Joan Carles Ibañez is a high-profile sommelier and maître d' at the renowned restaurant Lasarte in Barcelona, Spain. With a career spanning over three decades, he has helped Lasarte to achieve and to maintain its three Michelin stars. His work is recognized for excellence in service and the ability to create unforgettable dining experiences.
The Biography
Joan Carles Ibañez was born in '66 in Barcelona, Spain. He began his career in the restaurant industry at the French restaurant La Ciboulette in Barcelona, where he developed a deep knowledge of wines and service techniques. He then spent twenty years at the celebrated Racó de Can Fabes by Santi Santamaría, the first restaurant in Catalonia to achieve three Michelin stars.
In 2011, Ibañez joined the team at Lasarte under the guidance of the renowned chef Martín Berasategui. Thanks to his contribution, Lasarte obtained its third Michelin star in 2017, becoming the first restaurant in Barcelona to receive this prestigious recognition. The restaurant is known for its refined cuisine, led by chef Paolo Casagrande, and for an impeccable service that turns every visit into an extraordinary experience.
Joan Carles Ibañez has received numerous awards throughout his career, including the National Gastronomy Award for dining room management and sommelier in 1996 and the National Gastronomy Award Cap de Sala from the Catalan Academy of Gastronomy and Nutrition in 2018. More recently, in 2024, he was honored with the Service Award by the Michelin Guide for his exceptional contribution to dining room service.
In addition to his work at Lasarte, Ibañez participates in numerous gastronomic events and competitions, sharing his extensive knowledge of wines and service with professionals and enthusiasts. He is known for his ability to select wines that perfectly complement the restaurant's dishes, creating harmonious and surprising pairings.
