AMA Private Dining

$70/person

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Introduction

Hello! I'm Antonio Mancini Albano, Chef & Owner of AMA Private Dining. For the past eight years, I've been proudly serving dinner parties and catering events for my esteemed clients in the greater Bluffton, Savannah, and Hilton Head Island area. My background includes French classical training at the Culinary Institute of America, apprenticeships in Southern Italy's finest kitchens, and years of professional experience cooking in Michelin-starred NYC restaurants. I currently offer: 👨‍🍳 Private Dinner Parties 🍽 Event Catering 🔪 Cooking Classes 🥗 Custom Meal Plans My approach to cooking? Source the highest quality seasonal ingredients and apply proper culinary technique to develop thoughtful, delicious flavor combinations. My edge? A friendly demeanor and a knack for delivering personally tailored, standout dining experiences. If you seek culinary precision, warmth, creativity, and quality, let's chat. Your next event deserves the best.

Overview

Hired 60 times

Serves Okatie, SC

Background checked

4 employees

9 years in business

Business hours

Sun12:00 am - 11:59 pmMon12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, Stripe, Venmo, and Zelle.

Social media

Instagram

Projects and media

198 photos

Projects and media

198 photos

Specialties

Cuisine types

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Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.

Excellent 4.9

48 reviews

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Read reviews that mention:

Max S.

Jan 2, 2025

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Hired on Thumbtack

Review for Chef Antonio – A Memorable Christmas Feast! I recently hired Chef Antonio as a surprise Christmas gift for my parents, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable dining experiences we’ve ever had. From the moment Chef Antonio arrived, it was clear that he wasn’t just cooking a meal—he was crafting an entire dining experience. One of the most impressive aspects of working with Antonio was his meticulous attention to detail and his prompt, clear communication throughout the process. He was always quick to respond to any questions or adjustments, ensuring that every detail was in place. Antonio took the time to carefully discuss our preferences, dietary restrictions, and even the kind of atmosphere we wanted to create for the evening. He thoughtfully customized the menu to reflect not only our tastes but also the spirit of the holiday, incorporating seasonal ingredients and flavors that were both comforting and perfectly tailored to our family’s palate. The presentation of each dish was a work of art. Every plate looked as if it had been designed for a gourmet magazine—beautifully arranged with fresh local herbs, vibrant garnishes, and subtle touches that made each dish feel special. What really struck me was how every element of the meal was perfectly aligned with our family's preferences, from the rich, comforting flavors to the subtle balance of textures in each dish. You could tell that a lot of thought went into not just the taste, but the overall sensory experience. As the evening unfolded, Antonio was incredibly attentive, ensuring that everyone was enjoying their meal while also staying engaged with us in a warm, approachable way. He took the time to explain the inspiration behind each course, and the carefully chosen wine pairings perfectly enhanced every bite. It felt as though we were dining with a close friend who just happened to be an exceptional chef. What really stood out, though, was the way Antonio anticipated our needs without us having to ask. Whether it was ensuring that our glasses were never empty or adapting to last-minute requests for a small adjustment to a dish, his professionalism and attentiveness was unparalleled. He seamlessly navigated our kitchen with finesse, leaving it spotless after the meal, and was considerate of our space, making the entire experience feel effortless on our part. The entire evening was a celebration of not just great food, but of true craftsmanship. My parents were completely blown away by the level of care and detail Chef Antonio put into every aspect of the meal. It truly felt like a personal gift that showed thoughtfulness throughout the entire evening. If you’re looking for an extraordinary culinary experience that goes above and beyond, I wholeheartedly recommend Chef Antonio. His dedication to delivering an impeccable, custom experience is unmatched, and it’s clear he takes pride in every detail—from the start of planning to the last bite. Thank you, Chef Antonio, for turning our Christmas dinner into a treasured memory!

Details: Holiday meal (Mother's day, Valentine's day, etc.) • 6 - 10 guests • Cocktail hour / hors d'oeuvres • Dinner • Dessert • I'm flexible • Italian • American - formal • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef

Jacque V.

1 month ago

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Hired on Thumbtack

Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 11 - 20 guests • Lunch • Cocktail hour / hors d'oeuvres • Premium (high end ingredients) • Cold beverages (alcoholic) • American - casual • Italian • Southern • Dairy intolerant • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef

Dan O.

May 25, 2025

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Hired on Thumbtack

Chef Antonio was exceptional. I had never hired a private chef, and Antonio was professional and proactive. We arranged a delicious meal even though we had some dietary restrictions. The family truly enjoyed the experience and Antonio is a terrific chef.

Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • American - casual • Southern • Gluten free or celiac • Dairy intolerant • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef

Alexa S.

May 7, 2025

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Hired on Thumbtack

Details: Brunch / dinner party • 11 - 20 guests • Dinner • I'm flexible • Dessert • American - formal • Italian • Southern • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Asian • French • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef

Abby T.

Dec 21, 2024

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Hired on Thumbtack

Chef Antonio was amazing! Despite my booking being so last minute and us having strict time constraints, he was able to accomodate and serve up an amazing meal! Everything was so delicious from the chicken & waffles and crab omelet to the pecan pie bread pudding. He was also incredibly kind, easy to work with, and punctual. Absolutely would hire him again for any event! :)

Details: Brunch / dinner party • 6 - 10 guests • Breakfast / brunch • Premium (high end ingredients) • Cold beverages (alcoholic) • American - formal • American - casual • Italian • Southern • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Asian • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef

Credentials

Background Check

Antonio Albano

FAQs

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
When collaborating with a new client, my process is designed to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience from start to finish. Once you share your desired style of cuisine, I will swiftly provide you with a customized menu proposal that perfectly aligns with your preferences. On the day of your event, I will take care of every aspect, starting with arriving approximately 3 hours before your designated dining time. From shopping for the freshest ingredients from local farms to meticulously planning, prepping, cooking, serving, and even cleaning up, I handle it all. To secure your reservation, I kindly request a 50% deposit upfront, allowing you to reserve your desired date and ensure my availability for your event. The remaining balance can be settled conveniently on the day of the event.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Culinary Institute of America '16 NYU Master of Arts in Food Studies & Nutrition '22 Alumni of Multiple Michelin-Starred Restaurants