Private Chefs in Des Moines
Best private chefs in Des Moines for your next dining experience.
Starting at $59 per person!
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The top private chefs in Des Moines bring five-star dining straight to your doorstep, transforming any meal into an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you call Windsor Heights home, enjoy the charm of the historic East Village, or are unwinding near Grays Lake, hiring a private chef in Des Moines ensures a seamless, stress-free way to entertain. Skip the hassle of booking reservations at the city’s trendiest restaurants and let a culinary expert craft a gourmet, multi-course meal in the comfort of your own home. They’ll handle everything from grocery shopping to cleanup. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner, a lively birthday celebration, or a corporate event, personal chefs take care of every detail, so you can relax knowing that you're enjoying restaurant-caliber dishes from your kitchen.
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Hire a Private Chef in Des Moines
Des Moines' vibrant food scene is a mix of creativity and tradition, featuring bold regional favorites like the iconic "Dead Moines" burger and Fong’s legendary Asian-inspired pizzas. However, the city’s culinary talent extends far beyond local specialties. Private chefs here are masters of global cuisine, from rich Ethiopian stews and fragrant Indian curries to elegant French and Italian fare. Whether you’re hosting a romantic date night in Pleasant Hill, a lively birthday celebration near Ankeny, or a sophisticated soirée in Bondurant, the chefs featured on Cozymeal bring gourmet dining straight to your home.
Once you hire a chef for the night, you can relax knowing your in-home chef will take care of every detail, from hand selecting the freshest ingredients from the Downtown Farmers Market and preparing each dish on-site to carefully plating each course and cleaning up afterward. Simply choose your date, select your menu, and let them handle the rest. With a private chef experience, you can relax, dine, and create lasting memories with your guests.
meet Top-Rated Chefs on Cozymeal
Chef Dirk
Bay Area
Chef Dirk’s deep passion for food and global cuisine stems from his travels to more than 20 countries. Classically trained as a gourmet chef and hospitality manager in Germany, his native country, Chef Dirk has served celebrities and worked at five-star restaurants. His vast culinary, hospitality, and leadership experience, and enthusiastic personality make for deeply engaging, entertaining, and truly unforgettable classes.
| 180 Reviews
Chef Fumiko
Seattle
Chef Fumiko was born in Japan and learned the art of sushi making at Tokyo Sushi Academy. She is also a certified sake sommelier and a graduate of the Sake Service Institute of Japan. Chef Fumiko creates healthy, Asian-style food and believes that anyone can cook amazing food if they are willing to learn. Boost your cooking skills and knowledge of Asian cuisine in Chef Fumiko's kitchen.
| 128 Reviews
Chef Mike
Bay Area
Over the last 20 years, Chef Mike has acquired a wide range of talents working in recipe development, food styling and instruction at some of the nation's most reputable culinary programs. With a degree in Food and Nutrition as well as Culinary Arts, he is passionate about sharing knowledge of cooking healthfully without sacrificing taste. A world traveler, Chef Mike's range of cuisine knows no bounds and he delights in sharing the stories and technique behind each dish.
| 191 Reviews
Chef Ricky
Tampa
Chef Ricky is a renowned chef instructor and research and development chef bringing nearly 40 years of experience to the table. He notes his greatest achievements to be developing and launching multiple successful Asian restaurants and business concepts as well as coaching an ACF team to two national championships. Chef Ricky specializes in Pacific Rim cooking and is passionate about enabling aspiring chefs to turn their ambitions into reality.
| 194 Reviews
Chef Iain
Los Angeles
After deciding to shift gears and leave the restaurant game, Chef Iain began a successful career as a personal chef in Manhattan Beach for over 15 years while simultaneously catering parties for clients and corporate events. He also became a private celebrity chef, and began providing services and catering on the sets of TV shows and movies. Chef Iain can also be found hosting a variety of fun and exciting culinary experiences!
| 172 Reviews
Chef Chris
Atlanta
After discovering his passion for cooking as an Italian language instructor at UC Berkeley, Chef Chris went on to be the co-founder of a culinary event business, specializing in regional Italian cooking, and then worked as a chef teaching cooking classes for corporate groups, cultivating a 5-star rating. Chef Chris now works with a company providing walking food tours of Little Italy as well as teaching his lauded cooking classes.
