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, 3,186 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 186 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 1,250 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, 3,186 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Des Moines usually book menus around 177 USD per person, including 3.59 courses, sharing an average of 4.38 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!
14 Private Chefs in Des Moines
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Des Moines












More than 3,100 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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186 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Des Moines
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Artichoke hearts - stuffed with creamy cognac laced mushrooms
Asparagus - lemon confit, goat cheese, croutes
Bacon skewers - bourbon maple glaze
Dumplings - ginger pork dumplings, sweet soy sauce
Smoked chicken skewers - sweet bbq sauce
Artichoke & fennel - shaved raw, lemon, olive oil, arugula
Arugula - truffle smoked tomatoes, goat cheese fondue, herb vinaigrette
Charred carrots - goat cheese, white balsamic vinaigrette, herbs
Scallops - peas, corn, bacon, leeks, brown butter citrus sauce
Beef sirloin – potato gratin, carrots, spiced red wine syrup
Halibut - capers, preserved lemons, butter, pomme fondant
Salmon - asparagus, black truffle vinaigrette
Lemon chicken - lemon butter sauce, herbs
Tiramisu – mascarpone mousse, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, cocoa
Crème brulee - burnt sugar, vanilla, mixed berries
Croastada - peach & apricot, vanilla gelato
Panna cotta - vanilla bean, fresh berry compote
"linguini and clams on the half shell" - clams, white wine, garlic, mini linguini, herbs
Arancini - smoked ham, mascarpone cheese, spiced tomato sauce
Prosciutto - melon, aged balsamic
Antipasto - salami, prosciutto, olives, cheese, roasted red peppers, artichokes
Med spread pasta salad - cucumber, oven roasted tomatoes, roasted bell peppers, garbanzo beans, basil vinaigrette,
Classic caesar - romaine, parmesan cheese, creamy garlicky dressing, croutons
Charred carrots - goat cheese, white balsamic vinaigrette, herbs
Broccoli - walnuts, bacon, cashews, honey vinaigrette
Arugula pizza – truffle smoked tomatoes, goat cheese, herb vinaigrette
Caponata pizza - zucchini, peppers, red onion, capers, fennel, celery, raisins, green olives, tomatoes, mozzarella
Bbq chicken pizza- pulled chicken, bacon, sweet bbq sauce, mozzarella, red onions, cilantro pesto
Pepperoni pizza - pepperoni, tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoncini
Italian sausage pizza - garlic, tomato sauce, provolone, pecorino, oregano
Margharita pizza - tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, parmesan, olive oil, sea salt
Mushroom pizza - thyme roasted mushrooms, creamy cheese, balsamic glaze
Grilled italian bread with ricotta and tomato jam
Spinach and mushroom flatbread
Fried eggplant with basil pesto aioli
Tuscan garlic white bean dip with crostini
Tomato bruschetta on italian bread topped with aged balsamic glaze
Broccolini with parmesan and crispy garlic chips topped with extra virgin olive oil
Garlic cheese bread topped with sundried tomato
Meatless meatballs with roasted garlic sauce
Antipasto skewers- olives, artichokes, tomatoes, cheese
Caprese salad- fresh mozzarella, basil, cherry tomatoes
Classic caesar salad- romaine lettuce, parmesan, croutons
Summer farro salad- farro, mint, cucumber, strawberry , citrus vinaigrette
Mixed greens, pickled beets, red onions, ricotta, sunflower seeds
Chicken marsala
Chef's special of the day
Pan seared cod with salsa verde served with grilled peppers and asparagus
Fresh pasta of the day with vodka creamy sauce
Grilled skirt steak with polenta and green beans topped with italian chimichurri
Green pea and mushroom risotto
Vanilla gelato with chocolate syrup and chocolate chips
Chocolate mousse with pistachios
Zabaglione with berries
Italian lemon cheesecake
Fruit sorbet of the day
Zeppole with powdered sugar
Red snapper leche de tigre with sorrel and crispy rice
Prosciutto e honeydew antipasti
Summer ratatouille niçoise with sauce tomate (vegetarian)
Sesame agedashi tofu nori roll (vegetarian)
Gnocchi with poached crab and sicilian pistou
Roasted squash tortellini in sage chermoula (vegetarian)
Wild rice risotto with herb pistou and snap peas (vegetarian)
Chankonabe broth with red snapper and daikon
Duck confit pithivier with chanterelles and onion soubise
Surf & turf of wagyu in uni butter with spot prawns
Smoked jackfruit tagine with pita and feta (vegetarian)
Whole roasted bronzino with lemon puttanesca
Mocha tiramisu with coffee ice cream
Warm banana sticky toffee pudding with miso caramel
Ricotta cheesecake with rhubarb jam and gelato
Enchanted bog with chocolate bavarois and basil cake
Prawn fennel and blood orange tartare with garlic crisp
Pan-seared monkfish with butter-poached and charred cauliflower, romesco, and sauce bonnefoy
Lobster and ricotta filled pasta with paprika, saffron and sauce fine herbs
Seafood paella
Herb crusted rack of lamb with couscous stir fry, pomegranate & harissa jus
Spiced chocolate gelato with kumquat marmalade and sherry infused whipped mascarpone
"linguini and clams on the half shell" - clams, white wine, garlic, mini linguini, herbs
Asparagus - lemon confit, goat cheese, croutes
Bruschetta - honey roasted tomatoes, seared belgian endive, balsamic
Focaccia - olive and herb, ricotta spread (this is included, no need to choose)
Smoked chicken skewers - balsamic glaze, oregano
Artichoke & fennel - shaved raw, lemon, olive oil, arugula
Arugula - truffle smoked tomatoes, goat cheese fondue, herb vinaigrette
Ahi tuna - shaved fennel, citrus vinaigrette, toasted almonds
Classic caesar - romaine, parmesan cheese, creamy garlicky dressing, croutons, white anchovies
Uncaesar - endive, radicchio, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, citrus vinaigrette, parmesan cheese, white anchovies
Med spread - cucumber, oven dried tomatoes, roasted bell peppers, garbanzo beans, basil vinaigrette, avocado hummus
Lamb rotolo - spinach ricotta cheese filled pasta, wood-fired lamb ragu, tomatoes, olives, mint
Mushroom cavetelli asparagus, wood-roasted locally grown mushrooms, lemon, truffles, parmesan
Perciatelli - lobster, artichokes, tomatoes, chilies, basil
Seafood stew - bass, clams, mussels, lobsters, saffron, tomatoes, fennel, seafood broth
Braciole - stuffed braised flank steak, herbs, parmesan cheese, tomato sauce
Pork milanese - breaded pork chop, honey roasted tomatoes, balsamic shallots
Beef bisteca - rosemary & garlic potatoes, portobello jus (up-charge for this item)
Panna cotta - vanilla bean, fresh berry compote
Tiramisu - mascarpone mousse, coffee soaked lady fingers, cocoa
Croastada - peach & apricot, vanilla gelato
1.fried potato and cheese empanadas with spicy aioli
2.beet salad ceviche with tostadas and salsa macha
3.creamy garlic hummus with carrots and cucumber
4. charred eggplant crostini with pomegranate syrup
5.pan con tomate
6. potato croquette with smoked aioli
7.charred shishito peppers with ponzu aioli
8. chefs surprised item
9.chef's special of the day
1.mixed greens with cucumber, red onion, mint and greek dressing
2.romaine lettuce with radishes, avocado, tomatoes and cilantro-lime dressing
3.mixed greens with red onion, corn, queso fresco and spicy honey dressing
4.chefs surprise item
5.chefs surprised item
1.miso cauliflower steak with polenta and roasted pepper sauce
2.grilled steak with romesco sauce and roasted vegetables
3. herbed chicken with green beans and roasted potatoes
4. fish of the day with chimichurri and grilled vegetables
6.chef's special of the day
1. vanilla creme brulee with glazed berries and dehydrated berries
2.arroz con leche with candied nuts and berries
3. gelato of the day with almond dust
4. vanilla cheesecake with blueberry sauce
5. chef´s surprised item
6. chef's special of the day
Nori wrapped tuna tempura- red caviar, chives, wasabi creme, siracha, asian slaw
Grilled king trumpet mushroom w/sherry vinaigrette, chives and hazelnuts
Szechuan dan dan noodles w/ground pork (spicy)
Kickass guacamole w/pomegranate, radish and fresh chips
Grilled crab cake, herb salad, tangerine, marcona almonds, lemon-pepper aioli
Amuse bouche tbd. this is on me, pls choose 2 other dishes
Grilled octopus, crushed fingerling potatoes, mirepoix vegetables, basil oil, tomato oil
Arancini stuffed w/butternut squash and goat cheese w/san marzano marinara
Salmon tartare- ginger, tobiko, avocado, jalapeno, crisp won ton skins
Smothered scampi on grilled ciabatta
Thai grilled chicken skewer, tamarind-red curry-coconut sauce
Sesame seared halloumi cheese w/aleppo pepper and warmed greek honey
Dukkah lavosh- preserved lemon, crispy artichoke, roasted tomatoes, avocado, manouri cheese
Tortilla española- caramelized onions, potatoes, spicy chorizo
Spanakopita- spinach, feta, phyllo
Composed salad of mango, avocado, snow crab, grilled asparagus, avocado, hearts of palm, toasted pine nut vinaigrette
Heirloom tomatoes caprese, grilled burrata and radicchio, basil, xvoo, saba, sea salt
Choice of ribolitta- hearty tuscan (mainly vegetable) soup or butternut squash-gala apple soup w/creme friache and chives or lobster bisque w/cognac
Roasted beet napoleon- honey-goat cheese, spiced walnuts, pomegranate, micro greens, brunoise vegs
Grilled asparagus, roasted beet, course herbed bread crumbs, raspberry-walnut vinaigrette
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
Bacon-green apple- roasted shallot crusted salmon, mashed potatoes, lemon beurre blanc
Surf and turf w/sliced tenderloin and scampi, smashed redskins, grilled asparagus
Chicken saltimbocca- stuffed w/parma prosciutto, sage and smoked mozzarella over angelhair
Snapper st. martin w/lemon, bananas and almonds, tomato couscous
Seared tuscan steak (or tuna) 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
Slow braised lamb ragout w/mirepoix vegetables and olives over buttered noodles
Pork au poivre- sous vide pork tenderloin w/roquefort potatoes, carrots vichy, green peppercorn sauce
Steak pizzaiola w/mushrooms, peppers, tomato and oregano over grilled ciabatta w/mozzarella
Zabaglione made to order, served warm over macerated fruits w/mint
Old fashion banana pudding w/nilla wafers
Toasted coconut mochi cake, matcha whipped cream
Bittersweet chocolate torte, hazelnut whipped cream
Creme friache cheesecake w/graham cracker crust and strawberry coulis
Peanut butter pie w/chocolate sauce
Passionfruit mousse, mandarin tapioca
I make meyer limoncello and would be glad to pour you and iced shot with dessert (on me)
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.









