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    Allora

    3.6 (82 reviews)

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    ALLORA ATMOSPHERE

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    Emma's matcha
    Jessica W.

    This was not a full Allora dinner moment. This was a coffee-and-matcha reconnaissance mission, and honestly, the intel was promising. The setup has that coastal Italian café feel without making a whole production out of it. Minty green exterior, cute window, pretty marble table, tiny coffee cup moment. Very photogenic, but still casual enough that you don't feel ridiculous taking your drink and moving on with your day. The coffee was smooth and the matcha was creamy, cold, and pretty enough to earn its own camera roll space. I also appreciate a place that gives you the quick-stop option without requiring a full sit-down commitment. Sometimes you want caffeine, not a relationship. We only did drinks on this visit, so I'm saving my full food opinions for round two, but the rooftop has already filed a formal request in my brain. I cannot wait to come back for happy hour, wine, and whatever adorable little Italian snack situation is happening up there. For now, Allora gets points for a cute walk-up window, solid drinks, and making a coffee stop feel like a mini Charleston vacation from my desk.

    Jeremy C.

    So, we decided to go to Allora because my wife said she kept hearing about the place and seeing it online. I made a reservation and then started to read some of the reviews, and got a bit nervous. There were several people claiming that the food was not good or was of inferior quality. I am happy to report that our experience was wonderful. You might have an issue looking for parking as there isn't much on Spring Street and there are limited spots on Rutledge but that was the only ting that wasn't easy enjoyment. We were greeted immediately by two very friendly ladies that made sure we were seated at that time. Seating was comfortable, and surprisingly roomy. It is often the case in Charleston that the older buildings seem to have too many tables packed into a space that seems like 2 tables too many. Our server Andrew was very friendly and helpful. We started the evening with a yellowfin tuna crudo, a wild arugula salad (with pistachios, grape tomatoes, and parmesan snow) tossed in olive oil, and a Mediterranean octopus dish. They also bring a few piece of cold focaccia in a little paper bag.. A good start. We chose to split a pasta dish and a carne/pesce dish. The former was Mafaldine, a pork 'Nduja ragu with ricotta and Mafalda pasta, perfectly cooked pasta and slight spicy sweetness that was perfectly "on point". The latter dish was simple called Snapper. It did indeed have a nice piece of snapper on the plate (now it was a bit dry...perhaps 60 second too long) but it was surrounded with shrimp, squid, clams, mussels, and delightful broth with saffron and Calabrian Chile. We selected a bottle of 2023 Villa Tinacci Chianti Classico, a delicious DOCG Chianti that quite honestly paired well with every dish and would have been great to drink by itself! I'm so glad I didn't listen to the reviews that were negative and chose to take the chance. It was certainly worth the gamble!

    Fried Zucchini Pasta
    Srinanda G.

    Absolutely loved this place! We skipped apps, but they did give us focaccia, which was nice. For our entrees, we got the Garganelli, Eggplant "Fettuccine," Fried Zucchini Pasta, and Linguine. Initial impressions, we all took a bite of our own dishes and were blown away. We proceeded to pass our dishes around so we could try everyone's, and we were surprised because we genuinely couldn't pick a favorite since everything was just that good. We also all really liked our drinks, and the espresso martini, which I believe is their specialty, is definitely worth ordering. We ended with dessert, and the tiramisu was also a 10/10. I had initially made a reservation for this place as it had a rooftop and gelato bar, along with the restaurant space. And truly, this place had it all. It was perfect for a girls night out, and we also got some cute pictures.

    Inside
    Leyang Z.

    Had a quick lunch there. Originally I planned to came there to try the Porchetta Panino, one of their lunch specials. But they were not available. So I got the Tender greens salad and Seared scallops. While I asked them to put nothing on the salad, it came with some vinaigrette and oil. The scallops app. had three pieces of jumbo scallops. They were fresh and so tender that tasted like jelly. However, it was too salty even if I asked for less salt. Moreover, there was no "crispy prosciutto" as listed on the menu. Their complimentary focaccia was good. The restaurant had some beautiful decor inside. It also had a rooftop patio which should be great on a warm sunny day.

    Another dining room
    Joan M.

