If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
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 69 times
Serves Okatie, SC
Background checked
4 employees
10 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.
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Great 4.8
78 reviews
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92%
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Read reviews that mention:
Shannayl D.
Jul 25, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Antonio and his team were the absolute best!!! They showed up exactly on time and made this surprise dinner for my husbands 50th birthday an absolute success. I would not only recommend him I will use him again when back in town. Our group has a very experienced palate and have been to some of the best restaurants in the world and Antonio’s food was spectacular! Thank you Antonio!
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • American - formal • Italian • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • French • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Alexa S.
May 7, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Chef Antonio was absolutely phenomenal!!! Truly the highlight of our trip! We hired him for my sister's bachelorette dinner, and he exceeded every expectation. From the start, he was incredibly helpful and flexible in creating a custom menu that suited everyone’s preferences. I requested Carolina-style cuisine, and he provided a wide range of thoughtful options to choose from.
Once the menu was finalized, Chef Antonio scheduled a follow-up call closer to the date to ensure everything looked perfect and confirm any changes we wanted to make. His organization and prompt communication over text and email made the planning process smooth and stress-free.
The timing of each course during the dinner was impeccable. He took the time to explain each dish and engage with all of our guests, bringing such a warm and easygoing energy that turned the dinner into a truly memorable experience. It’s also worth noting that he drove nearly two hours to Charleston for our event, which we greatly appreciated!
Our menu featured a shrimp and grits appetizer, tomato burrata salad, snapper with rice and okra, a tomato crab side dish, and a blueberry panna cotta for dessert. Every dish was spectacular. One of our guests had a seafood allergy, and Chef Antonio thoughtfully prepared an alternative appetizer and entrée just for her—which she loved. He and the server were attentive throughout the evening, always ensuring our wine and water glasses were full and our needs met. (The kitchen was also left spotless afterwards!). Couldn't have asked for better food, service, and overall experience.
1000/10 highly recommend!
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
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
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
Noah B.
Jan 26, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Was an amazing meal for my brother’s Bachelor party. Everything he was hoping for and more! The food that was cooked was amazing and tailored perfectly to the group.
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 11 - 20 guests • Dessert • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • American - casual • American - formal • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • 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
