If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
Classically trained with 10+ years experience working in some of the most exclusive and upscale clubs in Jacksonville. I believe that food tells a story. It has the nostalgic power to transport you to a specific place or time. To be remembered forever. Let me curate your culinary journey, while you focus on the memory. Custom menu creation for any occasion. Upgrade any menu with wine or cocktail pairings. Private cooking lessons available. Turn "Girls Night" up a notch by hiring a private chef for the evening! Gourmet dog treats, made with love. ServSafe manager level certified, no felony record, animal lover. PLEASE READ MY FULL PROFILE BEFORE CONTACTING ME ABOUT A JOB. Hiring a private chef is a luxury experience. I have a minimum to be met for any job, regardless of size. Please don't contact me with a budget of under $400. I take care of shopping, prep, custom printed menus, travel, my time spent with you...its simply the minimum to be worth what i have to put into it on my end. Thank you.
Overview
Current Top Pro
Hired 110 times
Serves Jacksonville, FL
Background checked
1 employee
4 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2025
2024
2023
Services offered
Event type
Meal
Breakfast or brunch
Lunch
Cocktail hour or hors d'oeuvres
Dinner
Drinks and dessert
Dessert
Non-alcoholic drinks
Alcoholic drinks
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
86 reviews
5
99%
4
1%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
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Read reviews that mention:
Rebecca P.
3 weeks ago
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Hired on Thumbtack
Chef cooked for 15 of us for our grandparents' birthdays' and 60th wedding anniversary. All of the food was incredible, as well as his accommodations to making everything gluten-free, due to severe allergies. If we are back in the area again, we will absolutely be reaching out for more dinners!
Details: Regular meal • 11 - 20 guests • Dinner • Dessert • Standard (basic ingredients) • Dessert • American - casual • American - formal • Italian • Barbecue • Gluten free or celiac • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Christy S.
Feb 16, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
I hired Justin with The Blade and the Bulldog as a surprise private chef for my husband Steve’s birthday, hoping to create a quiet, meaningful evening at home — and what he delivered was far beyond anything I imagined.
From the moment he arrived, the atmosphere shifted from an ordinary night into something truly special. The food was exceptional — beautifully prepared, full of flavor, and presented with the kind of care you would expect at a fine restaurant, yet somehow even more intimate because it was in our own kitchen.
Justin’s personality made the experience unforgettable. He was warm, funny, engaging, and effortlessly professional, striking that rare balance between creating an elegant dining experience and making us feel completely at ease. Conversation flowed as easily as the courses, and the evening felt less like hiring and more like welcoming a talented friend into our home.
It was just the two of us and our three French Bulldogs, who are very much part of our family. Justin didn’t simply tolerate them — he adored them, gave them attention, and made them part of the evening. That kindness spoke volumes and made the night feel even more personal.
Most importantly, Steve was completely surprised and deeply touched. Watching him relax, laugh, and simply enjoy being celebrated in such a thoughtful way was the greatest gift of all. The entire evening felt warm, romantic, and quietly unforgettable — the kind of memory that lingers long after the plates are cleared.
If you are considering a private chef experience and want something truly special, Justin with The Blade and the Bulldog delivers not just incredible food, but a meaningful experience. I would recommend him without hesitation and would absolutely invite him back into our home again.
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 2 guests • Dinner • Dessert • Standard (basic ingredients) • Cold beverages (alcoholic) • French • Nut allergies • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Kristina B.
Jan 2, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Chef Santos made our last-minute New Year’s Eve dinner party absolutely perfect! Despite the short notice, he was incredibly accommodating and flexible with getting it on his calendar. He worked with us on the menu, offered great value, and was always prompt in his communication.
The food was downright delicious—every dish impressed our guests. The tiramisu dessert deserves special mention; it was extraordinary. Beyond the amazing food, Chef Santos brought wonderful hospitality and engaged with our group in just the right way, making the evening feel special without being overbearing.
Working with Chef Santos was effortless from start to finish, and we’ll absolutely be hiring him again. Highly recommend!
Details: Holiday meal (Mother's day, Valentine's day, etc.) • 11 - 20 guests • Dinner • Cocktail hour / hors d'oeuvres • Dessert • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • Cold beverages (alcoholic) • American - casual • American - formal • Italian • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Megan H.
Feb 8, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Absolutely loved working with this Chef Santos. Communication was seamless from start to finish, everything was right on time, and the food was incredible—beautifully prepared and full of flavor. Highly recommend for anyone wanting a stress-free, elevated dining experience.
Details: Birthday or anniversary party • Dinner • Dessert • American - casual • Barbecue • Food stations • Yes, full service • Home • Yes, full kitchen • 40 - 49 guests • Premium (high end ingredients)
Wedding and Event Catering
Linda W.
Dec 12, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Chef Santos is truly a five star professional. I hired him to cater our small wedding of 28 people in our home two weeks ago. Working with Justin was so easy and he delivered everything he promised. I had a hard time deciding what I wanted to serve and let him suggest his favorite dishes to prepare. I never tasted his food ahead of time. I loved his suggestions. I loved his responsiveness and he did not disappoint on the big night! You won’t go wrong using Justin Santos. I can’t wait to have another party and use him again.
Details: Wedding • Dinner • American - formal • Italian • Plated meal • Yes, full service • Home • Yes, full kitchen • 30 - 39 guests • Premium (high end ingredients)
Wedding and Event Catering
Credentials
Background Check
Justin Santos
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Menus are created custom for each event. Specialty ingredients can be sourced, or provided by the client, depending on the situation. Pricing is reflective of current market costs. Hiring a private chef is a LUXURY experience. I do not pick up knives for less than $300 at a minimum. Keep in mind that any price quoted factors in my time to create the menu, source the ingredients, prep time, as well as travel to and from the event, and my time spent with you day of. Thank you.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Email or contact me directly with your ideas or vision for the event. I enjoy the creative process and personalizing each experience for the customer. Non-refundable deposit of 50% of your total is required to book your date! This allows me to lock in your event, and guarantee that nobody else can book me for this specific date. Remaining 50% is due one week before event. Thank you.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Classically trained chef, culinary school, and 10+ years of experience in high end country clubs around the Jacksonville area. Huge fan of the honest simplicity of Italian cuisine. I enjoy taking a classic dish or childhood favorite, and putting a new and modern twist on it.
