Paolo's Italian in Scottish Borders

Love the food from here, first time I’ve tried a pizza and it was amazing!

Took so long beyond estimated delivery that my children ended up asleep before it arrived.

Awful delivery time….. over an hour late. Told only one driver when I called. Paid £5 for delivery and not only was it ridiculously late but arrived cold. Terrible service… will not be ordering again.

The food is really nice and fresh, but the service is awful. We had to keep flagging the waitresses down to get any service. They didn't come over and ask us if we wanted more drinks or if the meal was ok. We had to go up to the counter and ask for the bill and pay. The place wasn't even busy either.

Food as always was really great - we had an issue with one item of the order but on calling the restaurant they were kind and polite and made sure everything was rectified swiftly. Highly recommend.

35 mins after the latest estimated arrival, no apologies & food was tasty but not hot. Breaded chicken was a tad overcook as fairly dry but was enjoyable.

Very disappointed. Didn t get what we ordered. Was told it was what we ordered. Had booked 50% deal on line. Were told we hadn't ticked a box. There was no box when we checked. Staff extremely rude and still expected us to pay service charge which we refused.

The server failed to record the order correctly and, after a long wait, meals arrived. Unfortunately, the meal provided for our elderly relative was incorrect and had to be sent back. The remainder of the party had finished their meals by the time the fourth meal arrived. The food was good. When the bill arrived, they had charged for the more expensive wrong meal and added a side dish, which we hadn't ordered, and added the "optional" service charge. When the manager was approached, he was very defensive and called the server over. It was unnecessary; we never intend to go back. The customer is definitely not "king" in this establishment.

Food was tasty however, the service was shocking. The male waiter was rude, dismissive and literally slammed the plates down. When asking for the pudding menu I was told 'we do have another booking after you'. I stipulated on the booking I was there with 3 children so time should of been allowed. We were never asked if we requited more drinks etc throughout 3 courses. Then was automatically charged a service fee. Won't be back due to the poor service.

We have ordered before and it’s usually great. It was still nice but not as fresh tasting as usual, also no balsamic for the pizza. Portions of sides seemed smaller than they used to be for the same price. Also missing some items when it arrived

Use here quite a bit to meet with friends but won’t be back. Staff are rude and miserable and I wouldn’t bother with the 50% off Mains it’s a con. Scolding hot plates served to my toddlers, seriously? Almost £20 service charge was added automatically and abruptly asked when paying “are you not paying the service charge”. After that experience you’ve got to be joking. Normally we leave cash tips but they done themselfs by not honouring the offer or at least pretending to be friendly. Food isn’t even worth the price now place has definitely gone downhill.

Came here with friends having booked online for the 50% off in January. When we queried this at the end we were told we didn’t qualify for it due to not adding “JAN50” into the comment box when booking. Staff are miserable and rude & even had the cheek to ask why we weren’t leaving the “optional service charge” when we did pay the bill & asked “was the service not okay?” We come here alot but we won’t be retuning & having read other reviews it looks like you’re going to lose a lot of customers by being greedy & not honouring your “50% off in January” deal.

Another lovely family meal at Paolo’s. Relaxed experience and food came quickly and as ever, tasty and good value, especially the ch Olsen’s meals. Staff as attentive and pleasant as usual… and couldn’t be more helpful. A really good local Italian Restaurant!

Very disappointed, booked online for family of 5 expecting the 50% off deal but they said we couldn't have it as didn't use the discount code, which it didn't say anywhere on their website but apparently it's on their Facebook page. Staff were rude and we didn't stay to eat, just paid for the drinks we ordered and left.

Wow well done, just simply superb 👏 👌

I recently visited on my birthday - a local restaurant for my family whom I was visiting at the time I was up from London. My dad had booked online with a voucher code of 50% and informed them of my birthday on the request also- however when we arrived the code was not showing on the booking for the 50% deal. We have been to the restaurant for many celebrations and we support our local businesses often, however they did not honour the discount which we found rather cheeky as we had definitely added this. The steak we ordered, was really not good at all - the pepper corn sauce was like a sweet gravy jelly with pepper corns in it and was cooked well done when asked for medium rare - we did advise to the staff at the time when asked if the meal was alright. The staff were not very pleasant, and were making jokes about the issue of the discount code which just also made our experience a little bit naff. There was also 0 effort made even after talking about the fact of my birthday- not even a candle in the dessert when we know they have done this previously for birthdays. They then added an 15% service charge which was optional to pay however on a Monday night birthday and not the best experience we were just a little bit disappointed. Over all the experience was not great and I doubt we will return for another special occasion. Not the usual service received.

