The best private chefs at home you can hire in Lisbon
If you are always looking to try new gastronomic experiences, you may want to consider hiring a private chef in Lisbon. Welcoming a professional in the comfort of your own accommodation can offer a more luxurious and personalized experience, that goes beyond the traditional restaurant experience. Hiring a private chef allows you to enjoy a tailored meal designed to suit your specific tastes and dietary preferences, all within the intimate setting of your home or rental property.
When you hire a chef at home, it should be someone who you would like to prepare your meal but, most of all, curate your experience as a whole. It’s about creating a moment that’s both exclusive and personal, whether you are in a more intimate and romantic setting, or sharing the table with friends and family.
There are several things you can do to engage deeper with Portuguese culinary traditions while in Lisbon. Taking our food and cultural tours certainly is a good introduction, followed by visiting some of Lisbon’s best restaurants, including those that focus on contemporary Portuguese cuisine, or the much revered tascas and contemporary taverns. But having a private chef visit your place can also be an enriching experience, especially when you select someone who focuses on both food and context, with a little storytelling thrown in the mix. This is different than having a meal at home with locals in Lisbon, because in this kind of set-up, you normally experience food like most families would enjoy at home. But, hiring a private chef, you will have the chance to hang out with a Lisbon resident while also having a professional do something from scratch, just for you. If you enjoy a little show cooking and, depending on what you agree with the chef you hire, you may even get to see his or her culinary skills in action!
In Lisbon, the pool of chefs available for such in-home dining experiences is rich with talent. Many of these chefs have vast experience in restaurants not only in Portugal but also abroad, offering menus that range from traditional Portuguese dishes to contemporary interpretations, accommodating everything from intimate dinners to larger gatherings. Some of these chefs occasionally also organize pop-up diners in their own homes or appointed addresses but, if you’re not in town when this happens, you may still want to consider hiring them for a memorable experience at your own venue.
We have selected some of our favorite private chefs in Lisbon, who are professionals we can trust will deliver a little beyond what you’d normally get at a restaurant set-up.
Feat photo by Evasões
Chef Diogo Noronha
Chef Diogo Noronha’s journey through the culinary world is marked by his commitment to sustainable cuisine. His adventures began with a deep dive into Eastern philosophies during extensive travels across Asia, where he embraced the art of meditation and holistic cooking practices. This transformative experience enriched his culinary style, which intertwines traditional Portuguese flavors with innovative, health-conscious techniques.
Educated at the Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts in New York, Diogo initially focused on the art of raw vegan cooking. His exceptional talent led him to the prestigious kitchens of Pure Food and Wine, and later to chef Thomas Keller’s Per Se, a pinnacle of high gastronomy in New York City. His European tenure includes remarkable stints at Moo in Barcelona, under the guidance of the Roca brothers, and at Alkimia with chef Jordi Vilà, both Michelin-starred establishments that further shaped his approach to fine dining.
Upon returning to Lisbon, Diogo continued to push culinary boundaries. He co-owned Pedro e o Lobo, where he introduced Lisbon to his innovative style. Leading the kitchen of Lisbon’s iconic restaurants, sadly closed after the pandemic, Rio Maravilha, Casa de Pasto and Pesca, it was in this last restaurant, focusing on sustainable seafood dishes, that the chef earned accolades for its creativity and the use of local and seasonal ingredients. Chef Diogo Noronha has undoubtedly worked on a wide variety of projects, including vegan fast food Ameaça Vegetal by Food Riders. So what do they all have in common? His philosophy of cooking with a conscience, prioritizing organic and biodynamic produce that supports regenerative farming practices.
Diogo’s most recent endeavor is his own creative studio, which serves as a hub for gastronomic innovation. The studio caters to corporate events as well as private dining experiences – the reason why he is being highlighted here today. Through Diogo Noronha Studio, the chef and his team also engage in consultancy services and menu engineering.
Diogo’s culinary artistry is personalized to each event, whether he is crafting intimate dinners in private homes or orchestrating large-scale corporate gatherings. His approach often involves direct interaction with guests, where he shares insights into the sourcing of ingredients and the inspiration behind his dishes, turning each meal into an immersive and even educational experience.
What sets chef Diogo Noronha apart is his ability to create a restaurant-quality experience in the comfort of your home. He certainly knows how to bring the essence of fine dining into intimate settings. Choosing chef Diogo Noronha as your private chef, you can expect lots of flavor, nourishment and a healthy dose of sustainability too.
Photo by Travel & Taste
Chef Bruno Kaizen
Chef Bruno Kaizen started his journey as a cook at a lively little restaurant in his childhood garage. Today, he is one of Lisbon’s most respected private chefs, known for his deluxe services via his company Kaizen Private Chef.
Chef Bruno discovered the profound joy of gastronomy early on. By age 14, he was already an integral part of his family’s restaurant, helping to support his family and finance his culinary education at the IBMR University Centre in Rio de Janeiro. This early exposure not only sharpened his skills but also ingrained a deep appreciation for the art of cooking and the importance of family and perseverance.
