Glasgow has a wealth of real Italian restaurants, but very few offer the kind of classic, heartfelt experience that instantly takes you to Italy. La Lanterna is a real treasure of the culinary scene in the middle of Glasgow’s bustling city centre. A cherished institution since 1970, La Lanterna has been serving generations of Glaswegians traditional Italian food, kind hospitality, and an authentic dining experience.
This guide will immerse you in La Lanterna’s universe from its rich history and iconic dishes to the philosophy behind its cooking. Read on to discover why, despite being a local, visitor, or just looking for the best plate of pasta, La Lanterna is still the standard for Italian dining in Glasgow.
The Italian Food Renaissance in Glasgow
Glasgow has experienced a gastronomic renaissance in recent years, and international influences have transformed the city’s dining scene. Italian food is one of the most cherished and timeless customs that the city’s restaurants have been serving for many years. Pizza, pasta and more elaborate regional delicacies have kept Italian cuisine a draw for locals and tourists.
In the 19th century, the first Italian immigrants brought their rich culinary traditions to Glasgow, and Italian influence in the city has been present ever since. Over the decades, the love for authentic Italian food in Glasgow has grown. Today, Glasgow has a large number of Italian restaurants, from casual to fine dining.
La Lanterna has been a true pioneer of Italian dining in the city and has survived the test of time. Located in the heart of Glasgow’s city centre, La Lanterna is a real taste of Italy. Since 1970, it has been serving authentic Italian dishes and has been a top-tier place to eat Italian food in Glasgow for over five decades.
Then what is authentic Italian food, in a city where Italian food is so widely available? It is authentic because of the ingredients, the methods, and the philosophy behind each dish. La Lanterna has become a local institution and a standard for Italian dining in the area because of these elements.
The History of La Lanterna
Valerio Martinolli and Antonio Fassone founded La Lanterna in 1970 with the aim of bringing a real Italian dining experience to Glasgow. The original goal was to use traditional Italian techniques and serve locally sourced fresh ingredients in an environment that was family-friendly.
La Lanterna has changed over the years, but one thing has never changed: authentic Italian food. As the city changed around it, the restaurant changed as well, always improving its menu and services, while still holding true to the values that it began with.
La Lanterna is one of the best Italian dining spots in Glasgow. The restaurant has been in business for many years, and it has received several accolades. It also reflects the tenacity of family businesses in the city, as the Martinolli and Fassone families are still active in the daily business.
The fact that La Lanterna has lasted so long proves how the restaurant has lasted so long, and how traditional Italian cuisine has staying power, and how, while staying true to its roots, the restaurant has the ability to evolve with the times. This shows the passion and dedication of the founders who can always provide their customers with exceptional dishes.
What Makes Italian Cuisine Authentic?
Authentic Italian cuisine is all about simplicity, quality ingredients and time-honoured traditions. The philosophy is based on the idea that less is more and focuses on simple, quality ingredients that are cooked with care to enhance their natural flavours. Regional cooking traditions across Italy influence the dishes served, and each region adds its own style and ingredients to the mix.
This authenticity is present in every dish at La Lanterna. The menu is created with traditional pasta dishes, as well as fresh seafood, to ensure it stays true to authentic Italian recipes. The chefs themselves source the ingredients that they use, which are all to Italian standards, and so each dish is made with the best ingredients available.
One of the most common Italian cuisine misconceptions is the overuse or use of heavy sauces or complicated dishes. The Italian way is all about seasonality and letting the ingredients be the star. Take, for example, a simple pasta dish with olive oil, garlic and fresh herbs that, when made with the best ingredients, is a true Italian masterpiece.
Preparation methods are also authentic at the restaurant. The dishes are cooked from scratch using traditional techniques handed down from generation to generation. For example, the pasta is made in-house, and the seafood is fresh from local suppliers that help the flavours remain as close to Italian traditions as possible.
Signature Dishes: La Lanterna’s Must-Try Menu Items
When dining at La Lanterna, there is no shortage of signature dishes to explore. Each one offers a glimpse into the diverse culinary landscape of Italy, showcasing regional specialities and chef recommendations.
Tagliatelle Pollo
Originating from the Emilia-Romagna and Marche regions, tagliatelle is a famous pasta dish that can be served with various additions. The Tagliatelle Pollo includes decadent chicken, asparagus, cream and Italian Parmesan.
Risotto Mare Monti
A classic from the northern region of Italy, this seafood pasta has a delightful mix of monkfish, king prawns, red onions and courgettes. Perfect for any seafood lover.
Vitello Alla Milanese
As the name suggests, this dish is inspired by the culinary traditions of Milan. This dish includes escalope of veal in breadcrumbs and is served with a creamy porcini mushroom tagliatelle.
Wine Pairings
La Lanterna also serves a curated Italian wine list with both well-known and regional Italian wines to complement these dishes. From bold reds to light crisp whites, each wine is chosen to complement the flavours of the dishes.
La Lanterna’s Italian Wine Journey
La Lanterna’s authentic Italian experience is made even better by its wine list. Each bottle of wine has been chosen to pair well with the restaurant’s menu, and is sourced from various regions of Italy. The wine list ranges from bold reds like Barolo to crisp whites from Sicily. La Lanterna’s staff are experts in Italian wines and can offer pairing recommendations based on the dish you are eating.
Local Sourcing Meets Italian Tradition
La Lanterna sets itself apart from other Italian restaurants by using the very best local ingredients and remaining true to Italian culinary traditions. The restaurant has close ties with Scottish suppliers to ensure the freshest produce, meat, and seafood are served. The local sourcing and Italian techniques are fused to create dinner dishes that reflect both Scottish and Italian flavours.
A Taste of Italy in the Heart of Glasgow
La Lanterna is not just a restaurant, it is a monument to Italian cuisine and the power of tradition done right. One of Glasgow’s culinary mainstays, it has been presenting an authentic, stylish and sincere dining experience for almost 45 years
La Lanterna serves traditional Italian food with pride from both their locations, one on Hope Street in the city centre and the other located in the West End. Book today to experience authentic Italian dining with friends, family, and loved ones.