hollandaise sauce. served with sauteed asparagus
Silky panna cotta infused with basil and lavander, served with a berry compote
Fig and goat cheese gallets with rosemary
Salad of grilled local vegetables tossed with arugula, napa cabbage and house dressing
Fresh baked bread with extra virgin olive oil cruets and local butter served tableside
Beef daube provençal - braised prime beef in consommé, red wine, shallot, pearl onions and herbs
Line caught local halibut poached in courtboullion with mint burre blanc
Creamy cruchade (polenta) with espagnole
Dauphinoise potatoes - classic gratin with cream, cheese, olive oil, chives and just a touch of garlic
Puff pastry with berry compote and cream
Smoked lobster bisque
Greek salad (vegetarian)
Edamame with truffle salt (vegetarian)
Seared mushrooms with citrus beurre blanc (vegetarian)
Truffle cauliflower soup (vegetarian)
Tomato bisque
Pan-seared salmon with saffron quinoa
Vegetarian paella (vegetarian)
Paella, chicken, cooked with bomba rice, sofrito and safron
Crème brûlée
Strawberry basil panna cotta
Olive oil & almond cake
Matcha mousse
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 Isla Vista.
What does a private chef service include in Isla Vista?
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 Isla Vista?
The price of renting a chef in Isla Vista 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 128 USD to 178 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 128 USD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 123 USD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 144 USD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 178 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 Isla Vista?
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 44 chefs available in Isla Vista. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Isla Vista 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 Isla Vista?
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 Isla Vista
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Isla Vista
Percentage of our women chefs in Isla Vista.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Isla Vista.
Percentage of services with kids in Isla Vista.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Isla Vista.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Isla Vista.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Isla Vista.
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 Isla Vista.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Isla Vista each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Isla Vista, 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 Isla Vista.
Cost of a private chef in Isla Vista
The cost of hiring a private chef in Isla Vista 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 128 USD to 178 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 128 USD
For 7 to 12 people: 123 USD
For 3 to 6 people: 144 USD
For 2 people: 178 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.
What is the most reserved type of cuisine in Isla Vista?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Isla Vista: 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 Isla Vista!






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









