Casa Ora

Casa Ora’s story is what NYC dreams are made of: Ivo Diaz, a hospitality industry veteran of over 18 years (The Nomad Hotel, Eleven Madison Park, One Hotel Brooklyn Bridge) opens his own restaurant. He bases the menu off childhood Venezulean dishes he loved and appoints his mother, Isbelis Diaz, as executive chef, and his partner, Rachel Diaz Pirard, as pastry chef. A portion of proceeds go to Venezulean families seeking asylum, and the restaurant remains a neighborhood stalwart. Last year, the space was also broken into and damaged with property destruction from three separate break-ins in a single month—a special Violence Relief fund is currently open for donations.

This neighborhood spot in Williamsburg serves up refined Venezuelan cuisine with a modern twist. Owner Ivo Diaz is Venezuelan born with over 15 years experience in the NYC hospitality industry and has curated cocktail programs at places such as Eleven Madison Park and The Nomad Hotel. Casa Ora’s menu is inspired by Diaz’s mother, who is also the restaurant’s executive chef while Diaz heads up the bar program. For Hispanic Heritage Month, the restaurant will offer a special Abuelita’s Tasting Menu at $65 per person until October 15 with six courses like heirloom tomato salad and beef brisket, and an additional option for a cocktail pairing.