Likhang Filipino stands on the former site of the PhilTrade Center along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City, a landmark that once symbolized the Philippines’ export ambitions and introduced Filipino craftsmanship to international audiences. Originally inaugurated in 1979, the PhilTrade Center was conceived as a national showcase for Philippine exports, with its longitudinal form and sloping […]
Carlo’s Italian Restaurant Brings a Slice of Manhattan to Manila
Manila’s newest culinary sensation, Carlo’s Italian Restaurant provides a fully immersive dining experience that transports diners to Little Italy in Manhattan. This space captures the essence of an era when Italian immigrants brought their rich culinary traditions to America, influencing what we now know as American-Italian gastronomy. At Carlo’s, this story is told through its menu and the meticulously crafted design of the space.
Envisioning the Ambiance
Designer JJ Acuña of Hong Kong-based JJ Acuna / Bespoke Studio was instrumental in shaping the restaurant’s unique ambiance. “It’s about mentally immersing myself in the envisioned ambiance and narrative,” Acuña explains. “It’s envisioning the quintessential experience of dining in New York’s Little Italy and translating it seamlessly to a setting like Manila. This mental journey informs our creative process, guiding us from conceptualization to execution.”
Acuña’s approach begins with an intuitive connection to the energy and spirit of the place. “The spirit of the space originates from a dream—an idealized vision that guided our team. When conceptualizing a space, I dove into the nuances: the play of light at dusk, the bustling energy of a kitchen in full swing, the warmth of a welcoming host, and the proximity of a sizzling pizza oven. Each of these elements contributes to a rich and deep narrative we aim to encapsulate,” he says.
A Slice of Little Italy in Manila
The clients envisioned a relaxed dining destination that would welcome guests throughout the day, from morning coffee to evening cocktails. Acuña reimagined the restaurant’s facade to transport diners away from the corporate landscape and into the heart of Little Italy. The entrance is designed to create a distinctive foyer with old-world charm.
Spatial Planning and Design Narrative
The restaurant’s efficient compartmentalization is reminiscent of New York City train cars and the lower floors of historical brownstones. This contributes to the overall design narrative. A counter-height “Coffee-to-Cocktails Bar” anchors the Main Dining Area at the front of the restaurant. This centerpiece features exquisite oak timber hardwood details and an antique brass-frame mirror hanging overhead. The color palette integrates patinas from the hardwood, antique frames, and fabrics in Carlo’s signature colors. This creates a seamless blend of contemporary and nostalgic mid-century modern aesthetics.
The success of Carlo’s Italian Restaurant’s design lies in the collaborative effort between the designer and the client. “Through meticulous attention to detail, innovative furniture design, bespoke architectural elements, and nuanced lighting schemes, we breathed life into this vision,” Acuña reflects. “The passion of the team and the culinary delights of Carlo’s truly animate the space, transforming it into an unforgettable experience for patrons.”
Read more about Carlo’s Italian Restaurant by ordering your copy of BluPrint Volume 1, available via the sarisari.shopping website, Shopee, and Lazada. E-magazines are available for download via Readly, Press Reader, and Magzter.
Photographed by Ed Simon.
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