Private chef service at your villa in Tuscany

A PASSIONATE LOCAL COOK AT YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN TUSCANY

Enjoy delicious, authentic meals without leaving your villa or apartment! Our friendly local cook comes to your accommodation and brings everything needed to prepare and serve traditional dishes based on local specialties.
No stress, no rush. Just great food and total comfort.
Only fresh, seasonal ingredients are used, with a mix of regional and some national recipes.
For larger groups, an assistant is included to help with serving lunch or dinner.

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Why a private chef in villa?
If you are visiting Tuscany you cannot miss its delicious cuisine and the hundreds of specialities produced around you, maybe just next to your villa!
Arianna & Friends arranges private chef services for your party, provided at your location, based on traditional recipes and selected fresh and seasonal ingredients.
When staying in Tuscany, there can be many reasons why you may need a personal cook in your apartment or villa preparing a meal for you and cleaning up in the end:

– If you want to be sure that you taste authentic local recipes, prepared with the best fresh ingredients of the season
– If you want advice on the exquisite wines available in your area
– If you want to drink wine during your meal, without being worried about having to drive safely
– If you have just arrived to your villa in Tuscany, and you do not feel like going shopping, cooking or going out for dinner
– If you just wish to relax with your family and friends and spend a nice evening, maybe by the pool, without worrying about the pots on the stove or in the oven
– If you want to celebrate a special occasion, like your anniversary or birthday.

The cook, an authentic Tuscan Mamma or Granny with a big passion for cooking, will create for you the same dishes she prepares for her family, making you feel like home.
The service is available for lunch or dinner, any time. The cook will bring all ingredients into your kitchen and prepare the whole meal following family recipes and recipes of the Tuscan tradition.
All is made on site using the equipment provided by the villa and bringing any extra tool, if necessary.

Booking a private chef service with us you’ll experience authentic Tuscan cuisine, enjoy meals that reflect the delicious, genuine flavors of the region, nothing luxurious or extravagant, but rather warm, honest, and lovingly prepared food.
We are happy to share with you a friendly and down-to-earth food experience that gives to you a true taste of Tuscany

You can personalize your menu and ask us for advice about the best dishes of the season. Our standard meal includes 1 appetizer, 1 primo main course, 1 secondo main course and dessert. We select the best local wines to match the dishes prepared.
In case of allergies or restrictions, we can suggest alternative menus, still sticking to our philosophy of local traditions and seasonal ingredients. During the booking stage, our staff will make sure that any possible food restriction in your party is debated about. Vegetarian or Vegan options available on request.

Our chef does the shopping and reaches your villa 2-3 hours ahead to prepare your full meal. If your party is made of more than 4 people, an assistant/waiter will help in the service too.

  E17. ADVENTUROUS DINING, ONLY FOR THE BRAVE PALATE! – A unique experience at your villa – This is more than a dinner—it’s an exploration of authentic flavors that most visitors never encounter. Dare to experience Italy like a true local! Choose between a 3 or 4 COURSE BRAVE MENU

E18. TUSCAN DINING WITH CRAFT BEER PAIRING – This three-course beer pairing experience celebrates Tuscan cuisine while offering a fresh perspective on food pairing. 3 course-dinner

WE PROVIDE PLENTY OF MENU OPTIONS FOR YOUR IN-HOME CHEF SERVICE:

E2. Typical menu – 2 courses
2 dishes of your choice from our menu list

E3. Typical menu – 3 courses
3 dishes of your choice from our menu list

E4. Typical menu – 4 courses
4 dishes of your choice from our menu list

E5. Lasagna night
Lasagna main course + mixed salad + dessert

E6. Pizza party
Many types of pizzas + green salad + sweet pizza (if you have a wood burning oven please provide enough wood)

E7. Pasta time
Tagliatelle + stuffed ravioli. Each pasta served with a different sauce of your choice

E8. Grill party (or oven baked meats and vegetables when a grill is not available)
Mixed grilled meat (chicken, pork, beef) + mixed salad + dessert

E9. Antipasti family style
6 antipasti of your choice from our menu list

E10. Cinghiale night
Fresh pasta with wild boar sauce + wild boar stew & polenta + dessert

