Meet The Chef

Ivan Castro is the head Chef of La Bartola, recently awarded a Bib Gourmand in Toronto's Michelin Guide.

He has been passionate about plant-based cooking for several years. He completed the four years Chef Program at CESSA University in Mexico City. He has perfected his culinary skills while attending the highly respected Natural Gourmet Institute for diverse programs in New York City and in Plant Lab by Matthew Kenney. Ivan found his passion for cooking at an early age in his hometown of Mexico City. This is where he was inspired by his mother and grandmother, who taught him the art of homemade Mexican cooking.

Ivan strives to bring his passion for authentic Mexican flavours and international contemporary cuisine, his commitment to organic, zero-waste cooking & plant-based ingredients, and a creative new twist to his new projects.

"I believe there's magic in the kitchen. Cooking is an artistic process where alchemy and craft play an important role."

Chef Ivan opened in 2020 a Mexican Plant-based restaurant in Toronto. La Bartola has been awarded with the Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2022, being the only vegan restaurant in the guide with that recognition.

Taking vegan to the next level.

ivan@veganartisan.com