IT’S a long way from their native Napoli but here, amid the peal of Ripon Cathedral bells, the Nessa family is very much at home.

So are their customers, who daily converge on their thriving business, Mario’s Restaurant in Kirkgate, to soak up (and ingest) the mood and food of glorious Italy.

So it is hardly surprising that they are entering their popular restaurant in both The Family Business Of The Year and Tourism And Hospitality titles in The Press Business Awards 2010.

Mario Nessa and his wife, Maria, are usually in the kitchen creating the fresh fish and meat specialities as well as pastas for which they have become known, while their son Marco is restaurant manager, employing seven people.

He often arranges special nights for which they import fresh buffalo mozzarella, salame and other delicious foods.

Marco said: “We have been established for six years now with more than 30 years experience in Italy, so we have a very vast knowledge of the culture and food, having moved from Napoli 12 years ago.

“We have a growing clientele and we totally take passion and love in what we do.”