| 486 Reviews
Chef Washington
Seattle
Chef Washington shares his talents as a trained chef with aspiring cooks of all ages and skill levels. His experience in the culinary industry ranges from roles in hotels and restaurants, as well as years spent in middle school education. Being able to combine his passions for food and teaching brings him immense joy. With Chef Washington in the kitchen, everyone is in for a real gourmet treat!
| 96 Reviews
Chef Melissa
Boston
Chef Melissa uses cooking to bring food enthusiasts together, and to celebrate cultures and curiosities. After spending her youth in her home country of Taiwan, she worked as a food writer and spent dozens of years in Boston honing her craft alongside renowned chefs. Part story-teller, part educator, and part food and wine lover, Chef Melissa blends her Asian roots, her world travels and her love of food and culture to bring joy and inspiration to people everywhere.
| 153 Reviews
Chef Landi
Philadelphia
Chef Landi began his foray into the restaurant industry over 20 years ago as a server in Italy, and quickly found himself working in the kitchen, learning the skills and techniques that have been foundational to his now successful culinary career. In 2001, Chef Landi moved to the U.S. and discovered a newfound passion for teaching. Now, he is both a chef at an Argentinian steakhouse and a lauded culinary instructor.
| 402 Reviews
Chef Titik
Chicago
Being proud of her strong Indonesian heritage is a big part of who Chef Titik is. The chef's hope is to impart a passion for food on others so they can learn more about cooking and enjoy meals that always taste incredible, from Indonesian fare to Italian and Indian. Chef Titik's culinary background is peppered with achievements, including graduating with honors from the Art Institute of California with degrees in culinary art, and baking and pastry art.
| 170 Reviews
Chef Megan
Austin
Chef Megan is a classically trained culinarian and an ardent gastronome who brings more than a decade of professional culinary experience to the table as a chef, recipe developer, cooking class instructor and beyond. Chef Megan is currently developing her own cooking show and also serves as the sous chef of a local food truck that focuses on scratch-made fare from quality-sourced ingredients.
| 92 Reviews
Chef Catalina
Sacramento
Born and raised in San Francisco, Chef Catalina attended college for cultural anthropology where she first worked in catering and discovered her passion for food. After school, she continued to follow this passion and hone her craft in the kitchen. With expansive experience in the industry from serving as lead cook and managing catering to managing special events and working as a cheese monger, Chef Catalina now enjoys instructing group cooking classes.
| 279 Reviews
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Transform your home into a five-star dining destination with a private chef experience in Des Moines.
These culinary experts bring passion and precision to every dish, from selecting the freshest local ingredients to crafting exquisite meals tailored to your tastes and budget. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a hands-on cooking class, or a formal cocktail party, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality cuisine without the stress of reservations, cooking, or cleanup. Sit back, sip your favorite wine, and savor each course as your personal chef curates an unforgettable meal designed just for you.
Every private dining experience is a reflection of your tastes, preferences, and style of entertaining.
Your in-home chef will craft a customized menu tailored to your event and budget, whether it’s an elegant dinner for colleagues, a festive birthday celebration, or a laid-back neighborhood barbecue. From indulgent, globally inspired flavors to vegetarian and gluten-free options, each dish is thoughtfully designed to impress your guests and elevate the occasion. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, expert preparation, and impeccable presentation, your dining experience will be anything but ordinary, ensuring a meal as unforgettable as the moment itself.
Private chefs on Cozymeal bring world-class culinary expertise straight to your home, transforming any meal into a five-star experience.
Whether you’re craving refined French cuisine, rustic Italian comfort food, bold Asian fusion, or classic Midwestern flavors, Des Moines chefs have mastered it all. Graduates of elite culinary schools across the globe, with years of experience in fine-dining restaurants, luxury hotels, and high-end catering. Their skill extends beyond flavor. They craft visually stunning dishes that make every bite an experience. From intimate dinners to grand celebrations, your private chef will ensure every detail is executed with precision, passion, and artistry.
