San Ramon, CA – Brace yourselves, San Ramon foodies–another prominent San Francisco restaurant is gearing up to open a branch in the Trivalley. We got the scoop–we haven’t seen anyone else talk about this yet, so this is almost certainly the first you’ll hear of it.
A new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, Alora, is set to open at City Center Bishop Ranch in early 2025. The restaurant will take over the former site of the Chow restaurant and aims to bring a coastal culinary experience to the San Ramon community.
Alora, which translates to “beautiful dreamer,” currently operates a waterfront location in San Francisco at Pier 3, Hornblower Landing. The restaurant blends Mediterranean flavors with California cuisine, offering dishes influenced by countries spanning the Mediterranean Sea.
A representative of City Center Bishop Ranch confirmed the upcoming opening in an email, expressing excitement for what Alora will bring to the community.
The Menu
Alora’s menu is designed to be a journey through Mediterranean coastal flavors. It includes a mix of Turkish, Greek, Italian, and Middle Eastern influences, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Among the standout dishes are:
- “Flaked” Beef Strip Loin Kebab: Served with red wine glaze, romesco sauce, salsa verde, twice-cooked golden potatoes, and roasted vegetables.
- Spaghetti Chitarra: Handmade pasta with burrata and tomato-basil butter sauce.
- Smoked Rabbit Cannelloni: A unique dish featuring braised rabbit, pancetta, pecorino fonduta, and pine nuts.
- Turkish Balloon Lavash: Served with house-made dips like Tahini Hummus, Muhammara (a walnut and roasted pepper dip), and an Eggplant Duo featuring whipped eggplant with Calabrian chile.
- Whole Grilled Fish: A market-driven selection of fresh fish with herbs and lemon.
Alora also offers a creative cocktail menu. Highlights include:
- “The Fruit of Desire”: A cocktail with rye whiskey, brucato chaparral, crème de mure, and strawberry metaxa.
- “Neptune’s Journey”: A mix of bourbon, rum, brandy, pear liqueur, and coffee liqueur.
Desserts and seasonal sides like Za’atar Flatbread and Market Vegetable Crudité round out the offerings, reflecting a commitment to bold flavors and fresh ingredients.
What to Expect
City Center Bishop Ranch, known for its curated mix of restaurants and shops, is expected to benefit from the arrival of Alora. The restaurant’s waterfront-inspired decor and Mediterranean aesthetic will provide diners with a refined yet welcoming atmosphere.
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San Ramon residents can look forward to a dining experience that promises a coastal culinary journey from the Mediterranean Sea to the California shores.
We’ve confirmed that construction is underway at City Center, and the restaurant appears to have applied for the permits required to open.
More information about Alora and its current San Francisco location can be found on their website, visitalora.com.
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