Airbnb wants to be your new favorite restaurant (and it's in your living room)
How about an Egyptian-Texan barbecue brunch to share with friends without leaving home? Or a three-course dinner prepared by a Michelin-starred chef right in your Airbnb kitchen? What if, instead of searching for a place to eat on your next trip, the restaurant came to you?
Airbnb has just integrated the culinary world into its offerings. In its most recent global presentation from Los Angeles, the company led by Brian Chesky announced the launch of "Airbnb Services," a new category within its platform that includes at-home dining experiences: from prepared meals and full banquets to private cooking classes with award-winning chefs.
“People choose hotels for the amenities, and Airbnb for the space. Now we offer the best of both worlds: incredible accommodations with experiences that make them even more special,” Chesky told hundreds of guests in California.
In this new phase, the kitchen takes center stage. Users can book private chefs, personalized meals, catering services, food photography, and even personal trainers in 260 cities worldwide to balance the feast. All of this is accessible through a completely redesigned app that suggests options based on the destination and the traveler's profile.
One of the standout examples is Kareem, a grill master who fuses Texas barbecue with Middle Eastern flavors. Starting at US$50 per person, he prepares dishes at the guest's accommodation, as if it were an upscale restaurant. Other hosts include chefs from renowned pastry shops like French Bastards in Paris, or local cooks who teach how to make ramen in Tokyo and pasta in a Roman trattoria using homegrown ingredients.
Unlike traditional booking platforms, you don't need to be traveling or staying in an Airbnb to access these services. Simply open the app, select your city, choose a type of cuisine or experience, and book in just a few clicks. You can also book these services for home celebrations, romantic dates, or dinners with friends, with options starting at under US$50.
The emphasis on quality is part of the promise: hosts must have certifications, proven experience (the average is over 10 years), and a curated selection process that assesses reputation, authenticity, and presentation. Many of them have worked in Michelin-starred restaurants or appear on acclaimed cooking shows like Netflix's Barbecue Showdown.
Chesky's vision goes beyond food. Airbnb aims to transform its app into a hub for authentic experiences, with real people. And in a world saturated with screens and tourist checklists, the company believes that true memories are built around a shared meal. Just as the company's first three guests left San Francisco as friends, now millions of travelers can say the same… after sharing a signature dessert or a traditional breakfast at home.
Welcome to Airbnb's new menu. One where the city is explored through taste and where travel often begins in the kitchen.