COCO Miami, a new culinary and nightlife destination in the Miami Design District that seamlessly blends fine European cuisine, a thoughtfully curated interior and nightly entertainment, announced Jose Diaz as its executive chef. In this role, Chef Diaz will oversee all menu creation, kitchen operations and daily culinary preparation of the restaurant’s classic European menu featuring crudos, appetizers, pastas, meats, seafood, shareables and sides.
Born in Venezuela, Chef Diaz grew up cooking alongside his grandparents, always surrounded by food. In the summer of 2008, while visiting family in Milan during college, he discovered his passion for cooking. Extending his stay in Italy, Diaz ended up as a cook at a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, where he began his culinary journey working for highly-regarded restaurants.
Diaz has since worked in London, San Sebastián, New York and, now, Miami. In New York, Diaz led the outpost of popular London Restaurant, Bluebird, eventually moving to open another D&D London restaurant, Queensyard at Hudson Yard under the training of Bogdan Danila, the first Romanian Michelin-starred chef. In 2021, he moved to Miami, where he held the senior sous chef position at Le Jardinier, training under Seth Blumenthal and serving as an instrumental part of the team when Le Jardinier was awarded their first Michelin star.
“Miami is a growing culinary city,” says Chef Diaz. “I am most excited for guests to experience old-school, European service with a modern twist, showcased from the moment they make a reservation to the moment they receive their bill.” Diaz joined the COCO team in July 2022, infusing his decade of culinary knowledge into its menu creation. The restaurant’s goal is to be a two-for-one: a luxurious restaurant destination where guests can enjoy a delicious meal with sophisticated service and an incredible atmosphere.
One of COCO’s key features is the use of locally sourced ingredients, best showcased in dishes such as the Whipped Goat Cheese Salad, a light and elegant appetizer made with seasonal ingredients; Ora King Salmon, a selection of the world’s highest-quality salmon with ingredients from South Florida and New Zealand; and Burrata, with ingredients made by a local Italian family in Miami. Diaz says his favorite dishes to cook at COCO are the Whole Green Circle Chicken and the Australian Lamb, with the former reminding him of France and the latter of England. He also says first-time visitors must try the selection of crudos, which include seasonal oysters, the Kombu Yellowtail Carpaccio, Cured & Smoked Ora King Salmon and more.
Opening in December 2022, COCO is located in the heart of the Miami Design District at 4029 N. Miami Ave., Miami, FL 33127. It is open Wednesday through Saturday from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. (The kitchen closes at 11:30 p.m.)
