Private Chef in Ames
Rent one of our 17 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















How much does a private chef cost in Ames?
For 6 people in Ames, a private chef costs less than dinner out.
AVERAGE PRICE · 6 GUESTS
996 USD
166 USD per guest · everything included
What's included
- Chef comes to you
- All ingredients sourced and bought
- Full meal cooked in your kitchen
- Spotless kitchen afterwards
HERE'S THE REAL BREAKDOWN
- 2 guests210USD / guest = 420 USD total
- 4 guests166USD / guest = 664 USD total
- 6 guests166USD / guest = 996 USD total
- 8 guests154USD / guest = 1,232 USD total
- 10 guests154USD / guest = 1,540 USD total
- 13+ guests145USD / guest = 1,885 USD total
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.
17 Private Chefs in Ames
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Ames












More than 4,400 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.67 Chef
The guests in Ames 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 Ames 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 Ames has been scored with a 5 on average.
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209 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Ames
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Octopus and potato salad with crostini
Bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and basil in crostini
Charcuterie board (local and italian traditional flavors with authentic homemade italian focaccias)
Greek salad
Spinach and strawberries salad with a balsamic dressing and goat cheese
Caesar salad or house salad
Steak in a aromatic herbs butter with butternut squash parmesan risotto and asparagus
Braised in wine short ribs with creamy fresh herbs polenta and asparagus
Fettuccine alla bolognese meat sauce made from prime rib and beef shortribs
Fettucine shrimp in lemon sauce and parmesan cheese
Tiramisù
Cheese cake with berries
Chocolate cake
Rassberry lemon cake
Homemade veal meatballs with roasted roasted tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella
3 cheese mini arancini
Combo pan roasted sliced filet w/sherry wine sauce and lemon butter dill salmon
Marscapone whipped garlic potatoes
Candied hierloom carrots
3 cheese and mashed potatoes
Flourless chocolate cake w/salted caramel sauce
Chutney sampler - mango chutney, tomato chutney, cucumber chutney
Stuffed dates- pumpkin seeds, tomatillo sauce
Bacon wrapped dates -meejol dates, almonds, tomatillo sauce
Citrus shrimp ceviche - medley of citrus fruit, coconut, shrimp
Mexican pickled deviled eggs radish, spicy mexican vegetables
Aloo gobi - cauliflower, potatoes, curry
Pelaccio nigiri - thin slice beef tenderloin, sushi rice, italian chimichurri
Kokorru - parmesan, pineapple plum ravigote
Channa masala - chickpeas, turmeric, coriander
Cucumber involitni
Boot zucchini = harissa, garlic arugula
Greco veggiecake roasted red bell bernaise
Elotes - roasted corn, cojita, tajin, queso fresco
Egg white bites - spinach, sundried tomatoes, feta
Apricot, date, and pistachio haroseth - middle eastern spices,
Tomatillo dates - meejol dates, indian spice almonds, tomatillo sauce
Spanish tortilla potatoes, sweet potatoes, butternut squash
South indian lentil cakes - harissa, caramelized onions
Insalata belga e noci -arugula, apple, caramelized walnut
Sauge and peppers - italian mild sausage, giardiniera
Melon-pedro marinated watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew,
See messa
Shaved brussels sprout salad
Watermelon giardino- feta, pedro vinegar, basil
Fig and olive tapenaude- fig compote, marscapone, olives
Tuna tartare - ahi tuna, apple pears, gremolata
Fig and olive tapenade fig jam, kalamata olives
Mini insalta skewers buffalo mozzarella. grape tomatoes. basil vinaigrette
Melon-pedro marinated watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, arugala, pinenuts
Crab salad-belgium endive, pekee toe crab, citrus honey vin, seasonal vegetables
Watermelon gazpacho sour cream coulis, mint
Butternut squash soup - truffle oil, fried sage
Kahao poon - spicy noodle soup, seafood, spring vegetables
Larb chicken - chicken, sticky rice
Green papaya salad - lime tomato jeow
Lomi lomi salad (smoked salmon salad) fresh roma tomatoes, white onions, cucumbers, and smoked salmon, sesame oil and japanese spices
Cucumber salad - marinated cucumbers, english carrots, arugula
Carrot and radish salad - mirltan, pickled radishes, carrots, parsley vinaigrette
Citrus and fennel salad-seasonal citrus, pickled fennel
Ing city salad - thai mango, jicama, butter lettuce, pineapple vinaigrette, feta
Paneer and papaya lomi lomi salad - papaya, paneer, cucumbers, yogurt spice dressing
Citrus salad - mixed greens, star anise syrup
Beet and walnut salad - roasted beets, caramelized walnuts, moscatel vinaigrette
Curry viccyiousse - yogurt, lemon, parmesan cheese
Curry asparagus soup - yogurt, lemon, and parmesan cheese
