The latest from the husband-and-wife team of sommelier Elizabeth-Rose Mandalou and chef Deneb Williams (who also own Woodlake Tavern and Uptown Pizza Kitchen in North Sacramento) is a showcase for art on a plate, like the sculptural pulpo 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 smoked scallops with celery root purée, apple chutney and cider gastrique (Williams, formerly 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 patio to the bar to a dramatically lit communal table (warning, you will be tempted to lean over and dip a fork into your tablemate’s bucatini with Dungeness crab, uni and a citrusy cream sauce). Since Allora means “What’s next?” in Italian, don’t forget to save room for desserts, like the velvety tiramisu panna cotta with crispy meringue and espresso gel.