Glasgow’s vibrant food scene has just been elevated with the arrival of Malocchio, a contemporary Italian dining concept by Romano Perella – the man behind Amore. But this isn’t just a new restaurant. Malocchio is a carefully crafted sanctuary, with design and detail threaded through every corner, reflecting not just a love for food, but for atmosphere, emotion, and soul.
Nestled in the heart of the city centre on the former Mediterraneo site, Malocchio is a transformation in every sense – and it shows. The space has been completely reimagined by Severino, whose creative vision brought together a team of expert craftspeople to realise this bold new concept. The name Malocchio – referring to the Southern Italian superstition of the evil eye – might suggest negativity, but this space is all about the opposite: positivity, energy, and protection.
At the centre of the design is Il Corno, the horn-shaped amulet believed to ward off bad luck. It’s more than a logo – it’s a theme that runs through the space: from architectural shapes to decorative finishes, everything has meaning.
Romano explains,“This is the first concept I’ve created entirely from scratch, and it shows. I wanted it to feel like a break from the world – a place where you can breathe, relax, and experience joy. That’s what the design had to embody.”
Rich textures, calming tones, and subtle nods to Italian heritage are everywhere. Even the olive branches built into the decor serve as a nod to tradition and peace – a beautiful metaphor for the spirit of the restaurant. Executing such a precise, emotionally-led design took the work of a dream team of specialist trades.
The elegant tiling that runs through the restaurant’s floors and bathrooms, giving a sense of clean geometry and old-world Italian charm, was carried out by DB Tiling. The meticulous craftsmanship here is more than just aesthetic – it’s about grounding the space, providing a tactile connection to the Italian spaces that inspired it.
The softness and comfort come courtesy of LECS Upholstery, who reimagined traditional booth seating and banquettes with modern shapes and ultra-comfortable cushioning. Think plush finishes in earthy tones, soft leathers and tactile fabrics that invite diners to linger. And let’s not forget the core of it all – the kitchen.
The heartbeat of Malocchio is the food, and New Concept Catering delivered a fully bespoke catering setup. The open-plan kitchen lets diners peek into the magic of fresh pasta being made on site – one of the restaurant’s major calling cards.
The spatial layout encourages the social, shared-style dining that Romano is so passionate about. There are long communal tables, intimate booths, and open, breathable corners designed for date nights, group catchups or even solo diners looking to unwind with a bowl of handmade pasta. Severino ensured that the design wasn’t just beautiful – it was practical, intuitive, and aligned with the restaurant’s purpose.
While Malocchio may feel effortlessly modern, every element is anchored in a deep respect for Italian culture and tradition. It’s in the handmade touches, the subtle symbolism, the olive wood finishes, and even the softly curved bar area that reflects the shape of the protective corno itself.
Ultimately, the design of Malocchio mirrors its culinary philosophy: heritage reimagined for now. It’s a place built not only on craftsmanship but on care – where every tile, every light fitting, every chair and every horn-shaped motif tells a story of passion, tradition, and the pursuit of good living.