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La Lanterna Ristorante, San Mateo, CA

La Lanterna Ristorante

4.7
4.7
997 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian

Make a reservation

2 people
8:00 PM
Booked 3 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 997 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • 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."

997 Reviews
  1. Carol

    VIP

    San Francisco

    71 reviews

    5.0

    71 reviews

    Dined on December 18, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food and Hector excellent server. We love eating there.

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  2. Michael

    VIP

    San Francisco

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on December 18, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I can't say enough about the food the service always great when you go there

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  3. Mary

    VIP

    San Francisco

    69 reviews

    5.0

    69 reviews

    Dined on December 14, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Once again a lovely delicious dinner. Drinks are well crafted. The salads are great — I love the salad with beets. We all had the filet of some special. The portions were ample and the sole delicate and fresh. Dessert is a hard choice but profiterole never disappoint or a refreshing serving of gelato. Such a wonderful neighborhood gen.

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  4. Susan

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 5, 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    The restaurant was completely understaffed One server for 27 people- our server had his hands full and did an Amazing job however this is not what you expect when you dine out. This is a restaurant not a fast food place. The food was good. Not sure we will be going back which is a shame as we like to support local businesses.

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  5. Lisa

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 1, 2024

    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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  6. Anthony

    San Francisco

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on November 29, 2024

    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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  7. Carol

    VIP

    San Francisco

    71 reviews

    5.0

    71 reviews

    Dined on November 29, 2024

    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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  8. Leonid

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 29, 2024

    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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  9. Tashia

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 29, 2024

    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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  10. Janie

    Las Vegas

    17 reviews

    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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FAQs

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

La Lanterna Ristorante is rated 4.7 stars by 997 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
8:00 PM
Booked 3 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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