La Lanterna
- Food served: Mon–Fri noon–2.30pm, 5.30–10.30pm; Sat noon–11pm. Closed Sun.
- Pre-theatre times: Mon–Fri 5.30–7.30pm; Sat 4–6pm
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 14
- Also offers: Gluten-free options, Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Pre-theatre menu
- Music on stereo: Italian easy listening
- Capacity: 60
- Largest group: 40
- Open since: 1970
- Average price:
£10.50 (set lunch)
£25 (evening meal) - Pre-theatre price: £12.50
- House wine: £13.95 per bottle
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The 2011/12 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).
This review is taken from the current (2011) edition.
Descend the stairs to La Lanterna and step back in time. This place has survived credit crunches, food fads, and fast foods. The owner, Christopher Martinolli, was born the year his father opened the restaurant in 1970 and nothing much has changed – thankfully. Some of the waiters are more mature than average and have real character, they are professionals and command respect and you can relax in safe hands. The dining room won’t win any style awards but has such a great atmosphere it feels right. The food tastes right too because of the superior quality of the ingredients. A simple yet delicious insalata caprese is made with quality buffalo mozzarella, great tomatoes, first-class olive oil, lots of fresh basil and a drizzle of lemon. The prawns, monkfish and scallops on skewers to follow are firm, flavoursome, fresh – utterly delicious. The warm home-made chocolate muffin with a delicious fondant centre is a winning dessert, while the tiramisu, made to the same recipe for 40 years, oozes with decadent history. Let’s hope La Lanterna burns brightly for a long time to come.
- High point: The quality of the ingredients and what they do with them.
- Low point: Waiter didn't mention the specials
Reviews of La Lanterna (35 Hope Street, Glasgow)
- 4. mmarly, Glasgow – 31 January 2011, 11:21am
La LanternaReport -
Great food and fantastic service, the location excellent and reminds me of the places you go in the mafia movies very authentic. Also, great prices I have both visited for dinner and lunch and loved it would highly recommend.
- 3. I like my pasta, Glasgow – 12 November 2009, 8:44pmLa LanternaReport
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Just had an amazing meal in La Lanterna. Food was beautiful, fresh and authentic. Service is second to none and the staff friendly yet unobtrusive. I like the fact that when there is a promotion on you don't feel akward about asking for it, they always offer it to you. Totally delightful and already planning my next visit.
- 2. peter macdonald, la laterna – 17 May 2009, 2:38am
La LanternaReport -
great as we walked in, lovely atmosphere....didn't like the fact we had a set menu for a sat night...expensive as it was, the food was ok at best...good staff, but so disappointed with the food for the price...
- 1. Helen_m, Glasgow – 18 August 2008, 8:02pmLa LanternaReport
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I was getting married and was looking for an italian restaurant for a meal for about 20 people, I was recommended to try La Lanterna, I went for a lunch with my Fiance and my son and was totally overwhelmed by the food and the service we received that we booked it instantly for the wedding.
We arrived the staff were so friendly and welcoming and the food once again was gorgeous all my guests have raved about the food which made my day.
I cant rate this restaurant highly enough, we were back for my husbands 40th birthday tonight and were not dissapointed.
A little advice try the cheesecake definately has the wow factor.
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