Best explained by James JJ Acuna, Creative Director of Hong Kong-based design firm JJ Acuna / Bespoke Studio, the design narrative tells a rich, multi-layered story about light, movement, hues, sounds, scents, and flavours. By tapping into the vision and essence of the space, the designer brings together elements that make up an American-Italian neighbourhood favourite.

The design of the space was as much a consideration as the flavours on the menu - “This entailed mentally immersing myself in the envisioned ambiance and narrative of the space. 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 conceptualisation to execution.”

The design approach begins by intuitively connecting to the energy and spirit of the place. “The spirit of the space originates from a dream–an idealised vision that guided our team. When conceptualising 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 contribute to a rich and deep narrative we aim to encapsulate.”