50% off January is an absolute con! I booked online through the promotional offer I received via email, there is nowhere on the booking to quote the promotional code at all. When arriving i was made aware of this and the assistant manager wasn't helpful at all, infact he was very rude! There was one very nice waiter who I think was Italian who really wanted to help but the assistant manager wasn't interested at all. His people skills are very poor and we were treat as an inconvenience. I have been many times before but I absolutely won't be returning, it was very annoying for them not to honour the 50 percent discount as I had followed the link online for booking however I won't be returning due to how unhelpful and rude the assistant manager was!!! Very disappointing.

The food was excellent service good.. Taking Grandkids for treat..Booked through daughter was told invalid on 50percent discount no code entered booked by phone code had to go in special requests really..Taff

My first time here was very good and the waiting staff are so friendly and efficient (please note Paolo wasn’t in that night) I couldn’t wait to go back as it’s close to the cinema too, so was going to be my new favourite place to bring friends and before the pictures. I came the next week on a supposed 50% off our main meals on a January offer. I booked online as requested but couldn’t find the promotional code box to quote Jan50 as there wasn’t one. Arrived at restaurant and Paolo himself checked us in on the computer (he would be able to see if we had booked under the January offer) I requested guidance on what I could order on the 50% off deal, Paolo gave me the guidance card so he knew I was there for that offer. We chose and were having a nice meal. My main came and it was Parma pizza not Paolo pizza as ordered and confirmed by waitress. Paolo had delivered it to the table without checking it was the right order. I asked the waitress if it was the right pizza and she said it wasn’t-Paolo came over and asked if I wanted to keep this pizza or not, as he was expecting me to pay for it although not what was ordered, I declined and was given what I did order while the mistake was put in the bin. Paolo blamed the pizza chef and said it was because the chef was from Cairo! On receiving the bill I was very surprised to find I had been charged full price for my mains. I was told that they had had a lot of people in the same situation and the waitress sent Paolo back over who wasn’t interested atall despite me paying the service charge and leaving a good tip the last time. He sent his staff to deal with me as he turned his back shrugging his shoulders and waving me away when I said I wouldn’t return. His staff are lovely but I wonder what treatment his staff get with what I saw and how he treated us. I left feeling like I’d been conned as well as others. However nice it was I wouldn’t return to be treated like something smelly on someone’s shoe. I like to spend my money local and at small businesses and there are others in Galashiels who appreciate that so I’ll be dining with those others in future.

Very rude waiter who was either having a bad day or just his demeanour?? Met with my family for a meal. One of our party had carbonara which was stodgy and all stuck together - not what it should be and he couldn’t eat it - everything else was ok. Due to the “fettle” of the waiter we dare not mention it on paying. Please sort your rude staff out as it ruined a potentially positive experience.

This restaurant is excellent,food and service top notch clean and lovely interior with a Grt selection of food and drinks definitely be back

Food was really tasty but it was late and order was cold.

Late delivery. Food wrong when delivered. Had to run out to get food because delivery would be 20 mins to replace wrong order. Shame, food was amazing when we finally got it. Guests had to eat before us, which ruined our dinner a bit.

Delicious food and a great service for our large family table

Maybe I am a bit harsh but I was served a glass of wine with wine out of a glass and land on the table as a photo i took. And my desert was brought through the WC door, that really ruined my appetite. I hope next customer would be served with more carefulness from the waitress of the restaurant. Cheers.

Ordered at 5.10pm, now 8pm and still no sign. Phoned restaurant three times and have been told it’s “on the way” each time. Absolutely hate being lied to! Have had to make my 5 year old chips and cheese and put her to bed because she was falling asleep waiting on her pizza. She was so disappointed. What’s the point of ordering if it takes this long? Could have made a real Italian pizza from scratch by now!

I ordered a decaf oat cappucino and a scone, and was charged: 50p extra for decaf coffee £1 extra for oat milk 30p extra to get butter with my scone (just a scoop, not individually wrapped) 50p extra for jam that they then took off me very quickly because I hadn't opened it. And they have the audacity to ask for a 12.5% tip!

