Transport yourself to Little Italy in New York without the plane ticket with James JJ Acuna’s newest creative endeavor in Carlo’s Italian Restaurant

Words Mika Reyes
Photos courtesy of JJ Acuna
June 5, 2024

When stepping into Carlo’s Italian Restaurant, you might forget you’re in Manila and feel as though you’ve been transported to the vibrant streets of New York’s Little Italy. The mastermind behind this evocative transformation is none other than James JJ Acuna, Creative Director of the Hong Kong-based design firm JJ Acuna / Bespoke Studio. With a narrative steeped in the rich tapestry of light, movement, hues, sounds, scents, and flavors, Acuna captures the essence of an American-Italian neighborhood favorite and brings it to the heart of Manila.

The Vision

For Acuna, the project named Carlo’s was about weaving a story that transports diners to another place and time. Completed in April 2024, this 190-square-meter space is a testament to thoughtful spatial planning and immersive storytelling. The aim was to create a dining experience that draws diners into the warmth and charm of Little Italy, a place where Italian immigrants once brought their rich culinary traditions, shaping the American-Italian gastronomy we adore today.

A Sense of Arrival

The experience at Carlo’s begins the moment you approach its facade. Acuna’s design reimagines the entrance by pushing the facade inward, creating a distinctive foyer that exudes old-world charm. The green bead-board timber millwork, sheer curtains trimmed in woven green ribbon, and dark raw walnut floor planks together create a welcoming and homey allure. This design choice not only sets the tone for what’s inside but also creates a seamless transition from the bustling cityscape to a cozy, inviting space reminiscent of a New York neighborhood.

Spatial Planning and Storytelling

Within Carlo’s, the design is divided into four distinct sections, each contributing to the overall narrative. The Main Dining area is anchored by a counter-height “Coffee-to-Cocktails Bar” that features exquisite oak timber hardwood details and an antique brass-frame mirror. This centerpiece embodies the blend of contemporary and nostalgic mid-century modern aesthetics, making it a perfect gathering spot for guests.

The central area, known as “Nonna’s Open Kitchen,” invites diners to witness culinary magic up close. The white tiled pizza oven, imported from Italy, serves as the heart of the dining experience, surrounded by counter stools dressed in green tartan fabric, adding a sartorial menswear touch to the space.

Towards the back, the Banquette seating offers a more intimate and private dining experience. Here, custom burgundy geometric box-set motif tiles and recycled PET fiber wallpaper from Belgium inject sophistication and playfulness into the space. This area, often referred to as “The Back Room,” culminates the visual narrative with its rich colors, trims, arches, and patterns, creating a sense of home and comfort.

Light and Details

The attention to detail at Carlo’s extends to every corner, including the washrooms where custom green-and-white finger pattern tiles evoke a sense of familiarity and cohesion. JJ Acuna / Bespoke Studio’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their choice of locally made furnishings, specialty fabrics from recycled yarns, and 100% recycled wallpapers.

Lighting plays a pivotal role in enhancing the design narrative. Custom ceiling lamps and wall sconces, crafted in the Philippines, set the perfect ambiance. These bespoke elements, combined with the client's vision, create a space that feels both youthful and timeless.

Art and Ambience

Art is a significant part of Carlo’s design, with pieces from American contemporary artists strategically placed throughout the restaurant. This selection, curated to resonate with the restaurant's clientele, includes works from Mr. Star City, Nicassio Fernandez, Brian Calvin, Megan Whitmarsh, and Charlie Roberts. Each artwork complements the interior materiality and brand colors, adding another layer to the rich narrative of the space.

The Dream Realized

For JJ Acuna, the journey from conceptualization to execution is about breathing life into a vision through meticulous attention to detail and innovative design. At Carlo’s, this vision materializes in a dining experience that encapsulates the charm of New York’s Little Italy while seamlessly fitting into the vibrant fabric of Manila. The collaboration between designer and client has resulted in a space that is rich in narrative and sensory experiences, making it an unforgettable destination for diners.

Carlo’s Italian Restaurant stands as a perfect example of how design can transcend boundaries, bringing a touch of New York to Manila, and offering a dining experience that is both nostalgic and contemporary.