Allora
Essential Information
This fine dining restaurant from the husband-and-wife team of sommelier Elizabeth-Rose Mandalou and chef Deneb Williams is a showcase for art on a plate, like the sculptural polpo appetizer—tender octopus tendrils in a squid ink vinaigrette nestled with pillowy potato gnocchi. Mandalou’s carefully curated wine list leans toward Southern European selections, and she’s ever at hand to suggest something to pair flawlessly with dishes like scallops with smoked ham, caramelized endives and persimmon mostarda (Williams, formerly executive chef of The Firehouse, has perfect pitch when it comes to proteins). The dining room at this seafood-forward Italian restaurant is a warren of inviting nooks, from the bar to a dramatically lit communal table (warning, you will be tempted to lean over and dip a fork into your tablemate’s fettuccine with lobster, prawns, pancetta and tomato Parma rosa sauce). Since Allora means “What’s next?” in Italian, don’t forget to save room for dessert, like the velvety white chocolate panna cotta with black currants and an almond tuile.