RESTAURANT group The DRG will re-open one of its city centre eateries this month with a stylish new look.

Barolo Grill on Mitchell Street is being transformed and re-positioned; it will be known simply as Barolo and will offer understated, classic Italian cooking.

It will have a 150-seat capacity, spread across the bar, main dining room, private dining room for up to 35 guests and outdoor pavement terrace.

There will be an abundance of natural light from the previously covered glazed cupola, and design features will include new branding with a palette of rich blue, rose and gold, adding pavement appeal.

Marble, brass and leather finishes will give a classic feel to the interiors and there will be vibrant artwork.

The site was home to Glasgow’s first Italian restaurant, opening more than 50 years ago. Originally L’Ariosto, it was the home of the Italian dinner dance and ‘the’ place to see and be seen.

As recently as 2008, the restaurant still carried out the classic flambe cooking tableside, a favourite of traditional Italian restaurants.

Barolo will be open for breakfast, lunch, cicchetti (Italian tapas) and dinner, seven days a week and will serve hand-made pasta, seafood and grill dishes using the finest ingredients.

The DRG also has The Anchor Line, Di Maggio’s and Cafe Andaluz in its 25-strong portfolio. Tony Conetta, director, said: “We reinvented L’Ariosto back in 2008 and time has come again for Barolo to be transformed.

“We wanted somewhere serving fresh pasta and classic Italian cookery but where understated Italian style gives a sense of occasion -– whether you’re dropping in for breakfast, cocktails or a fresh pasta lunch.”