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BEST RATED DES MOINES, IA CATERERS

3 Best Caterers in Des Moines, IA

Expert-recommended Top 3 Caterers in Des Moines, Iowa. All of our caterers actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

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4+ YEARS IN TBR
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SUNFLOWER CHEF CATERING

(4.9 Score)
6151 Thornton Avenue, Suite 100A,
Des Moines, IA 50321 Directions

Since 2014

Specialities:

✓Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail Shooters ✓Charcuterie Skewers ✓Tortellini Skewers ✓Caprese Skewers ✓BLT Deviled Eggs ✓Pecan Goat Cheese Truffles ✓Bleu Cheese Pears ✓Cranberry Brie Bites ✓Veggie Shooters ✓Fresh Fruit Kebab ✓Pot Roast Sliders ✓BBQ Chicken or Pork Sliders ✓Meatballs ✓Meatloaf Bites ✓Buffalo Wonton Chicken Bites ✓Wonton Taco Bites ✓Wonton Pizza Bites ✓Fiesta Stuffed Peppers ✓Bacon Wrapped Chorizo Dates ✓Bacon Jalapeño Popper Dip ✓Fire Roasted Corn and Chorizo Dip ✓Bacon Jalapeño Poppers ✓OCCASIONS: Birthdays ✓Anniversaries ✓Engagements ✓Corporate Events ✓Holidays ✓Christmas Parties

"Sunflower Chef Catering offers scratch-made menus and unique decorations, including their signature sunflower vase, tailored to each event. Julie Heathcote is the owner and chef of the catering company. She has over 15 years of experience in the field and is a graduate of the Iowa Culinary Institute. Sunflower Chef Catering specializes in providing a unique and delicious experience for your event by personally cooking and preparing customizable menu items. They stand out from the competition by creating made-from-scratch menu items, incorporating unique decorations, and including the appropriate use of colors and their unique sunflower vase detail. Customers have the experience of stress-free planning with their exceptional, friendly service handling all their catering needs.

2026 Highlights: Sunflower Chef Catering also offers cooking classes and personal chef services. They offer a free quote."

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License #499315

Price:

HORS D’OEUVRES
Veggie Shooters $90
Cranberry Brie Bites $60
Pecan Goat Cheese Truffles $70
Fresh Fruit Kebab $105
Tortellini Skewers $80
Bleu Cheese Pears $75
BLT Deviled Eggs $75
Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail Shooters $120
Caprese Skewers $70
Charcuterie Skewers $120
HOT APPETIZERS
Meatballs $125
Meatloaf Bites $70
Fiesta Stuffed Peppers $70
Bacon Wrapped Chorizo Dates $70
Bacon Jalapeño Popper Dip $100
Fire Roasted Corn & Chorizo Dip $100
Pot Roast Sliders $105
BBQ Chicken or Pork Sliders $105
Buffalo Wonton Chicken Bites $70
Wonton Taco Bites $70
Wonton Pizza Bites $70
Bacon Jalapeño Poppers $40
TRAYS & PLATTERS
Fresh Veggie Trays (20 Servings) $90
Fresh Veggie Trays (40 Servings) $170
Fruit & Cheese Tray (20 Servings) $95
Fruit & Cheese Tray (40 Servings) $180

Contact:

(515) 975-4707

Mon-Fri: 8am - 9pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

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CYD'S CATERING

(4.9 Score)
5405 Northwest 78th Court, Johnston,
Des Moines, IA 50131 Directions

Since 1994

Specialities:

✓Artichoke-Stuffed Portobellos ✓Bourbon Sriracha Meatballs ✓Caprese Skewers ✓Charcuterie Board (Cured Meat Only) ✓Cheese and Charcuterie ✓Crudité Boats ✓Crudité Tray (Vegetable Tray) ✓Cyd's Crab Cakes ✓Cyd's Crispy Kale Chips ✓Cyd's Salsa Bar ✓Cyd's Supreme Sliders ✓Deviled Eggs ✓Dipping Chips ✓Fresh Fruit Kabobs ✓Garden Pasta Salad ✓Garlic Marinara Meatballs with Italian Beef ✓Gouda Cucumber Bites ✓Gourmet Cheese Board (Cheese Only) ✓Guacamole ✓Mini Beef Wellington ✓Mini Garden Veggie Wraps ✓Pork Potsticker ✓Pretzel Balls ✓Queso Blanco ✓Roasted Bone-In Chicken Wings ✓OCCASIONS: Business Lunches ✓Grand Cocktail Gatherings ✓Weddings

“2026 Highlights: Cyd's Catering is owned by Chef Cyd Koehn, and her award-winning catering business is a reflection of her personal belief that "whenever people gather around a table, the food should be joyful, nourishing, and eventful." She is committed to maintaining simplicity for clients and guests through a hassle-free, aesthetic approach. Chef Cyd Koehn is gifted at creating intimate private gatherings with gourmet local flavors, specializing in Spanish Tapas. The company is located 13.5 miles away from Des Moines. Cyd's Catering is a licensed and certified catering service. The final guest count, menu adjustments, and final payment are due 10 days before the catering date.”

