The Virgin Islands are home to a wealth of beautiful beachscapes and exciting things to do. Meanwhile, if you are hungry after your excursions, the best way to enjoy a meal is via a local private chef. What better way to enjoy the culture than through mouthwatering food?

With that being said, we've put together our favorite and best private chefs in St. John USVI. Let's get to it!

The Best Private Chefs in the USVI

Stay home, unwind from your adventures, and let a private chef handle the meal. These 4 private chefs are well-versed in the kitchen and will leave you wanting more.

Chef Vinny Alterio

Chef Vinny has worked alongside Gordan Ramsey as well as Christina Tosi and is ready to serve an exclusive gourmet dinner. Contact him ahead of time to have your next meal cooked in your luxury villa.

Chef Shaibu

As a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute, Chef Shaibu is ready to provide an extraordinary culinary epicurean journey. For an exclusive dining experience in your stay at St. John, make sure to book ahead.

Chef Giovanni Gurrieri

For a full culinary experience, Chef Giovannie is ready to create dishes that are authentic and traditional. If you're looking for flavor, book ahead of time for his private chef services.

Passion Fruit Chefs

You'll have a unique menu created by Laura Nichols-Samms, Lorna Nichols-Minkoff, and their staff! Passion Fruit will bring you simple yet delicious Caribbean food or put up a magnificent dinner party for an event. Contact them ahead of time for all of your private dining needs.

About These Private Chefs

If you're unsure about what private chef to go with while staying at your luxury villa, we've put together everything you need to know about each of these chefs. Below is a complete bio on each chef. Enjoy!

Private Chef Vincent 'Vinny' Alterio

Private Chef Vincent Alterio was born in Chicago and began his cooking career at the Peninsula Chicago. He worked at Avenues with Chef Graham Elliot, gaining the restaurant's first four-star review from the Chicago Tribune!

Vincent then moved to NYC, working at Daniel Boulud's flagship restaurant. From there, he moved on to work at Alain Ducasse in the Essex House and further with Mario Batali and Chef Mark Ladner at Del Posto.

Upon return to Chicago, he worked at Alinea, the best restaurant in the USA and number six in the world. He then teamed up with Chef Michael Carlson at Schwa as the chef de cuisine, where he served a unique, Michelin star dégustation menu.

He rejoined Graham Elliot at his flagship restaurant as the chef and on "Master Chef" (as a guest judge) alongside Gordon Ramsey and Christina Tosi. In 2015 he decided to follow the seas and his dreams to a warmer climate. He ended up sailing into Cruz Bay, St. John, where he lives and works now.

If you would like to see some of the amazing food that Chef Vinny cooks, you can check out his website and Restaraunt as well as his Instagram for mouth-watering food pictures.

Private Chef Giovanni Gurrieri

Private Chef Giovanni Gurrieri was born and culinarily formed in Italy, He has always had a dedication to learning about the origin of foods and their customs.

Chef Giovanni has over 25 years of experience in professional cooking, catering company owner, and Michelin Star restaurant experience.

His menus trace his culinary journey up through Europe and over the USA, where now he resides and cooks as a private chef in St. John US Virgin Islands. In his dishes, you will find authentic traditional flavors that are cherished and treasured for generations.

Careful attention is placed on honoring the genesis of the ingredients used, fusing artisan methods with locally available products to create accessible dishes for the modern palate.

Chef Giovanni studied in Italy at the Enogastromic Cultural Center “Altopalato” in Milan where he learned traditional techniques. He continued with his career in French cuisine as Chef de Partie at the Michelin Star Restaurant La Villa Lorraine in Brussels, Belgium, and as Executive Chef in Restaurants in New York City.

In 2017, he established Basil Food and Wine a private chef service company based in St. John, here Giovanni is dedicated to creating healthy, delicious food and providing personalized services for his clients.

Giovanni’s love of foraging and working directly with local farmers and artisans taught him the importance of spending time on the soil. He discovered the beauty to grow your own greens and vegetables and understanding the relationship with them.

In addition to cooking, you will see Giovanni often flying on the North Shore of St John with his wing foil, always having fun!

Private Chef Shaibu Abdulai

As a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, Private Chef Shaibu stands tall among his peers. Trained under the eyes of several master chefs, his extensive experience includes working in country clubs, hotels, restaurants, large catering services, resorts, aviation catering, and more.

Originally a native of Ghana, he migrated to the United States and was welcomed by the best chefs that North America has to offer. Chef Shaibu created Oasis Private Chefs in 2014 and has made a name for himself in the Virgin Islands offering private chef services. As well as catering weddings and many large events including Love City Live and The Friends of the National Park Gala.

He expanded his operations in 2018 and opened Shaibu’s Gourmet Grab & Go at The Marketplace which offers sandwiches, salads, grain bowls, smoothies, fresh juice, and much more.

Chef Shaibu is proud to offer Afro-Caribbean-inspired cuisine with a commitment to sourcing local organic ingredients and offering vegan and gluten-free options. Chef Shaibu and his team of chefs look forward to serving you healthy take-out, as well as, unique customized dining experiences for your home, yacht, or villa.

Private Chef Passion Fruit

Passion Fruit Chefs have been providing culinary services such as private chef services, catering weddings, on-location Film shoots, and corporate events in St. Thomas, St. John & Water Island, USVI for over 25 years.

Co-Owners Laura Nichols-Samms & Lorna Nichols-Minkoff received their catering skills from working at their Dad’s Restaurant in Washington, DC, while they were young.

After graduating from the University of Maryland with a Degree in Business Management, Laura returned to the Culinary world, managing restaurants in the Washington/Metro corridor. In 1997, Laura moved to St. John, VI to partner with her Sister Lorna, a former Comedian, radio and TV Talent, Food Critic Blogger, and Television Producer, to start Passion Fruit Chefs Catering Company.

Their clients include many politicians including former President Bill Clinton & former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and the Clinton Foundation. Corporate clients H&M, Ernst & Young, Google, Microsoft, Midol, Corona Beer, NASA, Izod, Lacoste, creators of Stony Field Yogurt, Inspirato Luxury Vacation Club, and Kangol.

A myriad of sports figures and entertainers including Kelsey Grammer, The Band “Bare Naked Ladies”, Melanie Griffith, 80’s Rock Band “Boston”, Harrison Ford, John Travolta and the late Kelly Preston, Singer Kenny Chesney, Rapper Young Jeezy, and many more.

Passion Fruit Chefs has been the proud recipient of the Wedding Wire “Bride’s Choice Award” since 2012 to present. Join their Clients and say: “Whatever you do, do it with “Passion” Fruit Chefs!

Make sure to look at their Instagram for the latest on their culinary plates.

Personal Chefs in St. John

If you are looking for a personal chef in St. John, USVI who can cook to your specifications and learn about the foods that are important to you, then it is time for you to get in touch with one of these chefs.

We would love nothing more than to provide you with an unparalleled experience while staying in St. John. If you're ready to book a luxury villa and an experience of a lifetime, send us a message!

Bon appétit!