Allora is not your run of the mill sandwich shop or eatery. This is an upscale restaurant serving Mediterranean and Italian dishes. Although the lunch menu won’t break the bank (sandwiches range from $8 - $14), many would see dinner at Allora as something reserved for special occasions and events (main entrees range from $18 - $42).

The dilemma here is that each dish sounds as intoxicating as the next. Kick off the meal with the tender Sicilian Fried Calamari, followed by chianti braised beef shortribs, which are served over butternut sage risotto with broccoli rapini.

Allora is currently taking reservations for Valentine's Day weekend, for which it has  developed a mouth-watering menu for this special day, along with a jazz band on Feb. 14 to set the atmosphere (guys … hint, hint).

Drop on by Allora, located at 139 Lakeside Avenue (Route 20) in Marlborough, for a feast to delight even the most refined palette. Call 508-485-4300 for reservations.