Took ages to arrive and when it did arrive it was stone cold

Food tends to be good but the prices are an absolute rip off and not worth paying. Went for coffee and cake( 2 of us) and ended up paying £18??!! Decaff mocha £5,50 😂😂 that was too sweet and not nice to drink. Small sponge cake £5...Greedy just to have money to buy crap. Strongly recommend not to go there,other nice cafes in town to go In

As always, the food was excellent and delivered early rather than on time or late. However, the prices have now increased and include a service charge. Let’s face it we are not being served. Sadly last time I will be ordering with the price structure as it stands. Thank you for the service over the years to Paulo and the team.

I used to come here often and always had a great experience, so I recommended it to my guests. Unfortunately, their portion of spinach ravioli was surprisingly small for the price, and they added an almost 20% service charge, which felt unusual for the borders. It seems they either treat tourists differently from locals or the quality has taken a turn for the worse recently.

Authentic Minestrone full of chunky vegetables and lovely Bruschetta. Main course of Seafood Linguine was excellent ! Full of flavour and seafood which was beautifully cooked ! His Cazlone was also full of flavour and the dough was lovely ! Slightly tepid in the middle but it didn’t stop him from finishing it all off. The waitress who served us was excellent. What a lovely attentive and endearing young girl. She was genuine throughout and made our experience delightful! Thank you Imogen !

i ordered the mussels and they were delicious. also the tiramisu light and fluffy. both would order in a heartbeat again. however the lasagna at 10.50 owch. disappointed mainly dried up lasagna sheets stuck together.. Very little meat no sign of any sauce. from an Italian restaurant very disappointed.

ice cold pizza delivered well beyond reasonable time. simple margarita pizza and chips which should take fifteen minutes. I'm close to the restaurant so it's clearly been made and slotted in to an optimal delivery run of cold orders. maybe replan your delivery routes before cooking the pizza

Pizza was very cold when this arrived and soggy with condensation

Driver apologised for getting lost but food was cold on arrival

Absolutely incredible, I had the Gorgonzola Bruschetta, Paccheri Nduja & Buratta pasta. All clearly made with fresh ingredients to order, flavourful and delicious. The pasta was perfectly spicy! the Tiramisu is indulgent and fresh. Stunning meal, thank you! The only thing I would say leaves room for improvement is both times I've ordered food, it has arrived on the cool side - especially considering we live very close by (-5 mins), I reckon this isn't in the restaurant's control so much.

Very nice place, great pizza, especially the dough 😋 lasagne ok, the 🦞 could be a bit better. Quite long wait but I guess that's normal as the food made fresh.

Unfortunately the food was cold and the garlic bread looked like it had seen a flame thrower

Came up on just eat as delivered , had to call up , said it was out if not delivered in 20 mins to call back. Had to call back . Not ideal . Food was cold

1st time here and was very pleased with service and food

Good food arrived without a hitch. Will order again ☺️

Food was lovely, but my mother asked for a pizza/flatbread style garlic bread for the whole table to share, and double checked that the waitress had understood this. What we received was two small slices of bread with some garlic butter on, which not only wasn't what we'd asked for, but was horrifically overpriced for what it was.

Awful, rude staff. Walked out before we made the mistake of enduring a meal.

Wasn't sure what to expect from an Italian restaurant in Galashiels, but thought we'd give it a go.. We were completely blown away! Some of the best food I've eaten, the service was outstanding, and it's gorgeous inside. Paolo's take a bow... we've been telling everyone about it, and we can't wait to go back 😊

Ordered online for delivery at 20:30, my order was accepted and money was taken out my account. Got a text 10 minutes before they closed telling me my order was cancelled with no reason why. I tried to call the restaurant 4 times and it went straight to answer machine. Very poor service. Ordered a Dominoes instead came within 20 mins and much cheaper.

Over priced for what it is pluss added a tip of 12.5 percent on top of the bill without even asking never again will I be back

Did not receive called number 20 plus times did not connect absolute joke do not order

Went for a wee evening snack. And was very impressed.. the staff were friendly and chatty.. but not pushy.. the food was really tasty.. a good size portion and was not expensive.. I will definitely be going back when I'm in the area.. can highly recommend..

Superb menu, mussels delicious with a fabulous surprise crouton at the bottom. Mama’s lasagne fantastic.

Food took over an hour to arrive. By the time it got here, it was cold enough to assume that the driver had travelled via the Artic Circle. I don't know what was sadder, the sub zero temperature of the food or the flaccid looking chips that Paulo was trying to pass off as edible or maybe it was the calamari that apparently came dressed as indescribably greasy prawns. We're not angry, just disappointed. All in all, an extremely dissatisfying, underwhelming take-away service.

