Gaweł, who the hell are you when the cameras are off and there’s nobody left to impress?

The cameras, restaurant and attention haven’t changed me. I’m still the guy who has to find out what’s around the corner. I chase the unknown, taste, explore and soak up life. The only one who slows me down is Boguś, my ridiculously affectionate dog, who has more patience with me than I do.

Photo by Adalat Naghiyev

Restaurant, fame, TV show. Ambition, ego or refusing an ordinary life?

I’ve always had an enormous appetite for life. I love discovering new things and finding out what’s next. I refuse to stand still.

Everyone sees charming Gaweł. When does Dark Gaweł come out?

I’m emotional, feel everything deeply and overthink far too much. When I care, I give 100%. Disappointment hits hard, but I’ve learned not every relationship is worth saving. Sometimes you appreciate the lesson, close the door and move on. No regrets.

Sopot: seaside postcard or midnight playground? What’s your wildest printable story?

I came for the nightlife, but now I love the peace, especially out of season. As a student in Wrocław, I’d come to Sopot to party, sleep in my car because I couldn’t afford a hotel, hang my clothes up to avoid creases and brush my teeth at a petrol station.

Photo by Adalat Naghiyev

“After all these years, what keeps you coming back to Cały Gaweł?”

Honestly, Cały Gaweł is about people. An incredible team and loyal guests, from Sopot and across Poland. I even go there to forget my own problems. After years of hard work, knowing we’ve created somewhere people genuinely feel good is the greatest reward.

Your perfect, slightly unconventional day in Sopot?

I start with a forest walk with Boguś, then matcha at Cały Gaweł and filming recipes. If I’ve got a free afternoon, I cycle along Obrońców Westerplatte, past Villa Bergera and down the coast to Nowy Port. Headphones on, music blasting — I’m starring in my own music video. I also love Małe Molo and LAS café.

Every success story has an ugly chapter. What’s yours?

At university, I worked in a bank opening business accounts, making hundreds of calls daily. To this day, I hate phone calls. Seriously. Just text me.

Photo by Adalat Naghiyev

TV Gaweł versus real-life Gaweł. What’s the difference?

Imagine walking onto a TV set with 35 people and absolutely no experience. We filmed six episodes in two days — a crash course in television! But I quickly relaxed. The most important thing was staying myself. I never wanted to invent some polished TV version of Gaweł.

What makes the polished Gaweł completely lose it laughing?

Almost anything! I don’t take life too seriously, especially myself. The past year and a half has been the happiest period of my adult life. I feel lighter, laugh more and appreciate everything I’ve built. Nothing lasts forever, which makes enjoying the present even more important.

Ever smiled at someone while thinking, “What an absolute idiot”?

More than once! Haha! I try to see the good in everyone, but I have zero tolerance for fakeness, selfishness or insincerity. If I sense it, I’ll say it to your face. Honesty matters, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Photo by Adalat Naghiyev

What’s the stupidest decision you’ve made that turned out brilliantly?

Opening my restaurant. I imagined having my own table, sitting back and enjoying the atmosphere. I had no idea what happened behind the scenes. I lost seven kilos in the first week, followed by years of hard work and mistakes. But it became the project of my life. Ten years later, it still is.

What’s the most ridiculous thing people do to look important in Sopot?

Showing up at every event just to be seen. I’d rather be at my restaurant with my guests and team, or creating recipes in my kitchen. I don’t need to be everywhere.

What experience changed how you see food?

Copenhagen taught me that exceptional food doesn’t need complexity. Just a few outstanding ingredients.

Which criticism hurts because it’s true?

That I’m stubborn. I prefer to call it having standards. Haha!

Photo by Adalat Naghiyev

What scandal would your friends reveal anonymously?

That most of my Instagram content gets published during my morning bathroom routine.

What behaviour makes you lose faith in people?

Disrespecting restaurant staff. I’m close to my team, and I won’t tolerate anyone treating them badly. I’ll always speak up.

What’s the most outrageous thing you’ve worn?

An enormous trench coat borrowed from my mum in high school. I thought I looked like the Wizard of Oz. My style is rebellious minimalism, and I regret nothing!

Your most expensive mistake, beyond money?

Investing years in a friendship I knew wasn’t right. Eventually, I said, “ENOUGH.” Friendship means giving back the energy you receive. It must work both ways.

Photo by Adalat Naghiyev

Your most extravagant indulgence?

Quality and originality. Forget glitz and champagne. I love places where taste, detail and passion come together and genuinely make my pulse race.

Ever broken your own rules?

My rules are sacred.

If you could change anything in Sopot for 24 hours?

I’d make people stop watching each other and start taking a genuine interest in one another.

What’s the biggest misconception about you?

That I’m impressed by the things that impress everyone else.

What would you tell everyone who’s underestimated you?

Come visit me at Cały Gaweł. I’d be happy to give you a high five.

Finally, what’s the truth you’ve spent longest hiding?

That I know everything. The truth is, there’s far more I don’t know than I do. That’s what keeps me curious about the world.