Currently an Executive Chef at & kotosofiabg Georgi Yaneff started cooking professionally back in 1998, while still a Journalism student in Sofia. Where he works at the first ever Mexican Restaurant and bar “El Sombrero” in the heart of Sofia. He soon realises that his passion for cooking is greatly overcoming the one for writing and he decides to dive into the chef profession. .
He moves to America and he goes on to become a Sous Chef at the trendy "Majestic Cafe" in Alexandra, Virginia, where he learns the secrets of the modern American Cuisine in depts. He stays with them for almost 3 years and in 2004 moves on to join the opening team of Jose Andres’s newest hot spot - "Oyamel" in Washington D.C., where he is invited to join as a Senior Sous Chef at a restaurant combining Mexico’s rich regional diverse cuisine, with the modern urban atmosphere of Mexico City. There he learns how to have fun with the food and unleashes his creativity. Oyamel was later voted one of best new restaurants in the USA for 2007 according to Esquire magazine,also “Top 10 for best Mexican restaurants in USA” according to a few of the biggest national media, including ‘FOX news’, ‘Travel and Leisure’ and ‘Daily mail’. After another 3 years, he moves to Beverly Hills, Los Angelis to join the celebrity hot spot "The Bazaar-by Jose Andres" at SLS Hotel as the Executive Sous Chef. It is both challenging and a dream come true at the same time to lead a kitchen looked up to with such great expectations. The Bazaar is a vibrant mix of sophisticated cuisine and playful lounge spaces where dining transcends into fete. The menu celebrates the bounty of Southern California with traditional and modern interpretations of Spanish tapas. He has the honour to learn so much from the great Jose Andres and carries his style till today in so many of his wonderful creations. In 2011, Yaneff was invited to participate in a very exciting project taking place in the buzzing West End in London. Keen to shake up the restaurant scene in Europe, he moves to London and really does so at the one of a kind winning concept "Yaneff at DSTRKT". Unlike anything seen in London till then, “Yaneff at DSTRKT” is the striking space that takes London by storm blazing across the national press! A unique Modern American sharing concept with unparalleled food, electric yet relaxed ambiance, and friendly professional staff. The restaurant is part of a winning concept, a beautiful night club, and an elegant restaurant under one roof, and immediately after the launch becomes the place to be for everyone claiming to be someone in the UK’s capital. Georgi's first restaurant, located in London, is one of the first of its kind in London and offers high-quality small plates and tasting menus in a cool environment. The focus is on the 4 pillars that Chef Yaneff deems make a successful restaurant – food, drink, music & art. DSTRKT remains open for 4 years and 4 months. And unfortunately, the closure of the club leads to the end of “Yaneff at DSTRKT” as well. Chef Yaneff decides it's time to move back to America and opens his cozy but yet trendy Italian Restaurant - O+O Sicilian Kitchen in Santa Monica, California Which is quickly to become the new neighbourhood favourite. It is very successful, but the financial climate in California at the time soon forces the restaurant to close doors. Then he meets his future partners, which convince him that the time has come for him to come back to his roots and open up the first of its kind authentic Asian restaurant in the center of Sofia. Chef Yaneff doesn't hide he has been warming up to the idea for a while, because also as a newlywed for him and his wife, a Bulgarian beauty it did make a lot of sense to go back and start their new adventure close to family and friends, plus he thinks that the Bulgarian Capital is ready to reclaim its place on the world food map. That is how his two new restaurants were born. He can be seen today either at Koto or Moshi Moshi, both under the same roof at Kaloyan Str.6. The address you shouldn't miss while in Sofia if you want to keep some delicious memories. Chef Yaneff has never taken part in any individual award competitions, but the restaurants he led have won so many awards. Including “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants by San Pellegrino Acqua Panna” 2010, `Estrella award Best Restaurant of the year’ 2013 (UK) To name just a few.
