I create vibrant Costa Rican and fusion experiences—private dinners, romantic nights, and interactive cooking classes—right in your home or vacation rental.

Nelson Arias

I turn Costa Rican flavors into unforgettable moments at your table.

I’m a passionate chef with over 13 years of experience. My journey started in a humble pizzeria, where my love for food and hospitality was born, and it has taken me to work with renowned companies and even appear on TV cooking shows.

What inspires me most is transforming food into meaningful experiences—from a candlelit dinner to a colorful Costa Rican fusion menu or a fun cooking class for all ages. My style is versatile and vibrant: I blend traditional Costa Rican ingredients with international techniques and creative twists, bringing the warmth of a private restaurant into your home.

Let’s plan it together

Cooking is my perception of the world.

What you can expect when you cook with me

I cook with a point of view

Cooking is my perception of the world, and I bring that perspective to every plate—flavor, color, and connection always come first.

My path is rooted in real kitchens

I learned to cook at home by watching my mom make delicious food and bake cakes. At 18 I started studying gastronomy and began working in recognized restaurants, building my craft through experience and discipline.

My secret ingredient is joy

I enjoy every moment in the kitchen, because my favorite part of cooking is making people happy with food.

Chef Nelson’s Menus

I offer curated menus inspired by Costa Rica—seafood-forward experiences, traditional favorites, and fusion dishes with creative tropical twists. I adapt the flow to your occasion so every bite feels special.

Request a menu

Reviews

5/5 Stars – Incredible Private Chef Experience! We booked Chef Nelson to cook lunch, dinner, and brunch for a group of 9 for multiple days at our rental in Playa Ventanas, and he and his wife Eli were absolute perfection from start to finish! Beyond their incredible cooking, they were wonderfully accommodating and flexible whenever we needed to adjust our schedule. Chef Nelson's food is a fantastic fusion of local cuisine, expertly highlighting fresh local fruits that paired deliciously with the main dishes. Every day, his freshly prepared juices were a highlight, and his desserts were top-tier. Whatever you do, don't miss his fish tacos—they were hands down the best breaded fried fish we’ve ever had. Chef Nelson made our stay in Guanacaste unforgettable, and we couldn't recommend him highly enough!

Claudia Quigley6 agosto 2026

4.83

Nelson is an amazing chef. The food was amazing. He was always on time and we enjoyed his company. Thank you very much, Nelson.

MIKHAIL NUDELMAN30 abril 2026

4.67

We engaged Chef Nelson Arias for 7 days, 3 meals per day, for our 6 person family in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica in February 2026. Prior to this, we had never hired a chef so we weren't sure what to do or what to expect, but Chef Nelson made it so easy. We first interacted with Chef Nelson on the phone for menu planning. We gave him a list of proteins we liked and didn't like, along with some individual likes and dislikes (no food allergies in this group). We didn't want a planned menu, we told him to just surprise us with some authentic Costa Rican foods. Chef did all of the shopping, even picked up beer and wine for us. Chef Nelson, along with Eli (Ellie), prepared every meal, set the table, served the food, introduced the food (origin/meaning/history), cleaned the table and did all of the dishes....it was AWESOME! Can't tell you how amazing the food was. All of us agreed, it was the best food we had ever eaten. We had homemade sangria, hand made juices from local fruits, fresh meat and seafood and fantastic sauces, all a flavor party in your mouth. Chef Nelson even made special servings for our 2 year old granddaughter since she was on a little different eating schedule than the rest of us. We all agreed that every restaurant meal will forever be rated on the "Nelson Scale". Best of all, we felt like we had made new friends. Nelson and Eli are beautiful people and we were blessed to have met them.

Beth A Denbrock16 febrero 2026

Nelson and his wife were perfect! They did a great job, the food was excellent - we had such a beautiful night.

Vivien Thünte12 febrero 2026

Chef Nelson and his wife did an incredible job of bringing to life Costa Rican food with “a twist”. I would highly recommend they be one part of your culinary plans.

Garrett27 enero 2026

Delicious food and amazing service. He was able to accommodate many preferences- we ate like royalty.

Jaimee Joseph23 enero 2026

Chef Nelson's dishes were inspired. Reach course exceeded our expectations ten fold. My parents and kids were all equally impressed. We requested traditional dishes focused on seafood. He brought us the most delectable coconut shrimp and pineapple rice dish I've ever tried. The ceviche was melt in your mouth perfection with a passion fruit sauce. The main dish was an explosion of flavors. And we were so excited about the dessert we forgot to take a picture ha! Beautiful food. Warm and inviting service. An experience we will never forget!

Cara Whipple5 enero 2026

Chef Nelson was amazing and gave us a five star experience.

Brian Presley22 diciembre 2025

Chef nelson was so incredible and everything was beyond delicious!!!!! 10:10 recommend. Thank you chef!!!

Taylor Hall13 diciembre 2025

Great chef, everything was delicious definitely one of the best meals I’ve had.

Jamilex Polonia5 diciembre 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What are my rates for private chef services in Costa Rica?

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 94.60 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 Local, Seafood/Fish, Chef's special and Fusion. 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 Costa Rica?

To book me in Costa Rica, 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 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—email me and let’s create something unforgettable.

[email protected]
+50662308514

JG8W+X5 Provincia de Guanacaste, Liberia, Costa Rica

Chef Nelson Arias

I create vibrant Costa Rican and fusion experiences—private dinners, romantic nights, and interactive cooking classes—right in your home or vacation rental.

I turn Costa Rican flavors into unforgettable moments at your table.

What you can expect when you cook with me

I cook with a point of view

My path is rooted in real kitchens

My secret ingredient is joy

Chef Nelson’s Menus

Seafood of Costa Rica

Flavors and colors

Deligth bites

Traditional Costarican food

Costarican food with a twist

Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions