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, 4,345 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 207 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 489 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, 4,345 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Des Moines usually book menus around 179 USD per person, including 4.78 courses, sharing an average of 5.8 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 4,300 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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207 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Des Moines
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Lamb kofta lamb meatballs, sundried tomato and bail coulis
Olivada tartlet olives, chevere, sundried tomatoes, pizzolatto
Avgolemono shrimp seared pita, tomato salsa, lemon sauce
Quail egg remesco fried quail egg, garlic hummus, tomato remesco
Salt cod and crab fritters lemon garlic aioli
Boot shrimp harissa, garlic arugula
Hummus bruchetta pita, cucumber salad
Greco crab cake roasted red bell bernaise
Fish cakes caper-parsley sauce
Asparagus and mushroom tartlet moderna wild mushrooms, asparagus, parmesan cheese
Watermelon and feta organic watermelon, aged pedro, feta creme, chive oil,
Fried chickpea salad field green, roasted beets, fried chick peas, chevere
Shellfish bourride medley of shellfish, toasted garlic bread, lemon aioli
Haloumi salad seared haloumi, pickled cucumbers, arugula, sangria tomatoes, apples
Avogolemono soup lemon zest, tarragon cream
Beet soup candied walnuts
Lentil soup cheese crostini
Citrus and fennel salad pickled fennel, cara cara, blood orange (if still in season), manchego cheese, dill vinaigrette
Spring roll greek salad rice crepe, cherry tomatoes, feta, arugula, carrots, cucumbers, pistachio and chestnut dipping sauce
Brazzino- spicy cous cous, caper parsley sauce
Corfo paella valencia paella, shellfish medley, greek caponata
Pomegranate braised beef flat iron, shallot, garlic pomegranate and fig reduction sauce
Grecian herb chicken marinated artichoke puree, seasonal vegetables
Rock shrimp pistachio pesto
Gremolata scallops citrus gremolata
Athens filet grilled ratatouille, smoky red pepper shallot butter
Grilled lamb loin lamb loin, watermelon feta salad, fig balsamic
Lamb chops with yogurt-mint sauce pan seared lamb chops covered in a yogurt mint sauce
Ossobuco border tangine short rib oasted potatoes, port braised carrots
Seared flat iron caper relish, cucumber yogurt sauce
Clay pot chicken haroseth sauce, red wine
Mediterranean chicken mushroom, olives, roasted mashed eggplant
Greek chicken fresh herb medley, avgolemono sauce
Maltese chicken red wine and honey gravy
Yogurt marinated roaster greek yogurt, half roasted chicken, roasted root vegetables
Spicy seafood couscous trapani flavors, seasonal vegetables, shrimp
Pasta lahano seared citrus shrimp, spinach, mushrooms, penne, gorgonzola cream sauce
Steak lebanon flat iron, coriander crust, green gazpacho sauce
Rustic raspberry and fig crostata fresh cream
Honey vanilla parfait yogurt mousse, stick balsamic berries
Orange pistachio cakes citrus salad
Baklava cheese cake ny style cheese cake, baklava topping
Cognac stew peaches honey, ricotta whip
Greek lemon ice cream sesame orange shortbread cookie
Sangria granitas strawberries, port wine glaze
Crisp pear greek stusser cream friache
Ahi tuna crudo, avocado, jalapeno , pickled onions with mango thai chill vinaigrette
Mussels steamed in white wine with warm bread
Pan seared barrumandi with fire roasted vegetables and mango citrus sauce
Coffee stout chocolate pots de creme with carmel popcorn
Grilled bread with jam, herbed goat cheese, and tomato jam
Farmers market mixed greens, mandarins, olives, manchego and sherry vinaigrette topped with almonds
Shrimp saffron risotto topped with mixed grilled vegetables
Grilled steak with romesco sauce served over roasted carrots and yellow squash
Cheesecake with dulce de leche topped with strawberries
Antipasto italiano (chacuterie, imported cheeses & olives)
Imported burrata w/ fresh cherry tomato & basil
Neapolitan eggplant parmiggiana
Lemon arugula salad w/ shaved parmiggiano
Suppli - mozzarella filled rice balls
Homemade gnocchi w san marzano sauce & imported mozzarella
Handmade cavatelli w/ vodka sauce
Lemon chicken w sides
Chicken cacciatore
Chef's italian dessert medley
Deviled eggs with pickled mustard seeds (vegetarian)
Smoked ham hock braised collard greens with potlicker au jus
Roasted beet salad with wakame vinaigrette, soft tofu, torn greens, buckwheat croutons and edamame (vegetarian)
Warm german potato salad with whole grain mustard, dill, bacon dressing and honey-herb vinaigrette
Blue corn meal crusted walleye with cabbage-carrot slaw, citrus vinaigrette and remoulade
Beef short ribs, fried black rice, blistered shishito peppers and demi glace
Pan seared beetballs in roasted shiitake gravy with new potatoes and lingonberry jam (vegetarian)
Roast beef with melted leek mostarda, swiss chard, roquefort and sauce bordelaise
Banana pudding
Warm apple crumble with bourbon caramel, candied pecans and vanilla ice cream
Angel food cake, raspberries, lemon curd, whipped creme chantilly and raspberry sorbet
Chocolate cake with black cocoa, chocolate ganache and chocolate buttercream
Poached lobster tail over swiss chard with fennel citrus buerre blanc
Roasted golden beet, strawberries salad with peppadew peppers, pickled onions, sherry vinaigrette served with goat cheese toast
Baked french onion soup
8 0z filet mignon herbed compound butter, garlic mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus with demi glacé
Flourless chocolate torte and creme brûlée dessert duo
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
Combo pieamontese filet medallions w/veal demi & pan roasted chilean sea bass w/roasted tomato sauce
Marscapone whipped potatoes
Sauted broccoli rabe w/ garlic
Ameretto pana cotta w/ fresh berries coulis
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.