E11. Fish menu
3 dishes of your choice from our menu list + dessert from the chef

E12. Full party – Min. 4 people
Selection of antipasti from the chef with prosecco + 2 main dishes of your choice from our menu list + dessert

E13. Bistecca night – Min. 4 people
Original T-Bone steak Fiorentina + antipasti + dessert from the chef (please make sure you have a grill/barbecue we can use)

E14. Truffle menu
1 antipasto + 2 main courses (to be chosen from our menu list) + dessert

E15. SURPRISE FOOD AND WINE PAIRING DINNER – Min 4 people
6 course tasting menu with wine pairing (please let us know any possible food allergy or intolerance)

E16. VEGAN MEAL  
4 dishes from the menu we will provide

E17. ADVENTUROUS DINING, ONLY FOR THE BRAVE PALATE! 
3 or 4 course brave menu prepared at your Tuscan villa

E18. TUSCAN DINING WITH CRAFT BEER PAIRING
3 course menu with beer pairing

WINE: 1 bottle of wine from our selection every 4 people is included. We guarantee also 1 bottle for 2 or 3 people of course!
STAFF: For parties of 5 people and more, an English-speaking assistant is on duty together with the cook, who normally has got just little English.
BREAD & SALAD: Tuscan bread is always included. A green salad as side dish is always included with the secondo meat dishes, when no other vegetables are included in the recipe.
CUSTOMIZE: See the menu list to choose from and make up your customized Italian meal. We are able to provide also vegetarian and vegan options, and we are able to adjust the menus according to the various allergies or food restrictions.

CHECK OUR MENU LIST

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL MEAL SERVICES

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM US

At Arianna & Friends, our cooks are not just culinary experts; they are friendly local individuals who bring the warmth of family cooking to your table. Rather than serving elaborate dishes, they craft meals using cherished traditional recipes, creating an experience reminiscent of home.
Our cooks arrive equipped with fresh ingredients, prepare the meal on-site, serve, and conduct a thorough cleanup, leaving your kitchen and dining space as they found it. Bread is always included, as well as a salad along with the second main courses when they don’t include vegetables already.

We provide in-home chef/cooking services and bring our own utensils and tools. However, we utilize the villa’s resources to set the table and serve the food. Tables, chairs, cutlery, glasses, or plates are not included. Additional arrangements can be made at an extra cost with an external provider.

WHAT WE ASK OF YOU

• Access and Timing: Please, ensure permission for our cooks to access the villa and kitchen. Please, ask the villa manager/owner BEFORE booking the service. Confirm that the villa is accessible at the agreed-upon time to avoid additional fees for waiting time. You find this information in the confirmation voucher.
• Preparation: Please, Leave the kitchen clean and free from personal items for prompt service. Additional cleaning time will incur an extra fee.
• Table Settings: Provide the correct number of table settings for your party size (chairs, cutlery, glasses, tableware). We will utilize only what is available.
• Punctuality: Please, be at the table on time; delays will result in extra charges.
• Service Gaps: if you book a full formula service, where the staff serves the food at the table, we plan for a 10-15 minute gap between the serving of one course and the serving of the next one. Delays from your side will be charged extra.
• Extended Services: Please, inform us in advance if you plan to have a long dinner with additional activities such as speeches, singing and dancing. We’ll provide a personalized quotation for extended service hours.
• Children’s Meals: If serving children first, expect an extra hour of service, charged accordingly.
• Menu choice: You are asked to choose a single menu for the entire group. Each course counts as one dish. For example, a three-course meal means choosing three dishes.
• Different menu choice: If you’d like to have different menus for different guests, this is possible at an additional cost. Please note that all food is prepared on-site, and a rental villa kitchen is not a restaurant kitchen, so additional preparation time will be required.
• Allergies and Restrictions: Communicate any food restrictions or allergies at the time of booking. Last-minute changes are not possible.

Extra Charges:
Delays result in a €15/half-hour (€30/hour) charge per staff member

If your party consists of 1 to 4 people, there will be 1 or 2 staff members, depending on the chosen menu. For parties of 5 to 15 people, 2 to 3 staff members will assist you. For groups of 16 to 30 people, the team will include 3 to 5 staff members.

