Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Pilkington.
Hi Amanda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m Amanda Pilkington, a private chef based in Santa Barbara. My love of cooking began in my father’s kitchen — he founded the award-winning Vivo Enoteca in Wellington, New Zealand — and those early years working alongside him set the foundation for my career. I honed my skills in acclaimed restaurants across New Zealand, learning technique, discipline, and a respect for high-quality ingredients.
My path then took an unusual turn: I served as head chef aboard a private jet. Traveling the world exposed me to countless cuisines and culinary traditions, and those global influences now inform the way I compose menus — marrying technique with flavors and ingredients from everywhere I’ve been.
Today I create bespoke, refined meals for intimate dinners and high-end events in Santa Barbara, bringing that decade-plus of experience and a personal touch to each experience. Over the years I’ve cooked for A-list celebrities, athletes, and executives; been a featured chef for brands and events including A24, Wrangler, Liquid IV, Free People, ADIDAS, Oculus/Facebook Sundance events; and appeared in Angeleno, Devour, Coco magazines. My goal is simple: craft unforgettable meals that linger long after the last bite.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all — it’s been anything but smooth. The cooking itself comes naturally: growing up around great food taught me how to create delicious, beautiful dishes. The hard part has been everything else. Running events from scratch, sourcing the best ingredients, executing multiple courses in different venues, and delivering impeccable service is intensely labor‑ and detail‑oriented. It took years to learn how to do all of that without burning out; daily practices like meditation, breathwork, and movement are now essential to my physical and mental well‑being.
Another challenge has been shifts in how people relate to food. The rise of GLP‑1 medications initially led many regular clients to change their eating habits dramatically, which impacted my business. Over time people have found more balanced approaches, and it’s become an opportunity for me to design menus that are nutritious, lighter, and still visually and flavorfully satisfying for those on these regimens.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Chef Amanda Pilkington ?
I craft bespoke private dining experiences in Santa Barbara and the surrounding areas, guided by a simple belief: to live well, you must eat well. I specialize in globally inspired, nutrient-forward cuisine that layers bold, refined flavors with beautiful presentation. I source the finest seasonal ingredients from Santa Barbara’s farmers markets and local purveyors, turning each dish into a mouthwatering, thoughtful moment.
I’m known for personalized menus and flawless execution—whether an intimate multi-course plated dinner, elevated family-style meal, or a seamless chef-led event. What sets me apart is the combination of restaurant-level technique, world-travel inspiration, and a service-forward approach that lets hosts relax while guests are delighted.
Brand highlights I’m proud of include a decade cooking for high-profile clients and features with A24, ADIDAS, Sundance events, Devour and Coco magazines.
Services: Multi-Course Plated Dinners, Elevated Family-Style Cuisine, Cocktail Parties, Retreat Catering, Custom Meal Prep, and Private Chef engagements throughout Santa Barbara, CA.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chefamandapilkington.com
- Instagram: @chefamandap
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-pilkington-457a6448
