I create modern, ingredient-driven dining experiences inspired by California’s coast and my time cooking across Mexico.

Stevan Novoa

I cook modern coastal food with bold global influences and a personal touch.

I’m a professional chef with thirteen years of experience cooking in kitchens up and down the California coast and in Mexico, working across many cuisines and styles. I partner with local purveyors and value ingredients rooted in farming, livestock, and the sea.

After eight years in the military, I chose the kitchen as my new path. My goal is simple: make the best food possible and create an experience that feels effortless, welcoming, and memorable.

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Cooking is my passion, my life choice, and what I wake up and love doing.

What you can expect when you dine with me

I cook with purpose and passion

Cooking is my passion and my life choice—I bring that energy to every menu, every plate, and every service, so your meal feels thoughtful and exciting from start to finish.

I’m trained and shaped by diverse kitchens

I studied at the Art Institute of San Diego and built my craft through multiple restaurants in San Diego and Mexico, learning different chefs’ perspectives and cuisines that now influence how I cook and host.

I thrive in intimate, flexible settings

My secret in the kitchen is that I work exceptionally well in small settings, and I’m confident creating new ideas on the fly—so your experience stays smooth, personal, and unique.

Stevan’s Menus

I offer curated tasting-style menus that highlight local ingredients, modern technique, and bold flavor. Choose a direction—coastal California, modern Mexican, or Japanese izakaya—and I’ll deliver a seamless in-home experience.

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Stories and Testimonials

We were very disappointed with our recent experience. The chef who arrived did a fine job with the cooking itself, but the entire experience was overshadowed by poor communication and a lack of professionalism. We were not informed until less than an hour before the event that a different chef would be coming, and the menu we had agreed upon was changed without notice. This was especially frustrating since the dinner was for a special celebration. Unfortunately, the platform provided no meaningful resolution, leaving us feeling let down on both the service and customer care sides.

Kori Porter

Chef Steven was quick, flexible, and accommodating. His service for our family dinner on the 4th of July was attentive and fun! His communication was top notch and he was able to assist with menu edits to fit our dietary needs.

Megan Block

Stevan created a wonderful inventive delicious dinner for the 8 of us. The whole evening went incredibly smoothly due to his professionalism. Fabulous and excellent.

Judy Bernstein

We had a terrific experience with Chef Stevan - intimate group of seven for dinner. Chef worked with me on the menu and was very flexible with changes and suggestions. The guests really appreciated the presentation, quality of the ingredients and the taste of the food. The evening was a big success for us thanks to Chef Stevan.

Nagraj Kashyap

Amazing experience! Booking again.

Shelbi

We hired Chef Stevan for a birthday dinner at our Airbnb and he absolutely exceeded our expectations. He was incredibly patient and accommodating throughout the menu planning process, working with me on all the details to make sure everything was just right. The food was outstanding—each course was beautifully prepared and so delicious that we were almost too full by the time dessert came around. It was a fantastic experience and I highly recommend him for any special occasion!

Tiffany Huey

Stevan did an incredible job and was very professional. The food was incredible!

Holly stangeland

I hired Stevan for a small dinner party with my girlfriends. We worked on a menu together and he made suggestions that turned out quite well - I only wish that there were some leftovers! His cherry crepe brulee is a must try for your dessert - it was different and a real treat - everyone enjoy it!

jackie orr

Stevan was incredible! We had him cook for my mom’s birthday and the whole experience was amazing. He was engaging and the food was fabulous! He was very communicative while building the menu and he had great suggestions for menu swaps. We would absolutely work with him again! Hire him, you will not regret it.

Ashley Zamora

I used TakeaChef as a unique experience for me and my wife for Valentine’s Day. The experience on the site was very intuitive. Once I selected Asian cuisine, Chef Stevan sent us a menu proposal, with multiple courses and dessert. We asked for some substitutions and he was accommodating Chef Stevan made us a delicious meal of blistered shishito peppers, pork belly bao buns, pork and chive Chinese dumplings. We really enjoyed the noodle dish he made and the perfectly cooked prawns they came with. We enjoyed the kimchee he had been fermenting, and an interesting cocktail that included gin, matcha, maraschino cherries, and honey. It was a great experience, and he left our kitchen cleaner that when he arrived. We had leftovers for days. I would have chef Stevan come cook for us again anytime.

Adam