The man behind the oven

Chef Paolo, Chef Paul & Chef Rishi — one chef, three names

In Grand Baie, people call him Chef Paolo. To some he is Chef Paul. His family name is Rishi Gukhool. Three names, one person: the Mauritian-born, Italy-trained pizzaiolo behind La Marinara on Royal Road.

Three names, one story

Born in Mauritius as Rishi Gukhool, he left for Italy to learn pizza from the inside: the flour, the fire, the timing. There he became Chef Paolo, and to close friends simply Chef Paul. In 2023 he came back to Grand Baie and opened La Marinara, bringing those years of Italian kitchens home. Read his full story.

His pizza

The dough is mixed, folded and shaped by hand, then proved slowly. Flours are selected personally by the chef from years of experience. Rocket comes from his own garden; tomatoes and olive oil are Italian. The result is a pizza made one at a time — with a smile. See the menu.

What guests say

Diners on Google and Tripadvisor regularly mention the warm welcome, the slow-proved dough and the freshness of the ingredients. Every review is verifiable and linked. Read the reviews.