The food was really nice. However the pizza took one entire hour to make despite 2 of the kid's meals coming withing 20 minutes. The service was a little questionable as we had to approach the waiters instead of being served and there are a lot of flies around the area. But the solution was nice.

Good gf pizza, great service. Would visit again.

Food was ok ,could do with more seafood choices. Menu options were not all available and varied from online menu. Would have loved seafood pizza And fruits of the sea options as a traditional Italian restaurant Would serve. Staff were friendly, premises were clean and tidy.

We have been coming here regularly, for quite sometime. However my disabled sister, doesn't eat a lot, and the potions are good, so we end up with it boxed up to take away. I requested a child's portion for her, but got refused under 13s only, if they are making the food, for a child why on earth, can't the make it for small eaters too. We will now be looking for another restaurant, who can accommodate us. It's a shame, as the food is very good, although, the service needs looking at.

Absolutely appalled at my treatment tonight on advising the chef of my "luke warm" lasagna tonight. To be told to take the issue to the waiting staff, who then took my distinctly average cold dish and passed it back to the "chef" was not called for. Disappointing to say the least as we were fortnightly customers during lockdown, trying to keep small businesses going. Shouldn't have bothered and spent my hard earned cash with someone who cared and at the very least had some manners and accepted the watery dish was not up to scratch!

Excellent service so good iam ordering again tonight

My order was marked "Delivered" during the projected delivery time slot but actually didn't arrive for another 45 mins, making it a half hour late. I wouldn't have minded so much if the food was hot, but eating room temp pizza and fries when we live less than 5 minutes away is really disappointing, as well as an incorrect item. We prompted an order update when it was slightly late after already being marked Delivered but never heard back from the restaurant and nothing to explain at the door.

Part of order missing but delivered separately later. Food all excellent. Good packaging.

Great friendly staff. Dog friendly, great service and a really nice choice on the menu

Came here with family for dinner. Great menu, loads of options and brilliant for gluten free - massive amounts of choice. I got the gf pizza which was great. Only let down was the lack of gf desserts - only gelato. Although a lot of flavours, with such an extensive gf menu for starters and mains, I would have expected more choice for desserts. The staff were helpful and friendly. Overall a really good meal and would come back.

Lovely fresh food.. really enjoyed 😊

Food was amazing can't say the same about the waitresses. First one was so ditzy stood about looking bored no taking our order or asking if all was good or offering if need more drink had to shout them down. She went away n another came in hungover as we overheard them talking n opened all doors and restaurant was cold not very nice weather for that. Someone got up n shut one sides door. Can't fault the delicious pizza

Was a lovely restaurant, but unfortunately I ordered the spinach and ricotta ravioli, hoping for a large bowl for £15. But I received 4 squares of ravioli. Hubby had a pizza which was a very good size and only £14. I just wish the server had told me how small my main was going to be when ordering, so I could of ordered a side or something else. I left feeling very disappointed that I spent £15 for four pieces of pasta.

Piping hot when it arrived, great portion size, food quality amazing as always. The garlic bread is out of this world!

Went for light lunch of Minestrone soup and rolls which was good, followed by homemade pastries

Ordered breakfast that didn't arrive, only to be told 1 hour later breakfast had finished and it was now lunchtime menu. Ignorant behaviour by the staf.

Popped in on spec , only one table available as they were very busy and no wonder. Really nice food and great service and a good choice of menu. Will definitely return to Paolo's next time I'm in Galashiels

Order Cancelled 10 minutes after expected delivery, No contact before this to resolve any issues or even just refund any items that couldn't be delivered

Hearty and excellent breakfast, homemade bread, smiling waiters. Good value for money. 🙂

this place never fails to amaze me with its authentic and interesting menu. Vongole fresh from the sea, topped with mollica and perfect pasta. Pizza friarielli .... who knew? wowing our tastebuds with a new and exotic flavour.... pasta with a zesty orange sauce? Just blew me away... keep it coming Paulo and your amazing team.... oh and don't forget to pick up a freshly baked Sourdough bread.... fresh from the oven. (PS best coffee and Pasticcino...)

The food was outstanding! Highly recommend! Will order again! Friendly service. Didn’t really mind it being late once I tasted it! Taste of Italy!!!

Lasagne tasted funny. Hardly any meat. Sticky toffee pudding was very dry Disappointed in the food.

Called in after reading about the Lasagne to die for. That was the best drop in choice made ever. Staff were great, venue is lovely and spotless. Food divine.

