Carmen

The story

Carmen in Binéfar: Seasonal Market Cuisine from Chef Iván Vilanova, Bib Gourmand

Restaurante Carmen: Tradition and Innovation in Binéfar

In the heart of Binéfar, Restaurante Carmen is the realisation of chef Iván Vilanova’s lifelong passion for cooking. Opened more than a decade ago in nearby Tamarite de Litera before moving to its current home in the La Lonja building, the restaurant has become a destination for those who value cooking that is both rooted in tradition and open to new ideas.

Iván Vilanova’s career is marked by a restless pursuit of excellence. After training at the Escuela de Hostelería San Lorenzo in Huesca, he honed his skills at La Venta del Sotón alongside Lorenzo Acín, and later in San Sebastián at Urola. A pivotal moment came when he joined Carmelo Bosque’s La Granada in Zaragoza, where the restaurant was named “Revelation Restaurant” at Madrid Fusión in his first year. He went on to win the First National Tapas and Pintxos Competition in Valladolid in 2005, and worked at Akelarre with Pedro Subijana and at Las Rejas with Manuel de la Osa before opening his own place.

The cooking at Carmen is best described as market-driven and seasonal. The menu changes every four months, always favouring local, proximate ingredients. In the suggestions section, the kitchen plays with the freshest products of the region – truffles, mushrooms, saffron, cheeses – depending on the season. The result is a style that moves comfortably from a classic tripe stew to an inventive “airbag” of sweetbreads. For those who want the full picture, the tasting menu offers an aperitif and seven courses that showcase both new techniques and seasonal produce.

The restaurant also serves a daily menu from Tuesday to Friday, with three starters, three main courses and three desserts, all made with the same care for healthy, seasonal cooking. A special “entrecotte” menu pays homage to the livestock market in which the restaurant is located.

This commitment to quality and value has been recognised with a Michelin Bib Gourmand award, a testament to the consistent, good-value cooking that defines Carmen. Whether for a weekday lunch or a special celebration, the restaurant’s warm, unpretentious atmosphere and focused cooking make it a genuine expression of the best of Aragonese gastronomy.