Chef Nzinga Ben

Private Chef in Manhattan

I’m a private chef with over a decade of experience, combining fine-dining techniques with vibrant, globally inspired flavors. Throughout my career, I have worked in respected professional kitchens and served private clients across New York and internationally, creating personalized dining experiences that balance elegance with warmth and comfort.

My cooking philosophy is simple: exceptional ingredients, bold flavors, and thoughtful execution. Every menu is carefully tailored to each client's preferences, dietary needs, and the occasion, ensuring a unique and memorable experience from start to finish.

Whether you're planning an intimate dinner, a celebration with family and friends, or looking to elevate your Airbnb stay, I take care of every detail—from menu planning and ingredient sourcing to cooking, service, and cleanup—so you can relax and fully enjoy the moment.

My goal is to bring restaurant-quality cuisine into the comfort of your own space, creating unforgettable meals that are refined, generous, and effortlessly welcoming.

For me, cooking is...

For me, cooking is connection—crafting bold, beautiful, feel-good dishes that bring people together and turn moments into memorable experiences.

I learned to cook at...

I learned to cook in professional kitchens, blending fine-dining technique with warm, comforting flavors to create elevated yet approachable meals.

A cooking secret...

A cooking secret… layer flavor with purpose. Fresh herbs, bold seasoning, and thoughtful technique turn simple dishes into luxury experiences.

My menus

Salt & Sea

STARTER

All inclusive

Scallop crudo, blood orange, Calabrian chili, basil oil, red onion, crispy shallots

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Arugula salad, shaved fennel, parm, champagne vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Pan-Seared Halibut — tomato confit butter, white bean purée, braised fennel

DESSERT

All inclusive

Lemon Posset- chilled silky lemon cream, fresh berries, shortbread crumble

Signature Chef's Dinner

STARTER

All inclusive

Arugula salad, shaved fennel, parm, champagne vinaigrette

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Whipped Ricotta & Honey — toasted sourdough, hot honey, pistachio, herbs

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Pan seared lamb chops, lobster tail, truffle pomme puree, roasted asparagus

Pan seared Ribeye, garlic mashed potatoes, heirloom carrots, port wine reduction

Pan-Seared Halibut — tomato butter, white bean purée, braised fennel

DESSERT

All inclusive

Vanilla Bean Cheesecake Mousse with Macerated Berries

La Cucina

STARTER

All inclusive

Burrata & Charred Tomato Salad, balsamic glaze, fresh basil

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Arugula salad, shaved fennel, parm, champagne vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Bacon, caramelized onion, ricotta pizza

Pepperoni pizza

Margarita pizza

DESSERT

All inclusive

Limoncello Granita, candied lemon, mint

Draft Night

STARTER

All inclusive

Chip & dip board: Short rib queso (wonton chips) / Guacamole (tortilla) / Charred Salsa verde (tortilla)

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Hot dogs (brioche bun): Kimchi aioli, crispy shallot, scallion / Bacon-wrapped, cotija, jalapeño / Caramelized onion, copper sharp cheese

Cheesesteak egg rolls: Ribeye, copper sharp, caramelized onion & mushroom

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Wagyu sliders w/ truffle aioli

Hot honey fried chicken sliders w/ pickled cabbage

Wings: Soy garlic; Honey buffalo; Citrus garlic

Potato pavé, crème fraîche, chives

DESSERT

All inclusive

Little Caribana

STARTER

All inclusive

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Jerk Prawns - Grilled Prawns | Dry Jerk Rub | Scallion Butter | Charred Lime

Saltfish Fritters - Salted Cod | Peppers and Onions | Pickled Scotch Bonnet

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Jerk Chicken -Pimento Leaf Smoked Chicken | Rice & Peas | Pickled Veg | Scallion Oil | Citrus - Red stripe Reduction

Snapper Esco - Red Snapper | Spicy Pickled Vegetables | Coconut Beurre Blanc | Scallion Oil

Braised Oxtail - Slow Braised Oxtail | Coconut Rice | Roasted Heirloom Carrots

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Tropical Crème Brûlée - Mango Coconut Custard | Caramelized Sugar Crust | Fresh Mango | Toasted Coconut Flakes

Rum Raisin Sticky Toffee Pudding - Warm Date Cake | Dark Rum Raisin Toffee Sauce | Coconut Ice Cream

Game Day

STARTER

All inclusive

Chip & dip board: Short rib queso (wonton chips) / Guacamole (tortilla) / Charred Salsa verde (tortilla)

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Hot dogs (brioche bun): Kimchi aioli, crispy shallot, scallion / Bacon-wrapped, cotija, jalapeño / Caramelized onion, copper sharp cheese

Cheesesteak egg rolls: Ribeye, copper sharp, caramelized onion & mushroom

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Wagyu sliders w/ truffle aioli

Hot honey fried chicken sliders w/ pickled cabbage

Wings: Soy garlic; Honey buffalo; Citrus garlic

Potato pavé, crème fraîche, chives

DESSERT

All inclusive

The Brunch Experience

STARTER

All inclusive

Smoked Paprika Deviled Egg - creamy egg filling, smoked paprika, crispy shallots, fresh chives

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

House Beet-Cured Salmon Board - red pepper hummus, whipped cream cheese, cucumber, fruit, assorted crackers

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Shrimp & Grits - creamy stone ground grits, gouda, gulf shrimp, smoked tomato, scallion oil

Buttermilk Pancakes, assorted compotes, bacon, soft scramble egg

DESSERT

All inclusive

Citrus & Cream Parfait - Citrus curd, vanilla bean cream, shortbread crumble, candied citrus peel

La Table du Chef

STARTER

All inclusive

Arugula salad, shaved fennel, parm, champagne vinaigrette

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Mussels marinière -mussels simmered in white wine, shallots, garlic, and fresh herbs, grilled baguette

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Coq au Vin Blanc — slowly braised chicken in white wine, lardons, pearl onions, and mushrooms, finished with a silky herb cream, pomme purée, seasonal vegetables

Filet Mignon with Truffle Pommes Purée & Port Wine Jus, seasonal veg

DESSERT

All inclusive

Salted caramel cremé brûlée - Silky vanilla custard topped with salted caramel and a crisp brûléed sugar crust

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Chef Nzinga's reviews

4.73

•

40 services

Chef Nzinga was absolutely amazing! The food was incredible - could not have asked for a better dinner!

Nzinga created an amazing 4-course meal for my husband and me. We wanted a classic surf and turf - scallops and filet - and Nzinga gave us a great twist. Her mango shrimp ceviche was SO good, lots of heat and acid and depth. Portions were amazing, perfect cooking, great timing. She was also very personable and willing to entertain as she cooked. We would highly recommend Nzinga and we will absolutely have her back!

Our experience with Chef Zee was awesome. Very friendly and engaging. She worked with me on menu choices and we all had a great night. The food was delicious each course better than the next. And then we had the amazing Chef Zee Zeppoles!

Absolutely amazing!!!! Highly recommend! Great with communication, personable, and the food was incredible!! Great way to celebrate my husbands birthday.

Fantastic food and service. Chef Zee was super professional, and each dish was so tasty. We really enjoyed having the restaurant experience at home. She also did a wonderful job cleaning up and leaving the kitchen just as she found it. Thank you Chef Zee!

An amazing experience with a phenomenal menu. 12/10 would recommend!

Our meal was fantastic! Chef was very personable and we loved getting her local restaurant recommendations during our service. The steak was cooked to perfection as was the ravioli and I would definitely have her return for another event!

Zee was a great chef and very polite and professional. Outside of not being on time, the meal went very well. Food was terrific plated nicely.