Casa Mia restaurant owner, Raffaela Possente, knows a thing or two about cooking.

The talented chef has worked in five star restaurants all over the world from Sardinia to Milan, Switzerland and London.

For the last ten years though, he's brought an authentic taste of Italian food to the market town of Sandbach.

Raffaela Possente with his father outside Casa Mia. (Photo: Nub News)

Casa Mia in Market Square has been a favourite place to savour the best of Italian food for many years and Raffaela, who previously worked in Nantwich and Alsager, bought the business in 2015.

"I've always loved cooking," said the father-of-five. "I used to watch my mother, Lina, cook and helped her to make sauces and salads when I was a little boy.

"My father has always been a big influence and it's thanks to him and my family that I am where I am today with my business. He calls every day from Italy."

Casa Mia, like its owner, is very Italian. (Photo: Nub News)

Walking into Casa Mia, positioned with the historic St Mary's Church in the distance, is like walking into a piece of Italy with its bright and airy Mediterannean colours and stylish interior.

On one wall, there are photos of Raffaela's family including one with his wife Emma and another with his dad Maurizio plus some of his children who range from 18 to 16, 11, nine and three.

Raffaela's father, Maurizio, has dined in his son's restaurant, enjoying his favourite dish - lobster pasta.

"He always encouraged me to strive for the very best," said Raffaela, also known as 'Lello'. "He took me to all the best places to eat and I suppose that's where I got some of my ideas from.

"He always said follow my dream and that's exactly what I have done."

Raffaela is very hands-on and is the main chef in the restaurant. Last month (May) he threw a party with food and music to celebrate the 10th birthday.

Originally from a small village near Naples, Raffaela, who has a brother and sister, hasn't always been in the food industry. As a youngster he joined the army at the age of 17 and continued until he was age 22.

Raffaela during his days in the Italian army. (Photo: Nub News)

"All of my family were in business so it seemed natural to follow them doing the same," he said. "I just hope our customers love our restaurant and food as much as we do. We're proud of what we do."

"Customers coming to the restaurant have become like family. We know so many who come back time after time."

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