Food review: Alora Tapas Mapperley

When I heard that there was a brand-new tapas restaurant in Nottingham, I wasted no time booking a table to try it for myself. Food is life, and my life revolves around eating – such are the perks of being a food blogger and editor.

Now, at the risk of starting a debate about what is considered Nottingham and what isn't, for clarity, we're talking about Mapperley Top – a mere ten-minute drive from the city centre.

Alora Restaurant opened its doors in June in the former bank on bustling Plains Road, adjacent to many other popular eateries on the strip. It’s co-owned by Callum Wightman, also known for Mapperley’s beloved The Old Flower Shop.

The restaurant is the creation of Nottingham Chef Kieran Haugh, who began his career at just sixteen years old as a trainee Master Chef of Great Britain for three years before cooking at several prestigious eateries, including Maze by Gordon Ramsay and Tom Kerridge’s two Michelin-starred Hand and Flowers in Marlow. He then enjoyed five years as Executive Head Chef at the award-winning World Service in Nottingham.

Now, I’ll be honest. I was a bit sceptical about Alora at first. We have some of the best small plates restaurants in the city centre, and I wasn’t sure how a neighbourhood bar would compare. My scepticism was unfounded, because from the food to the service and vibe, everything scored a perfect ten.

The menu is divided into tapas, including pintxos, and more elegant small plates. We ordered six dishes between the two of us, which turned out to be the perfect amount for sharing.

I don’t usually order flatbread at tapas restaurants, but I went out on a limb and decided to try the butternut squash and feta flatbread – a combo very popular in my home country of South Africa. The added smoky BBQ flavour to the veg was spot on and made the dish more interesting than your usual flatbread. I hope it remains on the menu because I would definitely order it again.

The crispy Korean fried chicken was a generous portion served with fermented pineapple hot sauce (four words that excite me greatly). Although, I will add, it isn’t anywhere near the intense jerez sauce that a certain cherished tapas bar in Hockley serves. It’s still worth ordering and is a clear winner of a dish.

The tempura enoki mushrooms, with their somewhat futuristic appearance, were unbelievably good and accompanied by a homemade aioli. I loved this dish so much I barely shared it with my partner.

We ordered just one dish from the small plates menu - the tuna sashimi. It was a beautiful, light, zesty dish perfect for the summer (if it ever arrives). However, I must admit that for £13, I was expecting a bit more sashimi. Nevertheless, the quality was superb.

Of course, no tapas order is complete without traditional Spanish dishes like the mini spicy chorizo (deliciously juicy and smoky) and triple cooked patatas bravas (three times the fun). These are a must-add to any tapas order, so I highly recommend them.

Our bill, minus drinks, came to £60 for the six dishes, averaging £10 a dish. I felt it was maybe a little pricey considering it wasn't in the city, but I don't mind paying good money for good food – and there is no denying that the food is fantastic, and that Alora is worth a visit.

Alora are open Wednesday - Sunday and you can find them at 31 Plains Rd, Mapperley, Nottingham NG3 5JU.

For more food reviews follow Julia @TheNottinghamFoodGuide

alorarestaurant.com