Best Private Chefs in Cabo For an Unforgettable Dinner
First came tequila carrot cocktails. Then cantaloupe margaritas. By the time we moved on to the classic lime version, our private chef dinner in Cabo was off to a great start!
We were hosting a family meal for seven adults in our villa and wanted something special – but not stiff or over-the-top.
So we tapped into our Cabo Visitor Facebook community for real-world recommendations. After reaching out to several chefs, we booked Chef Albert Martinez, who served up a memorable meal.
If you’ve already enjoyed Cabo’s farm-to-table scene, polished off a few excellent Italian dinners and want something fancier than going out for tacos, this one’s for you.
Skip the restaurant scene altogether – and instead, bring the restaurant to you. Having a private chef cook dinner for you in your villa or condo is perfect for a birthday celebration, family gathering or a festive holiday dinner (say over Christmas in December or New Year’s in January).
Below, we share our experience – plus the delicious details on three private chefs in Cabo we’d use, including costs, what to expect (yes, you can supply your own wine) and the different services they offer.
👨🍳 Mini-guide: Hiring a private chef in Los Cabos
It’s more affordable than you might think! Many chefs cook dinners for families of 6 to 8 – and they handle everything from grocery shopping and prep to cooking, serving and clean-up.
Menu and pricing
- Menus – Set menus or fully customized (Mexican, seafood or international – surf-and-turf is always popular)
- How chefs charge – Either a set price p.p. (including ingredients) or a service fee plus groceries
- Dinner cost – Roughly $80 to 120+ USD p.p.
- Drinks – You usually supply the alcohol (some chefs throw in welcome margaritas)
Who we hired for our dinner for 7 adults
- Chef Albert Martinez – Kreaccion Los Cabos
- What we got – A tasty, freshly prepared 4-course dinner, with a bartender (the chef’s son) for cocktails and wine service
Would we do it again? ❤️
In a heartbeat! But we might tweak a few things. (See what we’d do differently next time below.)
Contents: Private chefs worth booking in Cabo
How much does a private chef in Cabo cost?
Our dinner with a private chef in Cabo San Lucas
Making the arrangements
After emailing Chef Albert Martinez via his website, we heard back from his son, Alberto, who handles the sales and bartending for the family business.
He explained that every dinner is fully personalized for clients and asked us about any allergies and food preferences (like seafood vs. meat for the main course). We booked the date, and he sent us a sample menu to approve.
On the day of our dinner, Alberto arrived about 2½ hours early with his father (the chef) and his mother, who helps in the kitchen – bringing all their own supplies. Chef Albert changed into his uniform and apron, and they quietly got to work.
Drinks first!
Soon after arriving, Alberto whipped up those carrot, cantaloupe and lime margaritas that immediately set the tone for the evening. (We supplied the tequila and Cointreau, as requested.)
Alberto is very personable and made everyone feel completely at ease. When they arrived about 4:00 pm, I (Janice) was still in shorts and my mother was in her bathing suit. We all chatted, relaxed and drifted off at our own pace to shower before dinner.
And then dinner was announced at 6:30 pm!
Dinner
The table was set by Alberto with colorful Mexican centerpieces and soft faux candlelight.
He served each of the four courses and poured the wine we’d bought, explaining every dish before stepping back so we could enjoy the evening as a family. Meanwhile, his parents handled dishes behind the scenes and prepared the next course.
Our “Tropical Passion” dinner:
- Salad – Caesar salad, wrapped like an Asian roll, with a chipotle dressing and large flakes of real Parmesan cheese
- Appetizer – Beef salpicon (salad-type dish) served with wonton chips and guacamole
- Main Course – Grilled white fish fillet dipped in adobo sauce and skewers of beef steak, accompanied by mashed yams and grilled peppers
- Dessert – Passion fruit Carlota Cake (Key lime Mexican pie) dipped in reposado tequila
As a bonus, they left us extra freshly-made chipotle dressing, Parmesan cheese – and a serious pile of limes – which we happily used over the next few days.
