Hello we are California Dining we specialize in bringing exceptional fine dining experiences to the comfort of your home. We upstarted May of 2020 and we are passionate bringing you a Personal fine dining experience. We shop for you prep and cook for you and even clean up afterwards so you don't have to. We do Family style dinners and Tailored Plated dinners your choice. Our amazing service and great quality will leave you 100% Satisfied.
Overview
Hired 40 times
Background checked
2 employees
6 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Venmo, and Zelle.
I had the pleasure of booking Chef Tony with Cali Dining for a private 3-course plated dinner, and the entire experience was nothing short of exceptional. From the very beginning, communication was clear, professional, and prompt. He took the time to understand our preferences, dietary needs, and vision for the evening, which really made us feel confident and excited about the event.
The execution was flawless. Each course was beautifully plated, presented and absolutely delicious — you could tell there was a high level of care and attention to detail in every dish. The pacing of the meal was perfect, and the kitchen was left spotless afterward, which we really appreciated.
This was a memorable evening for all the right reasons, thanks to Chef Tony’s talent and professionalism. He truly went above and beyond in his services. I would 100% book again and have already recommended him to friends and family. A top-tier private dining experience!
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • Standard (basic ingredients) • Mexican / Latin American • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Karla F.
Aug 24, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Chef Tony from California Dining was so easy and amazing to work with! My husband and I hired him for my mother-in-law’s 60th birthday and we are so happy we did. Chef Tony responded to us right away and was very helpful in planning a very delicious Peruvian dinner for 9 people. This was the first time my family and I hired a private Chef so we were a little worried about how this would work, but Chef Tony was very patient with us and was there to answer all of our questions. He even put together a last minute cake for my mother-in-law. More importantly, the food was DELICIOUS! Each course had so much flavor and was plated beautifully. My favorite was the dessert called Alfajor. You can tell Chef Tony has an enormous passion for cooking. He was wonderful to work with from start to finish. My mother-in-law was elated with her private dinner. We will definitely be hiring Chef Tony again for more private dinner parties.
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 11 - 20 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • American - formal • American - casual • Mexican / Latin American • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Jackie A.
Feb 25, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
I hired Chef Tony for a dinner reunion with friends, and he did a phenomenal job! He was professional, organized and very kid. More importantly, his food was absolutely delicious. Thanks to his hard work and culinary talents, my dinner party was a hit!
Details: Brunch / dinner party • 11 - 20 guests • Dinner • I'm flexible • Dessert • Mexican / Latin American • American - casual • American - formal • Asian • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Stacy b.
Apr 8, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
Chef Tony Cardenas of California Dining created one of the most exceptional journeys of food and wine pairings we've ever experienced. My girlfriends wanted a unique menu with Peruvian and Spanish flair and he not only delivered, but he captivated our senses with incredible imagination and thoughtfulness. The tasting profiles he put together were heavenly. His sauces are off the chart, and his dishes are true culinary art. Our menu: 1.) Ahi Tuna w/ avocado, sesame seeds, ponzu topped w/soy cured egg yolk. 2.) Yellowtail Sashimi Anti-Cucho w/ crispy prosciutto bites. 3.) Fennel Orange Salad. 4.) Seared shrimp and asparagus. 5.) Berries and Cream with the most divine homemade cream ever!!!
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • I'm flexible • Dessert • Italian • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Lambros L.
Jul 13, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
Thank you for a wonderful 7 course experience for our wedding anniversary. The quality of the ingredients was excellent and the entire meal was full of interesting fusion twists which my wife, daughter and I truly enjoyed. Definitely recommend and look forward to arranging another private dining experience soon.
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 3 - 5 guests • Cocktail hour / hors d'oeuvres • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • Asian • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • French • Italian • Mexican / Latin American • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Credentials
Background Check
Antonio Cardenas
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My pricing is determined by my two service styles.
Family style dinner or Tailored plated style.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Getting them on a phone appointment so we can determine what style of serviced best fits their needs.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts.
7 years in the restaurant industry 5 years as a head chef.
