Maksim LyubimovCommunity profile

The head chef and co-owner of the Leo Wine&Kitchen restaurant in Rostov-on-Don is a classic example of a self-taught chef, whose style is unlike any other. This native of Rostov, Lyubimov, explores local ingredients and the nature of the southern region, drawing inspiration from the diverse landscapes and cultures ranging from Rostov to Armenia and Georgia. In essence, the chef reinterprets the flavors of the region, discovering new uses for local products and applying culinary techniques that are not always obvious. He offers guests not a stereotypical "Rostov-style" experience, but a refined, subtle, and sensory representation of the local gastronomic identity.

Maxim actively promotes the gastronomy of his region, participating in events from Moscow to Krasnoyarsk, as well as in camps and masterclasses at the Novikov School, and at professional festivals. However, he doesn't forget to consider seasonality and changes the menu every 3-4 weeks. In the 5 years that Leo has been operating, Max has developed over half a thousand dishes. This summer, the LEO team launched a new project – Vinoteca LEO, the opening of which has transformed the area around this small but vibrant star of the Rostov gastronomic scene into a true hub. And another project is planned to open soon.

During its operation, Leo (thanks to the entire dream team – Max Lyubimov, Alexei Skidan, and Sergey Podporin) has twice been named the best regional restaurant in Russia in 2019 and 2020, according to the GQ "Restaurant Rating." It has also twice topped the WHERETOEAT YUG ranking (in 2021 and 2022) and made it into the WHERETOEAT RUSSIA ranking (#13 in 2021), as well as the TOP-1000 best restaurants in the world in 2020 and 2021, according to the French ranking LA LISTE.

He is the recipient of the "Best in the Industry" award in the "Chef of the Year" category, in the "Author's Cuisine" nomination, from the professional community "Palm Branch of the Restaurant Business."