Taste of goa vischissouise - leeks, potatoes, and cream blend with fennel and coconut
Lump crab salad - butter lettuce, citrus fruit
Lemongrass lobster bisque - thai sage ice cream
Clay pot chicken - haroseth sauce, red wine
Puissant l’range nuevo - chicken breast, citrus fruit, hint of tamarind
Chicken osso bucco vindaloo - italian old world classic stepping in an east asian tradition
Mysore lamb chops - minty red onion salad
Shrimp dukunu - seared tiger shrimp, puree of corn, coconut milk
Tea leaf smoked duck - red bean and cashew coconut compote, cucumber slice
Imperial salmon - shitake herb better
Poussin a la minuet -, herb compound butter
Manga shrimp - artichoke puree, thai pickled cucumber
Pesca de luna seasonal fish, coconut corn puree, marinated sangria tomatoes
Goan shrimp - dried fried green beans
Cilantro tamarind shrimp - spice shrimp pan seared served with a daikon and cabbage slaw
Seared bisteca ny strip, italian chimichurri
Conha lobster - basil lime butter sauce,
Mustard-dill salmon - mustard seeds, masala dahl sauce
Umbrian fish stew - cath of the day, herb tomato stock
Cauliflower ladolemon - cauliflower steak, lemon herb butter, turnip puree
Fish l’range nuevo - tangerines , pineapple and hint of tamarind
Catch de empileuse market fish seasonal vegetables, avocado, and soft cheese topped with a pineapple plum ravigote
Shrimp bun seo - seared shrimp, seasonal vegetables
Phenom catfish or salmon - charred italian eggplant, toasted coconut, thai herbs
Rock fish -pistachio pesto
Mahi mahi - tahitian vanilla sauce, stir fried bell peppers
Baja chicken - citrus marinated chicken, cantaloupe relish, avocado salsa
Pomegranate braised chicken, shallot, garlic pomegranate and fig reduction sauce
Eggplant invotini- roasted eggplant, tomato coulis, seasonal vegetables
Gremolata catch- seasonal fish, citrus gremolata, seasonal vegetables
Matcha pot de creme
Mango pudding - coconut reduction
Five spice chocolate mousse - fresh berries
Cognac stewed mango - thai mango, lemon ricotta whip
Five spice chocolate mouse
Mango coconut boudin - mango gelatin
Coconut stewed mango - sticky rice
Losa mochi - black sesame mochi, coconut englaise
Pineapple ice - pineapple sorbet tops fresh pineapples topped with guava soda
Red dragon - red bean mocha, coconut cream
Salted caramel budino caramel, whipped cream, custard
Cardamom crème brûlée -french techniques and indian ingredients
Losa mochi - black sesame mochi,green tea ice cream
Coconut flan - classic spanish dessert, creamy and sweet custard
Tableside torched roman artichokes
Grilled roman long stem artichoke
Grilled marinated zucchini
Oven roasted red peppers
Grilled marinated octopus
Tuna tartare
Handmade orechiette with braciole
Paccheri all’astice (with lobster)
Whole branzino cleaned tableside w/sides
Chilean sea bass w/sides
Chef's italian dessert medley
Homemade veal meatballs with roasted roasted tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella
Grape tomato bruschetta w/ buratta cheese
All imported charcuterie platter
Homemade gnocchi w/vodka sauce
Fresh mozzarella w/heirloom tomatoes and balsamic glaze
Marscapone whipped potatoes
Sauted broccoli rabe w/ garlic
Italian herb crusted filet medallions with barolo wine sauce
Ameretto pana cotta w/ fresh berries coulis
Amaretto panna cotta w/ fresh berry compote
Assorted italian appetizers
Handmade gnocchi with sunday ragu
Homemade meatballs
Homemade beef braciole
Eggplant parmigiana
Homemade tiramisu
Fig and olive tapenade- kalamata olives, baguette
Melon wrapped ham - parma ham, cantaloupe, honeydew
Manga chacuterie-italian cured meats, provencal jams, house pates
Arancini de riso - arborio rice, mozzarella, house ravigote
Mushroom risotto cakes- porcini mushrooms, parmesan
Chicken polpette- ground chicken, sundried tomatoes, dolce acido sauce
Rock shrimp- pistachio pesto
Artichoke serraglio- bread artichokes-garlic aioli
Spicy red pepper and eggplant confit- table cracker
Salt shrimp fritters- lemon garlic aioli
Lamb kofta- basil tomato saffron sauce, green olives
Fried artichokes- artichoke hearts, heirloom tomato salsa
Tomato, red onion, and basil bruschetta- grape tomatoes, red onions, and basil
Charred caprese- focaccia, ciligene mozzarella, basil, sangria tomatoes
Watermelon giardino- feta, pedro vinegar, basil
Parma arugula salad -fried mozzarella and prosciutto
Celas fantasy salad- cherry tomato, mangos, hearts of palm, jicama, tangerines, field greens, honey dijon mustard dressing
Radicchio salad- citrus fruit, candied walnuts, balsamic vinaigrette
Field green opa salad- field green, seared haloumi, lemon zest,
Zucchini carpaccio- herb ricotta cheese, serrano ham
Venetian crab soup- crab, fennel. celery, roasted tomatoes gazpacho
Italian wedding soup- traditional soup of hearty vegetable in a tomato broth to mark the occasion
Cannellini and swiss chard soup- cannellini beans and fresh swiss chard par for a delightful balance in this slow cooked soup
Beet soup- candied walnuts
Augusta orechitte- orecchiette, spice muscovy duck, duck ragu
Shrimp linguini twirl- spicy herb butter, u 12 shrimp
Fungi linguine - linguini, wild mushrooms, sole toe crab
Pasta lucca - pappardelle, anchovy butter, broccoli, shrimp
Caccio e peppe- bucatini, grana padano, seared chicken
Tarpanese tagiliettle- parmesan, almond pesto, seared lobster
Sweet potato gnocchi - seasonal vegetables, agave brown butter
Patejui gnocchi- tomato basil cream, seared shrimp
Pasta putanessca - sangria tomatoes, basil, handmade pasta
Wild mushroom risotto- bella, shitake, portabella
Al mar rissoto- fish consume, seafood medley, pecorino romano
Lamb magnifico - lamb chops, herb oil, crispy leeks
Tuscan lamb- loin porcini mustard
Grilled lamb skewers - eggplant caponata, red bell pepper
Pork floretta- fig compote, pork chops, sauteed apples
Fennel rubbed chicken -rosemary polenta triangle
Chicken portofino- skin on chicken breast , italian chimichurri
Shrimp polenta- pan seared vegetables, fried polenta cake, parmesan
Beef tagiliata - flat iron steak, trucha onions, balsamic glaze
Spartan steak -rib eye, eggplant caponata
Café rub flat iron- dry rub spices, caramelized onions
Braciola - pork shoulder, tomato ragu
Pork rittollo - butternut squash puree
Vida pesche - local trout, summer vegetable roullada
Gremolata- scallops citrus gremolata
Umbrian fish stew - shell fish, cath of the day, herb tomato stock
Panna cotta - berries, berry puree
Buttermilk orange blossom pound cake- crème fresh
Congac stewed peaches - lemon ricotta whip, almonds, honey
Italian trifle - vanilla custard cream, seasonal fruit, orange blossom pound cake
Panchetta and caramelized onion gelato - lemon cookie
Colomba soup - columba cake peaches, limoncello, ricotta, mascarpone, cholate
Albicochhe - braised sone fruit, amaretto syrup, fresh cream
Salted caramel budino - caramel, whipped cream, custard
Plum and polenta cake - lemon ricotta
Tiramisu parfait -coffee, rum, lady fingers, mascarpone
Pistachio and almond cake - citrus salad
Strawberry mascarpone tart - macerated strawberries
Scallion pancakes - sesame soy sauce
Agedash tofu house soy brew
Korokke deep fried creamy potatoes, pickled vegetables
Mushroom risotto cakes - shitake, inari, king oyster, mushroom coulis
Karage herb and bread chicken cutlet, kewpie aioli
Tuna poke tartare soy sesame, japanese pickles, fuirkake
Osen tamago ramiken steam eggs, dashi, soy
Artichoke fritters - garmic aioli, corn meal crust
Spinach sesame okazu sautéed spinach, sesame, rice wine
Stuffed shitake spring vegetable, panko, plum reduction
Beef nekagami asparagus wrapped with flat iron, miso cream
Taka salad - tropical fruit, berries, arugula, mirin viniagrette
Mushroom salad - inari, bushemi, shitake, and oyster mushrooms, chili sauce
Lomi lomi salad (smoked salmon salad) a roma tomatoes, white onions, cucumbers, smoked salmon, sesame soy vinaigrette
Cucumber sunomo a refreshing cucumber salad tossed with spices
Japanense trio mushroom cream soup shitakes, enoki, hiratake, bunshimeji ,cream, truffle oil
Curry asparagus soup yogurt, lemon, and parmesan cheese
Roast duck salad hosin balsamic vinaigrette
Mein xao inari, bushemi, shitake, and oyster mushrooms, escabeche style
Omakase sushi - chef choice sushi
Red cook gyoza - red cook pork belly, scallion dipping sauce
Steak japanios - salt butchers crust, miso cream
Mochicko chicken nori wrap, siracha mayo
Ginger beef tataki ponzu grilled
Okadu shaking lamb lamb loin, basil, caramelized onion marmalade, mint oil
Eggplant mafuko spring vegetables breaded with panko bread crumbs rolled in a thin slice of eggplant
Salmon shino logan berry and mango puree
Cured barramundi curry crust, citrus gremolata
Okonomiyaki (japanese pizza) savory pancake, seasonal vegetables, proteins of choice
Losa mochi - black sesame mochi, lychee ice cream
Matcha strawberry shortcake green tea poundcake, flambé strawberries, cream fresh, rasberry coolis
Tokyo banana’s foster flambe banana, green tea ice cream
Moon cake pound cake ,sweet bean lotus, ground cashews
Japanese crepes greet tea ice cream, fresh fruit, whipped cream, chocolate sauce
A personal chef for any occasion in Ames
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Ames in December 2017, more than 17 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Ames and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Story County.
Starting in 2017, 4,414 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Ames. To book your chef in Ames, 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 209 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 494 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, 4,414 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Ames usually book menus around 180 USD per person, including 3.98 courses, sharing an average of 5.7 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 Ames.












Frequently asked questions
Below, you can find the most common questions about private chef services in Ames.
What does a private chef service include in Ames?
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 Ames?
The price of renting a chef in Ames 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 145 USD to 210 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 145 USD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 154 USD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 166 USD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 210 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 Ames?
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 17 chefs available in Ames. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Ames 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 Ames?
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.
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.








Key information about our chefs in Ames
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Ames
Percentage of our women chefs in Ames.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Ames.
Percentage of services with kids in Ames.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Ames.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Ames.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Ames.
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 Ames.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Ames each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Ames, 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 Ames.
Cost of a private chef in Ames
The cost of hiring a private chef in Ames 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 145 USD to 210 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 145 USD
For 7 to 12 people: 154 USD
For 3 to 6 people: 166 USD
For 2 people: 210 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 Ames?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Ames: 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 Ames!

Looking for a unique dining experience in Ames?
At Take a Chef we have what you are looking for. Let us know your food preferences and we will be sure to find the perfect chef for you. The shopping, cooking, serving and cleaning will be done by the chef so you don't have to worry about anything!

Fine dining in Ames in the hands of a Private Chef
We work with the most talented chefs worldwide. You will have the chance to talk to the chef directly and customize your menu until you are completely satisfied. Book today!

A customized experience in Ames
Whatever the occasion is, we have the perfect chef for you. Count on us to make this experience a memorable one. We will make sure every details is exactly how you want it. Click above to begin!






Talk to our chefs in Ames
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 Ames? You’ll get it. Tell us about your event in Ames, and discover the best chefs who will customize every detail of your experience.









