Anna Santiago Catering is rooted in a simple idea: that food is one of the most powerful ways to make people feel seen, cared for and connected. For Founder and Executive Chef Anna Santiago, this endeavor is about much more than a menu.
“Anna Santiago Catering is a Southern California–based catering company focused on thoughtfully crafted food experiences for weddings, private events, corporate gatherings and intimate celebrations,” she explains. “At its core, Anna Santiago Catering is about hospitality—bringing people together through food that feels intentional, welcoming and memorable.” That emphasis on feeling—how guests experience a moment, how hosts feel supported—drives every decision behind the scenes.
Her culinary vision blends elevated, seasonal cuisine with global inspiration so that dishes feel refined yet approachable. Anna describes how every menu is designed to reflect both place and personality, weaving in the best of the season with flavors from around the world.
“The food reflects global flavors and careful technique without feeling overcomplicated or trend-driven,” she notes, pointing to a philosophy that values substance over spectacle and invites clients into a creative partnership.
“What sets Anna Santiago Catering apart is the balance between elevated presentation and genuine warmth,” Anna says. “Every menu is customized, never templated and thoughtfully built around the client's vision, dietary needs and the experience they want their guests to have.” That means no preset packages or one-size-fits-all offerings. Instead, Anna and her team listen closely: What does this couple want their guests to remember? How should the food reflect a family story, a shared trip or a cultural tradition?
That level of intention shows up most clearly in how the company handles dietary needs.
“Anna Santiago Catering offers a deeply personal, chef-driven approach that combines creativity with flexibility and care,” Anna explains. “From celiac-safe grazing boxes to globally inspired wedding menus, the company is known for accommodating dietary needs without compromising flavor or presentation.” Trust and communication are central. “Clients receive a collaborative experience that prioritizes trust, communication and thoughtful execution rather than a one-size-fits-all package.”
Some offerings have become instant favorites.
“Some of the most popular offerings include curated grazing tables and boxes, elevated appetizer service for receptions and cocktail-style events, wedding catering, private chef dinners and corporate gatherings,” Anna shares. The elevated appetizer service, in particular, is a standout for clients who want movement and mingling rather than a traditional seated dinner. “The elevated appetizer service is especially popular for clients who want an interactive, refined experience that encourages movement, conversation and variety while maintaining a polished presentation.”
Behind the polished food and seamless service is a deeply personal story.
“Anna Santiago Catering grew from a lifelong connection to food as a way of expressing care and bringing people together,” Anna reflects. “For me, cooking has always been rooted in family, culture and community—where meals were less about perfection and more about connection.” Over time, that personal foundation evolved into a professional calling. “That philosophy continues to guide the company today, shaping menus and events that feel intentional, warm and genuinely meaningful.”
Ultimately, Anna sees her work as an extension of how she shows up for people in her life.
“The ultimate goal of Anna Santiago Catering is to create food experiences that make people feel seen, cared for and connected,” she says. “Beyond serving great food, the company aims to set a standard for thoughtful hospitality—where inclusivity, quality and intention are never compromised. The hope is that every event leaves guests feeling welcomed and hosts feeling supported and confident in what they shared.”
For more information, call 805.395.4021.