Casa Ora

The story

Casa Ora: Michelin-Recommended Venezuelan Cuisine in Brooklyn, NYC

Casa Ora

In East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Casa Ora brings Venezuelan cuisine to the table with both polish and heart. The restaurant is the work of mother-and-son team Isbelis and Ivo Diaz, who opened the doors in 2019 with a clear purpose: to share the vibrant soul of their homeland through refined, farm-to-table cooking. Since its first year, Casa Ora has earned a Michelin Guide recommendation every single year—a testament to the consistency and passion that defines every service.

The Team

Executive Chef Isbelis Diaz was born and raised in Venezuela. Her cooking is deeply personal, rooted in the flavors and memories of her upbringing. She describes her mission simply: “Venezuelans are happy, loving people. I want our guests to feel that vibrant culture when they eat our food. And more importantly—to feel at home.” Her son Ivo Diaz, co-founder and mixologist, trained at Eleven Madison Park and The NoMad Hotel. His cocktail program weaves Venezuelan stories into every drink, from a bourbon-and-papelón sour to a mezcal-and-passionfruit highball.

The Menu

The food is a celebration of Venezuelan tradition, elevated without losing its soul. Start with street-food classics like tequeños (fried cheese sticks with guasacaca) or cachapitas (corn pancakes with queso blanco). Entrées include Asado Negro—a 48-hour braised short rib for two—and Pabellón a Caballo, brisket with rice, black beans, sweet plantains, and eggs. Seafood appears as ceviche or the catch of the day with coconut salsa verde. On weekends, brunch brings dishes such as Rancheros (fried arepa with spicy tomato sauce and poached eggs) and frozen margaritas in mango or tamarind.

A Restaurant with Purpose

Casa Ora is more than a dining destination. A portion of every meal supports Venezuelan asylum families who have been forced to flee their homeland. The restaurant also offers catering and private events, with personalized menus and a warm, intimate setting. Whether you come for dinner or a weekend brunch, the experience feels both elevated and genuinely welcoming—a love letter to Venezuelan culture, family, and flavor.