La Lanterna

A collegue recommended this place and thought I’d give it a try. Glad I did. It’s a quaint little restaurant. Definite «mom and pop» feel. The owner is quite friendly and staff quite pleasant. I had their pizza while my collegue had the scampi. When the food came out, forget about European sized portions, these were American sized portions. I couldn’t even finish my dinner!
The restaurant is near the Tower Bridge. If you’re staying at the Hilton Tower Bridger, it’s about a 10min stroll to the restaurant. The conceirge should know where it is. If not, tell them it’s near the China Landing. When my business travels take me back to London, this is one restaurant I’ll be frequenting!

Popped in here with a friend late on a Friday night after an afternoon of drinking, looking for some pasta to soak up the tequila!
I was not expecting much — it’s a large dining room with red and white (not in the good ‘gingham’ way) table clothes and lots of candles. We ordered two glasses of the house chianti and were very disappointed with them, I asked to change them and got a little attitude from one of the staff. I switched into speaking Italian (I love that trick!) and all was well immediately — we got two nice glasses of the house valpolicella and an apology.
The food was surprisingly nice — I had the spaghetti bolognese with lots of chilli (and for once an Italian place actually did what I asked and put lots of chilli on it!) and my friend had the gnocchi with four cheeses. He loved it — it looked like cheese soup to me!
It was very reasonable — 34 quid for two mains and three glasses of wine.
I would definitely go back here if I happened to be passing — I would not make a special trip out of my way for it though.

I took my boyfriend here for his birthday and we were really happy with the experience, the food and the price. It’s hard to get more authentic Italian than this in London. The location is nice, too, and considering it’s tucked away, it wasn’t crowded at all when we went on a Saturday evening. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. We’ve been talking about going back since the moment we left, even if it’s just for the garlic bread. Great place!

I went to La Lanterna the other night for a quiet Friday evening meal. My friend lives right by it but if he didn’t I’m not sure I’d have gone out of my way for this place. It’s a bit away from all the action — a definite local restaurant — but that’s not say it isn’t good. It is, nice Italian food, straight up.
The portions of pasta are huge and tasty and the list of specials is pretty comprehensive and varied. The open brick and minimal lighting make for a cosy feel and the free lemoncello that they handed out after our meal rounded the evening off like sandpaper to rough edges. I’m sure it’s always busy and always popular so not a bad bet if you’re in the area and feeling very, very hungry.

I go here nearly every week with my grilfriend and we love this place, the service is friendly, efficient and attentive and the food of a consistent high quality. The Barolo is exceptional. Favourite for her is the Linguine La Lanterna and for him the Sea Bass, the side of asparagus is also worth a mention. The pizzas are traditional style and very tasty, but huge so make sure you are hungry. On my Mums birthday the pianist played ‘Happy Birthday’ and whole restaurant sang. Enjoy this place, its unique.

Wir haben den Neujahrsabend dort verbracht und alles war wunderbar. Das Ambiente ist sehr gemütlich, romantisch und stilecht. Die Kellner so freundlich und liebevoll, das man sich wie Zuhause fühlt. Das Essen war sehr sehr lecker und für ein Silvestermenü mit 50 Pfund nichteinmal so teuer. Vielen Dank für diesen schönen Abend!

I’ve lost count of the number of nights I’ve spent lovingly holed up in La Lanterna. It’s such a discreet little restaurant, hidden away beyond Shad Thames, and yet it’s perfectly located because the area is lovely and quiet, and you can stroll along the riverside after dinner.
If you want authentic Italian fare, look no further. This place has it all. Not only is the food to DIE for (try the mushroom ravioli!) but staff seem like they’ve flown in from Italy that day… such charm, such passion!
Once the red wine (and/​or limoncello) gets flowing, you will find it very very hard to leave. It’s my home away from home.