The Love and Flavour Behind Paolo’s Italian Kitchen

AMORE & SAPORE

PAOLO'S ITALIAN KITCHEN

Quality is at heart of everything we do
Paolo's Italian Kitchen is a Modern Italian restaurant located in the heart of Borehamwood, Hertfordshire. The restaurant menu is available online. Paolo's Italian Kitchen offers in-house dining, takeaway orders and home deliveries as well as catering for both private and corporate parties. The cuisine served is modern, Italian food using only the freshest ingredients. Paolo's Italian Kitchen is owned and operated by popular, local Italian Chefs,Paolo & Livia Mortali.
2023 Travellers' Choice Award from Tripadvisor
2024 Travellers' Choice Award from Tripadvisor
2024 Winner by Business Awards UK in the food industry awards for best family business
award by Restaurant Guru 2025 to Paolo's Italian Kitchen for best restaurant in Borehamwood
Executive Chef & Owner Paolo Mortali

A Legacy of Love & Flavour

Hi, I’m Paolo Mortali - executive chef and owner of Paolo’s Italian Kitchen, where I work alongside my wife, Livia, a fantastic chef in her own right. In 2021, we decided to follow our dream, and here we are: proudly recognised as the No. 1 Italian restaurant in Hertfordshire! I’m a third-generation restaurateur, following in the footsteps of my father and grandfather, with deep roots in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy - a place renowned for its culinary heritage.
PaoloMortali
PAOLO MORTALI - Executive chef
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A Chef in the Making

After graduating from Westminster Catering College, where I studied in the same year as Jamie Oliver, I believe he’s also doing quite well 😂, but I think my pasta might give him a run for his money! I refined my craft by working in Switzerland, Italy, and London. These experiences have shaped my cooking philosophy: Amore e Sapore – Love and Flavour.
PaoloMortali
PAOLO MORTALI - Executive chef
MAKE A RESERVATION
A picture of Paolo Mortali when he was younger starting his career in catering & hospitality

RECOGNISED AS No 1. ITALIAN RESTAURANT IN HERTFORDSHIRE BY TRIPADVISOR IN 2023 & 2024

Paolo's Italian Kitchen recognised by Tripadvisor as number one Italian restaurant in Hertfordshire in 2023
Paolo's Italian Kitchen recognised by Tripadvisor as number one Italian restaurant in Hertfordshire in 2024

From Borehamwood to BBC: Our Feature on Inside the Factory

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS HAVE TO SAY

Natalie Bishop

My husband and I had an amazing meal here on Friday evening. The food was outstanding, the ingredients were fresh and of amazing quality. I would absolutely recommend dining here, it’s been the best Italian I’ve had in a very long time. The dishes were beautifully presented and a good portion sizes. The staff were all very friendly and welcoming and the decor is lovely. The next time we’re visiting the area, we will most certainly be returning as I have to try the pizza 🤤

Naomi Colette

A second visit for my partner and I as we enjoyed the food so much first time round! The ingredients taste fresh and of high quality, the service is quick and pleasant - cocktails are also very nice! 🍸 Definitely recommended for fab Italian cuisine ☺️👌🏼

Suzana R

Paolo’s Italian Kitchen – A Must-Visit!

We had an amazing lunch at Paolo’s Italian Kitchen in Borehamwood! The food was fresh, flavourful, and authentically Italian. From the starters to main course everything was outstanding, and the dessert was the perfect sweet finish. Service was friendly and attentive, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. A true gem—we’ll definitely be back!

L F (Lm)

The food was absolutely fantastic! Came here for a birthday treat while away for the night, and it didn’t disappoint. Truly one of the best meals I’ve ever had. Staff were also very friendly and welcoming, and they even kept the kitchen open late to make a banana and custard calzone - highly recommended!

Tanya Malik

If you're looking for a cozy spot in Borehamwood with delicious Italian food, this small restaurant is a hidden gem. Compared to others in the area, it stands out for both its quality and atmosphere. The art deco decor adds a touch of elegance to the dining experience, making it feel special yet relaxed. The pizza and pasta were absolutely fantastic—fresh, flavorful, and well-crafted. Best of all, the prices are very reasonable for the quality you get. Highly recommend for a casual yet satisfying Italian meal!

Emanuel Radan

At Pablo Italian Kitchen in Borehamwood, the food truly speaks to the chef’s passion. Every dish seems crafted with a love for authentic Italian flavors, and when a chef pours heart and soul into what they do, it shines through in the taste. For someone like me, who doesn’t easily dish out compliments to a chef unless the food surpasses my own (and I’m not even a chef!), this place has been a delightful surprise. The flavors are rich, balanced, and memorable, making each bite a testament to the chef’s dedication to his craft.

Olya Fostyk

We live far from Paolo’s — we were just looking for an Italian place in the area, and we’re so happy with our choice! The food was absolutely delicious, with generous portions and incredible hospitality. Honestly, everything you’d want (and love) from Italian food!

