A year after opening Alora, a coastal Mediterranean culinary journey in the heart of San Francisco’s historic Embarcadero waterfront, the team behind the restaurant debuted its second location Alora Social, in City Center Bishop Ranch of San Ramon on Tuesday, March 4. Created by restaurateurs Anu and Vikram Bhambri—known for their Michelin Guide-recognized ROOH Progressive Indian, Pippal in Emeryville, and both Fitoor in Santana Row and Santa Monica—Alora Social brings a more casual, shareable, and family-friendly approach to the flavors of the Mediterranean.
Alora Social is helmed by Executive Chef Nicholas Peters, who is building on the legacy of Alora San Francisco while adapting the menu to suit a more relaxed, residential community. The new concept offers guests a diverse menu of coastal Mediterranean dishes designed for convivial dining, featuring expanded pasta selections, an array of dips, and hearty, comforting favorites.
“We envisioned Alora Social as a gathering place for families, friends, and neighbors—a space where people can share thoughtfully crafted food in a warm and welcoming environment,” says Anu Bhambri in a statement. “San Ramon’s residential charm and the lively Bishop Ranch community inspired us to do just that, and we’re excited to bring Alora’s excellence across the bay.”
Alora Social’s menu pays homage to the refined, seasonal flavors of its San Francisco counterpart while offering a greater variety of shareable plates, pastas, and dips with Mediterranean roots. Guests can enjoy a Spring Pea Hummus, a bright and fresh blend of spring peas, bright mint, preserved lemon, and a nutty whole seed dukkah. Alora Social will feature Moutabal, a traditional dip based on smokey charred eggplant, creamy yogurt, and zesty garlic and lemon. The sampler platter has been expanded to include five Mediterranean-inspired items for a more robust sharing experience. Wild Mushroom Dolma brings a unique vegetarian twist to stuffed grape leaves, while the Sigara Borek, a take on spanakopita spring rolls, offers a crispy, golden bite filled with spinach and feta. The pasta selection includes both dry and fresh varieties, with standouts like Colonne Pompei, a spiraling fusilli dish inspired by Chef Peters’ childhood, featuring a rich, comforting creamy vodka tomato sauce; Fruti de Mare, a seafood-forward, tomato-based pasta for a more elevated coastal experience; and Firin Makarana, a Turkish-style mac and cheese with a fluffy, egg yolk-enriched texture. Sides like Kumpir, a Turkish baked potato with a cheesy, buttery interior, are topped with sweet corn and pickled cabbage, vegetables, olives, and are reminiscent of a loaded baked potato that you’d find on a street cart in Turkey.
A standout feature of the restaurant’s commitment to quality is its house-made fermented probiotic yogurt, which is incorporated across various menu items—including an upcoming Greek-style frozen yogurt program featuring toppings like olive oil and salt and accompanied by baklava or affogato.
“We like to think of Alora Social as a social experience from a more sophisticated pedigree,” says Chef Nicholas Peters. “We’re bringing the same dedication to flavor and recognized craftsmanship as Alora SF, but in a way that’s more relaxed, more fun, and perfect for the community here in San Ramon.”
Alora Social’s beverage program is designed to be more approachable and playful, offering a selection of Mediterranean-inspired cocktails ideal for enjoying on the outdoor patio over lunch or dinner, alongside a well-curated mix of local and imported wines. With eight rotating draft beer taps, guests will have access to a variety of local brews that pair effortlessly with the vibrant flavors of the menu. Alora Social will also feature an attached cafe and retail space, with a planned debut in just a few weeks. It will partner with Pleasanton roaster Rhythm Coffee Company and offer a full coffee and tea program inspired by Mediterranean flavors. Alora Social looks forward to working with more local purveyors in the East Bay and building relationships with the abundant talent in the area.
At the bar, happy hour will be offered with special pricing Monday through Friday, welcoming guests to come in and grab a bite and drink for that mid-week pick-me-up.
The design of Alora Social reflects the restaurant’s inviting ethos, featuring a more relaxed aesthetic than its San Francisco sibling. The spacious indoor-outdoor setting will include a sprawling patio with fire pits, cabanas, and ample seating. The patio will be available for seating upon opening, while the expansive courtyard space is expected to be completed by summer, further enhancing the social and seasonal dining experience.
Alora Social is located at 6000 Bollinger Canyon Rd Suite 1100, San Ramon, CA 94583.
Opening Hours of Operation:
Sunday – Thursday, 11:30 AM – 9 PM
Friday – Saturday, 11:30 AM – 10 PM
Lunch: 11:30 AM – 4 PM