    We reserved a New Year's Eve late reservation for Allora on Spring Street. While we waited for our time of 21:30 we were guided to the heated rooftop bar for drinks. A beautiful cozy spot. It is an absolute triumph and a shining example of why The Free Rein Group continues to impress. From the moment you step inside, the stunning decor sets the tone--elegant, warm, and thoughtfully designed, striking the perfect balance between sophisticated and inviting. The food is exceptional and for a set menu on NYE it had several options to choose from, which was an added bonus. Each dish feels creative and intentional, with innovative flavor combinations that are both exciting and beautifully executed. Nothing feels gimmicky--just incredibly well-crafted cuisine that clearly reflects a talented kitchen with vision. What truly elevates the experience, though, is the superb service. Attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming, the staff makes you feel cared for from start to finish. Impressive. Allora isn't just a meal--it's a full dining experience. Whether you're celebrating something special or simply looking for an outstanding night out, this place delivers on every level. Can't wait to return.

    Wine and the Piccolo Ribelle
    Bari T.

    Allora is one of those restaurants that instantly makes you feel like you're in on a little secret. It's cute, classy, and intimate--perfect for a relaxed but elevated night out. We kicked off the evening with some wine and a Piccolo Ribelle, and right away the tone was set. The drinks were excellent. To start, we ordered the Wagyu Beef Carpaccio, which quite literally melted in your mouth. Absolutely outstanding. The Formaggio plate was perfect for sharing among three people and paired beautifully with our drinks. Next came the Mediterranean Octopus, which was incredibly flavorful and grilled to perfection--tender with just the right char. For entrées, the Snapper Frutti di Mare was a true seafood lover's dream, loaded with a delightful variety of fresh seafood in every bite. The Cavatelli with rabbit was rich, soft, and cheesy in the best way--comforting yet refined. The Clam Linguine may sound like a classic Italian staple, but this version was anything but ordinary. It was vibrant, balanced, and memorable. We wrapped up the evening with a wonderful cannoli and cappuccinos, which was the perfect ending to a fantastic meal. If you haven't been to Allora yet, put it on your list. You won't be disappointed. Definitely ask for Malachi--he was fantastic and truly elevated the entire experience

    Dani P.

    We had a nice overall experience at Allora, though it was a bit of a mixed bag for me personally. I ordered the GF rigatoni, and unfortunately it was pretty bland--not bad, just not memorable, and nothing we couldn't make better at home. That said, the other three guests really enjoyed their pasta dishes, which tells me this may have been more about my selection than the kitchen overall. The octopus starter was the star of the show--beautifully cooked, flavorful, and easily the highlight of the meal. Definitely a must-order. Cocktails were solid. The Oro Romano (honey and bourbon) was well balanced and enjoyable, and I appreciated the thoughtful non-alcoholic option--the Bella Fresca, made with NA gin, which was refreshing and well done. The location and aesthetic are clearly part of the draw--very curated, with a specific target audience in mind, and it feels especially well-suited for bachelorette parties and celebratory groups. While my main dish missed the mark, the strong starter, drinks, and overall vibe still made this a good night out. Good service, although nothing stand out! The bathroom by the bar, is a standout in Charleston! but it's kind of its own scene in Charleston is experiencing the bathrooms.

    Tender Greens salad & homemade focaccia
    Sarah H.

    The ambiance and decor here is spot on! We got sat in the cutest little corner spot in the dining room and our server was super helpful in narrowing down what to get! The bar area is a little tight walking through to get to the restaurant. The homemade focaccia is perfect. We ordered the Tender Greens salad to split and it was delicious. My clam linguine was a little drier than any one I had before, there was no broth as the description stated but the flavors were good. My friend is GF and was able to get her linguine al limone with shrimp and GF pasta. She was pleasantly surprised the GF pasta was still linguine! The affogato was absolutely phenomenal. Their gelato was creamy and flavorful. 10/10 Can't wait for it to be nicer out to check out the rooftop!!

    ricotta gnocchi
    Kay M.

    Visiting Charleston, and we went here twice because the pasta was so good. Best gnocchi I ever had! Service was great and inside was gorgeous. Espresso martinis a bit rich, more of a dessert drink. Their spritz selection was great as well. Shout out to the house management, they took care of us.

