Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Authentic Italian Dining Experience in Glasgow
Established in 1970 by Valerio Martinolli and Antonio Fassone, La Lanterna Westend remains Glasgow's oldest family-run Italian restaurant under original ownership. Since 1998, Christopher Martinolli and Luca have upheld our legacy of culinary excellence, earning the 2012 Glasgow Restaurant Awards' Best Italian Restaurant accolade. Our commitment to traditional Italian cuisine using locally sourced ingredients has cultivated a loyal clientele over four decades. We pride ourselves on delivering authentic dining experiences through meticulously crafted menus that balance classic recipes with contemporary presentation. Our dual locations in Glasgow's City Centre and West End offer distinct atmospheres while maintaining consistent quality and service standards.The private dining room at our West End venue provides an intimate setting for special occasions, complemented by our team's attentive hospitality. Regularly featured in local food guides, we continue evolving while preserving the original vision of our founders. Customer feedback consistently highlights our ability to create memorable dining moments through exceptional food and service. Our online ordering system and gift voucher options extend this experience beyond our physical locations. With over 50 years in operation, we remain dedicated to refining our craft and sharing Italy's culinary heritage with Glasgow.
Services
Italian Restaurant
Gift Vouchers
Private Dining
Online Ordering
Catering Services
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- We've specialised in Italian cuisine since 1970 with original family ownership
- Our menus combine traditional recipes with modern presentation techniques
- Award-winning restaurant maintaining high standards for over 50 years
- Private dining options available in our West End location
- Online ordering system for convenient meal access
What people say
Authentic Italian cuisine
Exceptional service
Historic charm
High-quality dining
Memorable experience
Services
Italian Restaurant
Our core offering features traditional Italian cuisine crafted with locally sourced ingredients. The menu showcases classic dishes with modern presentation, available at two Glasgow locations. Both venues maintain consistent quality standards while offering distinct atmospheres.
Gift Vouchers
Purchase gift vouchers for memorable dining experiences. These make ideal gifts for special occasions, allowing recipients to enjoy our authentic Italian cuisine and signature hospitality at their convenience.
Private Dining
Host special occasions in our dedicated private dining room at the West End location. The space accommodates intimate gatherings with tailored menu options and dedicated service, maintaining our restaurant's authentic Italian ambiance.
Online Ordering
Order meals for home delivery through our partnership with Uber Eats. This service extends our traditional Italian cuisine to customers who prefer enjoying our dishes in their own surroundings.
Seasonal Menus
Experience curated seasonal menus including Christmas lunch and dinner options. These limited-time offerings feature traditional Italian dishes with festive variations, available alongside our regular menu selections.
People
Christopher Martinolli
Co-Owner
Son of original founder Valerio Martinolli, Christopher has led the restaurant since 1998 with business partner Luca. His leadership maintains the establishment's reputation for quality Italian cuisine while modernising operations.
Luca
Co-Owner
Business partner to Christopher Martinolli since 1998, Luca contributes extensive hospitality industry experience. Together they've preserved the restaurant's legacy while implementing contemporary improvements to service and operations.
Questions
What makes La Lanterna unique?
We're Glasgow's oldest family-run Italian restaurant, established in 1970 with continuous ownership by the founding family, combining tradition with modern presentation.
Do you offer private dining options?
Yes, our West End location features a private dining room perfect for special occasions, accommodating intimate gatherings with tailored menu options.
Can I order food for home delivery?
Yes, we partner with Uber Eats for home delivery of our Italian dishes, allowing you to enjoy our cuisine in your own surroundings.
Are gift vouchers available?
Yes, we offer gift vouchers ideal for special occasions, allowing recipients to experience our authentic Italian dining at their convenience.
What are your opening hours?
City Centre: Mon-Thu 12pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-10:30pm. West End: Sun-Thu 12pm-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-10pm.
Reviews (6)
Ethan Bristow
Jan 20, 2022
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Managed to fit us in as long as we were quick as they were going to be fully booked so would recommend pre booking. Staff were pleasant and the food was excellent. There's currently some plastic covid protectors between the tables which also helped block some of the noise. Could be a bit cramped when trying to get your coat on and leave the restaurant etc.
Gillian Watson
Dec 31, 2021
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Great place for amazing Italian food, lots of choice and everything presented so well. Simply amazing!
Mary Valerio
Dec 16, 2021
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Great food and service. Everything was perfect. Plenty of fresh air which is good. Best saltimboca I've had.
Bill Lumsden
Dec 13, 2021
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Fantastic lunch!!!! camilla was the biz highly recommend this restaurant great experience 👍👍👍👍
Sharon Brown
Nov 11, 2021
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A bit cold inside but food was lovely. We had lunch menu 3 courses for 20 lots of choice definitely worth it. Nice decor too.first time trying it but will definitely be back.staff very nice also .
Bonnie Montrose MorethanjustaBook
Sep 23, 2021
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Absolutely loved it! La Lanterna huv been treating oor tummy fur 50 years, and their newer wee Chic gaff in the West End, is daen the same Fabulous Italian cuisine to delight yer belly. #highlyrecomemded #50yearsandstilltheBest #Thankyou
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Cust. F. Life
#StaySafe #LotsofLove
Cust. F. Life