Cost and details
Chef Martinez charges a service fee plus the cost of groceries.
When they were ready to leave, Alberto gave us the grocery receipts and we paid in cash. (Mexican pesos or USD are accepted.)
You supply the alcohol for cocktails and your own wine.
More sample menus (with costs)
Dinner for 2 to 6 guests
- Appetizer – Tropical shrimp salpicon served with deep-fried wonton rice chips
- Second – Aztec soup shot, served with avocado slices and cream
- Main course – Grilled beef steak and white fish fillet (catch of the day), wrapped in banana leaves, served with seasonal vegetables and poblano pepper risotto
- Dessert – Passion fruit margarita Carlota Cake (same as our dessert)
Cost = 6,000 MXN pesos (about $325 USD) service fee plus groceries
Breakfast for a family of 16
- Tropical fruit starter – Pineapple, papaya, watermelon, cantaloupe, berries and coconut, served with yogurt and granola
- Traditional Huevos Rancheros – Fried eggs served on top of crispy tortilla, cheese, beans and ranch salsa, with baby seasoned potatoes and crispy bacon or sausage
- Mexican sweet pastries
- Drinks – Coffee, orange juice, fruit smoothies and cocktails
Cost = 7,500 MXN (about $405 USD) service fee plus groceries
Chef Albert’s professional experience
The Chef’s resume includes more than 20 years’ experience at various luxury resorts in Cabo, including:
- Seafood specialty chef at Las Ventanas al Paraiso
- Chef de Partie and Rotisseur Chef at Esperanza
- Corporate chef at Mi Casa Group
More testimonials and reviews
Chef Albert and Alberto Jr. were by far the best part of our trip to Cabo. Not only did they cook a fully vegetarian meal for our 8-person family, but the flavors were DIVINE and the experience was AMAZING! Chef Albert’s wife bakes the best dessert and somehow even knew my mom’s favorite dessert was Tres Leches cake! Thank you for an unforgettable dining experience.
Riya
See more reviews here.
Contact information for Chef Albert Martinez
Private chef, catering and butler services:
- Website – Kreaccion Los Cabos
- Email – ventas@kreaccion.com.mx
- Phone/WhatsApp – (+52)-624-261-3498
Other good personal chefs in Cabo
Ivonne Herrera
Chef Ivonne Herrera and her team can also turn your place into a pop-up restaurant, whether it’s a casual welcome night, family dinner or celebratory evening.
A nice Cabo-style perk? Every dinner includes a complimentary round of margaritas.
Her menus work especially well for multigenerational groups, with a dedicated kids’ menu for ages 4 to 11.
Dinner options are flexible, served as 4-course plated dinners.
She also offers breakfast service – and will happily provide orange juice for mimosas if you supply the bubbly.
“Welcome Party” option
For something easy and social on arrival day, the “Welcome Party” (800 MXN pesos or $44 USD p.p.) eases you into vacation mode without committing to a full sit-down dinner.
You’ll enjoy:
- The essentials! – Freshly made guacamole, salsa and tortilla chips
- Three appetizers of your choice – Maybe savory corn tortillas drizzled with slow-cooked beef brisket; fresh yellowfin tuna sashimi with ponzu sauce and ginger; and Cazuela Marinera (shrimp, potatoes and cheese, baked in a clay pot)
- Margaritas – One complimentary round
Dinner menus
Chef Ivonne offers three 4-course menus (all customizable):
- Mexican menu (1,500 MXN p.p., about $82 USD) – Two appetizers; a soup or salad (maybe chicken Caesar salad, tortilla soup or creamy poblano chili soup); a main course (think slow-cooked beef stew in a spicy chili sauce or a sizzling Molcajete surf-and-turf); and dessert. Guacamole, chips, salsas plus a round of margaritas or mojitos are included.
