The price starts with two parts:
chef service and ingredients.
When comparing a private chef with a restaurant in Manuel Antonio, begin with the complete meal cost. A service fee covers the chef’s work; groceries and other ingredients are additional. A low per-person service calculation should not be mistaken for an all-inclusive dinner price.
Planning rates for the 2025–2026 season are shown below. Your personalized quote sets out the current chef service fee, ingredients and any applicable extras before you book.
Base chef service fees
| Service | Group size | Chef fee |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | 1–10 guests | $120 |
| Dinner | 1–4 guests | $120 |
| Dinner | 5–10 guests | $170 |
| Breakfast + dinner | 1–10 guests | $265 |
Guests above ten
The planning service fee above ten guests is $10 per extra guest for breakfast, $15 for dinner, or $20 for a breakfast-and-dinner day. Large groups may also need specific staffing or kitchen arrangements, which should be confirmed in the quote.
See the per-person service calculation
Service fee only. Groceries, applicable taxes and additional services are not included. Planning estimate; larger groups receive a kitchen and staffing review with their quote.
What changes the ingredient cost?
Your proteins, number of courses, portions and special ingredients all matter. A menu with beef tenderloin and seafood has different grocery needs from a simpler shared dinner. Children’s meals and dietary alternatives should be discussed before the shopping plan is finalized.
Ask for a quote that makes the service fee and food costs understandable. Any applicable taxes, drink service, equipment or other additions should also be explained before booking.
Compare with a restaurant fairly
For a restaurant evening, consider menu prices, drinks, transport and any service charges. For private dining, include the chef fee, groceries and confirmed extras. Then look beyond the arithmetic: does your group want a night out, or an evening together at the villa?
For ten dinner guests, the $170 service fee is $17 per person before groceries. For twelve, the stated extra-guest calculation gives a $200 group service fee, or about $16.67 per person. Those figures help divide the service cost; they do not tell you the full meal total.
What about delivery and longer stays?
Table Delivery and Arrival Table have separate pricing, confirmed around the menu, group size, location and handoff plan. The in-villa chef rate should not be applied to a delivery order.
For several days of private dining, send your stay dates and the meals you would like. We will prepare a tailored service plan and quote.
What to send for a useful quote
Include your date, guest count, accommodation, meal type and a few menu preferences. Share allergies and special requests. If you have a target budget, tell us whether it is per person or for the group, and whether you mean the complete meal cost.