Malocchio, located on Ingram Street, will officially welcome customers from Thursday, September 18.
The eatery promises a “new take on a cuisine built on classic favourites” and has taken over the former Mediterraneo site.
(Image: Newsquest Staff)
(Image: Newsquest Staff)
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Ahead of its opening, the Glasgow Times was invited along to get a sneak peek inside the modern restaurant.
Our reporter spoke with owner Romano Perella, who also runs the much-loved Amore situated just down the street.
Romano explained what he believes makes his latest restaurant unique.
Romano Perella(Image: Newsquest Staff)
He said: “It’s taken us four months to get it over the line, so seeing it from what it was like before to now has been something else.
“Malocchio is a more modern Italian restaurant, so the dishes are three-quarters sizes. Not quite tapas and not quite full portions, just good enough that you can still order two or three dishes each.
“You can pretty much taste a lot of the menu. The menu is very reduced, but it gives people the chance to try a wee bit of everything.
“The standard Italian restaurant that you get in Glasgow is your starter, main, and dessert. It’s been done a hundred times, so we just thought, ‘what can we actually do that does make it different?
“It is a wee bit more sophisticated. This menu is all about the produce, simplicity, and good, hearty food.
“The pasta dishes are the heart and soul of the restaurant, everything is freshly made in-house and we have a range of shapes, sizes, and styles – some very known, some less so.
“Everything is premium, the food is a very, very high quality, but we have worked hard to keep the pricing very affordable because we are for everyone.”
(Image: Newsquest Staff)
(Image: Newsquest Staff)
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The city centre restaurant’s concept is said to be all about social experience.
Despite being an open plan eatery, Romano noted that the huge venue “has a different feel” dependent on where customers sit.
There is a bar area as people walk in the door, an open kitchen space, a traditional dining room and a private dining room which accommodates up to 20 people.
(Image: Newsquest Staff)
(Image: Newsquest Staff)
Romano said he is “thrilled” to unveil the concept, which he has been “obsessing over” for a long time.
This includes stunning hand-painted ceilings, green and white marble flooring, and a silver open kitchen.
Romano added: “We’re really excited to finally show people what we have been working on for so long.
“This is a big moment for the team as we get to show off our menu. It’s a different concept – it’s not Italian tapas, it’s not conventional, rigidly-defined courses.
“It’s really whatever you want it to be, that’s the beauty of the Malocchio idea.”
(Image: Newsquest Staff)
Malocchio will be open for both walk-ins and bookings, which can be made via the online booking system.
Romano commented: “It’s about being relaxed and welcoming, and trying to ensure we can always be here when you want us.
“Some people need to know they’re booked, others love to be spontaneous, so we will work our system for each date to ensure we offer both.”
Dining and Cooking