- Fish and seafood menu (1,800 MXN p.p., about $98 USD) – An appetizer (marinated shrimp, anyone?); soup or salad (clam chowder, lobster grape salad or seafood casserole); a main course (such as lobster tacos or garlic salmon); and dessert.
- International menu (2,100 MXN p.p., about $114 USD) – A global line-up featuring dishes like lobster bisque, Wagyu teriyaki skewers, seafood paella and classic surf-and-turf.
Desserts include options like Tres Leches cake with red berries, mango sorbet and cream cheese crepes with mango sauce.
Testimonial
We had the pleasure of Chef Ivonne and her team cooking dinner for us twice while on our family vacation in Cabo at our rental property. From the food to the margaritas to the pristine state of the kitchen afterword, everything was incredible. I cannot recommend this team enough and would highly recommend the Mexican menu. Everything was wonderful!
Amanda
Cost
- Price range – About $82 to $114 USD p.p. for a four-course dinner (groceries included)
- Payment – USD or pesos; cash preferred (but credit cards accepted with a 10% fee)
- Drinks – One complimentary round of margaritas or mojitos are included (book two dinners and enjoy complimentary open-bar margaritas!)
- Taxes – Additional 16% tax added to the price
Contact Chef Ivonne Herrera
- Facebook – Private chef by Ivonne Herrera
- Email – Chefivonne.herrera@gmail.com
3) Chef Rogelio Granado
Chef Rogelio Granado takes a personalized approach, designing each dinner around your tastes, dietary needs and preferred service style – relaxed family-style sharing, a buffet spread or a fully plated sit-down dinner.
Cost
His prices include basic groceries as well as local and seasonal ingredients.
- 1 to 2 people – $250 USD total
- 3 to 5 people – $350 USD total
- 6 to 8 people – $480 USD total
- 9 to 12 people – $750 USD total
- 13 or more – $68 USD p.p.
Important notes
- Prices may increase if premium or imported ingredients are requested.
- Gratuities aren’t included.
- Drinks, bar service and waitstaff aren’t included.
Contact Chef Rogelio Granado
- Phone/WhatsApp – (+52) 624-160-1126
- Email – Chefrogeliogranado@gmail.com
What do private chefs in Cabo cost?
As a general guideline, expect:
- Breakfast – $20 to $40 USD per person
- Dinner – $80 to $120+ USD per person
Premium chefs, multi-course menus, international cuisine and high-end cuts of meat sit at the higher end of the range. Traditional Mexican menus tend to be more affordable.
This all-in price typically covers grocery shopping (and ingredients), cooking on site, serving the meal and full clean-up afterward. Alcohol (supplied by you) is usually extra.
Tips aren’t included. A 10 to 20% gratuity is customary and appreciated.
Why hire a private chef vs. dining out in Cabo?”
- No driving or Ubering
- More affordable for groups
- Completely customized menus
- No waiting for tables or rushed service
- Big savings on alcohol
Psst! You’ll especially save on wine!
Wine is pricey in Mexico – upscale restaurants like Flora Farms, El Huerto and Acre often charge $100 USD (or more) for even their least expensive bottle.
It’s dramatically cheaper to buy your own wine at wine shops or grocery stores (like the Super Chedraui in Cabo San Lucas, which has a decent wine selection). You can find nice French, California, Italian and other wines for $20 to $30 USD a bottle.
Tips for hiring good chef services in Cabo
- Mention allergies and dietary needs upfront – Chefs are very accommodating, but they need advance notice.
- Ask what’s included – Some chefs offer all-inclusive pricing; others charge a service fee plus groceries.
- Request sample menus – This helps you understand portion sizes, flavors and service style.
- Clarify bartending – Ask whether cocktail service is included and what alcohol you need to supply. (We were asked to provide tequila and liqueur for the cocktails plus our own wine).
- Check your kitchen setup – A fully equipped kitchen makes everything smoother.
