Allora Ristorante

I recently took my work staff to Allora for our annual holiday lunch. While the menu offers a variety of Italian dishes, the experience fell far short in several key areas.The food is significantly overpriced. Admittedly, the team had several bottles of (lower end of the prices) wine but the bill for 9 was in excess of $2,600! I don't care how much you love Chianti, spending more than $250 each (before the imposed 20% tip) is ridiculous. The portions were average at best (except for the Veal Parm that was covered in mozzarella). On top of that, the waiter was relentless in upselling, making the experience less relaxed and more like a sales pitch.Our group requested a 'private dining room' which turned out to be nothing more than their covered patio with a portable heater - clearly not turned on until we arrived. The ambiance was underwhelming, at best.This is NYC and great restaurants are everywhere. For the cost, I would absolutely recommend looking for something other than Allora.

The food was good. Really good. I loved that fried zucchini! Our server was nice and we really enjoyed our food.Everything was fine until we were charged $20 for water. Still water. I had no idea it wasn't tap.

Came here with friends for a dinner after eating at the Allora on Fifth Avenue and was hoping to match the experience I had there but it didn't quite meet the standard that was set there, but it was still okay.Overall, the food is good and service was interesting but the ambiance is severely lacking. Again, since in my mind I'm comparing it to the other location, I may be grading on a tougher scale. Food-wise, we started with a Caesar salad made tableside which was great. They had a special of grilled calamari but when we asked if they had fried, they said they could do that and they made a really nice plate of fried calamari. I had the dentice mediterranean (red snapper) for my meal and it was good, although not quite as delicious as the one I had at the other location. I think maybe they cooked it early and it sat out for awhile as it had gotten a little cold and the sauce had congealed a bit. The waiter was professional but was really pushing hard to add food to the ticket. It's just uncomfortable having to push back multiple times, especially when he was trying to get my friend who doesn't eat seafood to order a seafood appetizer. Additionally, the same friend ordered a veal pasta special, which was gigantic. It was also delicious, as the waiter forced everyone at the table to try some even though two of the people protested that they didn't want any. Not everyone eats veal, my dude! And then to forcibly put it on someone's plate just so it gets tossed out doesn't make sense to me. Maybe some people think that's charming or cute but as an adult, I'm capable of being clear on what I wish to eat and what I don't wish to eat and it would be nice if that was respected. The biggest drawback of this place is the ambiance. We ate early in the evening and were the only table in the restaurant when we sat down. About 45 minutes later, a table for two was seated right next to us and they were so loud. If the restaurant was going to be packed, I get it, but by the time we left only two more tables had been seated. The tables where we were seated were close together and I just didn't understand why they had to seat that couple on top of us. We literally couldn't hear our own conversation over the screeching of the lady at the next table. Additionally, there were some people in the back of the restaurant and I'm not sure if they worked there or not but the wait staff was hanging out and they were also just super loud and distracting. So even though the food was good, the weird, pushy service and the really loud people kind of ruined the vibe. Probably wouldn't come back here but would definitely go back to the other location where it's a little bit calmer and is more of a fine dining experience.

Our waiter Noil had beyond amazing customer service, very sweet and kind Franco Morixa made us an amazing lamb chops delicious, such a beautiful place! Low lights a calm vibe. I highly recommend!

We came with a group of 10 for Mothers Day as they were one of the few restaurants who would take a reservation for a group of our size near Grand Central. First mishap was they didn't have my reservation, although I booked through Resy and had confirmed it via text that morning. Left a bad taste in my mouth, but they still seated our party. We were immediately served meat and cheese, fried zucchini and spicy peppers with bread. All very tasty. Although I asked if we could have more bread and the waitress said "MORE bread?" Like yeah, more bread...we're a table of ten lol. Cesar salad made table side was delicious and everyone generally likes their meals.Biggest issue was three of us ordered the "special" which we were told was a burrata ravioli with vodka sauce but ended up having no burrata in it and instead was just overcooked lobster ravioli? It was very weird, especially since I confirmed there was no meat in it before ordering (I don't eat lobster). It was bizarre and felt like a bait and switch, plus it wasn't very good and the lobster was super overcooked and dry. I liked the dessert display but the tiramisu was awful. Not traditional at all, no coffee flavor and had maple syrup all over it? Very sad about that. The chocolate cake was tasty though. It was a very pricy lunch but worked out mostly ok for our group for the most part. We were basically the only group in the restaurant and the drinks came VERY slowly. We had to flag them down several times to get wine refill and check on orders. Just some things to be aware of.

Went for Valentine's Day dinner and it was great! The ambience was cozy the wine and drinks were amazing! The food, I got the 30ft long made in house spaghetti while my husband got the lobster risotto, both were delicious! Our waiter Ben was great and very knowledgeable service was impeccable. Would definitely recommend!

Allora is a real gem in Midtown, Manhattan. We went there on Christmas Day when it was among the few restaurants that opened, thank goodness! The atmosphere inside was cozy and warm, which was reflected in the cordiality of the greeting, making our holiday meal very special.Franco was our waiter and allowed us to have this great experience. We watched him treat every guest like family (including us!), making sure we felt welcome and going out of his way to fulfill what we asked for. He even brought out a few complimentary items, which was such a thoughtful and generous gesture.Now to the important part: the food, which was hands down amazing! Every dish was something new to taste, fresh, really authentic, full of flavors, and perfect pasta seasoned incredibly well.Whether you are visiting NYC as a tourist or seeking a reliable spot within the city, Allora will be a must-see. This place is about not only food but genuine hospitality and friendly atmosphere, too. Can't wait to come back with my family and friends next time!

Tourist Trap.. visited on Valentines Day. Dined amongst some of the oddest characters I've ever been around and that's saying something. Business Owner was pretty rude to his staff and was money hungry. Ambiance was pretty tough given it was connected to a rundown hotel and the tables were on top of one another. I do have to say the food was pretty delicious. I got the branzino which was cooked table side and battered in a delicious lemon butter sauce. For $55 I thought they could add a small side of pasta in the same sauce at no additional cost or very limited, $19 for 7 strands of linguini wasn't what I was expecting but again, also delicious but just greedy vibes.

Definitely a must while vacationing in NYC Midtown. Excellent service, ambience and attention. Sr. Morina is an excellent host and the staff is very accommodating. The food is authentic and the drinks are stiff. Try the desserts and have a cappuccino to cap the night.

Franco morina Is the best, nico as well the very best. A phenomenal authentic Italian experience with customer service that feels like home. An amazing experience