From washing dishes to running one of Gdańsk’s favourite neighbourhood restaurants, Krzysztof Szymański has taken the long road to success. Along the way came big ambitions, brutal challenges, a pandemic that nearly changed everything and a few lessons you won’t find in a hospitality textbook. We sat down with the man behind Pomelo to talk breakfast, Baltic flavours, family, heartbreak and why, despite everything, he’d do it all again.
Before Pomelo, who was Krzysztof Szymański?
Hospitality was always my dream. My father cooked aboard ships, and his travel photographs inspired me. I started washing dishes, eventually becoming deputy director of a four- star hotel.
What was your original vision for Pomelo?
Fine dining, exceptional service and sophisticated drinks. Our guests gradually transformed us into a welcoming neighbourhood restaurant serving comfort food.
What did Pomelo understand about breakfast before everyone else?
People wanted breakfast beyond 10 a.m.! We served it until 1 p.m. Word of mouth did the rest.
Photo by Adalat NaghiyevWhat’s the least glamorous part of running Pomelo?
Maintaining standards every single day. Food, service and atmosphere must work together. One weak link can lose customers.
You’ve been recognised internationally for welcoming pets. Was that intentional?
Absolutely. Animals were welcome from day one, even cats! We provide water, treats and photograph our furry visitors. Every one is special.
Why make your own bread, pickles and liqueurs?
Nothing matches homemade flavour. It’s about creativity, craftsmanship and bringing forgotten childhood tastes back to life.
Three dishes that define Pomelo?
Baltic herring on Kashubian potato pancakes, Ogarna Street pork belly roulade and our chocolate-and-plum interpretation of Poor Knights.
Photo by Adalat Naghiyev
Photo by Adalat NaghiyevYou’ve reinvented your beloved herring. Better than before?
Previously, it was a creamy salad. Now cold herring meets a hot potato pancake. The contrast is fantastic!
Has Gdańsk’s restaurant boom made things harder?
Competition keeps us sharp. Guests explore new restaurants, but importantly, they return.
What would you tell yourself during those desperate pandemic mornings?
Keep fighting. Tomorrow brings another opportunity. Success isn’t just winning; it’s resilience and protecting what matters.
Photo by Adalat Naghiyev
Photo by Adalat NaghiyevHas Pomelo given you your dream life, or swallowed it?
Both, perhaps. Pomelo became my home and family, especially after losing my parents around the time we opened. There have been sacrifices, certainly. But every smile, every review, every new dish reminds me why I started. Would I do it again? Without hesitation.