La Lanterna

180 W 25th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA

Address:	180 W 25th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA
Phone:	+1 650-341-8877
Site:	lalanternasanmateo.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 5–10PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 26

Joseph Bironas

Once in a while you go to a place that takes you somewhere else. La Lanterna is one of those places. Its like a little bit of Tuscany tucked away in San Mateo. It reminded me of a restaurant in Florance, not completely out of the way, but with an intimacy and charm that kept the outside at bay. The menu is a balance between meats and seafood with pastas and entrees. The ingredients are fresh, and well proportioned. When I went, I had the veal picatta, which was a perfectly balanced picatta sauce over the most tender veal Ive had. But, make sure you save room for dessert. The cakes, gellato, and panna cotta are worth the wait. Speaking of waiting, the staff was friendly and accommodating. They are a little slow by US standards, but it reminded me of eating in Italy, where the pace is just a little slower, and the experience a little more savory. Go with friends, enjoy the wine list and the conversation. Prices are moderate, and dress is informal. The flavors are amazing.

Luis Ps Landos Vita

Out of many restaurants I have been to, this place is great for any occasion. (Family, dates, or friends) thats the first recommend. The second is the best of food cooked, quality. (Same as home Good Cooking, or even better) the Cooking is well noticed on how the food tastes. My Third recommended is the waiters, they show how great it is to attend the services. I came and a friend really recommended me here, by far she was right about the place. Clean Yes, Professional Yes, Great Service Yes, Good food Yes, I also work close by, this place will be my lunch times also. I most want to thank Kat for her services as a waiter, she shows a sweet smile and a happy person Perfectly for this restaurant. Thank you everyone for reading this review.

A Private User

There is no other restaurant in the Peninsula that has the flavor and appeal of La Lanterna. The food is amazing, personally I like the veal medallion with capers butter sauce. The Antipasta platter is equally amazing with the linguini clams as a pasta fav. The food is great but the ambiance is even better. I recommend going on a busy night. You really get a feel for the excitement and what it feels like to be alive. The wait staff is always so engaging and personable, i would say its really difficult to have a bad experience. Go enjoy, its the closest thing to Italy in the San Mateo.

Tyler Style

Visited for lunch while on a business trip. Excellent little Italian bistro. Plan but elegant decor, nice seating and space. Service was top notch, attentive and friendly. Food was excellent overall, had the polenta and tortolloni. Bread was a bit crumbly and dry, but that was the only complaint I had. Traditional European portion size for the pasta, which will look small compared to the average American heaping plateful. Prices slightly on the high side, but well worth it given the food quality IMO. Definitely would recommend as a first date kind of place.

Brent Williams

The food was very good but we ordered an entree from the special menu and charged for the regular menu price. We brought it up to the waiter and they deducted the extra charge from the bill. Have been here many times but from now on I will check bill very carefully as most people wouldnt have picked this up as it was just the one item. It is pricey as it is without extra charges on the bill.

A Private User

Nice service, food was good - Overall nice experience, I would go back again. I had the shrimp & clam fettuccine in a pesto type sauce, my dinner companion had the breaded veal. Fettuccine was better than the veal but both were good. Started dinner with the beat salad - the beat salad was great!

Pam Brossard

I liked the atmosphere of La Lanterns - kind of relaxed but upscale too with the white linen tablecloths. The calamari entree was delicious and I thought the wine prices were reasonable. I will definitely return when Im traveling here again.

Gail McCann

5 adults, 5 different entrees, 5 similar statements of satisfaction and intention to return with other newcomers. Although servers had a large gathering in back room, all our needs were met quickly and easily.

Dauntless Fox

Amazing food and service, I went there for my birthday and I had the best dinner ever. I would recommend this place for any plans to dine with family or friends.

Musho Pea

Lovely ambience, great music, delicious food and superb dessert. Their steak risotto is on point! And the warm chocolate cake is ultra rich and satisfying.

Liz Locke

A bit pricey, but very classic Italian. They had excellent wine selections, and we had no trouble getting a nice, quiet table.

Liam Scanlon

Great atmosphere, however the sharp angle of lighting is quite polarising before dusk, they should turn the inside lights up.

Elissa McQuaid

Loved the atmosphere. But for gnocchi, Sole has them beat. Plus found an over abundance of mushroom flavors for my own taste.

Laura Oliver

Really yummy. Service can be pretty off sometimes. It is expensive, but the food is good.

A Private User

A great neighborhood spot. Consistently top-notch food with evolving menu.

A Private User

Authentic Italian food. I loved the veal and the wine keep it coming.