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Best Caterer by Des Moines Business Record in 2017, 2019-2021, 2023 & 2025
40 Women to Watch Award by the Iowa Restaurant Association in 2020
Best Local Caterer by City View's Annual Readers in 2021-2025
License #336296

Price:

A LA CARTE
Alaskan Shrimp Tray $55
Almond Butter Dates $24
BBQ Pork Ribs $30
Berry Jam $6
Boneless Chicken Wings $56
Braised Chickpea With Swiss Chard $20
Breakfast Sausage Starts From $33
Buttered Corn $28
Caprese Skewers $38
Caesar Salad Family Style $40
Cheese And Charcuterie Starts From $70
Cheese And Charcuterie Box For One $20
Cheesy Party Potatoes $35
Cherrywood Smoked Ham $65
BREAKFAST & BRUNCH ITEMS
Breakfast Sausage Starts From $33
Cinnamon Rolls Starts From $5
Cowboy Egg Bake $48
Cyd's Energy Bites $16
Egg & Cheese Breakfast Croissant $14
French Toast Bake $55
Hickory Smoked Bacon Starts From $55
Waffle & Pancake Bar $130
BUSINESS GATHERING BREAKFASTS
Breakfast Burrito Meal In A Bag Starts From $26
Continental Bagged Breakfast $18
Continental Breakfast Buffet $120

Contact:

(515) 208-2091 (515) 274-0410

Mon-Fri: 6am - 9pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

The Tangerine Food Company - Des Moines, IA Caterers - Dish Image
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7+ YEARS IN TBR
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THE TANGERINE FOOD COMPANY

(4.8 Score)
900 Keosauqua Way, Suite 131,
Des Moines, IA 50309 Directions

Since 2007

Specialities:

✓Bacon Wrapped Lil Smokie ✓Beef Brisket Croquette with Paprika Aioli ✓Crab Cakes with Lemon Aioli ✓Potato Wonton with Bacon Jam ✓Southwestern Eggrolls with Chipotle Crema ✓Pork Belly Bite with Kimchi ✓Smoked Shrimp Skewer with Chipotle Romesco ✓Orange Chili Glazed Shrimp ✓Butternut Squash and Cheddar Empanadas ✓Potato and Pea Samosas with Cilantro Chutney ✓Sweet and Sour Beef Meatballs ✓OCCASIONS: Receptions ✓Holiday Party ✓Weddings ✓Grand Openings ✓Engagement Proposals ✓Anniversaries ✓Award Ceremonies ✓Graduations ✓Corporate and Special Events ✓Bridal Showers ✓Newborn Baby Functions ✓Product Launch ✓Rehearsal Dinners

"The Tangerine Food Company offers catering services that extend to exquisite cuisine, including china, rentals, and full bar services, ensuring that every aspect of your event is covered. Susan Madorsky is the Owner and CEO of the catering company. The company is committed to making your event unique and unforgettable by preparing the cuisine using fresh and locally sourced ingredients with fantastic taste. The team shares a passion for well-prepared fresh food displayed in an elegant presentation. The Tangerine Food Company's food is guaranteed to be freshly prepared and sourced from farmers' markets and community producers. They offer a variety of options to keep your attendees engaged and satisfied. They also host birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, showers, and family reunions, their social catering services will ensure your event is a resounding success.

2026 Highlights: The Tangerine Food Company is located in the Mainframe Studios. Their service options include plated meals, buffet service, food stations, cocktail, delivery and setup, and drop-off. They provide discounts for large-scale events and weddings. Their team of skilled chefs, dessert makers, and event planners will work closely with you to curate a menu that reflects your personal style and preferences."

