Private Chef in San Carlos
Rent one of our 93 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















A personal chef for any occasion in San Carlos
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in San Carlos in April 2017, more than 93 Private Chefs have joined our platform in San Carlos and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in San Carlos.
Starting in 2017, 2,725 guests have already enjoyed a chef in San Carlos. To book your chef in San Carlos, 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 960 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 5,039 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.6 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 2,725 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in San Carlos usually book menus around 29,110 USD per person, including 3.7 courses, sharing an average of 4.6 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 San Carlos.












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!
93 Private Chefs in San Carlos
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in San Carlos












More than 2,700 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.1 Chef
The guests in San Carlos have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.1.
4.6 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in San Carlos received an average score of 4.6.
4.7 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.7 average score.
4.9 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in San Carlos has been scored with a 4.9 on average.
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960 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in San Carlos
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Mini arepas with braised pork and guasacaca
Corvina ceviche with passion fruit and plantain chips
Patacones with garlic shrimp and avocado cream
Pejibaye soup with smoked cheese and homemade croutons
Beef carpaccio with cilantro aioli and yuca tostones
Warm palm heart salad with fresh cheese and guava vinaigrette
Fried red snapper with coconut rice and caribbean salad
Braised beef ribs with sweet potato purée and grilled vegetables
Stuffed chicken with palm cheese and spinach, tamarind sauce, and creamy rice
Soursop cheesecake with cane honey reduction
Rice pudding infused with spices and artisan rum
Costa rican cocoa tart with local vanilla ice cream
Catch of the day ceviche avocado roll with passion fruit sauce, cassava chips
Shrimp aguachile with totopos
Cochinita pibil tacos(slow cooked pork with achiote marinade) pickled onions
Sweet plantain empanadas filled with cheese
Black rice , diabla shrimp or oyster mushrooms ( spicy), spicy cilantro sauce
Shrimp skewers with passion fruit sauce,yuca fries and cilantro mayo
Patacon(fried green plantain) with guacamole,ribeye steak with chipotle compound butter
Yuca croquettes filled with curry chicken and pejibaye sauce
Mole chicken, heart of palm rice and pickle onions
Catch of the day wrapped with hoja santa, roasted potatoes,pejibaye sauce
Lemon sole wrapped with avocado,cilantro beurre blanc sauce,roasted pumpkin
Pork belly,tamarind jus,cauliflower purée,glazed carrots
Ribeye steak,onion gravy,potato pillows,grill asparagus
Chocolate mousse,passion fruit coulis,cookie crumble
Piña colada panna cotta,coconut tuile,pineapple compote
Sweet plantain tart with vanilla ice cream
Dulce de leche flan with dark chocolate tuile
3 leches cake,baked meringue,cocoa powder
Tártar de banano verde – green banana tartare with a hint of lime, cilantro, and a touch of spicy pepper, served with toasted cashews
Empanadas de chiverre – traditional turnovers filled with sweet chiverre (a type of squash) and panela caramel
Enyucados – fried yuca croquettes stuffed with cheese and served with homemade tomato sauce
Picadillo de papaya verde – green papaya hash with ground beef and achiote, served with warm tortillas
Patacones con frijol molido y queso – twice-fried green plantains topped with refried black beans and fresh costa rican cheese
Arroz con pollo – classic costa rican yellow rice with shredded chicken, vegetables, and spices, served with russian salad and sweet plantain
Lomo en salsa de cebolla – tender beef loin slow-cooked in a rich onion sauce, served with mashed potatoes and sautéed vegetables
Pescado en salsa caribeña – fresh fish fillet cooked in coconut milk, bell peppers, and spices, served with rice and patacones
Chuleta de cerdo en salsa de tamarindo – grilled pork chop glazed with a sweet and tangy tamarind sauce, accompanied by rice and fried yuca
Sopa de mondongo – hearty tripe soup cooked with vegetables, corn, and achiote, served with white rice and a side of tortillas
Pan bon – caribbean-style spiced fruit cake with raisins, cinnamon, and nutmeg
Buñuelos con miel de tapa – yuca fritters drizzled with sugarcane syrup
Dulce de nance – nance fruit cooked in sugar syrup, served with vanilla ice cream
Flan de coco – creamy coconut flan with a caramel glaze
Melcochas de tapa – chewy sugarcane toffees with a hint of lemon
Tres leches
Arancini milanesse(saffron risotto croquette)
- creamy salmon rolls in smoked salmon served with capers sauce, arugula and red onions
Beef stuffed olives
Avocado hummus with pita bread
Caprese salad skewers
-asparagus chilled soup with homemade creme fraiche
French onion soup
Lobster medallion with green salmorejo and citronella foam
Beef carpaccio with crunchy capers and alioli
Charred octoups with roas peppers sauce and warm kale
Burrata cheese, roast balsamic peachs, cured ham and radichio salad
Artichoke and parmesan dip
Modern style capresse salad
Mwditerrean shrimp skewers with harissa sauce
Roast tenderloin with creamy polenta and peperonata
Pulpo a la gallega(crispy octopus, potatoes and smoked paprika s and
Chicken roulade with white wine sauce , served with ratstouille
Au papillote catch of the day served with two sides
Sea bass with home made gremolata sauce and seasonal veggies
