There's something about Wayzata that makes at-home entertaining feel special. Maybe it's the lake views, the beautifully maintained homes, or just the community's appreciation for quality experiences. Whatever it is, I've noticed that when Wayzata residents host events, they want something memorable—not just another dinner party.
That's where Love Hibachi comes in. I'm Rumla, and over the past few years, I've brought professional hibachi catering to hundreds of homes throughout the Twin Cities area. Wayzata has become one of my favorite places to work, and here's why: the combination of gorgeous outdoor spaces (especially those lake-facing patios) and hosts who genuinely value the entertainment aspect of dining creates the perfect environment for what we do.
When I tell people I'm a private hibachi chef serving Wayzata, they usually picture something between a personal chef and a catering service. It's actually neither—and both.
Unlike traditional catering where food arrives in chafing dishes, we bring the entire teppanyaki experience to your home. I'm talking about professional-grade hibachi grills, premium ingredients, expert knife skills, and that signature tableside entertainment you'd find at an upscale Japanese steakhouse. The difference? No crowded restaurant, no rushing through your meal, and no fighting for parking on a Saturday night in downtown Minneapolis.
A private hibachi chef means you get a dedicated culinary professional who transforms your space into an intimate teppanyaki theater. For Wayzata clients, this often happens on screened porches overlooking the lake, in spacious garages converted into party spaces, or on those beautiful stone patios that Minnesota homeowners use every chance they get during our short but glorious summer.
The experience includes everything: equipment setup, cooking performance, full meal service, and complete cleanup. You're not a host scrambling in the kitchen—you're a guest at your own party, which is exactly how it should be.
I've done enough events in Wayzata to recognize what makes this community different. There's an appreciation for quality without pretension, and a preference for experiences over things. That mindset aligns perfectly with what Love Hibachi offers .
Lake Minnetonka living comes with its own entertaining culture. Summer boat parties, dock gatherings, and the kind of relaxed luxury that doesn't need to show off. When you're hosting at your Wayzata home, whether it's a waterfront property or one of the beautiful residences in Ferndale or Bushaway, you want something impressive that doesn't feel forced.
Hibachi delivers on both counts. It's inherently entertaining—the knife work, the onion volcanos, the playful chef-guest interaction—but it's also approachable. Kids love it, adults appreciate the craftsmanship, and everyone enjoys not having to drive somewhere for dinner.
I've noticed that Wayzata clients often use our service for milestone celebrations that might otherwise mean a trip to a high-end restaurant in Minneapolis or St. Paul. Sweet sixteens, anniversary dinners, graduation parties, even intimate wedding receptions. The advantage of having your private chef come to you? No time limits, no noise restrictions, and your playlist on the speakers instead of generic restaurant background music.
One question I get from Wayzata clients: "Will this work in my space?" The answer is almost always yes, and here's why.
Minnesota homes, especially around Lake Minnetonka, tend to have excellent entertaining spaces. Three-season porches, oversized garages, sprawling decks, finished basements—I've worked in all of them. Our equipment is completely mobile and adapts to whatever space you have available.
For outdoor setups (popular May through September), we need about 10x10 feet of space and access to a standard electrical outlet. Those beautiful Wayzata patios with pergolas or covered areas are ideal because they give us weather backup while maintaining that outdoor ambiance. I've done events where guests are seated right at the edge of the property with lake views in the background—it's stunning.
Indoor setups work beautifully in garages (surprisingly popular and practical) or large kitchen/dining areas. Winter events in Wayzata are some of my favorites because Minnesotans know how to embrace the cold-weather months. When it's 15 degrees outside, there's something especially satisfying about gathering indoors for sizzling teppanyaki entertainment.
The key is that we handle everything. You don't need special equipment, prep space, or worry about ventilation. We bring our professional-grade griddles, propane, ingredients, serving ware, and all the tools needed for a complete hibachi show.
This matters because I want you to understand exactly what you're getting—no surprises, no hidden requirements.
Our full-service mobile hibachi includes:
A professional teppanyaki chef with extensive training (we're talking 15+ years of experience, not someone who watched YouTube videos). The skill difference is immediately apparent in knife work, timing, and the entertainment quality.
Complete equipment setup delivered to your Wayzata location. Professional hibachi grills, propane, all cooking tools, and serving pieces. We arrive early enough to set up properly—you won't have equipment sitting in your space all day.
Premium ingredients prepared fresh for your event. USDA Choice steak, fresh seafood, quality vegetables, and authentic sauces. No frozen proteins, no shortcuts. The food quality matches what you'd expect from upscale Japanese steakhouses in the Twin Cities.
The full teppanyaki show: knife skills, cooking tricks, audience interaction, and that signature hibachi entertainment style. This is performance cooking done by someone who genuinely enjoys engaging with guests.
Complete cleanup afterwards. We leave your space exactly as we found it—often cleaner. No dishes for you to wash, no grease to clean up, nothing.
