We meet with Nikola, who is the salon manager of KOMAT restaurant, but defines himself more as a team unifier. Positive attitude is a value he shares with his younger colleagues. "Accept criticism with a smile, view it as an opportunity for improvement and change for the better" is the key to good hospitality. 

Hi Nikola! Tell us a little more about yourself.|

My name is Nikola, and I am 34 years old. I graduated in tourism, and my career is currently focused in this field. A significant advantage in my experience is that I started from the bottom—I was a waiter, bartender, salon manager, and food & beverage manager in a large hotel in Sofia. I also worked abroad for a while, traveling and seeing many places thanks to working on a cruise ship. It was valuable to test if I could work in an international team—mainly people from Asia and Europe, with guests from America. Things turned out quite well. The test was successful, and now I'm here at the Women's Market. :)


What is your role at KOMAT? 

My role at KOMAT, professionally, is salon manager, but I prefer to be the person who unites the team, showing them that the right way is to treat the customer well and smile, regardless of the situation. We all have personal lives and problems, but when you're at work, that takes a back seat because the customer in the restaurant is the most important at that moment. This has always been a priority for me - to share my experience with colleagues and, above all, to communicate.

We regularly conduct operations with the team, emphasizing attitude - no matter what happened, with the right communication, you can always get out of the situation. With a positive approach, things happen much easier. When you treat people with care, you can expect to receive the same. As part of my duties, I assist with the overall process, including issuing food from the kitchen, proper distribution of tasks, and communication between units.

KOMAT Restaurant / Photo: Radoslav Deliychev

The location is unusual—in the old center, which today is perhaps the most colorful place in the city. Why is it the perfect place for KOMAT?  

It's certainly no accident. This is the old center of Sofia, rich in history—I always get excited when I go up to the terrace of the DOT penthouse, which offers a 360-degree view and lets you see the architecture of the old houses well. It evokes a sense of nostalgia, and I think the creators aim to breathe new life into this area. In recent years, many people associate it with a less pleasant part of the city. There's a lot of history and romance here, and I'd like to believe we're going in the right direction.


What does the KOMAT team look like? What is the secret ingredient that brings you together?

Teamwork unites us. I always remind them that as a manager, I am always there to support them. Trust is one of the most important ingredients for a successful business. When there is good interaction, things happen much more easily, and people are more motivated.


Do you have a favorite dish on the menu? What would you recommend to us?

I could recommend one of each kind. From the cold appetizers, definitely the zucchini carpaccio—I like this type of appetizer, and the way my colleagues flavor it is amazing. Among the warm appetizers, I would definitely recomend the crispy kachamak, and among the main dishes - certainly the sea bass. For desserts, I would single out the lemon tart—it’s an amazing combination with the raspberry espuma.


Easy launch at KOMAT restaurant / Photo: Radoslav Deliychev 

What should a customer never compromise on?

A customer should not compromise on anything. You should always demand the maximum—you go for an experience and expect quite normal things such as good service, a human attitude, good food... Feedback is extremely important as it allows discrepancies to be quickly resolved.


We talked about feedback and how important it is to the process... Why are customers in Bulgaria still hesitant to give their feedback?

Feedback is important because it is the most direct way a customer communicates with us. Every comment is greatly appreciated. That's why we always invite our guests to leave feedback in the form of a review—something that is not yet so popular in Bulgaria, but personally important to us. Our goal is not to remain at a good level, but to improve the food, service, and customer experience every day. Hearing both the positive side and the criticism is crucial for the growth of the team and the place.


Few months ago, KOMAT was honored with two prestigious awards. What do you think is the formula for success?

The formula for success is team play, which we emphasized several times in our conversation. If I have to summarize in a few words: good communication, delicious food, and attention to detail.

KOMAT restaurant is located in the heart of Sofia's 'Women's Market' neighbourhood. Our concept nurtures local relationships and supports the growth of a vibrant social and cultural space. KOMAT’s concept is to explore - we are relentlessly searching for gems in our region and translate what we find into a culinary experience that represents our zeitgeist. The restaurant is the winner of the 'Best New Restaurant in Sofia' award for 2023 (Go Guide) and 'Restaurant of the Year' in the 'Debut' category (Bacchus).