Metaheuristic algorithms have a wide range of applications in handling optimization problems. In this study, a new metaheuristic algorithm, called the Chef-Based Optimization Algorithm (CBOA), is developed. The fundamental inspiration employed in CBOA design is the process of learning cooking skills in training courses. The stages of the cooking training process in various phases are mathematically modeled with the aim of increasing the ability of global search in exploration and the ability of local search in exploitation. To assess the CBOA’s performance in addressing optimization issues, a collection of twenty-three standard objective functions is utilized. The optimization results show that the CBOA is capable of providing acceptable solutions by creating a balance between exploration and exploitation and is highly efficient in the treatment of optimization problems. Ten well-known metaheuristic algorithms have been selected for comparison with the CBOA. The simulation results show that CBOA performs much better than competing algorithms and is more effective in solving optimization problems.