od makes a comeback at this art deco inspired eatery. On the Upper East Side, chef/owner Salvatore Corea has opened his fourth restaurant, Alloro. Bocca, Cacio e Pepe, and Spiga were the predecessors. The difference this time is that it will be run along side his wife Gina, whom he met making pizza at the renowned Italian eatery La Berninetta. Together the Coreas are a two-headed Italian cuisine wonder team with a level of experience that few chef/owners have.

Step inside and you won’t be blown away by some expensive modern design that sacrifices comfort for style. Instead you’ll find a classic, elegant dining area that lets the food be the star. Bright white walls counter the Crayola green of the chairs and floors; black banquettes and the lacquered bar and tables work to give the space some sense of balance. Though he has been known for his famous pizzas, don't come here looking for a slice. Meat and cheese plate reign supreme, as do interesting takes on Italian classics. Expect creativity along the lines of lavender-crusted swordfish steak on spinach, or scallops with pistachio buffalo ricotta and spinach juice. Or if that doesn’t do it for you, the Breaded filet of salmon stuffed with buffalo mozzarella, celery leaves and black truffles with an arugula and cherry tomato salad is sure to leave you feeling weak in the knees.

At this point you’re probably wondering what Alloro means. The Italian word translates to laurel, so obviously something with the herb in it had to be included. Here, it is incarnated as a laurel bay leaf sorbet, served with a spicy chocolate tart. Yes, the desserts are every bit as delicious and irresistible as the entrees. Alloro is no fancy theme restaurant or molecular gastronomy experiment. Think of it as the Italian home cooking experience you’d get if your parents were renowned chefs. God…if only you’d been so lucky.