From Sardinia to Gibraltar — a life devoted to cooking

The story of Chef Paolo Olmetto begins in Uras, a small rural village in the heart of Sardinia, surrounded by the fertile plains of the Campidano. It was there, among the aromas of ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and homemade bread, that his passion for food was born.

As a child, Paolo was endlessly curious about the flavours filling his home. His mother, his first teacher, introduced him to the fundamentals of Sardinian and Mediterranean cooking: respect for ingredients, patience, and the joy of cooking with love. Together they made ricotta ravioli, oven-baked lasagna, zeppole, and slow-cooked tomato sauces — dishes that still inspire him today.

Childhood flavours that live on in every dish

During the warmest months, Paolo joined the summer harvest of tomatoes with other kids from his village. “I still remember the scent of freshly picked tomatoes, warm from the sun — it fascinated me,” he recalls.

Those memories became the foundation of his culinary philosophy: simple, natural, and authentic cooking, guided by the rhythm of the seasons and the purity of the ingredients.

For Paolo, every dish he prepares is a tribute to those childhood moments — to the land, to family, and to the genuine spirit of Mediterranean life.

Over 40 years of culinary experience

With more than four decades in the restaurant and hospitality industry, Chef Paolo Olmetto has refined his skills across different countries, mastering Mediterranean techniques while staying true to his roots.

His cooking philosophy is simple: “Cooking isn’t just about recipes — it’s about sharing memories and emotions. When someone smiles after tasting your food, that’s when you know you’ve succeeded.”

4 Stagioni, a dream brought to life

In 2006, Paolo brought his lifelong dream to reality by opening 4 Stagioni – Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, located in Jumper’s Bastion on Rosia Road, Gibraltar — a former 18th-century British fortress wall now transformed into a charming pedestrian area.

Here, he combines tradition, warmth, and authenticity to create a dining experience that celebrates both Italian heritage and Gibraltar’s cultural history.

The restaurant has become a place where locals and visitors gather to enjoy wood-fired pizzas, fresh homemade pasta, and seasonal dishes — all prepared with love, care, and a touch of Sardinian soul.

A Sardinian soul, a Mediterranean heart

Every pizza, every sauce, and every handmade dish from Paolo’s kitchen carries a story. Cooking, for him, is a way of remembering — of bringing the flavours of his island to life in Gibraltar.

He doesn’t chase trends or extravagance; instead, he cooks from the heart, staying faithful to the timeless flavours of Italy and the Mediterranean.

‍

“Cooking is going back home. Every dish I make reminds me of who I am, where I come from, and why I love this profession.”— Chef Paolo Olmetto