Mario Mellusi was born and raised in Ischia, a beautiful island across the Amalfi coast in Italy. He began his hospitality career at a young age, working at his parent's restaurant in Ischia. At the age of 14, he decided to travel the world and began working at different seasonal restaurants around Europe, developing and honing his sense of the restaurant industry. In the course of his travels, he became fluent in five languages: French, Italian, English, Spanish, Neapolitan.

In his twenties, Mario decided to try his hand in America, and found a home at the illustrious Tiberio, the famed Washington DC palace of Italian haute cuisine. A six-month stay turned into six years as Tiberio rose in the estimation of Washington patrons to a level previously held only by the city's fine French restaurants.

In 1997 Mario worked with Chef Fabrizio Aielli to open the Venice-inspired Goldoni restaurant, (later Teatro Goldoni), one of the top three Italian restaurants in Washington DC. After opening Goldoni, Mario was recruited by the James Beard Awarded Chef Roberto Donna to work at his restaurant Galileo.

After 7 years at Galileo, Mario decided to join the Aielli group again to open a new restaurant in Naples, Florida. In 2011 Barbatella opened its doors for the first time and Mario has found a home. His son attended Naples High School and now plays Division 1 football for Clemson Tigers.

Mario's passion, aside from great food, is to share his experiences and expertise with his staff and young adults who aspire to careers in the culinary arts and hospitality. "I love what I do. Barbatella is my home."