Allora

We went for lunch based on enthusiastic recommendations. The food options were classic yet interesting, and the ambiance was cozy and inviting. The service unfortunately left us wanting for more. For example, we ordered and paid for the focaccia but they had run out of the tomato butter that usually accompanies the bread. Instead of compensating, they simply stated the deficiency until we requested a substitute like pesto. The 4-5 dishes we ordered rung out to be more expensive than what was on the menu, and the special, a veggie side, turned out to be just as pricy as an entree. The focaccia had great texture, the shishito peppers were well charred, the asparagus tomato dish was savory, and the carbonara was a little watery in want of finishing salt. The pollo panini lived up to expectations. Overall, the food was good and the ambiance was cozy, but the service side can use much improvement.

Heard good reviews about this place. Ordered a very standard very simple Cacio e Pepe….. TERRIBLE. Barely a hint of Parmesan, zero creaminess with non aldente pasta complete with an overly heavy serving of pasta water at the bottom of the dish that formed a thin peppery soup. The appetizer was literally 3 pieces of mortadella rolled up with a fake balsamic drizzle for 10$……. Our server had this blasé uninterested affectation that bordered on impolite and the silverware was noticeably dirty with water/food stains present. 100% would not recommend. Save your money. The hype is a mythology.

Absolute disaster. We live 2 blocks from here and want to do EVERYTHING to support local restaurants. My husband has tried numerous times for adequate service, coffee, simple things. The staff has been nothing but rude & incompetent. I saw my friend post a photo of their Cacio e Pepe the other day - couldn't wait to try it. I just called them- 45 MINUTES BEFORE THEIR 3 PM CLOSING TIME - THEY WEREN'T SERVING FOOD ANYMORE. WTH? SORRY TO BREAK YOUR BACKS. Terrible.

My wife and I came to Allora ~1 year ago and had the absolute best time. I dreamed of the carbonara with guanciale for a YEAR. The live music was fantastic, the ambiance exceptional, the service attentive, and the food divine. This time (July 2023), I brought my parents and visiting aunt/uncle from out of town, expecting to wow them. We arrived and learned Allora no longer offers live music (online it said there was live music still). The previously beautiful multi-column, abundant menu was now a narrow single column, limited menu with the same high end pricing. The pasta selection was remarkably limited to maybe 4, and the guanciale was sold out so I could not even get the pasta carbonara I was so looking forward to. The waitress appeared utterly unengaged and disinterested in providing service. We asked about drinks, and she said they have none and the corkage fee is $20. My wife is pregnant, so we pressed for anything beyond just Luke warm tap water (no ice was provided). She said "We might have some San Pellegrino's in the back. Do you really want me to check?" We felt uncomfortable and burdensome to even ask. Truly, our experience was so disappointing on every level. I had such an amazing first experience last year that I will try Allora once more at the new location... maybe back-of-house issues caused this experience and things will shape up. But please, get back to the way things used to be done that made Allora an absolute gem. Increase the menu size. Let customers know if live music is no longer a thing. Keep essential inventory in stock. Make customers feel welcome and offer some basic beverages.