Glasgow City Centre

Nestled in the heart of Glasgow, La Lanterna is a culinary landmark that has been delighting locals and visitors for over 45 years. As Glasgow’s oldest family-run Italian restaurant, La Lanterna is famous for serving authentic Italian food that transports diners directly to the heart of Italy. Our City Centre restaurant is a highly sought-after dining destination. La Lanterna is a vital part of the Glasgow city centre’s gastronomic landscape, whether you’re a local resident or visitor to the area.

La Lanterna has been a seamless addition to Glasgow’s dining scene over the decades, serving traditional Italian food for over 45 years. It is a beloved fixture for its warm welcome, delicious meals, and charming atmosphere. Located in the city centre and on one of Glasgow’s most iconic streets, it is in the heart of the action yet still provides a tranquil and inviting dining space.

La Lanterna offers a menu full of mouth-watering pasta dishes, fresh seafood, succulent meats, and authentic Italian pizza. We are known for our risottos, rich pastas and indulgent desserts such as tiramisu, so if you’re looking for a taste of Italy, this is a must-visit. Whether you’re dropping in for a quick lunch or have an evening meal in mind, the city centre location will impress you with its flavours as much as its ambience.

Our City Centre Location

For those arriving by train, bus, or car, La Lanterna is just a short walk from Glasgow Central Station. Located in the heart of Hope Street, the restaurant occupies a beautiful building that blends historical architecture with contemporary city life. The spacious restaurant is decorated with elegant interiors that convey a sense of Italian warmth and hospitality.

The décor inside is a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary, with wooden tables, soft lighting, and Italian-inspired touches, making the place warm and inviting. It is the perfect cosy setting for small intimate dinners as well as larger group gatherings. The outdoor seating area is a beautiful place to sit on sunny days, for al fresco dining in the heart of Glasgow’s city centre. The venue has a capacity for up to 80 seated guests and can be set up for private dining for special events or celebrations.

Being in the centre of Glasgow with its authentic Italian food, La Lanterna is an ideal option for those who want to eat Italian in Glasgow. Whether you’re going on a shopping trip and want to enjoy a quiet lunch, or you’re on a date and want to have a romantic dinner before going to a nearby theatre, La Lanterna is a restaurant that provides you with a convenient and delicious dining experience.

Finding Us: Transport & Directions

From Glasgow Central Station

La Lanterna is just a 5-minute walk from Glasgow Central Station, one of the city’s main transport hubs. Exit the station out onto Gordon Street, turn left onto Hope Street, and walk for a short distance before the restaurant is on your left. La Lanterna is located in the ideal spot to stop for a bite before or after catching a train.

From Queen Street Station

It is also a 10-minute walk from Queen Street Station. Get off the station and walk south towards George Square. Then, turn right onto Hope Street and you will see La Lanterna shortly on your right. This location is very convenient for train travellers as it is close to both stations.

From Buchanan Bus Station

For those arriving by bus, La Lanterna is a 10-minute walk from Buchanan Bus Station. Head south on Buchanan Street, turn left onto Sauchiehall Street, then right onto Hope Street. The restaurant will be on your left.

Subway Stations (St. Enoch, Buchanan Street)

Both St. Enoch and Buchanan Street stations are within walking distance if you’re travelling via the Glasgow Subway. Walk up to Buchanan Street from St. Enoch, and head towards Hope Street. If coming from Buchanan Street station, follow the same route.

Driving Directions

If you’re driving, La Lanterna is easily accessible from the M8 motorway. For the city centre, take exit 18 and follow signs for Hope Street. The restaurant is in a good location just off the main road and is an easy stop for those driving into the city.

Parking Options

The nearest car parks are the NCP car park on Oswald Street or the Q-Park at the Buchanan Galleries, both of which are only a short walk from the restaurant. Hope Street also has street parking available, but spaces can be limited during busier times.

Taxi Drop-Off Points

If you don’t want to walk, taxis will drop you right outside the restaurant on Hope Street.