Bruno’s culinary philosophy revolves around the transformation of simple ingredients into extraordinary experiences. Each dish he creates is a work of art, aimed at evoking emotions and crafting memorable moments for his clients. His cooking is not merely about nourishment but about the alchemy of flavors and the stories they tell, a testament to the legacy of his humble beginnings.
As a private chef, Bruno offers an exclusive culinary experience that transcends traditional dining. He takes the time to understand his clients’ preferences, crafting bespoke menus that reflect their tastes and dietary needs. Every meal is an adventure tailored specifically to the diner, featuring from comfort foods to exotic flavors. The chef’s meticulous attention to detail extends beyond the plate, encompassing elegant table settings and curated décor to enhance the dining atmosphere. Chef Kaizen’s services also include professional maître service and sommelier selections, elevating each event with a touch of sophistication.
Having refined his craft in various international settings, including a successful stint as the executive chef of a renowned bistro in Rio de Janeiro and extensive travels that took him through Europe’s culinary landscapes, Bruno brings a variety of global influences to his cooking. Now based in Lisbon, he incorporates the best of Portuguese gastronomy with international techniques, making his dishes uniquely global yet with lots of local soul.
Photo by Bruno Kaizen on Facebook
Chef Vera Carvalho
More than being known as a private chef, Vera Carvalho became known for being the first vegetarian participant in the popular TV show Masterchef Portugal. As this was more than a decade ago, we could say that, in a way, she is one of the pioneers in Lisbon’s plant-based food scene. Not just because of specializing in vegetarian cuisine with great passion, but because of bringing it to the masses via her role in the show, as well as via various appearances on other TV programs and publications.
Born in Lisbon in 1980, Vera’s journey into the culinary world is guided by her commitment to health, sustainability, and the art of vegetarian cooking. Vera’s career took a significant turn when she decided to focus exclusively on plant-based cooking. After extensive travels across Europe and Asia, she returned to Lisbon to establish Comer Amor, a highly acclaimed 100% plant-based catering service which she is the executive chef and managing partner of, alongside chef César Galiano. Together, they cater to special occasions, from parties to bigger events like weddings. Besides working as private chefs, they also offer meal prep services. If you for instance travel to Lisbon and do not fancy the idea of eating out, the team of Comer Amor can come over to your rental property and prepare several meals for your stay, all in one day, all according to your taste and preferences. If you’d like something more sumptuous than day to day meals, you can also count on them to cook at the premises a more elaborate meal, served in an elegant and colorful way that celebrates vegetables, making them appealing to a non vegetarian crowd too.
If you are curious about chef Vera Carvalho’s type of food, you can browse her recipe book also titled Comer Amor, which showcases over 80 creative plant-based recipes, including many with strong Portuguese inspiration, but fully vegan.
Chef Vera Carvalho’s approach to cuisine is a deeply holistic one, drawing inspiration from her travels and a strong educational background, including studies at the prestigious Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts in New York. Vera’s style is a fusion of Mediterranean flavors with Southeast Asian influences, which she skillfully adapts to suit vegan and gluten-free diets. The versatility of her offerings make her services highly sought after for those looking to incorporate healthier, plant-based options into their diets without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.
Photo by Nascer do Sol
Chef Carlos Matos
Chef Carlos Matos, a native of Coimbra, focuses on what in his own words he describes as “rural gastronomy”. This means that, if while in the Greater Lisbon area, you are looking to bring the rich flavors of Portuguese rural traditions to the comfort of your home, he’s the private chef you should get in touch with.
With his roots deeply embedded in the Beiras and Alentejo regions, where his cooking career began, chef Matos is until today a strong advocate for authentic Portuguese cuisine.
Carlos’s professional journey began at the Escola de Hotelaria e Turismo de Coimbra, where from 2008 to 2012, he immersed himself in the foundations of gastronomy. After his studies, he worked in various kitchens across Portugal, notable the Degust’Ar Lisboa and later the Sheraton Cascais, before he ventured to establish his own personal brand, Rusti’Ca Chef Privado, managed together with his partner Liliana Pereira, who’s in charge of logistics.
Rusti’Ca reflects Carlos’s commitment to rustic cooking and his deep respect for local ingredients. His cooking style is a celebration of the Portuguese culinary heritage, enhanced by his own personal touch. Chef Carlos’s repertoire includes dishes that are a testament to his skill and creativity, with a lot of Portuguese character: think local Rocha pear with goat cheese and carob, traditional Bísaro pork with roasted apple, or Atlantic croaker on papillote with seasonal vegetables. If you don’t want to put a lot of thought into tailoring your meal, you can select appetizers, main dishes and desserts from chef Carlos Matos’ suggested menus. Otherwise, he’d be happy to listen to your brief and personalize the options so that your experience is unique and deeply personal.
In addition to exceptional meal preparation, chef Carlos also offers immersive culinary experiences through private cooking classes and events, where participants can engage in the cooking process before enjoying the fruits of their labor. This hands-on approach has made him a popular figure at gastronomic fairs across Portugal, where he often prepares dishes according to the theme of the event.
