Private Chef in Santa Bárbara
Rent one of our 275 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















A personal chef for any occasion in Santa Bárbara
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Santa Bárbara in April 2017, more than 275 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Santa Bárbara and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Santa Bárbara.
Starting in 2017, 668 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Santa Bárbara. To book your chef in Santa Bárbara, 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 309 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 2,645 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.8 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 668 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Santa Bárbara usually book menus around 43,254 USD per person, including 3.64 courses, sharing an average of 3.97 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 Santa Bárbara.












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!
275 Private Chefs in Santa Bárbara
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Santa Bárbara












More than 600 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.5 Chef
The guests in Santa Bárbara have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.5.
5 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Santa Bárbara received an average score of 5.
5 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 5 average score.
4.5 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Santa Bárbara has been scored with a 4.5 on average.
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309 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Santa Bárbara
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








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
-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
House chifrijo: crispy pork belly, tender beans, pico de gallo, and rice
Tostones with creole sour cream: fried green plantains with coastal-style sour cream sauce and cilantro
Traditional tilapia ceviche: citrus-marinated tilapia with red onion, sweet pepper, and toasted corn
Black bean soup with poached egg: black bean broth with local spices and corn toast
Country salad: fresh lettuce, tomato, fresh cheese, avocado, and passion fruit vinaigrette
Potato and artisan chorizo hash: served with homemade tortillas
Traditional casado: rice, beans, sweet plantains, fresh salad, and beef in creole sauce
Garlic tilapia: served with yuca purée and sautéed vegetables
Chicken in achiote and coconut sauce: served with cilantro rice and white beans
Coconut and caramel flan
Three-milk cake with drip-brewed coffee
Papaya sweet with fresh cheese
Crispy shrimp toast and shrimp tartar
-fish chicharrones (crispy fish served with cilantro dressing )hummus de aguacate y tostadas de pan pita
Banderillas de gamba y pejibaye
Clams in white wine sauce and lardo
Green mango and fish ceviche
Banana leaf baked lobster tail
Arroz caldoso de guisantes y frutos del mar
Charred octoups with roas peppers sauce and warm kale
Smoked salmon carpaccio with passion fruit
Local clams chowder
Lobster and arrugula salad
Black tortellini filled with shrimp paste
-cioppino (seafood stew)served with bread toasts
Whole baked fish (catch of the day )with sides
Coconut crispy jumbo shrimps with sweet and sour costa rican sauce
Surf and turf (shrimp or lobster)served with local veggies
Coffee flan
Guava cheesecake
Chocolate lava cake with caramel ice cream
Artichoke and pancetta dip
Home made focaccia, cheeses and hams
Cured jam and roast peach bruschetta
-smoked salmón profiteroles
Lobster bisque
-roast beef, arugula, oranges and roast fennel salad
Peas and bacon chilled soup
Roast tomato soup with burrata cheese
Chicken liver pate with tyhme infused honey and home made crostinis
Gallego style octopus with dill alioli
Seafood crostini with arrugula and fresh tomatoes salad
Crispy fish milanesa skewers with lemon caper sauce
Lobster with gallega sauce and dill potatoes
A la florentina tomahawk stake with traditional veggies with rosemary
Tenderloin roulade with shrimp mouseline and smoked butter sauce
Tenderloin with porcini demiglace
Butter poach snook fish with parsnip
Seabass with meuniere sauce served y fondant potatoes
Shrimps caserole with french bread toast
Pork chop with figs sauce and blue cheese
Basque cheesecake
Crêpes suzette
Flan de pistacho y miel de frutos del bosque
Mini shrimp empanadas with sweet chili sauce
Sea bass ceviche with coconut tiger’s milk and limo chili
Pork chicharrón arepa with guasacaca sauce
Beef carpaccio with avocado emulsion and crispy plantain chips
Heart of palm salad with passion fruit vinaigrette and caramelized nuts
Seafood soup with coconut milk and yellow chili
Venezuelan asado negro with cassava purée and caramelized plantains
Seabass in a sesame crust with creamy coconut rice and cilantro
Cochinita pibil with corn tamal and pickled red onion
Guava cheesecake with rum reduction
Suspiro limeño with vanilla meringue and dulce de leche
Venezuelan chocolate brownie with coconut ice cream
Fresh oysters with passion fruit granita and citrus
Wagyu tartare with mustard emulsion and wasabi caviar
Lobster fritters with saffron mayonnaise
Mini corn arepas with foie gras and red wine reduction
Octopus carpaccio with truffle oil and black olive powder
Artichoke cream with crispy parmesan and iberian ham
Burrata salad with roasted peaches and pistachio pesto
Confit langoustines with coconut foam and yellow chili
Beef tenderloin with malbec wine reduction and cauliflower purée
Confit duck with wild mushroom risotto and fig sauce
Salt-baked sea bass with lemon emulsion and basil foam
Crispy suckling pig with tamarind reduction and fondant potatoes
70% chocolate mousse with hazelnut crumble
Vanilla mille-feuille with passion fruit cream and toasted almonds
Soursop soufflé with raspberry coulis
White truffle ice cream with cacao crumble and sea salt
Lobster and chives tartlet served with smoked alioli
A la mode cpresse skewers( caprese skewer with tomato pesto)
Artichokes and parmesan souffle with bread crostinis
24 hour eggplant parmigiana
Hunters chicken with chicken demiglace
Grilled octopus with alioli sauce
Lamb loin with cherry oporto sauce and nuts
Mediterrian seafood duo ballotine( shrimp and fish)served with dill weed and tarragon sauce
Tenderloin with green peppercon sauce
Basque cheesecake
Napolitano cheesecake
Torttino di cioccolato
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 Santa Bárbara.
What does a private chef service include in Santa Bárbara?
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 Santa Bárbara?
The price of renting a chef in Santa Bárbara 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 27,644 USD to 55,642 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 27,644 USD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 34,582 USD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 34,232 USD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 55,642 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 Santa Bárbara?
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 275 chefs available in Santa Bárbara. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Santa Bárbara 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 Santa Bárbara?
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 Santa Bárbara
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Santa Bárbara
Percentage of our women chefs in Santa Bárbara.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Santa Bárbara.
Percentage of services with kids in Santa Bárbara.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Santa Bárbara.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Santa Bárbara.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Santa Bárbara.
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 Santa Bárbara.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Santa Bárbara each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Santa Bárbara, 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 Santa Bárbara.
Cost of a private chef in Santa Bárbara
The cost of hiring a private chef in Santa Bárbara 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 27,644 USD to 55,642 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 27,644 USD
For 7 to 12 people: 34,582 USD
For 3 to 6 people: 34,232 USD
For 2 people: 55,642 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.
Private chefs registrations
After many years of offering our services, we are lucky to have a fantastic team of chefs that keeps growing in Santa Bárbara!
2 personal chefs register with us every month. Our verification team reviews these new chef profiles daily to categorize them, allowing you to discover incredible new chefs every month.
What is the most reserved type of cuisine in Santa Bárbara?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Santa Bárbara: 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 Santa Bárbara!






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










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