Allora Kitchen & Bar, named for a versatile Italian conjunction, has taken over the space at 4215 N. High St., previously occupied by Gallo’s on High.
In a February social media post announcing its sale, Gallo’s said “the new ownership will carry on with a similar concept under a new brand.” Allora’s owner, Nizar Sta, confirmed that’s the case.
“The atmosphere is going to be the same,” Sta said. “The menu, we’re going to keep very much what we have right now. We’re going to add some fish to it and octopus, the best octopus ever. We tried it yesterday.”
Allora Kitchen & Bar at 4215 N. High St.
Menu additions will include Mediterranean and North African dishes, reflecting Sta’s Tunisian heritage and years he spent working on Mediterranean cruise ships.
In addition to cruise ships, Sta has worked at the Puerto Madero steakhouse in Miami, where he said customers included Michael Jordan, Brad Pitt and Pitbull. More recently, he worked at the Sheraton hotel in downtown Columbus.
Nizar Sta, owner of Allora Kitchen & Bar
He said he looked to open his own restaurant for about four years before he found the Clintonville space. “I walked in here; I felt it. I’m like, ‘This is the place I want to get,'” he said.
Allora is currently open for dinner, and Sta said the restaurant will begin serving lunch and its new menu on March 9. After that, it will be open daily for lunch and dinner.
This article originally appeared on Columbus Monthly: Allora Kitchen & Bar opens in former Gallo’s on High space
Dining and Cooking