Ben Diaz

Chef Ben Diaz, WACS Certified Master Chef, is a nationally recognized culinary innovator, consultant, and educator known for his bold California-driven cuisine and mastery of modern and traditional techniques. A Los Angeles native, Chef Ben leads the culinary programs at CBDcuisine and oversees menu development and operational strategy as the Director of Culinary Innovation for CBD Cuisine Consulting Services.

Formally trained at Le Cordon Bleu and apprenticed under Master Chef Rene VanBroekhuisen, Chef Ben has held prominent leadership roles at top Southern California properties, including Luxe City Center, JW Marriott Santa Monica, the Omni Hotel San Diego, and Areal Restaurant. His influence extends internationally through consulting partnerships with notable hospitality brands such as Toca Madera (West Hollywood), Zimbali Retreats (Jamaica), and Farahat Co. (Dubai). He is also the author of From a Cook to a Professional Chef, a culinary development resource for aspiring professionals.

Chef Ben’s credentials include WACS Certified Master Chef, Master Certified Food Executive, and Certified Food & Beverage Executive. He serves on the board of the Chefs de Cuisine Association of California and is a distinguished member of both Les Amis d’Escoffier and the World Master Chefs Society. He additionally represents global industry leaders—including Cambro, Kikkoman, Arc Cardinal, and Lumina Farms—as an official brand ambassador.

His work has been featured on Food Network’s Chef Wanted and Cutthroat Kitchen, as well as The Cooking Channel’s Farmers Market Flip, where he was named champion. His awards include:

• World Food Championship Winner (2020)
• Western Regional Golden Toque Winner (2019)
• ACF Los Angeles Chef of the Year (2018) & Professional Chef of the Year (2023)
• Best Latin Chef, Latin Food Fest (2018)
• Locals’ Choice Award: Best Chef in Temecula (2024)

With more than a dozen international gold medals and over two decades of leadership, Chef Ben Diaz continues to be regarded as one of the region’s most accomplished and influential culinary professionals.