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 Justin owns Downunder by Justin Jennings, selected for the MICHELIN Guide in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
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
Any examples in this guide are hypothetical and show how a service could be planned for an eligible booking.
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: eight guests or more
- 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
Justin has extensive experience in allergy and cross-contamination avoidance. During consultation, he discusses allergies and preferences directly with the client and caters accordingly. An allergen-free environment is not promised.
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
- €85 per person Standard dinners (main + 2 sides)
- Single-event private chef service starts from €85 per person. Premium requirements receive a custom quote. Premium BBQ nights or multi-course feasts
- Single-event service starts from €85 per person. Premium and multi-day requirements receive a custom quote.
Single-event service includes custom menu design, ingredients, cooking at the client location, plating and service, and cleanup.
What's Included
- • All groceries and ingredients (fresh, local, high-quality)
- • Chef service time (shopping, prep, cooking, plating)
- • Chef equipment included in the agreed service scope
- • Full cleanup (you won't lift a finger)
Optional Add-Ons
- Wine, cocktail and beverage options are confirmed by custom quote when requested.
- Single-event private chef service starts from €85 per person. Premium requirements receive a custom quote.
- Single-event private chef service starts from €85 per person. Premium requirements receive a custom quote.
- • 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 High-quality ingredients are freshly sourced according to each agreed menu.
Any examples in this guide are hypothetical and show how a service could be planned for an eligible booking.
Booking Logistics
How Far in Advance?
3-4 weeks minimum for peak dates and seasons. The shortest accepted notice is seven days, subject to availability.
Guest numbers and event scope
Eight guests minimum for Ericeira bookings. Groups below eight cannot book by meeting a minimum spend. Justin specialises in events for 8 to 100 guests, with larger groups also welcome and scoped individually.
There is no travel charge in Lisbon or Cascais. Other approved locations may have a custom travel charge confirmed in the quote.
There is no travel charge in Lisbon or Cascais. Other approved locations may have a custom travel charge confirmed in the quote.
Planning examples
Any examples in this guide are hypothetical and show how a service could be planned for an eligible booking.
Feedback is published only after verification and permission.
Any examples in this guide are hypothetical and show how a service could be planned for an eligible booking.
Feedback is published only after verification and permission.
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.