Wishing the team all the best — highly recommended! No photos… we ate everything too quickly! 🤭
It’s a five👌
Big thank you for the owner and his boss 😉👌

Neha Gandhi

We loved dining here. The Italian food was authentic and super tasty and the service was great.

We came here for my daughter’s birthday and we had a lovely family meal. Both the pizza and pasta dishes were great.

Natalie Bishop

My husband and I had an amazing meal here on Friday evening. The food was outstanding, the ingredients were fresh and of amazing quality. I would absolutely recommend dining here, it’s been the best Italian I’ve had in a very long time. The dishes were beautifully presented and a good portion sizes. The staff were all very friendly and welcoming and the decor is lovely. The next time we’re visiting the area, we will most certainly be returning as I have to try the pizza 🤤

Naomi Colette

A second visit for my partner and I as we enjoyed the food so much first time round! The ingredients taste fresh and of high quality, the service is quick and pleasant - cocktails are also very nice! 🍸 Definitely recommended for fab Italian cuisine ☺️👌🏼

Suzana R

Paolo’s Italian Kitchen – A Must-Visit!

We had an amazing lunch at Paolo’s Italian Kitchen in Borehamwood! The food was fresh, flavourful, and authentically Italian. From the starters to main course everything was outstanding, and the dessert was the perfect sweet finish. Service was friendly and attentive, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. A true gem—we’ll definitely be back!

L F (Lm)

The food was absolutely fantastic! Came here for a birthday treat while away for the night, and it didn’t disappoint. Truly one of the best meals I’ve ever had. Staff were also very friendly and welcoming, and they even kept the kitchen open late to make a banana and custard calzone - highly recommended!

Tanya Malik

If you're looking for a cozy spot in Borehamwood with delicious Italian food, this small restaurant is a hidden gem. Compared to others in the area, it stands out for both its quality and atmosphere. The art deco decor adds a touch of elegance to the dining experience, making it feel special yet relaxed. The pizza and pasta were absolutely fantastic—fresh, flavorful, and well-crafted. Best of all, the prices are very reasonable for the quality you get. Highly recommend for a casual yet satisfying Italian meal!

Emanuel Radan

At Pablo Italian Kitchen in Borehamwood, the food truly speaks to the chef’s passion. Every dish seems crafted with a love for authentic Italian flavors, and when a chef pours heart and soul into what they do, it shines through in the taste. For someone like me, who doesn’t easily dish out compliments to a chef unless the food surpasses my own (and I’m not even a chef!), this place has been a delightful surprise. The flavors are rich, balanced, and memorable, making each bite a testament to the chef’s dedication to his craft.

Diana Nazare

Best Pizza Ever at Paolo's Italian Kitchen!

Me, my husband, and our boys went to Paolo's Italian Kitchen last Sunday, and we were seriously blown away. Hands down the best pizza we've ever had! The crust was perfectly crispy, the cheese was gooey with that perfect pull, and the toppings were super fresh and flavorful.

We tried a few different pizzas, and every single one was amazing. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, the staff was super friendly, and the service was quick. We all left full, happy, and already talking about our next visit.

If you’re looking for authentic, delicious pizza, Paolo's is the place to go. Highly recommend!

Neha Gandhi

We loved dining here. The Italian food was authentic and super tasty and the service was great.

We came here for my daughter’s birthday and we had a lovely family meal. Both the pizza and pasta dishes were great.

about Paolo & Livia
our chefs and restaurant owners


Hello and welcome to Paolo’s Italian Kitchen!  

Here you will enjoy authentic and delicious Italian dining, the legacy of my roots in Parma, renowned home of Prosciutto and Parmigiano Reggiano. Together with my wife, Livia, as chefs and owners of Paolo’s, our wish is to offer our customers a choice from well-loved, traditional dishes to those with a contemporary take on Italian cuisine, prepared using only the finest produce.  Whether it’s a fresh and dreamy Burrata from Puglia or a rich and sharp 24 month matured Parmigiano Reggiano, we hope to please your palate with our essential Italian ingredients. Our carefully selected wine list also showcases a range of regional wines so that you can enjoy the perfect accompaniment with your meal.

Our menu offers an array of tempting dishes for all, whether you are drawn to handmade pasta; genuine Italian pizza cooked in our wood-fired oven; or looking for classic fine dining options, representing the best of Italian cooking.  At Paolo’s, you will also find that the meat and fish on our menu is responsibly sourced to high standards. We are passionate about providing our diners with a gastronomic experience that they will wish to return to; and hope that with the variety of dishes on our menu, there will always be something new to try next time!

So, if you’re looking for the authentic taste of Italy, in a comfortable and relaxed environment, come to Paolo’s Italian Kitchen, in a different class to the high street restaurant chains. The quality of our food and service speaks for itself.

We very much look forward to welcoming you.

“Buon Appetito!”

PaoloMortali
PAOLO MORTALI - Executive chef & owner
LiviaMortali
livia MORTALI - chef & owner