At Chef by the Sea, every meal is a journey—where the bold flavors of the Pacific Rim meet the soul of the Caribbean, elevated with thoughtful Southern touches that honor the Gulf Coast. This blend of influences creates a style of cuisine that is both worldly and rooted, refined yet deeply personal. Seasonality guides the menu, ensuring each dish reflects freshness, artistry, and a sense of place.

Our philosophy is simple: food nourishes the body, but the experience—the atmosphere, the care, the connection—nourishes the soul. Each course is thoughtfully prepared and beautifully plated, designed to delight your senses and create moments of joy around the table.

From intimate chef’s tables to private gatherings in homes along 30A, Destin, and the Emerald Coast, Chef by the Sea transforms dining into an unforgettable occasion—where artistry meets hospitality, and every gathering becomes a cherished memory.

About Chef Juan Velilla

Chef Juan Velilla brings passion, creativity, and precision to every table he serves. From the Caribbean to Maui and now the Panhandle of Florida, he has cultivated a rich culinary journey, blending global flavors with seasonal ingredients. Each chef’s table he creates is more than a meal—it is light breaking forth, delighting the senses and nourishing the soul.

With meticulous attention to detail, natural plating artistry, and a warm, inviting presence, Juan transforms any home into a private dining sanctuary. Every gathering he hosts tells a story—of flavor, connection, and light—making each moment truly unforgettable.

 

Chef by the Sea – Private Dining Experiences

Every dining experience is crafted with care, artistry, and a touch of coastal soul. All services Include shopping, prepping, cooking, serving, and cleaning. So you can simply relax and enjoy. For parties of 8 or more a dedicated server is required at an additional $200 for the evening.

Three-Course Dinner

• $125 per person + cost of groceries | $600 minimal

• Curated to your taste

• Perfect for intimate evenings and small gatherings

Four-Course Dinner

• $150 per person + cost of groceries | $600 minimal

• A balance of flavors with additional course for depth

• Ideal for celebrating life’s special moments

Tasting Menu

• $185 per person + cost of groceries | $1,000 minimum

• Six courses designed to showcase creativity and seasonality

• A journey through flavor and artistry

Chef’s Table Experience

• $250 per person + cost of groceries | $1,000 minimum

• Nine courses, immersive and refined

• A true culinary adventure, where storytelling meets the plate

Essence of a Chef

  • $350 per person + cost of groceries | $1,500 minimum

  • Eleven courses, each a reflection of creativity, craft, and passion

  • An intimate immersion into the heart and soul of the chef’s journey

The pinnacle of dining — a once-in-a-lifetime experience where every dish tells a story, every flavor carries intention, and every moment is designed to leave an imprint on your soul. Essence of a Chef is not just a menu; it is the living expression of artistry, hospitality, and the love of cooking, brought to life in eleven unforgettable courses.