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.

Contact me

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.

Request a menu

Reviews

Chef Stevan was professional, polite and on time. He worked with us on the menu for our special event and every dish was delicious. I would recommend and hire again.

Kevin Mutai22 marzo 2026

4.33

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 Block7 julio 2025

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 Bernstein12 mayo 2025

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 Kashyap22 abril 2025

4.67

Amazing experience! Booking again.

Shelbi26 febrero 2025

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 Huey10 febrero 2025

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

Holly stangeland5 febrero 2025

4.83

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 Zamora23 septiembre 2024

4.67

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.

Adam20 febrero 2024

4.5

Frequently Asked Questions

What are my rates for private chef services in United States?

I build every menu from scratch, so what you pay depends on the dishes, how many guests, and the kind of service you want. Most of my dinners come to around 170 USD, and I'll always work with the budget you have in mind. Send me a message and I'll put together a proposal for your event.

What kind of food do I specialize in?

I cook Chef's special, Mediterranean, Local, Japanese, Seafood/Fish and Latin American. I build my menus around ingredients that are in season and bought locally, because that's where the flavor is. And if anyone at your table has a dietary restriction, just tell me and I'll adjust the dishes so no one misses out.

How can you book my private chef services in United States?

To book me in United States, click the Book Now button on this page and follow the steps. You'll add your event date, guest count, and any dietary restrictions as you go. Once your request comes through, I read it myself and reply with a menu proposal and the dates I have open.

Do I provide private chef services for events or special occasions?

Yes. I regularly cook for Birthday, Family reunion, Bachelor/Bachelorette, Friends gathering, Romantic night, Corporate and Foodie adventure. I handle the menu, the timing, and the setup so the meal fits the kind of event you're throwing. Send me your date and I'll check whether I'm free.

Can the menus accommodate food allergies or dietary restrictions?

Choose a menu, share your event details, and the Private Chef Manager team will help confirm the experience with the chef.

I’d love to cook for you—reach out and let’s plan your event.

[email protected]
+1 5038969357

5050 Soledad Rd, San Diego, CA 92109, USA

Chef Stevan Novoa

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

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

What you can expect when you dine with me

I cook with purpose and passion

I’m trained and shaped by diverse kitchens

I thrive in intimate, flexible settings

Stevan’s Menus

California coastal

Japanese izakaya

Modern mexican

California modern

Tokyo izakaya

Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions