Private Chef in Des Moines
Rent one of our 14 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















A personal chef for any occasion in Des Moines
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Des Moines in December 2017, more than 14 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Des Moines and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Polk County.
Starting in 2017, 3,689 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Des Moines. To book your chef in Des Moines, just share your event details in our form. Receive proposals from top chefs and chat with them until you find your match.
Up until today, our chefs have shared 191 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 447 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.8 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 3,689 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Des Moines usually book menus around 179 USD per person, including 3.47 courses, sharing an average of 5.98 messages with their chefs. If you've never had a chef at home but want to add an extra spice to your next celebration, just rent a chef in Des Moines.












How it works
Personalize your request
Share with us the details of your dream meal, including type of cuisine, preferences, and intolerances.
Receive menu proposals
Our chefs will design menus based solely on your wants and needs.
Get chatty with your chefs
Don't be shy about exchanging some messages with your chefs until your perfect menu is ready!
Book your experience
Once you are happy with your choice, submit your payment to secure your experience.
Enjoy!
All there is left to do is count down the days till your culinary experience begins!
Find your chef
Customize your request and start talking with your chefs.
14 Private Chefs in Des Moines
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Des Moines












More than 3,600 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.67 Chef
The guests in Des Moines have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.67.
4.67 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Des Moines received an average score of 4.67.
4.67 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.67 average score.
5 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Des Moines has been scored with a 5 on average.
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191 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Des Moines
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Chefs ceasar salad
Chefs chopped salad
Chefs pasta salad
Homemade beef, pork and veal meatballs
Woodfired chicken wings
Oven baked ziti
Wood fired pizzas 5 kind
Chef pasquale dessert
Seared foie gras, brioche crouton, rhubarb gastrique
Lobster cutlet w/tarragon beurre blanc
Grilled crab cake, herb salad, tangerine, marcona almonds, lemon-pepper aioli
Grilled lamb chop over fennel-artichoke-leek fritter w/roasted pepper aioli
Nori wrapped king crab tempura- red caviar, pickled radish, chives, squid ink aioli, miso-mustard sauce
Scallop and caviar napoleon w/lemon-mussel cream *may be an upcharge on this item depending on choice of caviar
Arancini w/mozzarella, prosciutto and san marzano marinara
Hamachi tartare w/ginger, charred shishito pepper, tobiko and shallots served w/crisped won ton skin
Creamy morels on brioche toast
Frutti di mare- shrimp, scallops, mussels and calamari w/salsa verde
Smothered scampi on grilled ciabatta
Dukkah lavosh- preserved lemon, crispy artichoke, roasted tomatoes, avocado, manouri cheese
Crispy pork belly, kimchi, peanuts, ong choy
Szechuan dan dan noodles w/ground pork (spicy)
Baked brie in puff pastry w/ pear chutney, fig-olive crisp and baguette
Thai grilled chicken skewer, tamarind-red curry-coconut sauce
Amuse bouche- bleu d'auvergne crouton w/sliced apple and truffle let's start w/this and choose 2 other dishes
Choice of ribolitta- hearty tuscan (mainly vegetable) soup or butternut squash-gala apple soup w/creme friache and chives; or lobster bisque w/cognac
Composed salad of mango, avocado, snow crab, grilled asparagus, avocado, hearts of palm, toasted pine nut vinaigrette
Roasted beet napoleon- honey-goat cheese, spiced walnuts, pomegranate, micro greens, brunoise vegs
Salade de bouillabaisse- assorted chilled seafood w/tomato-saffron-thyme vinaigrette and rouille
Green goddess wedge, bacon lardons, pickled red onion, roasted peppers
Soft lettuces, micro greens, grilled asparagus, oil cured olives, charred shallots, scallions, radish, manouri cheese ranch dressing
Coulibiac of salmon in puff pastry stuffed w/shrimp mousse and spinach w/pernod w/lobster sauce
Seared snapper w/bananas, lemons and toasted almonds, tomato couscous
Sliced wagyu steak over arugula w/rosemary roasted potatoes, dry braised mushrooms, fried shallots and shaved parmesan drizzled w/ xvoo
Fire roasted pequillo pepper stuffed w/duck, goat cheese and toasted pine nuts w/verde sauce and black beans and rice
5 hr sunday gravy w/meatballs, italian sausage and pork neck, mostaccioli, garlic bread li
3 day marinated grilled rack of lamb over aubergine mousse w/rice pilaf w/sour cherries, balsamic-honey-mint demi glace
Beef wellington- mushroom duxelles, foie gras mousse, parma prosciutto wrapped in puff pastry served w/green peppercorn-mustard sauce
Lobster escoffier- poached in court bullion, served over straw vegetables and grilled asparagus w/pernod-tarragon sauce *mkt upcharge
Tuna tempura wrapped in nori, w/wasabi creme, chile sauce, american caviar, chives and asian slaw (served rare)
Toasted coconut mochi cake, matcha whipped cream
Poached apricots w/vanilla-bourbon labne and pistachios
Tiramisu
Griddled chocolate brioche, orange, rosewater, cinnamon, whipped cream
Bananas foster w/chocolate-pecan-dark buttered rum sauce, vanilla bean ice cream
Creme friache cheesecake w/graham cracker crust and strawberry coulis
Budino di ricotta- ricotta pudding w/almonds
Creme caramel w/raspberries
Grilled peach, smoked grappa-butterscotch, vanilla yogurt, crumbled biscotti, pistachios
Sabayon made to order and served warm w/pernod macerated fruit
Peanut butter pie w/chocolate sauce
Pignoli cookies w/nutella milkshake
Amuse bouche- bleu d'auvergne crouton w/sliced apple and truffle let's start w/this and choose 2 other dishes
Cacio y pepe- bucatini w/mixed peppercorns and pecorino
Negimaki- grilled marinated tenderloin stuffed w/scallion
Filet slider w/ creamy horseradish sauce, braised mushrooms, brioche roll
Thai grilled chicken skewer, tamarind-red curry-coconut sauce
Grilled king trumpet mushroom w/sherry vinaigrette, chives and hazelnut
Baked brie in puff pastry w/ pear chutney, fig-olive crisp and baguette
Curry chicken croquette w/roasted pepper aioli
Arancini stuffed w/butternut squash and goat cheese w/san marzano marinara
Kickass guacamole w/pomegranate, radish and fresh chips
Steamed artichoke leaves, chive creme friache, lemon zest, caviar
Grilled crab cake, herb salad, tangerine, marcona almonds, lemon-pepper aioli
Dukkah lavosh- preserved lemon, crispy artichoke, roasted tomatoes, avocado, oil cured olive, manouri cheese
Bruschetta of roasted elephant garlic and cambazola triple blue cheese w/balsamic onions and currants
Choice of ribolitta- hearty tuscan (mainly vegetable) soup or butternut squash-gala apple soup w/creme friache and chives or lobster bisque w/cognac
French lentil salad w/mirepoix vegs, fine herbs and pomegranate
Fattoush- chopped salad of watercress, purslane, romain, tomatoes, cucumber, radish, fried pita chips, lemon vinaigrette
Assiette d'mar- asst chilled shellfish, xvoo, lemon, maldon, cracked black pepper, sauce verte
Composed salad of mango, avocado, snow crab, grilled asparagus, avocado, hearts of palm, toasted pine nut vinaigrette
Butter lettuce, grapes, oil cured olives, cashew and fennel w/feta dressing
Green goddess wedge, bacon lardons, pickled red onion, roasted peppers
Steak pizzaiola w/mushrooms, peppers, tomato and oregano over cacio d pepe risotto
Seared tuscan steak over arugula w/rosemary roasted potatoes, dry braised mushrooms, grilled scallion and shaved parmesan drizzled w/ xvoo
Truffle-porcini risotto w/mascarpone, grilled asparagus, melted leeks, balsamic cippolini onions, currants, toasted pine nuts
Slow braised lamb ragout w/mirepoix vegetables and olives over basmati rice
Seared snapper w/bananas, lemons and toasted almonds, tomato cous cous
Coulibiac of salmon in puff pastry stuffed w/shrimp mousse and spinach w/pernod w/lobster sauce
Shrimp stuffed w/crab imperial w/grilled asparagus, pommes de terre w/lemon beurre blanc
Chuletas- grilled marinated lamb rack chops w/roasted tomato chimichurri, roasted potatoes
Chicken mole over black beans and rice, roasted broccoli w/cojita cheese
Tiramisu w/espresso, mascarpone and cocoa
Bananas foster w/chocolate-dark buttered rum sauce, vanilla bean ice cream
Tart creme friache cheesecake w/graham cracker crust and strawberry coulis
Peanut butter pie w/chocolate sauce
Bittersweet chocolate torte, hazelnut whipped cream, raspberry coulis
Poached apricots w/vanilla-bourbon labne, pistachios and mint
Lobster crostini with citrus butter sweet lobster on toasted brioche with a delicate citrus finish
Golden seared scallops with osetra caviar & truffled cauliflower cream
Ravioli ricotta and lemon, with shrimp butter served over creamy cardinale lobster sauce
Pomegranate short ribs
Filet mignon & butter poached lobster – with golden rosemary potatoes, french haricots & carrots, and red wine demi-glace
Filet mignon & seared jumbo shrimp duo – with garlic potato purée, charred asparagus, and red wine demi-glace
Atlantic salmon filet with lemon and capers butter sauce & beef tenderloin reduction red wine with risotto fungi, roasted vegetabled
Raspberry tart with mascarpone ice cream
Lemon tartlet with meringue
Vanilla crème brûlée with berries
Cheesecake key lime with meringue
8.chefs surprised item
9.chefs special of the day
1.grilled bread with smoked salmon and everything bagel seasoning topped with salmon roe
2.aguachile cucumber shrimp with tortilla chips
3. salmon sashimi with burnt onion aioli
4. korean beef tartare , yuzu mustard, pickled mushrooms, shallot, capers served with sourdough and gochujang butter
5. ahi tuna nigiri with miso and oyster sauce
6. local charcuterie and cheese
7.gougere with whipped honey ricotta topped with tobiko
5.chefs surprised item
1.asparagus fennel orange salad with lemon mustard dressing
2.mixed greens, tomatoes, olives, manchego and sherry vinaigrette
3.arugula, orange, pickled beets, lemon ricotta and sunflower seeds
4.frisee salad with shallot champagne vinaigrette topped with herbed goat cheese and radishes
1.squid ink pasta with seared scallops
2. filet mignon with creamy brandy sauce, mashed potatoes and asparagus
3. pan seared fish of the day with blue cheese sauce served with green beans and mashed potatoes
4. chefs surprised item
5. grilled chicken with herbed butter and sweet potato puree topped with broccoli
6.chefs special of the day
1. churro with dulce de leche
2. red wine poached pear with creme anglaise topped with almonds
3. apricot glazed tart topped with berries
4. chocolate cake with gelato
5. molten lava cake with cinnamon whipped cream and matcha spice
6.chefs surprised item
7. chef's special of the day
Fresh shucked oysters
Insalata di mare (shrimp, calamari, octopus)
Steamed mussels neapolitan style
Baked clams
Grilled marinated octopus
Tuna tartare
Linguine alle vongole (with clams)
Paccheri all’astice (with lobster)
Whole branzino cleaned tableside w/sides
Chilean sea bass w/sides
Chef's italian dessert medley
Prosciutto e melon antipasti
Tomato carpaccio with cashew butter, fried shallots and agrodulce (vegetarian)
Caprese salad with tomato, mozzarella and basil (vegetarian)
Roasted marinated fairytale eggplants with goat cheese purée and pistachios (vegetarian)
Spaghetti all’amatriciana with crushed tomatoes, garlic and guanciale
Pappardelle bolognese
Ziti with 3 cheeses, rosa sauce and toasted breadcrumbs (vegetarian)
Roasted bronzino with lemon, puttanesca and garlic farro
Tiramisu
Lemon ricotta and pistachio cannoli with raspberry coulis
Basque cheesecake with lemon curd and strawberry ice cream
Vanilla bean cheesecake with raspberry sorbet and lemon curd
Crispy calamari (lightly battered, served with spicy aioli)
Tako sunomono (sliced octopus and cucumber in vinegar dressing)
Chicken yakitori skewers (grilled chicken pieces glazed with teriyaki sauce)
Chilled green tea soba noodles (served with dipping sauce and nori)
Spicy garlic edamame (edamame sautéed with chili and garlic oil)
Avocado and crab salad (flaked crab and avocado with citrus dressing)
Calamari salad (marinated calamari, peppers, and onions)
Dragon roll (eel, avocado, cucumber, wrapped with avocado)
Rainbow roll (crab, avocado, wrapped with tuna, salmon, yellowtail)
Hamachi scallion roll (yellowtail and fresh scallions)
Sashimi platter (selection of tuna, salmon, yellowtail cuts)
Shrimp tempura roll (tempura shrimp, avocado, eel sauce)
Green tea cheesecake bites (individual squares of matcha cheesecake)
Chocolate raspberry mousse cups (light mousse in a small cup)
Ginger crème brûlée (classic custard infused with ginger)
Personalize your menu
A romantic dinner or a gathering of friends. Traditional dishes or exotic flavours. A fine dining experience or a family-style meal. Every private chef experience is unique! Submit your request and personalize yours.








Frequently asked questions
Below, you can find the most common questions about private chef services in Des Moines.
What does a private chef service include in Des Moines?
A private chef service includes everything necessary to enjoy a personalized dining experience at home. This includes:
- Customization of a menu based on your preferences;
- Purchase of ingredients;
- Mise en place (preparation of ingredients) before arrival;
- Preparation of the menu at your home;
- Complete table service;
- Set up and cleaning of the kitchen and used spaces.
Please note that tableware and glassware are not included. Gratuity is entirely at your discretion.
How much does a private chef cost in Des Moines?
The price of renting a chef in Des Moines can vary depending on the specifics, but smaller groups tend to have a slightly different price per person compared to larger gatherings.
Booking prices range from 136 USD to 170 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 136 USD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 138 USD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 169 USD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 170 USD per person.
Seasonal ingredients, your location, and how soon you book also affect the final price. If you're interested in getting free quotes with no obligation, fill out our form and let the best chefs near you send unique proposals for your event.
How can I hire a private chef in Des Moines?
Booking is easy! Just tell us the date of your event, number of guests, dietary preferences and any allergies, and a few details about your kitchen. Within a few hours, you'll receive customized menus from qualified chefs. Each chef's profile will include their experience, reviews, and photos of their dishes.
Feel free to chat directly with the chefs through our platform. Ask them to modify menus, discuss pricing, or get answers to any questions you might have. Once you've found the perfect chef and menu, finalize your reservation online. We'll then provide the chef's contact information to confirm any final details.
How can I find a private chef near me?
There are currently 14 chefs available in Des Moines. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Des Moines who will send you their menu proposals. You can then choose the chef and menu that suits you best.
Is there a maximum number of guests for a private chef service?
While there's no strict limit on guest count, private chef experiences are designed to create a more intimate atmosphere, perfect for gatherings of friends and family. Since most homes have limited space to accommodate large groups, parties typically don't exceed 15 people.
Does the chef cook at my house?
Yes, the chef always prepares the menu at your home for a more personalized experience. However, some prep work might be done beforehand for complex dishes.
Can I cook along with the chef?
Absolutely! Many guests are passionate about food and relish the chance to learn from the chef. You can pick up new kitchen skills and get a behind-the-scenes look at each dish on the menu. Feel free to jump in and cook alongside the chef for a truly interactive experience!
Are the ingredients fresh?