Basque cheesecake
Cremee brulle
Peras pochadas al vino blanco( wine poach pears)
-cucumber and crab canapé
Coconut shrimp skewers with sweet tropical sauce
Lobster dip with crispy patacones
Cured macarel fish with toasts
Crispy fish chicharrones
Chicken or shrimp home made cesar salad
Fresh shrimps carpaccio with lemon dressing
Bbq fish collars with charred chimichurri
Green mango and fish ceviche
Butter poach snook fish with parsnip
Lobster bisque with citric foam
Lobster in caribean sauce
Crispy mahi mahi with cilantro sauce
Grilled grouper with fresh avocado pico de gallo
Pasta frutti di mare
Arroz melozo estilo vasco con mariscos
Cheese flan with nuts caramel
Tropical fruit cheese cake
Tarta de chocolate con chantily de limon y crumble
Fresh oysters with shallot vinaigrette and lemon
Tuna tartare with avocado and citrus emulsion
Mini moroccan-spiced lamb empanadas
Asparagus wrapped in iberian ham with truffle oil
Lobster bisque with saffron cream
Fig, serrano ham, and manchego cheese salad
Grilled octopus with chickpea purée and smoked paprika
Eggplant parmesan with buffalo mozzarella and basil pesto
Seabass fillet with butter and caper sauce, served with lemon risotto
Braised lamb with red wine reduction and spiced carrot purée
Confit duck with caramelized figs and couscous with nuts
Lobster paella with black garlic aioli
Chocolate and olive oil tart with sea salt flakes
Vanilla panna cotta with passion fruit coulis
Saffron ice cream with honey and pistachios
Pistachio baklava with orange reduction and rose water
Octopus and potatoes pintxo
Pintxo de sardina curada y crema de hinojo
Tortilla de patata y chorizo colorado
Pintxo de chorizo y guindilla(chorizo and guindilla pincho)
Pintxo de queso de cabra y miel – goat cheese on toast with caramelized onions and honey drizzle
Gallego style octopus with dill alioli
Andaluz gazpacho a cold tomato soup with spanish toppings
Manchego cheese and olives tapa
Croquetas de jamón ibérico(rico ham croquettes)
Patatas bravas (crispy potatoes with pimentón hot sauce and alioli
Gambas al ajillo – sizzling shrimp with garlic, chili, and white wine
Pan con tomate & jamón ibérico – grilled rustic bread with fresh tomato, garlic, olive oil, and iberian ham
Snook fish al pil-pil – snook fish in a silky garlic and olive oil emulsion
Gambas a la plancha – grilled prawns with sea salt and lemon
Pulpo a la brasa – grilled octopus with smoked paprika and potato purée
Secreto ibérico con chimichurri – grilled iberian pork with chimichurri sauce
Solomillo al roquefort – beef tenderloin with creamy blue cheese sauce
Cordero a la miel – grilled lamb chops with honey glaze and thyme
Tarta de santiago – almond cake with powdered sugar and citrus zest
Basque cheesecake
Churros with chocolate sauce
Crispy lobster wantan pockets with ponzu sauce
-fresh shrimp tatrtar over rice crackers
Fresh tuna and white beans bruschetta
Scallopss ceviche with cilantro aguachile
Costa ricas style seafood vuelve a la vida soup with shrimp foam
Local seafood sampler( all sort of local seafood served with local sides)
Coconut breded shrimps with mango dipping sauce
Cured and roast mackrell with anchovies pil pil and cured cucumber
Japanease style grilled seabass served with slowcooked eggplant and pickle seaweeds salad
Sea and shore (red snapper and shrimps with curry emulsion)
Surf and turf (shrimp or lobster)served with local veggies
Seabass with green mango and chamoy salsa
Bananq leaf baked mahi mahi
Roast shrimps with mango and corn salsa
Cheese flan with nuts caramel
Tartte tatin (french style applenpie)
Basque cheesecake
Roast pineapple with ice cream and nuts 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 San Carlos.
What does a private chef service include in San Carlos?
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 San Carlos?
The price of renting a chef in San Carlos 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 15,763 USD to 73,471 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 15,763 USD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 37,654 USD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 48,971 USD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 73,471 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 San Carlos?
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 93 chefs available in San Carlos. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in San Carlos 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 San Carlos?
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 San Carlos
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in San Carlos
Percentage of our women chefs in San Carlos.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in San Carlos.
Percentage of services with kids in San Carlos.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in San Carlos.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in San Carlos.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in San Carlos.
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 San Carlos.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in San Carlos each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In San Carlos, 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 San Carlos.
Cost of a private chef in San Carlos
The cost of hiring a private chef in San Carlos 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 15,763 USD to 73,471 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 15,763 USD
For 7 to 12 people: 37,654 USD
For 3 to 6 people: 48,971 USD
For 2 people: 73,471 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 San Carlos?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in San Carlos: Mediterranean, Italian, French, Japanese, Mexican, and surprise. The type of cuisine with the highest number of bookings is the Surprise, 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 San Carlos!






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










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