Lovely food, well presented and fresh. Portions were a little small if you are a big eater. I had a carbonara, which was very enjoyable.

Really nice pasta - I had spinach and ricotta ravioli, my friend a carbonara, both freshly made with good pasta and well made sauces. Very nice side salad, with tasty 'heritage' tomatoes, lovely friendly wait staff (a little slow when we wanted the bill, but better that than hassling us out of the door). A bit quiet on the Tuesday night we went, apart from the birthday at the next table (which was nice), but the food deserves more customers. A nice place for a casual dinner of simple but very well made home style Italian food.

Food never arrived. Was sent a notification to say it was on its way and it never turned up. Waited all night for something to eat only to go to bed hungry !

Food is just generally bad but more significantly was the small container of hardened melted cheese which came as a separate item to the fries itself as part of my Parmesan fries

Delicious food, even had it 2 days in a row

Food is amazing but I ordered it for 7pm for a reason and it arrived 20 minutes early I know that’s better than being late but would appreciate in the future it came at the time requested

Excellent service and nice atmosphere. However, the food was rather underwhelming.

Delighted with times and quality of food. Arrived piping hot and it was delicious as always.

Was visiting the Scottish Borders from London and I’m so so glad I stopped here for dinner after a long day of travelling! Rapid service, every member of staff was so lovely and friendly and the food was exceptional- some of the best pasta I’ve ever had. Cannot recommend enough!

food was very very tasty. super impressed.

stopped for lunch food was wonderful and all staff very friendly, they also make their own fresh bread which I loved🥰 and bought some to take back home. We will be back with family and friends. Thank you👋🙂

The most delicious pizza ever, I can’t get enough of the food from here. What a gem. 💎

Great Italian! One of the best places to eat in the Borders and the staff are great!

Wrong pizza delivered. Contacted paolo’s regarding wrong pizza. After checking order agreed mistake and send out what we ordered. This took just over 1hour although pizza was good, the hour with the other items delivered, the chips were soggy and un-eatable. The garlic bread dried out and like very thick Melba toast. Totally ruined dining experience.

food 2 hours late cold and drinks spilled on delivery

Great coffee and delicious cakes. Brilliant friendly and knowledgeable staff who were very attentive. The owner also came out to ask if everything was OK. Very impressed with everything. Well worth a visit, you won't be disappointed

A family friend took us out for a birthday lunch as I was away for my actual birthday. We have been here about 4 times in the past with no complaints. Sadly not this time. From the lack of welcoming to a trainee waitress (I fully appreciate people have to learn but I think she would be more suited to a non customer facing job!) Owner approached us when we arrived and asked if we had a reservation to which I said yes he said for 5 and pointed to the table and walked away. Drinks order was taken about 5 mins after we sat down. When waitress came to take order she clearly should have had someone to guide her through the ordering system. When we eventually gave our order another member of staff came over to recap the order. Food was not great this time. Bruschetta came on a ciabatta roll halved very think bread roll which is far too much dough for a starter. Pizzas wafer thin and soggy. Meatballs came on another slab of doorstep ciabatta although I hold my hands up to not reading menu correctly, never have I had meatballs on bread in an Italian before. £17 for 3 meatballs on a lump of bread 🤷‍♀️ Lack of customer service all round on this visit. Will not recommend and will definitely not return.

Tried multiple times to cancel this order and get a refund, including multiple phone calls! had to wait for delivery driver to arrive in hopes of them having a contact to cancel the order. they arrived and said I had to call the shop to cancel. phoned the shop in front of the driver with speaker phone on to prove shop was shut/no answer. driver then left food in my hands, ran to the car and drove off refusing to call his boss/manager, food was also ice cold/poor quality. Still after my refund!!!

Fantastic food, lovely drinks and excellent serive. A wee gem in Galashiels

Food was amazing, especially the chicken burger! Bruschetta Pomodoro was lovely and fresh. Super tasty! Food came on time and the delivery driver was nice and friendly too! Highly recommend, and will definitely be ordering again soon.

we ordered sweet potato fries but it came with normal fries which was disappointing

Brownies were gorgeous 🥰 definitely having one again in future 💯

Food arrived late. All the food was cold. No apology from driver.

Pizzas were absolutely delicious! Will 100% be ordering again.

Booked an evening meal with a group of 8 (4 adults, 4 kids). Food was exceptional. Great value and service. Highly recommended

Food took about 2 hours to arrive, food was lukewarm, not a great first impression