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La Lanterna Ristorante, San Mateo, CA

La Lanterna Ristorante

4.8
4.8
994 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 11 times today
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Good for business meals
Open since 2001, La Lanterna is a family-owned business with Ramon Lopez as Executive Chef and Jennifer Villa-McGuffin service as manager. Prior to opening, Ramon and Jennifer were employed at various fine dining restaurants in the San Francisco Peninsula. With his own signature style, Chef Ramon has received numerous accolades and is honored to serve you at La Lanterna.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (650) 341-8877
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Ramon Lopez
  • Neighborhood
    San Mateo
  • Cross street
    El Camino Real
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Banquet, Beer, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 994 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Peninsula

    Best Value

  • Peninsula

    Italian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
La Lanterna Ristorante is a cherished neighborhood gem offering "wonderful food" and "fantastic service." Known for its authentic Italian fare and "delicious cocktails," it never disappoints. Guests praise the "attentive service" and "relaxing atmosphere," making it perfect for any occasion. Don't miss the "best veal piccata in the Bay Area."

994 Reviews
  1. Lisa

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I've been to La Lanterna many times and will continue to do so whenever I visit a friend in San Mateo. The food is consistently delicious, portions are generous, and the cocktails and wine options are great. The ambiance is nice, with an upscale feel, although the vibe is relaxed and friendly. I recently learned that it's operated by a family, which I value and appreciate. Service is great, and we never feel rushed, which isn't the norm nowadays. A big thanks to the family who works hard to provide an excellent dining experience!

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  2. Anthony

    San Francisco

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The service was very good and the food was excellent.

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  3. Carol

    San Francisco

    70 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    70 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food always and service was perfect. One of our favorite restaurants to eat. This was the third year we ate there for Thanksgiving.

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  4. Leonid

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Nice place , attentive service, well prepared traditional dishes with great presentation . Good value .

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  5. Tashia

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    La Lanterna never disappoints. The service and food are top notch. I love having dinner here on Thanksgiving with friends. Hector gave us great personal service!

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  6. Janie

    Las Vegas

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always our neighborhood go too! Always a wonderful meal!

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  7. Joe

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful neighborhood restaurant that has been open for over 20 years. Food excellent and very consistent. Family owned and run. You will not be disappointed! The night we were there, they were very crowded (reservations advised for a Friday or Saturday night) or else service would have been 5 stars as well. One of our favorites.

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  8. Ed

    San Francisco

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    La Lanterna is our favorite restaurant in the Bay Area. The food and service are always top notch. We go to La Lanterna as often as we can.

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  9. Michael

    San Francisco

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always great food great service always look forward to going back

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  10. Jill

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I love my neighborhood restaurant for many reasons but one in particular is the polenta in mushroom sauce. Bits absolutely delicious and so hard to find. I’ve tried almost every pasta on the menu and they are always flavorful and cooked al dente. The atmosphere is so pleasant it’s my first choice for an intimate dining experience. Service is outstanding.

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FAQs

La Lanterna Ristorante offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (650) 341-8877.

La Lanterna Ristorante is rated 4.8 stars by 994 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 11 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for La Lanterna Ristorante

180 W. 25th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403

Additional information

  • Cross street
    El Camino Real
  • Neighborhood
    San Mateo
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Ramon Lopez
  • Additional
    Banquet, Beer, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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