WHAT CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THESE PERSONAL CHEF EXPERIENCES in Des Moines
03/20/2023
I took my mom as a Christmas gift and also brought my girlfriend along, and we all had a great time! Chef Marc was incredibly knowledgeable and eager to share his many experiences. The only thing that was better than the experience, was the food itself. The chicken cordon bleu and sauce was one of the best things I've eaten in a long time. Highly recommend!
04/08/2025
Mary Jane was excellent in providing us with an experience that couldn't have been more fun. She was able to respond to all of our questions in a way that was very understandable. Will be returning sometime in the future.
12/31/2024
Mary Jane guided the group thru the steps to create delicious meals. She was very informative and encouraging. She created a beautiful atmosphere for conversation and learning. It was a fantastic evening and wonderful food that I plan to make again soon.
11/12/2024
Very enjoyable and informative evening!
FAQs
How much does a private chef in Des Moines cost?
As you scroll through the exciting culinary experiences available in Des Moines, you’ll notice that the cost of a private chef for a dinner party varies. The chosen menu and group size ultimately determine the cost. Generally, pricing starts at $59 per person and can exceed $100, with discounted rates available for children's menus. When you enter your group size, the final cost will automatically adjust, including local sales tax. Modifications to the menu, such as adding wine or liquor pairings and other special requests, may affect the final cost. Please reach out to our Cozymeal Concierge team if you need assistance hiring a chef for dinner or have any questions.
What is included when you hire a chef for the night?
Hire a chef for the night and transform any gathering into an unforgettable dining experience – without the usual stress of hosting. Whether you’re planning a gourmet farm-to-table feast in Linden Heights or a casual Midwestern barbecue in Beaverdale, your in-home chef will handle every detail so you can focus on enjoying the moment. From sourcing fresh ingredients at the Downtown Farmers’ Market to expertly preparing and plating each dish, your chef ensures a seamless experience. If your menu calls for specialty cookware, such as a hibachi grill or pasta maker, they’ll bring it along, making your event effortless and extraordinary.
What are the most popular cuisines with private chef experiences?
Every private chef experience is fully customized to reflect your tastes and budget, whether it’s an intimate dinner for two or a grand affair. While Italian, Asian, and classic surf and turf are always popular options, your personalized menu goes beyond traditional favorites. Once you hire an in-home chef for your dinner party, the world’s cuisines are at your fingertips. Whether you crave Southern barbecue with whiskey pairings like Bubba’s or a sophisticated spread of seared chops and seafood towers à la Oak Park, your personal chef will bring that same five-star quality and impeccable service straight to your home, creating a dining experience as unique and extraordinary as your event.
How do I hire a chef or rent a chef?
Hiring a private chef for a dinner party in Des Moines is as easy as picking up Iowa sweet corn at the local farmers' market. The Private Chef tab on Cozymeal showcases a variety of exciting culinary experiences near you. Simply choose your desired cuisine, select your date and time, and enter the guest count. Once your reservation is confirmed, your personal chef will reach out to customize the menu, address any dietary preferences, and discuss additional courses. If your preferred date is unavailable or you need help navigating the process, our friendly concierge team is always ready to assist you in hiring a chef for your special occasion.
How much should I tip my private chef?
When you rent a chef in Des Moines, the total cost of your culinary experience is clear from the start — there are no hidden fees. Much like dining out at a top restaurant, tipping is optional and at your discretion. However, if your private chef has exceeded expectations with exceptional service, stunning plating, and mouthwatering dishes, a tip of 10% to 25% of the total cost is a thoughtful way to express your appreciation. It’s a generous way to acknowledge the craftsmanship that went into creating your personalized meal, whether it’s the buttery beef carpaccio, red wine braised short ribs with potato rosti, or a decadent vanilla bean crème brûlée for dessert.
Where do the experiences take place?
Des Moines chefs bring their culinary expertise and passion to wherever you want your private dining experience to take place. As long as there’s a clean, fully equipped kitchen, chefs will cook at your home in charming Windsor Heights, a premium third-party venue near Ashby, or your vacation rental in Sherman Hill. Bespoke menus, expertly selected wines, and decadent desserts are prepared on the premises. From a laid-back family reunion with steak de burgo and Midwestern comfort food, a sophisticated French soirée with crème brûlée to celebrate an anniversary, or a lively birthday party with Japanese hibachi, your in-home chef will tailor every dish to match the vibe of your event.
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