Yes, they're 100% fresh. Unlike restaurants with pre-made dishes, private chefs prioritize using the freshest ingredients possible. This is because the chef creates a customized menu specifically for you, then goes out and sources the finest ingredients to bring your chosen dishes to life.
Are drinks included in the personal chef service?
Drinks are not typically included, but you can discuss adding them to the menu proposal with the chef.
How much should I tip my private chef in Des Moines?
Tipping for private chefs is entirely at your discretion. Our goal is for you to have an unforgettable experience, and the chef always appreciates a nice tip. However, the decision and amount are completely up to you.
Key information about our chefs in Des Moines
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Des Moines
Percentage of our women chefs in Des Moines.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Des Moines.
Percentage of services with kids in Des Moines.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Des Moines.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Des Moines.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Des Moines.
Percentage of guests that hired a chef more than once.
Average number of days booked for multiple services at home with a private chef.
Photos uploaded to the platform by our private chefs in Des Moines.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Des Moines each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Des Moines, for example, demand often increases during special dates like Valentine's Day or Mother's Day, so it's best to book in advance.
If you're wondering about the best time to hire a chef, any month is perfect for enjoying a private chef. Just keep in mind that prices may vary, especially for last-minute bookings. So, don't wait—book your chef early to secure your unique dining experience in Des Moines.
Cost of a private chef in Des Moines
The cost of hiring a private chef in Des Moines can vary based on several factors, including the number of people in your group or seasonality. Larger groups tend to have a different average rate per person compared to smaller groups that hire a chef:
Booking prices range from 136 USD to 170 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 136 USD
For 7 to 12 people: 138 USD
For 3 to 6 people: 169 USD
For 2 people: 170 USD.
Additionally, prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year, location, and how soon you book your personal chef. If you want to get free quotes, just fill out our form and receive tailored proposals for your event. No committment at all.
What is the most reserved type of cuisine in Des Moines?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Des Moines: Mediterranean, Italian, French, Japanese, Mexican, and surprise. The type of cuisine with the highest number of bookings is the Chef's special, but you can have anything you want (our surprise menu will cover that!).
Beyond these six types of cuisine, our private chefs personalize diverse menus for their clients every day, adjusting every detail to find the perfect menu for every occasion and every group. Our private chefs can accommodate any allergy or dietary restriction and suggest other cuisines or fusion dishes. Submit your request and hire a chef in Des Moines!

Why not try a Private Chef service in Des Moines?
Want to give your partner a special romantic surprise? Want to enjoy a dinner with friends and fancy trying something different? Or maybe you want to organise a lovely meal for the whole family to celebrate that special occasion without anyone having to cook? Take a Chef allows you to transform your home into one of the best restaurants in town. The only difference is that the entire experience is built around you and your guests. Select the type of cuisine, choose the dates and enjoy the experience!

Invite one of Des Moines’s best Private Chefs into your home
We work with many chefs who have experience in top restaurants, gastronomic bars, luxury hotels and more. You’ll be able to view the details of each chef’s training and experience once they send you a menu proposal. However, no matter which chef you choose, we guarantee that you’re in good hands: all of our chefs have at least a decade of experience under their belt and have been trained in top culinary schools. As soon as you receive a menu, we’ll put you in touch with the chef so that you can sort out all the details and make sure everything is to your liking!

A Private Chef in Des Moines is a different plan
The best and most original plans are those that surprise you from the first moment and do not stop until the end. They are even engraved in the memory. This is the philosophy of Take a Chef. With a personalized service to 100%, showcooking, gastronomic advice, possibility to know in first person how your menu is elaborated. The French, Asian or Mediterranean cuisines can make a dent in your table, with a very different view of one of our Private Chefs.






Talk to our chefs in Des Moines
Each of our chefs is one-of-a-kind, with professional culinary training and years of experience in diverse restaurants. Craving Italian pasta, Spanish paella, or traditional sushi in Des Moines? You’ll get it. Tell us about your event in Des Moines, and discover the best chefs who will customize every detail of your experience.