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License #349502

Price:

STANDARD GRAZING TABLE W/O ADD-ONS
For 100+ $8
For 50+ $10
For 25+ $12
ENTREE
Chicken Parmesan Starts From $3
Pork Schnitzel Starts From $3
Molasses Glazed Pork Tenderloin Starts From $2
Salmon With Fresh Herb Sauce Starts From $4
Smoked Salmon Or Ginger Soy Glaze Starts From $8
Creole Shrimp Starts From $8
Braised Beef In Red Wine And Herbs Starts From $4
Braised Brisket Starts From $8
Herb Rubbed Beef Tenderloin Starts From $12
Vegetable Paella Starts From $2
SIDES
Grilled Asparagus Starts From $2
Roasted Asparagus Starts From $3
Caponata Starts From $2
Cauliflower Gratin Starts From $2
LUNCH
Menu #1 Per Person $18
Menu #2 Per Person $24
Menu #3 Per Person $24
Menu #4 Per Person $18
Menu #5 Per Person $18
Menu #6 Per Person $18
Menu #7 Per Person $18

Contact:

(515) 720-7510 (515) 988-4366

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TBR® Inspection Report:

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SUNFLOWER CHEF CATERING REVIEWS

Julie and the Sunflower team knocked it out of the park for our multi-day/meal we had catered for the 2025 MVC Swim and Dive Championships. All of the meals tasted amazing and we loved the variation of the meals we received. Many of our coaches and staff members said this was the best catered meal they had ever had. I highly recommend Julie and Sunflower Chef Team for any kind of event or need. Julie is very detailed and attentive leading up to the event and ensured all of our needs were met. We will definitely be using her services again.

We had a fantastic experience working with Sunflower Catering. Julie and her team were professional, communicative, and easy to work with. The food was delicious and reasonably priced. The entire process was seamless from start to finish! Thank you.

I recently hired Sunflower Chef for my son's graduation party. Everything was amazing, fresh and loved by all our guests. It was displayed quickly and beautifully as well...every detail was considered. I'll definitely be hiring them again.

These reviews are provided for information purposes and to help you make informed decisions.

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CYD'S CATERING REVIEWS

Where to begin- From first phone call ( with Alex)inquiring about service- to 2nd phone call (with Alex) ordering food- she made it so easy & was so helpful with menu! Made my event planning a lot less stressful!! Then Eric came the day of the party & set up a beautiful presentation ! Food was delicious & definetly did not have to worry about not having enough!!! I received compliments from everyone!! Will definetly be using on repeat.

Cyd catered my family Christmas! She provided an incredible spread of appetizers and dips. Everything was plated beautifully and there was more than enough food for my crowd! All of the food was delicious. We will definitely be hiring Cyd's Catering for future events.

We hired Cyd’s catering to cater a 70th birthday party for approximately 40 people. The delivery and set up by Chef Cyd herself was wonderful and the food was outstanding! I highly recommend and will use her again in the future.

THE TANGERINE FOOD COMPANY REVIEWS

We loved working with Tangerine for our wedding! We chose a taco bar and it was a hit with all of our guests. One of the reasons we went with Tangerine was because of their variety of vegetarian options — I myself am vegetarian, and a lot of our guests were too, so this was super important to us! On the day of the wedding, Tangerine staff were so kind and helpful and brought us plates of food to make sure we ate. We are so pleased with our experience and will definitely recommend Tangerine to others in the future.

Tangerine Food Co provided the catering for the celebration of life event for my mom we held at the Thoreau Center. Everything was great! From the menu planning to the on-site staff and the food. Many people commented on how good the food was. Very much appreciate the quality of the food and experience working with Tangerine. It helped make the event special and memorable. Thank you.

Susan and her team are unreal! They were able to accommodate a very last minute request for December 24th. Without question, some of the greatest Private catering we've ever had. Every dish perfect! Very responsive and friendly at all times. Will use Tangerine again and again.

TBR® Inspection Score Report

SUNFLOWER CHEF CATERING Total Inspection Points: 118/120
Acknowledgments: 9
Experience: 9
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Online Order: 10
Pricing: 10
Responsiveness: 10
Reviews Accuracy of : 10
Video: 10
Extensive Menu: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

CYD'S CATERING Total Inspection Points: 117/120
Acknowledgments: 8
Business Hours: 9
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Online Order: 10
Pricing: 10
Responsiveness: 10
Reviews Accuracy of : 10
Video: 10
Extensive Menu: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

THE TANGERINE FOOD COMPANY Total Inspection Points: 115/120
Acknowledgments: 8
Social Media: 8
Experience: 9
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Online Order: 10
Pricing: 10
Reviews Accuracy of : 10
Video: 10
Extensive Menu: 10