Address: | 139 Lakeside Ave, Marlborough, MA 01752, USA |
Phone: | +1 508-485-4300 |
Site: | alloraonline.com |
Rating: | 3.7 |
Working: | 11:30AM–10PM 11:30AM–10PM 11:30AM–10PM 11:30AM–10PM 11:30AM–10PM 4–10PM Closed |
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Chrissy Patterson
This is probably one of the worst restaurants Ive ever eaten at. To put it simply, the best part of the meal was the water. For starters, there is such a thing as a waiter being at your table too much. Ours was taking glasses and silverware while it was literally still in my companys hands. He was pleasant, and timely, but overly present. I ordered the house salad. The dressing was light and sweet, but the salad itself was more white iceberg lettuce than anything else. Id have sworn I was eating just the rump of the lettuce head with some bacon bits and a few random veggies. I ordered chicken parm for my meal, which was 24$ I believe, and one of the cheapest meals at the place. It came out a heap of overcooked spaghetti and an enormous piece of chicken (if you can call it that). The spaghetti seemed like itd been sitting in water for at least an hour or two; the spaghetti sauce was so bland I suspected it was poured out of a store-brand can of sauce; and the "chicken" was about 1/8 meat and 7/8 a mixture of fat, cartilage, and undercooked meat. Needless to say, I had about 4 or 5 bites and called it quits. The spaghetti was tossed in the trash and the chicken was re-cooked, de-breaded and fed to the dogs. When Id gone, itd been a Friday night during dinner hours, and the place was nearly deserted. I found out why. Between myself and my friend the bill was about 87$ and it was food I almost didnt even give my dogs. Based on the other reviews, Id guess their only means of survival is the fish, not that Id ever go back to try it .
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Jim S
This is one of the worst Italian dining experiences my wife and I ever had. The restaurant had a musty smell and is fairly dark so you really cant see the food. There is a pretense of elegance with the linen tablecloths and napkins but the first hint was the supermarket salt and pepper grinders on the table. Usually fine dining doesnt require these items on the table if the chief is capable with their seasonings. Ernie our waiter was very stiff , robotic and not very friendly. The appetizer was fried stuffed squash blossoms- stuffed with to much cheese and smothered in a cheese sauce. The delicate nature of the squash was overwhelmed by the cheese. The six oysters on the half shell appetizer was awful.. the oysters must have come from a third world oyster farm since they were the most emaciated, anemic creatures we ever encountered. The house salad was bathed in an ocean of dressing with two miniscule pieces of bacon. The pasta dish was undercooked and swimming in pesto sauce - a gooey chewy mess. My wifes Italian Grandmother would do flips in her grave if she ever encountered the most awful broccoli rabe side dish. It was like chewing bales green hay. it should have been tender with a bit more garlic. My advice is to avoid this place like plague.
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A Private User
Not impressed! As a previous reviewer said, the drinks are amazing and pack a punch, but the food is mediocre and the service even worse.I went for an early dinner with my sister tonight, and I ordered a dirty martini (delicious!). Unfortunately, my waitress spilled half of it on the table as she was setting it down and did not bother to wipe it up or even offer me a napkin. As for the food, we shared the duck prosciutto bruschetta and the hot antipasti plate. Bruschetta was adequate, very skimpy on the prosciutto. Hot antipasti plate was a soggy, salty, disjointed mess. For our main we shaped the Cappellini Amatriciana. The pasta was SO overcooked, and the amatriciana sauce, which is usually my favorite, tasted undeveloped and strongly tinny, like canned tomatoes. I wouldnt say the food is inedible, but it definitely does not merit its hefty pricetag. Not to mention, the two girls at the hostess table gave my sister and I the stinkeye all night (?) and did not acknowledge us on our way in or out. Also, our waitress was MUCH more kind/attentive to the table of businessmen next to us than she was to our party, which I found to be a little funny. Come for the drinks, but do not expect much at all in the way or service or food.
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Jane Isles
I went to Allora for the first time last night. Being from Worcester, I have no idea why I waited to so long to check it out. I opted to sit on the patio, which turned out to be an excellent decision. The lake view is stunning and the jazz band (they play Thursdays and Fridays) added a nice flair to the evenings entertainment. My server was attentive without hovering, and offered some great menu suggestions. The wine list has some interesting bottles, and is large enough that you can definitely find something to compliment any entree on the menu. My friend and I split the hot antipasto as an appetizer. In a word - delicious! The fried artichokes on top were a nice touch. I chose the mediterranean salmon as my entree. The fish was cooked just right and the roasted red pepper cream sauce was an added bonus. My friends baked stuffed lobster had my mouth watering from across the table. Though we opted not to have dessert, I did catch a glimpse of the chocolate cake and may have to try it out the next time I visit. The piece they cut was as large as the plate! All in all it was a perfect meal in a perfect setting. I will definitely be back for another perfect Friday night.
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Thomas Lyons
I ate there today with a group of 7 and we have eaten at Allora many times and it is a great place to go for business lunches. Food is always solid, not amazing but solid, service is really hit or miss. Today was a hit, out of the ballpark. We had a girl (diedra) who was still training and usually it is a nightmare but she was nothing but a true delight. From the small details of saying "my pleasure" instead of your welcome and filling up drinks before they were empty. She was always available even though she had 2 other tables at the same time. Her trainer was there to help run food and run the check but she did it all basically on her own. I dont know where she came from but I am going to be sure to ask for her the next time I visit, and you should too.
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Russ Jennings
I had brunch at Allora Ristorante on Easter Sunday, and I was impressed with every aspect of it. The food was delicious; they had everything from bagels with smoked salmon to prime rib, omelettes to order, quiche, and a stack of desserts a mile high. I ate as much as I could, and each item, even something as simple as mac and cheese, was great. Even more important, every staff member I interacted with was genuinely happy to be there. From the hostess, to my server, to the chef slicing the prime rib, they were all in a good mood and friendly. Perhaps its the sad state of customer service these days, but this struck me as unusual. Every employee was great to deal with, and I got excellent service despite a packed dining room.