Manuel Antonio · Costa Rica
Private Chef in Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio fills its hillsides with some of the best vacation villas in Costa Rica, and the one thing better than a villa with a view is a villa with dinner already handled.
Chef Eddie Cambronero brings the Eklectic Kitchen experience to homes and rentals throughout Manuel Antonio and Quepos: a custom menu built around your group, shopping at the local markets, course-by-course service, and a spotless kitchen when the night winds down.
Manuel Antonio dinners tend to be celebration dinners: honeymoons, family reunions, the last night of a trip nobody wants to end. Eddie leans into that. Expect fresh mahi mahi or sea bass from the Quepos fish market, a ceviche starter while the sun drops, and a table set before anyone thinks to ask. If your villa sits up in the hills with a sunset view, he will time the courses around it.
- Serves villas and vacation rentals across Manuel Antonio and Quepos
- Fresh seafood sourced from the Quepos market the day of your dinner
- Dinner parties from 2 to 12 guests, larger events by arrangement
- All-inclusive pricing: ingredients, service, and cleanup included
See all-inclusive pricing, meet Chef Eddie, or browse photos from past dinners.
From the guest book
What guests say
“We asked Chef Eddie to help with cooking and catering for a private brunch at our house for our friends and neighbors. He delivered an amazing culinary experience with dishes that beautifully blended authentic Costa Rican ingredients with a sophisticated international influence. Each course was thoughtfully crafted, expertly executed, and elegantly presented. Beyond his remarkable cooking skills, Eddie brought warmth, charm, and a great sense of humor to the event.”
★★★★★
“Where do I even begin? From the international cuisine to the impeccable service, stunning presentation, and incredibly satisfying portions, every aspect of this experience was exceptional. Eddie and Maribel delivered a five-star dining experience that I will never forget. The menu featured a fusion of Latin, Italian, Russian, and French influences, all elevated with a distinctive Costa Rican flair. I'm usually not someone who gravitates toward desserts, but their tres leches cake was so incredible that I found myself going back for seconds.”
★★★★★
“Absolutely delicious! We have hired Eddie several times over the past 3 years, including for a Christmas dinner, and every time he has impressed us. Him and his team are great hosts, have been able to accommodate various dietary restrictions, and are simply a joy to interact with. Ps: He makes the best tres leches I've ever had (and I've had quite a few!).”
★★★★★
“My wife and I had Chef Eddie cook for us whilst we were staying in Manuel Antonio and it was a fantastic experience. We enjoyed a tuna tartare appetiser and a main course of mahi mahi cooked in a creamy sauce with capers. For me the dessert was the highlight, Chef Eddie's famous tres leches cake, absolutely fantastic! One other point is that when Chef Eddie cooks for you he leaves the kitchen cleaner than it was when he arrives!”
★★★★★
“Chef Eddie absolutely crushed it for us. We had him cook for us two nights and both meals were amazing, like restaurant-quality but in the comfort of our place. He was professional, on time, super easy to communicate with, and made the whole experience feel effortless. Portions were generous, everything was spotless when he wrapped up, and everyone left happy and full. If you're thinking about booking a private chef, hire Eddie.”
★★★★★
“This was our first time in Costa Rica and we had Chef Eddie come in to make us in-home breakfast each day. Hands down one of the best things we did! Each morning we had fresh fruit with an amazing authentic Costa Rican breakfast dish. Absolutely the BEST breakfast we have ever had. Professional, personable, and amazing food! Definitely one of the highlights of our trip!”
★★★★★
“Chef Eddie and Maribel delivered an unforgettable anniversary dinner that exceeded every expectation. From the exquisite, locally-inspired courses bursting with fresh flavors to the perfect wine pairings that elevated each dish, the entire evening was pure magic: intimate, romantic, and flawlessly executed. We couldn't have asked for a more special celebration!”
★★★★★
“Chef Eddie prepared the most wonderful meal for our family when we were staying at the Casa Cali villa, catering thoughtfully for both the carnivores and the two vegetarians among us. Every mouthful was pure pleasure and Eddie was a lovely man. Very highly recommended.”
★★★★★
“I would like to say thank you to Chef Eddie and his wife Maribel for an AMAZING dining experience as our personal chefs for our trip to Playa Hermosa. Every single dish was delicious. If I could give 7 stars instead of 5, I would. The food, the service and the experience was top tier. I will be contracting them again on all future visits. Pura vida!!!”
Manuel Antonio questions
Good to know
How far in advance should we book a private chef in Manuel Antonio?
A few days' notice usually works, but Manuel Antonio villas book Eddie fastest in high season (December to April). If you have your dates, reach out early and submit menu choices at least 48 hours ahead.
Does the villa need a special kitchen?
No. A basic kitchen and a dining space are enough. Eddie brings the ingredients, tools, and everything else the meal needs.
How much does a private chef in Manuel Antonio cost?
Dinners run $75 to $110 per person, all-inclusive of menu planning, market shopping, cooking, course-by-course service, and cleanup. Children under 12 are half price. Most Manuel Antonio villa groups land in the middle band; the pricing and payments page has the full tiers.
Do you cook at vacation rentals and Airbnbs around Manuel Antonio and Quepos?
Yes. Eddie cooks at villas, vacation rentals, and private homes throughout Manuel Antonio and Quepos, from the hillside sunset villas down to places near the national park. The rental only needs a basic kitchen and a table; he brings the rest.
More answers on the full FAQ page.
Also serving
Dinner in Manuel Antonio, handled
Tell Chef Eddie about your group, your dates, and your cravings.
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