Malocchio owner to transform Glasgow city centre units with new Italian ventures

Two empty city centre units are set to be transformed thanks to the man behind one of Glasgow’s top Italian restaurants.

Romano Perella, who launched small pates Italian restaurant Malocchio just over a year ago, is set to take on the former units occupied by Sapporo in Merchant City, right by Amore, and Franco Manca in Mitchell Street in the city centre.

Perella has won plaudits for his fusion of modern and classical Italian dishes since opening in 2025. The restaurant combines fresh pasta, unique pizzettes with creative twists and of course the iconic desserts, all in a stunning venue in the heart of Merchant City.

He also operates NYC-style Italian family restaurant, Amore, near Merchant City.

He said: “Malocchio has been fantastic and we’re thrilled at the response since we opened, and the ongoing consistent support of what we are doing.

“Amore has more of a traditional feel, it’s the laid-back casual neighbourhood spot for quick bites or family occasions alike.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

Romano isn’t yet sharing what concepts he plans to bring to the new sites, although he does admit people may be surprised by his ideas - again. He hopes to actually open the doors before the end of the year.

He said: “They are both very new, very different ideas and I am keen to get the first one up and running quickly.

“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.

“The goal is to open the first site this year – watch this space.”