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Andrey Shmakov

chef photo

Andrey Shmakov became the brand chief of the Metropol Hotel in 2013. Prior to that, he managed to work on European passenger liners and in Tallinn restaurants — Le Bonaparte, Ribe, as well as in Grand Hotell and Radisson SAS hotels, was the chef of the prestigious Kadriorg restaurant in the historic palace of the same name in Tallinn and Lapland in St. Petersburg — one of the first restaurants of new Nordic cuisine in Russia. Andrey completed internships at the legendary Noma in Copenhagen and Chez Dominique in Helsinki.

In 2014, Andrey Shmakov conceived a new establishment that combined both ceremonial yet simple and understandable cuisine with friendly and thoughtful service.

In 2015, Andrey opened Savva in the Metropol Hotel — an innovative and elegant restaurant that respects Moscow’s centuries-old traditions while embracing modern trends. The restaurant was named after the hotel’s founder, the legendary figure Savva Mamontov, a patron who helped shape the face of Moscow in the early 20th century. The restaurant’s concept focuses on contemporary Russian cuisine with a signature twist, seasonal ingredients, vegetables, greens, and collaboration with local farmers.

In 2017, the international gastronomic guide Gault&Millau included Savva in the list of the best restaurants in Moscow. Savva was one of three restaurants to receive the highest award in the region — 4 «toques,» and Andrey Shmakov was recognized as the best Executive Chef in Moscow by the guide.

In 2017, the famous French guide «La Liste» awarded Savva the title of «The World Best Restaurants Selection,» a title the restaurant also received in 2018 and 2022.

In 2018, Savva was one of the top 12 most interesting restaurants in Moscow, selected by the experts of «12forward,» a project of the Scandinavian restaurant guide «White Guide.» Thanks to Andrey Shmakov’s new interpretation of Russian cuisine, the original interior, and high level of service, Savva was chosen as one of Moscow’s best restaurants.

In 2018, Savva closed for reconstruction. On October 20, 2020, the legendary restaurant reopened its doors after two years of renovation in the Metropol Hotel opposite the Bolshoi Theatre, with Andrey Shmakov still at the helm of the kitchen.

In December 2020, the restaurant was named «Restaurant of the Year» by GQ’s Restaurant Awards. This recognition is particularly valuable because the restaurant industry was one of the hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic.

From 2015 to 2017, Andrey was the host of the globally famous project «Master Chef Junior» on STS TV channel.

In 2021, he was awarded the «Chef of the Year» prize by the annual Russian chef awards, organized by the international forum «Chef’s Breakfast.»

In 2021, Savva received a Michelin star in the Michelin Guide for 2022. This award is of great importance because Moscow became the first city in the CIS to have its restaurants featured in the guide.

On October 26, 2021, Savva ranked in the TOP 3 best restaurants in Moscow according to the WHERE TO EAT 2021 restaurant awards. In February 2022, Savva ranked in the TOP 5 best restaurants in Russia according to WHERE TO EAT Russia 2022, and also received a special prize from the Russian branch of the International Concierge Union Les Clefs d’Or.

Andrey also owns two gastronomic bars in Tallinn — «Tar Tar Kook+Baar» and «LOVE Mussels.»