Executive Chef, La Mar; Miami, FL

Diego Oka is executive chef at La Mar. He was born and raised in Lima, Peru, one of the worlds’ most diverse and eclectic culinary destinations. Blending personal experiences and a background of Japanese descent into his cuisine, he draws on influences ranging from his grandmother’s cooking to the food he discovered while living in Mexico and Colombia. As executive chef of Mandarin Oriental, Miami’s new restaurant, La Mar by Gaston Acurio, Diego focuses on iconic Peruvian cuisine such as cebiche, in addition to a number of lesser-known plates that showcase the multi-culturalism and biodiversity of the country. He received his degree in culinary studies from the Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola in 2001. While attending courses, Diego accepted an internship at celebrity chef Gaston Acurio’s Astrid&Gaston restaurant, a world-class establishment located in Lima that is ranked on the San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. This opportunity blossomed into a long-term professional relationship with Acurio Restaurantes continuing to present day. Before joining La Mar in Miami, Diego served as executive chef at other La Mar locations, starting with the original Lima restaurant in 2005 and followed by Mexico, Colombia, and San Francisco. Now at the helm of Mandarin Oriental’s La Mar, Diego is dedicated to sharing the flavors and culture of Peru with Miami, serving authentic Peruvian dishes. (Miami, FL) @diegooka