THE man behind some of Glasgow’s most popular Italian restaurants has announced plans to open two “new dining concepts” in empty city centre units this year.
Roman Perrella, who runs the innovative small plates restaurant Malocchio and the NYC-style Italian Amore, is looking to transform the two empty city centre units into “exciting” new food ventures.
The units were previously occupied by Sapporo in Merchant City, just a few doors down from Amore, and Franco Manca on Mitchell Street in the city centre.
The “concepts” Perrella plans to bring to the new sites have not yet been shared, but he claims people may be surprised by his ideas.
“While I am not going to reveal the concepts we are planning for the two new sites just yet, I will say they’re not going to be serving pizza,” he said.
“We have really exciting ideas and have been looking for the right places to create them.
“These units are significant ones in the city and I didn’t want to see them lie empty.”
Perrella said that he hopes his new ventures will be as well recieved as his other restaurants in the city.
“Malocchio has been fantastic and we’re thrilled at the response since we opened, and the ongoing consistent support of what we are doing,” he said.
Launched in 2025, Malocchio offers small plates fused with modern cuisine favourites and classical Italian dishes and has won waves of positive reviews.
The eatery combines fresh pasta and pizzettes with creative twists, along with its locally famous desserts.
Meanwhile, his second restaurant, the NYC-style Italian family spot Amore on Ingram Street, has also become a foodie favourite.
“Amore has more of a traditional feel; it’s the laid-back casual neighbourhood spot for quick bites or family occasions alike,“ he explained.
Perrella commented on the number of boarded up and empty sites in Glasgow’s city centre, and the need for new businesses to launch:
“There are too many good sites sitting unused in Glasgow for a variety of reasons and I don’t like to see it – I love this city and want it to thrive,” he said.
“Sure, it is a risk launching a new business and especially something very different - but that’s the case any time. Hopefully others will take a chance rather than let good sites lie empty and rot away.”
Perrella said he will reveal plans for the first new concept soon - and hopes to open the doors before the end of the year.
Work is already underway at the Mitchell Street site, which was home to Franco Manca.
“We’re finalising the broad concept at the moment and as soon as I have it all lined up I’ll announce it, along with the planned opening date,” he said.
“The goal is to open the first site this year – watch this space.”