BUON APPETITO!

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This is a list of specialties that you are likely to sample as part of menu of the chef service. Please, note that these are just some examples of what can be prepared. A full list of options is available for you to choose from. Our booking staff will send you detailed information.

Bruschettone al cavolo nero

Bruschettone al cavolo nero

Kale is a great topping for a bruschetta after sauteing in extra virgin olive oil and garlic. It is seasoned with black pepper and it can join cannellini beans. Probably the most delicious produce of Tuscan autumns, it is one of the favorite recipes of all lovers of brand new extra virgin olive oils as […]

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Panzanella

Panzanella

One of the most delicious fresh Summer salads of Tuscany, based on bread and fresh vegetables like cucumbers, onion, tomatoes and basil and dressed with extra virgin olive oil and Tuscan vinegar. Originally a way to reuse old bread, it has recently become one of the most iconic super-foods of Tuscany.

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Ravioli al burro e salvia

Ravioli al burro e salvia

Fresh hand-made ravioli stuffed with spinach and ricotta, topped with butter and sage and finished with parmesan cheese and black pepper! A masterpiece of Tuscan cuisine with the simplest and yet so delicious ingredients.

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Tagliatelle ai porcini

Tagliatelle ai porcini

One of the best toppings for home made tagliatelle is a delicious sauce of porcini mushrooms sauted in olive oil with garlic, hot pepper and parsley. The mushrooms should be fresh but in the off season we can alternate them with dried porcini which must be specifically revived in stock. The best vegetarian tagliatelle topping.

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Pizza margherita

Pizza margherita

The most famous of all Italian foods: a pizza with fresh mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce and basil, typically called Margherita. According to tradition, the name derives from the visit of queen Margherita to Naples the first time after the whole country of Italy was unified. As the Italian national flag has 3 colors, this pizza […]

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Spezzatino di manzo con patate

Spezzatino di manzo con patate

Beef stewed in vegetables, extra virgin olive oil and wine and finally dressed with potatoes. One of the most typical secondi for your Tuscan dinner. A bestseller in our cooking classes and chef services.

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Pollo alla cacciatora

Pollo alla cacciatora

A delicious meat dish based on local free range chicken stewed in a base of several fresh vegetables and extra virgin olive oil, refined by seasonal tomatoes and finally dressed by Tuscan black olives. A nice and juicy serving which is ideal for the famous “scarpetta”…

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Tiramisù alle fragole

Tiramisù alle fragole

Strawberry tiramisu is a delicious alternative to the classical recipe, in which fresh strawberries substitute chocolate and strawberry and lemon juice are an alternative to coffee. A version that is particularly indicated in Spring and Summer, when strawberries are in season. One of the most beloved tiramisus in our cooking classes and chef services.

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Cantuccini

Cantuccini

Cantuccini biscuits in Tuscany are one of the most common desserts. They are made of sugar, butter and eggs and they are refined with almonds. In some versions they have other dry nuts or chocolate. Outside of Italy they are also called “biscotti”.

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For this service you will meet some of the Tuscan friends involved in the preparation of your meal. Please, see below which friends you are likely to encounter.

Ester

friend

Ester

Ciao, I'm Ester, one of the cooks of Arianna & Friends'. I've been working with them since the beginning of their adventure in 2007. I love cooking together with people from all over the world, especailly with young kids. What I prefer to cook is pasta dishes, pizza and desserts, like for example the stunning cake I made to celebrate my 50th wedding anniversary. I live, like Davide (my nephew), in the little village of Lajatico, birthplace of Andrea Bocelli and from my home I can hear his voice and see something when Teatro del Silenzio takes place in July. I live on a farm and I have chickens, rabbits, a large vegetable garden. I make my own olive oil and wine together with my family. I hope to be able to cook with many of you in the years to come and teach you a lot of our typical Tuscan food.

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Elisabetta

friend

Elisabetta

Hi everybody, ciao a tutti. I am Elisabetta and I am the youngest one among the chefs of Arianna & Friends. I have been working with the company for several years, initially just as a sous-chef and eventually as a proper chef. I have accumulated many years of experience while learning from all my other colleague chefs, but I also added my personal taste and knowledge to the whole. I am really happy to be part of this team and to be able to meet people from all over the world. In my free time I enjoy the company of my lovely puppy for long walks or just hanging around for shopping. Ciao a presto!

