Nina C.

It was a double date night to celebrate a friend's birthday since she's been wanting to come here. They also love southbound and we loved honeysuckle so we were eager to try their newer restaurant. Had a reservation for 7pm but our table wasn't ready when we arrived and our hostess also did not tell us a time frame, but instead lead us to the rooftop bar instead to wait and get a drink. Since this was for a birthday, I would've thought that since our table wasn't ready they would've perhaps offered a complimentary round of sparkling wine or anything in the meantime while we waited. However we did meet a lovely bartender on the top floor that kept us company while we were summoned about 20 minutes after to walk back down to our table. The restaurant inside was stunning, however the layout was a bit challenging to navigate through especially if it is busy, which it was. We had to walk along a narrow path up and down and around the place. There's also not an ideal place to wait to use the restroom as well. I know that we had to check out both bathrooms because we've heard the owner designs some pretty epic ones if you've been to their other restaurants. They were both beautiful and clean! As we made our way to the table we met our server (name starts with a K - so sorry I couldn't remember) He was very nice, and guided us through the gluten free options for my husband who has celiac. We started with the calamari and tender greens salad. Simple and straight forward, nothing crazy but good. We ordered a handful of entrees to share, mainly pastas and the branzino. I must say that pastas overall were very underwhelming. While I do understand their concept is "coastal Italian" these dishes don't use a lot of ingredients but focus on the fresh and traditional styles which is fine. However, nothing stood out at all. A lot of the flavors were very one dimensional and I was the most disappointed with the Lumache aka Carbonara. I'm not sure who made this, but it was done very poorly. Way too salty, the sauce aka cheese broke (not folded in coating the noodles properly) and the noodles were way overcooked. The linguine had way too much olive oil and noodles were also overcooked. I will at least say we enjoyed the dishes with the rigatoni pasta better than the others. I found the presentation for the Branzino to be a bit strange compared to the way our server described it being a "whole fish." Again this dish was just ok and we would've preferred it actually whole like most branzinos we've had before. Our server brought out a complimentary cannoli over for the birthday dessert after we already ordered one to try. I wish we would've known so we could've ordered another dessert to have some variety, but it was still a nice gesture. Personally, the zeppoles were too dense and some of the bites I took left a lot of residual oil in my mouth. I may be willing to try this place again because maybe it was just an off night, but I will say for how much money we spent, it did not satisfy or match the quality of food we expected.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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!

Cassandra C.

We went to Allora to celebrate my birthday back in December. Upon entering, it was cozy and felt like a secret little spot. Dim lighting around the bar area made it feel mysterious, in a good way. I was given champagne and a rose, just because it was my birthday. It definitely made me feel special. The staff, from the hostess, to the bar staff, to the waitress, everyone was super friendly and greeted us with smiles! We had reservations for 6, we did have to wait longer than our reservation time, but once we were walked back to our table, it made sense, because there was only a couple tables for a larger group. It's perfect for a small party or a couple. They gave us a complimentary appetizer for our wait. The food was amazing! We also opted for the bone marrow appetizer as well, it was SO good. I was able to get gluten free pasta with my Mafaldine. They were even able to accommodate my dairy allergy as well. I was able to order one of their specialty lattes with oat milk. Everyone else in the party had different dishes and each one was just as full of flavor and delicious as the next. From the Sunday Sauce (only offered on Sunday), to the Ricotta Gnocchi, to the Lobster Spaghetti, and the other dishes my friends have (I honestly can't remember what they had.) Even the bathroom was a whole vibe. I know that sounds crazy, but just check out the video lol. The fact I was able to find an Italian restaurant with gluten free pasta was perfect for my birthday celebration!! You don't find many places with gluten free pasta options! If you haven't checked out Allora, you gotta go! Perfect for Valentine's Day coming up with the romantic vibe! Don't sleep on this small restaurant with big flavor.

Teresa F.

Such an aesthetic experience! The space, decor, menu, and Tyler's stellar service made this a memorable meal. The special calamari and arugula salad was perfection- please put it on the menu! The mocktail ,Mama Mia, was balanced and refreshing. You will feel celebrated while drinking this! And that gluten free rigatoni just might be the best in town. Got to sample the gelato too and it doesn't disappoint! Not easy to do so many things this well. A coffee shop level coffee, an all day menu of coastal Italian favorites, a gelato shop level gelato, a perfect bar and cocktail menu, and gluten free heaven all in the prettiest package. What a great addition to our Charleston scene! Now please don't make it impossible for me to get a rest...

Heather A.

Such a beautiful interpretation of Italian cuisine. The restaurant it self is aesthetically warm and cozy, the service is kind and accommodating, the menu has a wide selection of dishes. All of which we tried were phenomenal. The wine list is well curated. Over all I had a great time here and would totally go back. Also, best tiramisu I've had in Charleston by far.

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.

Alyssa C.

We ate dinner here for New Year's Eve. Their prefix menu had great variety and they did a great job staying in top of reservations and letting people enjoy cocktails while they wait in the lounge or at the bar. Our cocktails were added to our check. Everyone helped insure that guest had a great experience the host staff, bartenders, waiters, and food runners were all hands on deck. My favorite dish was the lumacho. It was flavorful, cheesy, and a great second dish. They have lots of nice seating, it's dimly lit but not too dark, and not too loud even with the hustle and bustle of being sold out for NYE.