With the upcoming launch of Gastr’Oficina, a culinary workshop space in Sintra near Lisbon, chef Carlos plans to extend his reach, offering exclusive dinners and sensory workshops focused on celebrating local traditions and products. This new venture promises to be a hub for culinary enthusiasts eager to dive deeper into the rustic charms of Portuguese cuisine.
🌐www.instagram.com/rusticachefprivado
Photo by Rusti’ca on Facebook
Chef Mateus Alves
Chef Mateus Alves, a passionate culinary artist, has become a beloved figure in Lisbon, especially among tourists seeking an authentic Portuguese dining experience. Born in Brazil, Mateus moved to Portugal in 2015, where he found his calling in the kitchen.
Educated at one of Portugal’s most prestigious gastronomic institutions, Escola de Hotelaria, Mateus further developed his skills at the acclaimed Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and Brazil, as well as mastering the art of Neapolitan pizza in Naples. These diverse educational experiences have equipped him with a unique blend of culinary skills, which he brings to each dining experience he curates.
Mateus’s brand, Mateus Le Chef, is synonymous with good quality and lots of versatility. He offers a broad range of menus that draw from Brazilian, French, Mediterranean, and Portuguese cuisines, making him an ideal choice for groups with diverse tastes. He is particularly skilled in crafting vegetarian and vegan versions of these dishes, ensuring that every guest finds something delightful on the menu.
One of his signature experiences, the “Portuguese Gastronomic Journey Taste, Culture, and History” is a favorite on the Airbnb Experiences platform. This event offers cultural immersion that combines traditional Portuguese dishes with the stories of their origins, all set in an atmosphere that echoes the warmth of Portuguese hospitality. For vegetarians and vegans, Mateus offers a special version of this experience, “Traditional Portuguese Food Reinvented for Vegetarians” where he applies his creative flair to adapt classic dishes to plant-based alternatives.
His typical menu might start with a cozy couvert of homemade pumpkin bread with goat’s butter flavored with honey and cinnamon, and move through a sequence of thoughtfully curated dishes such as lamb croquette with mango chutney or a main course of pork with garlic and purple potato puree. Each dish Mateus prepares is a reflection of his belief that “the mind cooks and the soul seasons,” a philosophy that guides his every creation.
Beyond the plates, Mateus is known for his ability to create unforgettable moments through his meals. His events are about food as much as they are about creating connections and memories. So, whether you are in Lisbon for a short visit or a longer stay, consider hiring chef Mateus Alves and enjoy his blend of flavors from around the world while celebrating local Portuguese traditions.
🌐www.instagram.com/mateus.lechef
Photo by Mateus Alves on Instagram
Chef Justin Jennings
Chef Justin Jennings, an Australian culinary maestro, has made a significant mark on Lisbon’s dining scene as the owner and executive chef of Downunder by Justin Jennings and through his private chef service. His reputation for merging Australian zest with Portuguese culinary traditions makes him a standout in the local gastronomic landscape.
Justin’s journey as a cook began in his early teens, drawing him into commercial kitchens where his talent quickly shone through. By the age of 23, he had already earned the title of “Young Chef of the Year” in Australia, setting the stage for a dynamic career. Over the next two decades, Justin’s culinary explorations took him around the world, from teaching commercial cooking to opening multiple restaurants in Hong Kong.
In 2022, Justin’s talent was recognized on a global scale when he won “The World Cook” championship, an international TV cooking competition that aired on Amazon Prime. Competing against 15 chefs from across the globe, Justin’s innovative approach and mastery of flavor secured him the championship after a riveting final in Mexico.
In Lisbon, Justin is celebrated not just for his culinary skills but also for his amiable personality, which makes him one of the “nice guys” among the city’s elite chefs. His catering service is renowned for creating unforgettable experiences, whether it’s elegant dinner parties, intimate weddings, or lively bachelor and bachelorette parties. Justin’s events are characterized by their impeccable organization, creative menus, and the unforgettable experiences they offer to guests.
At his restaurant Downunder by Justin Jennings, guests can enjoy Australian cuisine, including some options of exotic meats. But, via his private chef services, the chef can easily prepare a menu which showcases not only Australian cuisine, but also traditional Portuguese dishes and options inspired in various corners of the world. Some of his Portuguese food options include cod dishes, charred octopus and roasted suchling pig with typical sauce. Whether you are looking for an adventurous meal at his restaurant or a personalized dining experience at home, chef Justin Jennings can certainly create something extraordinary for you.
Photo by Activa
Whether it is out and about in Lisbon, or at home itself, we’re absolutely sure that our city can provide a lot of memorable dining experiences. For further tips about eating in Portugal with historical and social context, join one of Taste of Lisboa’s food and cultural tours!
Feed your curiosity on Portuguese food culture:
Portuguese chefs redefining vegetarian and vegan cuisines
Foreign chefs that are redefining Lisbon’s dining scene – part 2
15 boutique hotels that’ll make you feel at home in Lisbon
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