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Anna

friend

Anna

Buongiorno a tutti! My name is Anna from San Miniato, a historical town in Tuscany famous also for its delicious white truffles. I met Arianna and Massimo in the early 2000s, when we were all working at a local agriturismo: I was at the reception while they were starting their career as event organizers and food tour operators. As their company was expanding we had several occasions for cooperating until I finally joined the team more stably in 2022. I now deal with accountancy and coordination of all the chefs for the many services a day that we arrange. I spend most of my free time at sea as I now live in Livorno, a beautiful harbor town.

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Carlo

friend

Carlo

Mi chiamo Carlo, the only "boy" among the chefs of Arianna & Friends. I am a cousin of Lorena, who has worked with the company for long now and who introduced me to them back in 2022. I live in Pontedera, home of Vespa, and I have been cooking all my life, since preparing delicious food has always been my great passion. In my working age I was an operator for an insurance company, so I know plenty of local people and I am very friendly and talkative. I then retired and decided to dedicate myself to the things I like the most: cooking and joining friends. I have limited Enlish but miraculously all our guests can easily understand me through my body language and face expressions. I will be waiting for you for great barbecue dinners and traditional dishes of all kinds!

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Silvia

friend

Silvia

Ciao, I'm Silvia, one of the youngest cooks at Arianna & Friends'. Cooking is my real passion and I like to prepare any traditional dish both for visitors and for my family. I also love baking pizza as well as trying innovative food and special contemporary techniques, especially in my kitchen at home. When I started working for this company in 2018, I met an incredible team of collaborators and with them I finally feel joy and serenity in what I do. Any time I work as a cook I can breath freedom and this makes me happy. As I really love the sea, in my free time I like being at the beach. I have a passion for travelling and being in the company of my friends. I could define myself as a "free spirit" with a big attraction to ... hats !!! Looking forward to meet you all!

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Diletta

guide

Diletta

Sales managers and chef service assistant at Arianna & Friends'

Ciao a tutti! My name is Diletta. Born and raised in a tiny village near Peccioli, I've always dreamed of sharing the magic of Tuscany with travelers. I'm passionate about people and providing excellent service. After graduating, I worked as a receptionist in the tourism industry, where I developed strong customer service and communication skills. I joined the Arianna & Friends team in March 2024 and am dedicated to ensuring every detail of your Tuscan experience is perfect. Let us help you create an unforgettable adventure!

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Margherita

friend

Margherita

Eccomi! My name is Margherita, mother of 2, who lives in Santa Croce sull'Arno. I was born and raised in the fantastic wine region of Fiano, Greco and Taurasi, namely some the best wines from the South of Italy. I have been living in Tuscany for decades and I have always cooked both for my families and for several restaurants. My very mild and sweet personality is able to create a very relaxed working ambience and my guests really appreciate this atmosphere. I am a curious person who likes learning and I am ready to share my knowledge with all visitors who take on a cooking class or a chef service. Grazie a tutti!

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Mariagrazia

friend

Mariagrazia

Maria Grazia, in our team called MG, is a very positive thinking lady who works as a sous-chefs at Arianna & Friends, when she is not busy helping children get born. In fact she is also a professional obstetrician! A nice irony in her character, combined with an intrinsic calm when working, create an incredible effect during the services provided.

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Paola

friend

Paola

Hi everybody! I am Paola, a talented cook who is never tired. I have been cooking all my life both privately and in the kitchens of a series of restaurants in the area I live in, near the central town of Empoli. I joined Arianna & Friends in early 2022 as the whole world was recovering from the difficult years of the pandemic and as the company was quickly restarting its operativity. I was very glad that I could join such a dynamic and friendly team and share with them all my knowledge and passion. I deal with cooking classes and chef services in all the region together with the various story-tellers and chef assistants who participate in the service. In my free time I enjoy cycling in the spectacular Tuscan hills that surround my home town. I can't wait to cook for you an unforgettable meal!

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