The entire experience typically runs 90 minutes to two hours depending on group size and menu selections, but there's no rush. We adapt to your timeline and party flow.
After doing hundreds of events throughout the Twin Cities, I've seen which occasions work especially well for at-home hibachi:
Birthday celebrations dominate my calendar, especially milestone birthdays where families want something more memorable than dinner at a restaurant. The benefit in Wayzata? Grandparents, parents, and kids can all attend comfortably without coordinating transportation downtown.
Graduation parties have become huge for us. Minnesota high school graduations mean big celebrations, and families love that hibachi provides built-in entertainment that works for diverse age groups. Plus, in a community like Wayzata where many families are well-traveled, authentic teppanyaki resonates.
Small wedding receptions or rehearsal dinners for couples who want something intimate and unique. Lake Minnetonka has stunning private venues, and adding a hibachi chef creates an interactive dining experience that gets people talking and mixing—better than a standard sit-down dinner.
Corporate events and team gatherings for Minneapolis-area companies whose executives live in Wayzata. It's a refreshing alternative to the usual conference room lunch, and it works equally well for casual team bonding or client entertainment.
Holiday gatherings where families want to skip the cooking stress but maintain that special occasion feeling. I've done everything from Fourth of July lakeside parties to New Year's Eve celebrations where no one wants to drive afterwards.
The common thread? These are occasions where the host wants to actually enjoy the event rather than spend it in the kitchen or worrying about restaurant reservations, timing, and accommodating everyone's needs.
Love Hibachi covers the entire Lake Minnetonka area, which means Wayzata, Orono, Minnetonka Beach, Deephaven, Excelsior, and surrounding communities. We regularly serve throughout the western Twin Cities suburbs and have no problem reaching Wayzata homes—it's one of our core service areas.
Distance isn't typically an issue for Wayzata clients. We're equipped to handle events throughout the metro area, and our service includes travel. You're not paying excessive fees because you're located outside a small radius. Check our full service area to see everywhere we cover, but rest assured that Wayzata is well within our regular territory.
How much does a private hibachi chef cost in Wayzata?
Pricing depends on your group size and menu selections, but expect to invest similarly to what you'd spend at an upscale restaurant—with the added value of entertainment, convenience, and the intimacy of your own space. Most Wayzata events for 10-15 people run in a predictable range, and we provide clear quotes upfront. Contact us for specific pricing based on your needs.
How far in advance should I book?
Wayzata clients tend to plan ahead, especially for summer events when Lake Minnetonka social calendars fill up quickly. I recommend booking 4-6 weeks in advance for flexibility, though we can often accommodate shorter timelines if our schedule allows. Weekend evenings during peak season (May-September) book fastest.
Do you handle dietary restrictions?
Absolutely. Hibachi is naturally flexible—we customize each guest's meal. Vegetarian, gluten-free, seafood allergies, no problem. Just let us know when booking so we can prepare appropriately. This flexibility is one reason families with diverse dietary needs love this service.
What if weather doesn't cooperate for an outdoor event?
Minnesota weather keeps us on our toes. We always have a backup plan discussion during booking. Most Wayzata homes have excellent indoor alternative spaces, and we can easily shift setup if needed. Our equipment works just as well indoors, and honestly, some of my favorite events have been last-minute garage setups when rain rolled in off the lake.
I spent years working in traditional Japanese steakhouses before starting Love Hibachi, so I understand both experiences intimately. Here's why the private chef approach wins for Wayzata families:
Privacy and intimacy. Restaurant hibachi means sharing your table with strangers. At home, it's your group, your vibe, your celebration without interruption.
Timing control. No waiting for reservations, no rushed meals because the next seating is coming, no coordinating multiple cars for larger groups. You set the schedule.
Better views. Would you rather look at a restaurant wall or your Lake Minnetonka patio? The ambiance of your own space, especially in Wayzata's beautiful homes, beats any restaurant interior.
Actual relaxation. The host can enjoy the event. No designated driver needed, no herding people to cars, no worrying about who's had too much sake. Everyone's already home.
Customization. We adapt to your preferences in ways restaurants can't. Music selection, meal pacing, menu modifications, dietary accommodations—it's all tailored to your needs.
The food quality matches or exceeds what you'd get at premium Japanese steakhouses in Minneapolis, but you're getting it without the downtown parking hassle, restaurant noise, and schedule constraints.
Here's what I've learned after years of bringing hibachi to homes throughout the Twin Cities: the best parties happen when hosts can actually participate. When you're not coordinating reservations, managing logistics, or cleaning up afterwards, you're free to enjoy your own celebration. That's exactly what Love Hibachi provides.
For Wayzata residents who appreciate quality experiences and want their gatherings to be memorable without being stressful, private hibachi catering checks every box. It's impressive enough for special occasions, flexible enough for various spaces and group sizes, and entertaining enough that guests are still talking about it weeks later.
Ready to bring this experience to your Wayzata home? Booking is straightforward—reach out, we'll discuss your event details, and I'll handle everything else. Your only job is to enjoy the show.
