Edinburgh neighbourhood restaurant and bar, KORA by Tom Kitchin, has announced the appointment of David Messaoud as its new restaurant manager.
David takes the helm of the 65-cover Bruntsfield operation one year after it first opened its doors, joining the KORA team from sister restaurant, the Michelin-starred The Kitchin in Leith.
Born in Edinburgh and raised in France, David has extensive experience in hospitality roles, alongside an understanding and passion for the local dining scene, having worked with Edinburgh hospitality collection The Bon Vivant Group between 2018 and 2022, at city centre venues including The Devil’s Advocate and The Bon Vivant.
KORA currently employs a team of 30 across front of house and the kitchen, and since opening in July 2022, has seen staff retention of over 90%. The venue is open 7-days a week serving dinner from Monday to Sunday, lunch from Friday to Sunday and more recently, brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
Commenting on David’s new role, Chef Tom Kitchin said: “David was a valuable member of The Kitchin team, where he really immersed himself in understanding our world and his genuine passion for this industry really shone through.
“David brings a great talent for meeting guests, building relationships with local and loyal diners and delivering the most exceptional level of guest service. His interest and knowledge in great food, wine and whisky, matched with his welcoming and friendly nature have ensured he has quickly become an integral and valued member of the KORA team, allowing us to enter this exciting next chapter for the restaurant.”
The team behind successful venues The Kitchin, The Scran & Scallie and The Bonnie Badger has sought to establish KORA as a genuine neighbourhood restaurant, with a deep-rooted ‘From Nature to Plate’ philosophy.
The menu, led by Chef Tom, Chef Director Dominic Jack, and KORA Head Chef James Chapman, aims to bring Scotland’s natural larder to the forefront, with dishes evoking modern Scottish cooking with accents of global flavours in a collection of light bites, a la carte dishes, and a dedicated menu for children on offer, alongside the brand-new brunch menu.