Nearby Attractions & Activities

Situated in the centre of Glasgow, La Lanterna is surrounded by a range of attractions and is the ideal spot for pre- and post-dining.

Theatres and Performance Venues

If you’re going to be out at the theatre for the night, you’ll be pleased to know that La Lanterna is only a short walk away from some of Glasgow’s most iconic venues. The restaurant is just a 5-minute stroll from the Theatre Royal, which is famous for its great mixture of opera, ballet and drama. The King’s Theatre, on Bath Street, is a 10-minute walk away and has a variety of performances from West End musicals to classic dramas.

Shopping Areas and Malls

Glasgow’s top shopping destinations are also nearby La Lanterna. A short walk along Buchanan Street is one of the city’s main shopping hubs, with a variety of shops, from high-street brands to luxury boutiques. The Buchanan Galleries shopping centre is close by, and it has a range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues for those who are looking for a greater shopping experience.

Museums and Galleries

If you are an art lover or history enthusiast, there is a lot to explore around the city centre. La Lanterna is a 10-minute walk from the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), which has a fantastic collection of contemporary art exhibitions. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is just a short drive away and is one of Scotland’s most visited cultural attractions.

Parks and Public Spaces

Glasgow Green, a beautiful park, and George Square, a park for a break from the city’s hustle and bustle, are a 15-minute walk away. These refreshing spaces from the vibrant city streets are the perfect place to go for a leisurely walk before or after your meal.

Our City Centre Dining Experience

La Lanterna’s location in the city centre perfectly balances traditional Italian warmth with modern style. As you walk in, you are greeted with the restaurant’s rustic charm. The design employs Italian elements such as warm wood tones, marble tables, and soft lighting to make the room warm and inviting for any occasion.

Guests have a choice of seating with a range of options available for them to enjoy their meal. Window-side tables allow those looking for a romantic meal to see the bustling action of the city while private booths provide a more secluded dining experience. The spacious interior can accommodate large groups or be used for business lunches. The dining room at La Lanterna also has a relaxed, yet stylish bar area, perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail or a glass of wine.

Special Offerings at Our City Centre Location

At La Lanterna’s city centre location, diners can enjoy an extensive menu featuring the best of authentic Italian cuisine. The city centre restaurant offers a range of menu options, including seasonal dishes inspired by local ingredients and international Italian flavours.

For those looking for a light bite or a quick lunch, the restaurant offers a special lunch menu with a variety of affordable yet delicious options. The pre-theatre menu, available for those attending performances nearby, offers a perfect balance of flavour and speed, ensuring you can enjoy a delicious meal without missing the start of your show.

For business diners, La Lanterna offers an array of corporate lunch options, making it the perfect spot for both casual meetings and more formal business discussions. Additionally, exclusive wines and cocktails are available for guests, ensuring the perfect pairing with any dish.

Accessibility

We are committed to creating an inclusive dining experience for all guests. The dining area is accessible, and there is step-free access from the street to the restaurant. There are accessible toilet facilities on site and wheelchair accessible tables. Service animals are allowed in the restaurant so that no guest would feel uncomfortable or unwelcome during their visit.

La Lanterna’s staff are always on hand if you need any further assistance. If you have a specific accessibility related inquiry, please do not hesitate to contact the restaurant directly.

Private Dining and Events

For larger groups or those looking to rent out the restaurant, La Lanterna’s main dining area can be booked for events, allowing guests to enjoy the full Italian experience in a lively, sociable atmosphere. The restaurant offers a range of event packages to cater to different needs, ensuring that every special occasion is a success.

Enjoy Authentic Italian Food in Glasgow

When looking for traditional Italian food, choosing the right Italian restaurant is key. With decades of experience and culinary excellence behind us, La Lanterna is the perfect place to visit for a lovely meal. Experience the best of Italian food and make a reservation at La Lanterna’s city centre location today.