Private Chef in Isla Vista
Rent one of our 42 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 42 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Isla Vista and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in California.
Starting in 2017, 3,792 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 699 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 1,896 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, 3,792 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Isla Vista usually book menus around 169 USD per person, including 4.12 courses, sharing an average of 4.61 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.
42 Private Chefs in Isla Vista
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Isla Vista












More than 3,700 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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699 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Isla Vista
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Ahi mango avocado stack, ginger tamari sesame
Shiso scallops on rice cake with plum sauce
Thai chicken skewers
Vietnamese meat balls on crispy rice
Crispy pork belly wonton
Soup dumplings
Nigiri sushi
Miso soup with carrot radish ginger salad
Vietnamese wonton sesame salad
Simple wonton soup
Duck soup and duck salad
Sweet corn and shitake soup
Thai pork belly salad with sesame dressing
Sesame kale salad with avocado
Cucumber and cabbage salad with mango lime vinaigrette
Lemongrass short ribs, purple potato purée, braised broccolini
Tahini salmon with tempura vegetables
Soy seared halibut cheeks on sticky rice with citrus butter on green onion radish kimchi salad
Steamed fish with ginger, scallions and soy sauce. coriander rice
Suon nuong (grilled pork chops) with rice and fried egg
Korean bbq tofu on scallion rice and green beans
Citrus glazed chicken baked on sticky rice
Ramen (choose from pork belly to vegetarian)
The asian vegan bowl. sesame tofu, avocado, sesame dressing, stickyrice, cucumber, radish salad, edamame, sweet potato
Vegangyoza and tempura vegetables (sweet potato, onion rings, green beans, zucchini)
Kobucha gratin
Chicken green curry and pumpkin
Beef negimaki on umami rice with green onions
Passion fruit and coconut sorbet
Chai tea creme brulee
Mango sticky rice
Ma lai go (steamed sweet cake) with vanilla cream
Mango coconut banana cream ice cream
Japaneses cotton cheesecake
Fresh baked bread with extra virgin olive oil cruets served tableside
California potato salad - organic pee wee potatoes, olives, roasted sweet peppers, cebollita, rosemary aioli
Olives san leandro - marinated olives in my family tradition served with crudités
Real deal thin sliced beef tri tip roast coastal style with salsa cruda
Broasted whole farmhouse chicken
Poached north coast salmon - caldo, egg, lemon, dill and capers
Grilled baja oysters - estilo baja sur with grilled lemon and herbs
Chocolate chip skillet cookie with vanilla bean ice cream and candied pecans
Fresh chips and guacamole classic style with house salsas from scratch
Salad corte madera with avocado, tomato, cured olives, napa cabbage, grilled cebollita and house dressing
Authentic sofrito black beans with jasmine rice
Grilled herbed sweet peppers and cebollitas
Real deal thin sliced beef tri tip roast coastal style with salsa cruda
Citrus marinated free range chicken grilled a la plancha
Loganiza gutamalteca - guatamalan pork sausage with farm cheese and herbs
Striped sea bass la paz - with garlic, oregano, myer lemon, jalapeños and olive oil
Bananas foster bread pudding with creme fraiche and berries
Fresh baked bread with extra virgin olive oil cruets served tableside
California potato salad - organic pee wee potatoes, olives, roasted sweet peppers, cebollita, rosemary aioli
Olives san leandro - marinated olives in my family tradition served with crudités
Real deal thin sliced beef tri tip roast coastal style with salsa cruda
Broasted whole farmhouse chicken
Poached north coast salmon - caldo, egg, lemon, dill and capers
Grilled baja oysters - estilo baja sur with grilled lemon and herbs
Chocolate chip skillet cookie with vanilla ice cream and candied pecans
Pot sticker with spicy lemon dipping sauce
Shrimp lettuce: cajun marinated shrimp, scallion, cilantro, jicama, peanuts & sesame miso dressing
Chicken lettuce cup: 5 spiced marinated chicken, ginger, scallion, cilantro, jicama, peanuts & ginger soy vinaigrette
Black pepper new york steak: garlic butter rice, baby bok choy, wild mushrooms, roasted cauliflower, pan glazed sauce
Pan roasted new zealand cod: garlic butter rice, baby bok choy, wild mushrooms, soy glazed, ginger scallion salad
Coconut bread pudding, grean tea ice cream & walnut dust
Green tea dusted cheesecake, starberries reduction & walnut dust
Lemon panna cotta, graham crackers, berries & coulis
Chocolate chocolate mousse cake: berries, berries coulis
Spicy shrimp lettuce wraps smoked salmon nori vegetable rolls with spicy miso sauce
Antipasti of vegetables with basilic cashew creamy sauce
Quesadillas ( pico de gallo , guacamole, and sour cream with chicken / over salad) burrito ( guacamole/ lettuce / sweet plantins / rice / beans / and cheese / shrimps and spicy sauce
Meatloaf / barbecue sauce/ mesclun with pasta homemade and tomato sauce
Caramel cake with straberry coulis
Assorted cheese & charcuterie platter
Shrimp salad: shaved baby romain, parmesan cheese, pumpkin seeds, corn, mayer lemon vinaigrette
Salami salad: wild arugula, garbanzo beans, white beans, parmesan cheese, pesto vinaigrette
Pan seared angus beef new york steak: colored cauliflower, potato scallops, wild mushrooms ragout, pan glazed sauce
Jumbo shrimp scampi: linguini pasta, baby heirloom tomato, parmesan cream
Surf & turf: chicken & scallops, saffron risotto, green beans, baby heirloom tomato, shaved cauliflower & orange brown butter sauce
Chocolate chocolate mousse cake: berries, berries coulis, walnut dust
Cheese cake : berries coulis & strawberries
Caviar toast, purple potatoes, creme fraiche
Truffled deviled eggs with candied bacon
Burrata bruschetta, sweety drop peppers, crispy capers, chimichurri (vegetarian)
Smoked scallops, chorizo with basil oil
Pan seared scallops, wild rucula , lemongrass, mango relish, thom kha broth
Pappardelle with harissa smoked tomato and lobster cream
Knife beef tartare with pistachios, parmesan and dried tomatoes
Roasted wild mushroom bruschetta (vegetarian)
Tomahawk, bordelaise, confit shallots
Butter poached lobster, crispy basmati rice, burnt orange, saffron and toasted pine nuts
Seared dried aged beef, potato foam, roasted woodear shrooms
Porcini crusted cauliflower with olive pistou (vegetarian)
Dark chocolate mousse with kumquats and chocolate miso tuile
Tarte aux fraises buttery tart shell filled with pastry cream and topped with fresh strawberries and apricot glaze
Japanese passionfruit cheesecake, sudachi sorbet & green tea feuilletine
Aerated matcha cheesecake, fresh berry coulis and white chocolate crumble
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 42 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.









