Basil meatballs over spaghetti pomodoro by Eklectic Kitchen

Ojochal · Costa Rica

Private Chef in Ojochal

Ojochal earned its reputation as the culinary capital of Costa Rica's southern coast, a village where dinner is the evening's main event.

Chef Eddie fits right in, with one difference: his restaurant is your villa. Global fusion cooking, Costa Rican ingredients, and a table that never requires a reservation or a drive home in the dark.

If you chose Ojochal, food already matters to you. Eddie's menu speaks that language: Thai tom kha fused with pasta, Mediterranean fish tapenade from that morning's catch, a casado elevated without losing its soul, and desserts like tres leches that end the night properly. For food-focused travelers he also offers hands-on cooking classes, the souvenir you can actually take home.

  • At-home fine dining in Costa Rica's culinary village
  • Fusion menus that hold their own in Ojochal's food scene
  • Cooking classes for travelers who want the recipes, not just the meal
  • All-inclusive pricing with no surprise charges

See all-inclusive pricing, meet Chef Eddie, or browse photos from past dinners.

From the guest book

What guests say

★★★★★

“I had the absolute pleasure of enjoying a meal prepared by Chef Eddie, and I can confidently say it was one of the most memorable dining experiences I've had. Every dish reflected his passion, creativity, and incredible attention to detail. The flavors were perfectly balanced, the presentation was beautiful, and the ingredients were clearly fresh and high quality. Be careful, you can get addicted to his food!”

Luis Elizondo Perez Zeledon | Google review

★★★★★

“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.”

Victor Aquino Google review

★★★★★

“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!).”

Laura Sanchez Google review

★★★★★

“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!”

Kevin Fox Manuel Antonio | Google review

★★★★★

“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.”

Paul Minigiello Google review

★★★★★

“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!”

Kala Devenyns Google review

★★★★★

“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!”

Robert Clague Google review

★★★★★

“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.”

D Russell Google review

★★★★★

“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!!!”

Hector Alvarez Playa Hermosa | Google review

“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.”

Sorin & Felicia Romania | Canada | Costa Rica

Ojochal questions

Good to know

Why hire a private chef in a town full of restaurants?

The same reason Ojochal's restaurants stay full: the food is the point. A private chef gives you that quality without driving mountain roads at night, with a menu built for your table alone, at your own pace.

Do you offer cooking classes in Ojochal?

Yes. Eddie teaches personalized, hands-on classes for individuals, couples, and small groups, in your villa kitchen. Mention it on the booking form and he will build a session around what you want to learn.

Can you cook the kind of fusion food Ojochal is known for?

That is Eddie's wheelhouse. Thai tom kha folded into pasta, Mediterranean fish tapenade from the morning's catch, a casado done properly: the menu is built around your group before he shops, so an Ojochal table that already cares about food gets exactly what it wants.

How much does a private chef in Ojochal cost?

Dinners are $75 to $110 per person, all-inclusive, with children under 12 at half price. For a village where dinner is the main event, a multi-course menu in your own villa compares well with a night out once you add drinks and the drive. The pricing page has the detail.

More answers on the full FAQ page.

Dinner in Ojochal, handled

Tell Chef Eddie about your group, your dates, and your cravings.

Book my Eklectic experience

No obligation. Custom menu ideas with every reply.

Find Chef Eddie on the gram!

@eklectickitchen