You're in Ericeira for one reason: waves. The last thing you want after a dawn patrol is standing in a tiny villa kitchen trying to figure out dinner for eight people. That's where I come in.
I'm Justin Jennings—Inaugural World Cook Champion, MICHELIN Guide Selected, and an Australian who's cooked for surf groups, retreat crews, and villa parties all along Portugal's Atlantic coast. I know what surfers need: high-protein, high-energy meals that taste incredible and don't weigh you down before your next session.
Why Surf Groups Book Private Chefs
Surf trips are about maximizing time in the water—not grocery shopping, meal planning, or cleaning up after messy group dinners. Here's what changes when you hire a private chef:
- ✓ No meal logistics. I handle shopping, cooking, service, and cleanup while you rest or surf another session.
- ✓ Proper fuel. Lean proteins, fresh vegetables, complex carbs—not frozen pizzas and pasta every night.
- ✓ Group-friendly timing. I cook around surf schedules—early breakfasts, flexible dinner times, late BBQs.
- ✓ Villa-optimized menus. I work with whatever kitchen you've got (and bring extras if needed).
What Surf Villa Meals Look Like
I've cooked for enough surf crews to know what works. Here's the vibe:
Post-Session Feasts
You just surfed for three hours. You're starving. I've got:
- • Grilled fish tacos with mango salsa and lime crema
- • Teriyaki salmon bowls with sticky rice and pickled veg
- • Peri-peri chicken thighs with roasted sweet potato and greens
- • Korean beef bulgogi with kimchi and sesame cucumbers
BBQ Nights
Fire up the grill (or I bring a portable one). Let's go:
- • Portuguese-style grilled sardines with charred peppers
- • Aussie lamb chops with herb butter and grilled corn
- • Spatchcock chicken with lemon and garlic
- • Beef skewers with chimichurri and roasted potatoes
Recovery Breakfasts
Early sessions need fuel. I'll prep:
- • Veggie-packed frittatas (grab a slice and go)
- • Overnight oats with fresh fruit and nuts
- • Breakfast burritos with scrambled eggs, chorizo, and avocado
- • Smoothie bowls with açaí, granola, and berries
How It Works for Surf Groups
Most surf villa bookings look like this:
Typical Booking Structure
- Group size: 6-12 people
- Days: 3-7 day bookings (full weeks common)
- Meals: Usually dinners only (breakfast/lunch DIY or café runs)
- Style: Family-style platters, shared plates, casual vibes
- Timing: Flexible dinner (6pm-9pm range depending on surf conditions)
Sample 5-Day Surf Villa Menu
Day 1: Arrival Night — Peri-Peri Chicken BBQ
Grilled peri-peri chicken thighs, roasted sweet potato wedges, mixed greens salad, Portuguese cornbread.
Day 2: Fresh Catch — Grilled Fish Tacos
Local fish tacos with mango salsa, lime crema, black beans, cilantro rice, tortilla chips & guac.
Day 3: Big Night — Aussie Lamb Chops
Grilled lamb chops with herb butter, roasted garlic potatoes, grilled asparagus, rocket salad.
Day 4: Asian Fusion — Teriyaki Salmon Bowls
Teriyaki-glazed salmon, sticky rice, edamame, pickled ginger, sesame cucumbers, miso soup.
Day 5: Farewell Feast — Beef Skewers & Fire
Grilled beef skewers with chimichurri, Portuguese sausage, grilled corn, tomato salad, crusty bread.
Dietary Needs? No Problem
Every surf group has at least one vegetarian, someone who's dairy-free, and someone avoiding gluten. I've cooked for crews where every single person had different restrictions. It's part of the job.
Just tell me up front during booking. I'll design menus that work for everyone—no sad salads for the plant-based crew, I promise.
Pricing for Surf Villa Bookings
Pricing is simple and transparent:
Base Pricing
- €75 per person — Standard dinners (main + 2 sides)
- €90-100 per person — Premium BBQ nights or multi-course feasts
- Multi-day discounts available — Book 3+ days, get better rates
Price includes: shopping, cooking, service, cleanup. Wine/beer not included unless requested.
What's Included
- • All groceries and ingredients (fresh, local, high-quality)
- • Chef service time (shopping, prep, cooking, plating)
- • All cooking equipment (if villa kitchen needs extras)
- • Full cleanup (you won't lift a finger)
Optional Add-Ons
- • Wine pairing (€15-25pp depending on selection)
- • Breakfast service (€20-25pp)
- • Packed surf lunches (€15pp — sandwiches, fruit, snacks)
- • Late-night munchies setup (cheese boards, charcuterie, etc.)
Why Ericeira?
Ericeira is one of Europe's best surf destinations—consistent waves, uncrowded lineups (compared to France or Bali), and a laid-back Portuguese coastal vibe. It's also close enough to Lisbon (40 minutes) that I can source incredible ingredients from city markets and get them to your villa the same day.
Most surf villas in Ericeira have decent kitchens, but if yours is bare-bones, I've got portable gear. I've cooked in everything from luxury villas with Wolf ranges to basic Airbnbs with two burners and a prayer.
Booking Logistics
How Far in Advance?
3-4 weeks minimum for peak season (May-September). If you're booking last-minute, reach out anyway—I might have availability.
Minimum Group Size
6 people minimum for Ericeira bookings. Smaller groups can book, but pricing adjusts to cover travel time and setup.
Travel Fee
Ericeira is about 40 minutes from Lisbon. For multi-day bookings (3+ days), no travel fee. For single dinners or 1-2 day bookings, there's a €50 travel surcharge.
What Surf Groups Say
"We booked Justin for our week-long surf trip in Ericeira and it was the best decision we made. Every night after surfing, we came back to incredible food—no stress, no cleanup, just good vibes and even better meals. The Korean beef night was unreal."
— Matt, surf group organizer from California (8 people, 6-day booking)
"Justin adapted every meal to our crew—two vegetarians, one gluten-free, one shellfish allergy. Never felt like anyone got the 'lesser' version. Everything was fire. 10/10 would book again."
— Sarah, yoga + surf retreat organizer (12 people, 4-day booking)
Ready to Book?
If you're planning a surf trip to Ericeira and want to maximize wave time (not kitchen time), let's talk. I'll design a menu around your crew's preferences, handle all logistics, and make sure you eat like champions.
Get a quote: Fill out the enquiry form or WhatsApp me at +351 961 805 701. Include your dates, group size, and any dietary needs.
🏄 Surf More. Stress Less. Eat Better.
Book your Ericeira surf villa private chef experience today.