Nicolino Diodovich was born in Barletta, in the Puglia region of south east Italy and has worked in the kitchens since the early age of 15 years whilst living in Italy, initially producing and selling ice cream.

He then worked in Milan at the Trattoria Mamma Italia, before moving to the quiet resort of Lake Maggiore in Stresa where he continued to gain experience as a commis chef. During 1984 Nicolino arrived in the UK to learn English and found work at Giuliano Italian Restaurant in Chichester and then later, The White Horse at Chilgrove.

Following this, Nicolino began his own business in Portsmouth before moving to Emsworth to open his current restaurant in February 1993.

At Nicolino's, the trattoria style interior and good quality food, along with the friendly Italian approach to service has proved a very popular combination for many customers and has contributed to the success of the restaurant since its inception.