    Allison P.

    Ya gotta get the lobster spaghetti (wish it was bucatini noodles but ‍) and the espresso martini! Love going to the walk up window for their mini cannoli and espresso! This dinner was part of a bachelorette party and every one of us wanted to come back the next evening for more pasta! Eating at the bar is always a good move as well.

    Cannoli and tiramisu
    Emily B.

    I'd been excited to try Allora, and honestly the recent reviews had started to scare me off BUT it ended up being amazing! First off, the space is adorable and the staff was super friendly and accommodating. What we ordered: Mussels: buttery, garlicky goodness served with warm, fresh bread. Carbonara: rich, creamy, and the guanciale was perfectly crispy. Veal Scaloppine (Friday special): so glad we got this. I wasn't in the mood for fish or pork, and this hit the spot--tender, flavorful, and delicious. Tiramisu & Cannoli: fresh, creamy, and the perfect level of sweetness. Such a great way to end the night. I'd genuinely recommend everything we ordered. Plus, they bring out homemade focaccia, which just made the whole experience that much better. I honestly think the mixed reviews are just new-restaurant growing pains. We had a great experience and will definitely be back!

    Waiting space
    Karen L.

    Everything went well! I finally stopped in at Allora for lunch and what a delight it was! After completing Allora's gelato walk up window review I was anxious to try the restaurant for lunch. Think coastal charm meets southern Italy. You will feel like you are in Naples, Palermo, Bari perhaps? I lingered after my lunch enjoying the freshly made espresso and delectable cannoli. Not too sweet which was nice and it is housed in a chocolate shell. Yum. The service, and I might mention here that Tyler was buzzing about and handling the room exquisitely! Very attentive, efficient and service with a smile and he will not disappoint. The ambience is that of an authentic neighborhood cafe and both the exterior and interior seafoam colors make it feel more upscale and sophisticated. The day I dined for lunch at Allora not one man was found in the dining room. I joked that the establishment should offer "girls lunching out" as a promo! So girls ~ "dress up" and make some plans soon to meet up with friends as Allora will definitely make an impression all the way around. With the focus on authentic Italian fare ~ so do not expect spaghetti and meatballs, etc., (even though I asked if they had any meatballs hidden in the kitchen) ... expect Antipasti dishes like Carpaccio Di Wagyu, Salmone Salvatico, Mediterranean Octopus, Osso Alla Midollo...Primi items~ Pasta a Piselli, Mafalda Al Ragu-- you get the message! Do hit the Walk Up Gelato window -- seems like it's always open ~ even stays open later ~ till 10:00 pm. For milder evenings Allora's rooftop dining is a hit and to be able to dine al fresco sometimes is always wonderful. I was told while taking the tour that the management is working on heating and partially enclosing the rooftop dining/ bar area but will still keep the eye level views ... I will return for sure~ a special is offered everyday ~ today the special was eggplant lasagna which was out of this world. A MUST try!

    Carbonara and ragu
    Sarah-Bradley D.

    I really wanted to love this place. After hearing mixed reviews, I decided to try it anyway because the concept sounded great and the space looked absolutely beautiful. We're big fans of the food group behind it, so expectations were high. And visually, the restaurant truly delivers--it's one of the most stunning interiors I've been to recently, with a thoughtful layout and the bonus of a coffee and gelato window. The Cons: Unfortunately, the experience didn't live up to the atmosphere. Right off the bat, my (very pretty) plate had old food visibly caked on it--immediately off-putting. Service also felt underwhelming: it seemed like mostly college students were running the floor, and our server wasn't able to answer basic questions about the menu, which was surprising for a restaurant at this price point. Both cocktails (the Limoncello and Perfecto spritzes) had to be sent back--they sounded great on paper but were not drinkable. That was a pretty big miss. The dessert situation was another letdown. While the restaurant heavily promotes its gelato, it turns out it's not made in-house. As soon as we tried it, we suspected it was wholesale (very similar to Talenti), and a staff member later confirmed this. The tiramisu was mostly mascarpone with barely any ladyfingers, and the affogato came out pre-poured, with the ice cream already melted. A simple fix, but disappointing for a first impression. The Pros: Despite the service and drink missteps, the food itself was solid. We ordered the arugula salad, shrimp appetizer, carbonara, and ragu. Everything except the ragu was flavorful and well-seasoned. The focaccia bread service throughout the meal was a lovely touch and helped elevate the experience. Overall: There's a lot of potential here--the concept is fantastic and the space is genuinely beautiful. But right now, it feels like style is outpacing substance. The food is good, which gives me hope, but the service, cocktails, and dessert execution need work. With time, I think these issues can be ironed out. For now, though, I'd recommend waiting a few months before visiting, especially given the price point.

