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.
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.
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.
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.
Read more: Goldenberg Mansion: Heritage Restoration in the Heart of Manila
Located in Pasig City, Kapitolyo is a small village that is known for its food and beverage scene. From karinderyas to local bistros, the area is a popular hub for young professionals and families. The cafés in the neighborhood reflect the dynamic community they serve, offering more than just a cup of coffee. What Makes […]
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
On May 9, 2026, DXT opened its new Kohler Showroom on the 7th floor of its Quezon City Office. Alongside the launch is the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers’ (PIID) General Membership Meeting (GMM). The theme, Designing for Possibility, underscores this significant milestone. Three speakers were invited for the featured talk: PIID’s National President, IDr. […]
Pasulong by Anton V. Quisumbing explores loss, longing, and repair. Two years in the making, Quisumbing pieced together the remains of bronze propellers from boats damaged in the aftermath of Typhoon Odette in 2021. Curated by Miguel Rosales and designed by Caramel Creative Consultancy, the exhibition consists of twenty-nine compositions. The works suggest that moving […]
SoFA Design Institute has established itself as one of the Philippines’ leading centers for creative education. It is dedicated to equipping students with the skills, perspective, and confidence needed to succeed in design both locally and internationally. Last March 11, this vision was brought into sharper focus through the launch of SoFA’s academic partnership with […]
Second homes have shifted from occasional escapes to extensions of everyday life. Increasingly, they are expected to offer the same level of comfort and clarity as a primary residence—while remaining within reach. In this context, a new type of development is emerging: the design-led resi-resort. In Calatagan, Batangas, Costa Calatagan introduces Ortigas Land’s first coastal […]