- Consider cooking methods – If you want steak or meat dishes, a BBQ or good grill is ideal. (Our villa oven was a bit finicky and didn’t sear meat well.)
- Confirm villa rules – If you’re staying at a resort villa, make sure outside chefs are permitted and notify the front desk in advance.
What to tell your chef when you inquire
- Your preferred date
- Number of guests
- Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion
- Any allergies or dietary restrictions
- Whether young children will be present (and their ages)
- Your preferred start time (most chefs arrive about an hour or two earlier to set up)
- Where you’re staying, including the villa or unit number
A few common questions (answered)
Can you bring your own wine or alcohol?
Absolutely! In fact, you’re usually expected to. Most chefs ask you to supply both the liquor for cocktails and your own wine. And they’re happy to chill, pour and pair your wine, with no corkage fee.
Some chefs include welcome margaritas in their pricing, and you can often add more cocktails for an extra fee.
Are groceries included?
Often, yes – but it depends.
Some chefs offer all-inclusive pricing which include the ingredients. Others charge a service fee plus groceries (with receipts provided). Either way, they handle the shopping, prep and clean-up.
Do private chefs cook breakfast too?
They do. And breakfast is quite popular. Think chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, fresh fruit, smoothies, pastries and brunch spreads.
How far ahead do you need to book?
In high season (November to April), aim for at least a week ahead – two weeks for big groups or special occasion dinners. The more advance notice, the better.
Summer bookings are easier.
For New Year’s dinner, book at least 6 weeks ahead. When we checked, some of Cabo’s top private chefs were booked out by mid-November already.
Can chefs handle vegan, gluten-free or allergy-friendly meals?
Definitely. Cabo’s private chefs are used to tailoring menus for all dietary needs. Just give them a heads-up when you book.
Do chefs bring their own equipment?
Most bring specialty items, but they’ll use your villa’s kitchen for cooking. It helps to confirm your kitchen has a good stove and fridge, along with enough plates, glasses and cutlery.
What we’d do differently next time
We had tons of laughs and a fantastic evening – but next time, we’d go a little simpler.
With allergies, sensitive stomachs, light eaters and big appetites in the same group, an individually-plated four-course menu was tricky to get just right. We also ended up with some food that was hard to save for left-overs.
Next time, we’d go for more shareable dishes – either self-serve or portioned out by the chef from larger platters – like:
- Canapés (guacamole and chips?)
- Perhaps a pot of soup
- A large bowl of salad
- A chicken casserole (with scalloped potatoes or mashed yams, plus sautéed veggies on the side) or a lasagna for the main course
- A whole dessert (or two), like a flan, cheesecake or Tres Leches cake
Less waste. Happier guests. Same great experience.
And yes – we’d do it again, no question.
More fun dining experiences in Cabo
- A Cabo Cooking Class That Feels Like a Fiesta!
- Cravin’ Italian in Los Cabos? 5 Best Places for Pizza and Pasta
- Eat Local! Cabo’s Top 5 Farm-to-Table Restos
- 15 Tastiest Taco Spots in Cabo San Lucas
Our favorite resources for planning a trip to Cabo
Resorts: Booking.com is great for scoring a “wow” hotel in Cabo – or at least a decent one. (We especially like their flexible cancellation policy!) Expedia is also worth checking for discounted hotel rates in Cabo.
Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
Tours: For the best local guided tours in Cabo, see Viator and GetYourGuide.
Car rental: Renting a car in Los Cabos is one of the best ways to explore. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the best rates.
Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation and travel security.
Need more help?
- See our Start here page. It lists everything we’ve written on Cabo.
- Also check our ultimate Cabo travel guide and our article on Planning your Cabo vacation: What you should know.
Pssst! If you make a booking or purchase through our site, we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you). Thanks!
Photos: © 2, 3, 5 to 8 Janice and George Mucalov, Cabo Visitor | 1, 4 Kreaccion Los Cabos
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