    Garganelli, Paccheri

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    2 months ago

    Third time was not the charm. Fortunately, they have a new personable manager. If he can turn this place around, I might come back.

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    11 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    2 months ago

    Waygu was grey not red, dinner was cold, service felt rushed, small table and wobbly , Calamari undercooked

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    3 months ago

    Definitely got food poisoning from the lump crab. Also staff was weird and unprofessional.

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    7 months ago

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    10 months ago

    The coffee and desserts here are amazing! I haven't had anything else yet! Tiramisu, donuts, and gelato were superb!

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    10 months ago

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    11 months ago

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    11 months ago

    Amazing food. The espresso martini was delicious. Get the fried zucchini pasta! You won't regret it!

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    11 months ago

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    7 months ago

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    6 months ago

    I absolutely love allora! The patio and the inside are so cute and the pasta dishes are amazing!

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    8 months ago

    The food was amazing! And the service - Trevor, John and Annise - was outstanding! They made our anniversary dinner very special.

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    10 months ago

    Very good food, service, and ambiance. Much too loud. Have to yell at each other to be heard above the crowd.

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    11 months ago

    Honestly, a really cool rooftop bar! The bartender, Jack, was really cool! He made a specialty manhattan that was amazing!

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    Le Farfalle - Bucatini alla Norma

    Le Farfalle

    4.1(788 reviews)
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    My husband and I were in town visiting Charleston and made a reservation at Le Farfalle after doing…read morea bit of research on the best Italians spots. Le Farfalle did not disappoint. The star of the show was the whipped ricotta- I would go back just to have it again! We also enjoyed the Fusilli Lunghi (personally would not get again, but I think this was just my personal taste buds) and the Rigatoni Verde (delicious)! Very intimate little spot and our server was incredible- very personable! Will definitely be back!

    We had dinner at Le Farfalle during our recent trip to Charleston and had a really enjoyable…read moreexperience. The atmosphere and ambiance were awesome and made for a great date night. This was actually one of the few restaurants we didn't reserve before our trip, and because of its popularity, the best reservation time we could get was 8:30 p.m. After eating there, I can see why it's so popular. The late reservation was absolutely worth it. We walked to the restaurant from our hotel, and with the later reservation time, the weather was perfect for an evening stroll through Charleston. It ended up being a really enjoyable walk both to and from the restaurant. Service throughout the evening was excellent. Our waiter did a great job all night. As we were ordering, he mentioned that the chefs prefer that guests place their entire order at one time and that the kitchen would pace everything appropriately. My wife and I usually like to stagger our order because we don't like feeling rushed, but we went along with their recommendation. Unfortunately, the timing didn't work out quite as planned. Our bruschetta came out quickly, and not long after, the kitchen sent over a complimentary braised artichoke appetizer. Soon to follow came the Caesar salads. Before we knew it, we had two appetizers and two salads on the table all at once. This was a disappointment because it made the meal feel rushed and took away a little from what was otherwise a special evening. We mentioned it to our waiter, and he was extremely apologetic. The restaurant did their best to make things right. They continued to check on us throughout the evening to make sure we were enjoying our meal. Our waiter brought each of us a complimentary plum spritz, and treated us to dessert. That level of service and attention did not go unnoticed. Both of us ordered the Chicken Parmesan with spaghetti, and it was really good. The chicken was crispy, just the way I like it, the marinara sauce was excellent, and the spaghetti made for a great accompaniment. We finished with the pistachio cheesecake. Yum, yum. Even though the pacing of the first part of the meal wasn't ideal, the food, atmosphere, and service were all excellent. We'd definitely go back the next time we're in Charleston.

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    Bar

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    Squid Ink Spaghetti

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