Bio
Joe Bastianich is an American restaurateur and vineyard owner best known as a judge on the competitive cooking reality shows MasterChef and MasterChef Italy.
Bastianich - along with partners Mario Batali and Lidia Bastianich - has established some of America's most celebrated restaurants in New York, including the legendary Babbo Ristorante e Enoteca, Lupa Osteria Romana, Esca, Casa Mono, Bar Jamón, Otto Enoteca Pizzeria and the much-storied Del Posto.
Expanding their horizons beyond Manhattan, Bastianich and Batali opened B&B Ristorante and Carnevino in Las Vegas and Pizzeria Mozza and Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles. The beginning of 2011 marked their first overseas venture with the opening of Osteria and Pizzeria Mozza in Singapore.
In summer 2010, Bastianich again partnered with his mother and Batali, as well as Italian retail pioneer Oscar Farinetti, to bring Eataly, the largest artisanal food and wine market in the world, to New York.
At its essence, Eataly embodies the philosophy and commitment of artisanal products that represent the finest quality, sustainability, affordability and responsibility.
Considered to be a foremost authority on Italian wine, Bastianich operates three wineries in Italy and one in Argentina. In addition, he has authored several books on the subject, including the award winning "Vino Italiano" with Sommelier David Lynch.
Bastianich is an accomplished author whose passion for the culinary arts has been recognised with professional awards from Bon Appétit magazine and the James Beard Foundation.
A remarkable athlete completing numerous marathons and triathlons, Bastianich lives in Greenwich, CT, with his wife, Deanna and their three children.