Dining at La Lanterna was superb, service was excellent and the Saturday evening set menu represents terrific value for money. I would highly recommend the gamberoni in crosta – deep fried king prawns in oatmeal with a chilli mayonnaise – delicious, arguably the best thing I have tasted in a restaurant this year. My mate Tommy really won a watch with his main meal , fillet of monkfish wrapped in parma ham served with goats cheese & freshly made pesto, it tasted every bit as good as it sounds and was undoubtedly the dish of the night. Exemplary from start to finish, not a single complaint.

“We escape to a basement and the world suddenly slows and opens up. Through an angled kitchen door I see bright white light and a waitress placing an order in sing-song Italian. Across a dark, crowded bar there are businessmen being gently helped into coats amid the twinkle of light on glass. Into the large dining room we find amber lamps, pools of yellow warmth…”

In all my times of going there, the remarkable quality of the food they have served is a mystery to me since, as a cook, I could have done the borgios of few favours in discreetly disposing of their enemies. All I know is that Christopher Martinolli & Luca Conreno are a remarkably smooth combination, like whisky and water. All the waiters, such as Franco, are unfailingly charming to the extent that every visit is a true pleasure.

Exceptional restaurant made better by David and Paolo. These two gentlemen were outstanding. They made me feel special and, along with the food and wine, gave me an evening to remember. Thanks, David and Paolo, for a great visit. I can’t wait to return!