2023 Chefs

Gyo Santa

Sofitel Washington, DC Lafayette Square

Washington, DC

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Thursday, May 11 Embassy & Winemaker Dinner Series

Chef Gyo Santa is the Executive Chef of iCi Urban Bistro at Sofitel Washington D.C. Lafayette Square. Joining the hotel in June 2016, he brings with him more than ten years of experience in the industry, including nine years in Michelin-starred restaurants in France. Prior to his arrival at Sofitel, he spent five years on the culinary team at The St. Regis Washington D.C. hotel, where he worked with Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse, as the Executive Sous-Chef at Adour and then as Chef de Cuisine for the restaurant’s transition to Decanter.

Born in Japan, and fluent in Japanese, French and English, Chef Santa’s passion for culinary art began with traditional Japanese cuisine.  This influence remained throughout his studies and continued to grow along with his skills as a classically trained chef. Blending of cultures translates beautifully into his dishes, where quality of product, freshness of ingredients, and the balance of presentation drive his gastronomy style.

At iCi Urban Bistro, Executive Chef Santa offers a fresh and contemporary twist on traditional French bistro cuisine in the heart of the nation’s capital. Guests settle in amid chic style and delicious flavors in a setting reminiscent of Paris. Framed by bottles of wine on display, leather and wood chairs and a custom-designed red and black flower-patterned rug surround you with the ambiance of a vintage club at one of the best restaurants in the city.