Chef Vladislav Penov, Executive Chef and co-owner of Cosmos in Sofia, has become one of Bulgaria’s leading culinary voices, known for redefining local cuisine through innovation and depth. His culinary journey began in 2006, followed by formative experiences in renowned Bulgarian restaurants and time spent abroad in the UK and Copenhagen, where he refined his technical skills and broadened his creative perspective.

Joining Cosmos in 2016 and later taking the helm as Executive Chef, Penov helped transform the restaurant into one of the country’s most celebrated gastronomic destinations. Under his leadership, Cosmos has earned multiple national accolades, including several “Restaurant of the Year” honours, and became one of the first Bulgarian establishments invited into the prestigious European network JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs, marking an important milestone for Bulgaria’s contemporary culinary scene.

Penov’s cuisine blends tradition with modernity, drawing inspiration from Bulgaria’s rich terroir. He works closely with local producers, highlighting seasonal ingredients, wild herbs, freshwater fish and forest aromatics. His dishes reinterpret ancestral flavours with finesse, offering an experience that honours heritage while pushing boundaries—an approach that continues to shape Bulgaria’s evolving fine-dining identity.