Osteria La Lanterna — Restaurant in Genoa

We were having a rough night after a long day. Many restaurants in Genoa shooed us away because our group of 5 (including a toddler) was too inconvenient to deal with. I understand that over-tourism is a problem, and local communities are strained, but we just needed a warm meal and to be on our way. We did not deserve to be actively ignored or rudely dismissed. We pushed the door of La Lanterna expecting the worse but hoping for a break and were warmly welcomed and offered a table right away. Then the owner came by and offered to translate the menu word for word in any language of our choice (we chose French) and it just kept getting better from there. With grace and humor, he explained every item, made suggestions and had the time and patience to make us feel cared for. He appreciated our noisy toddler, gave her special attention, and then served us the best meal of our short Italian vacation. The pesto was amazing, my walnut stuffed pasta was divine, the summer minestrone was sublime. Everything was fresh and hand made and delicious. I’m so glad we got dismissed by the larger, busier restaurants to stumble onto this little gem. This is what the best vacation memories are made of. Thank you to our Lanterna saviors, you really...

Affidandomi alla immancabile guida Osterie D'Italia, ho prenotato all'ultimo per 8 persone lo scorso sabato sera (trovare posto mi ha fatto venire qualche dubbio, ammetto!). L'osteria è in un vicolo nel pieno centro storico di Genova, quasi invisibile se non per un'insegna luminosa abbastanza datata, e si entra suonando il campanello. I gestori sono persone gentili ma di poche parole. I dubbi iniziali sulla presentazione del locale sono svaniti durante la cena: menu semplice ma vario, include tutte le specialità genovese, la qualità degli ingredienti è strepitosa, e il prezzo più che onesto. Due persone hanno chiesto un fuori menù senza aglio, e la signora ha fatto uscire un piatto di taglierini verdi al ragù bianco di branzino spettacolare. Abbiamo diviso due antipasti della casa, due fritture di pesce e un piatto di acciughe in carpione. A seguire un primo o secondo a testa. Con acqua e vino o birra, un totale di 29.5 euro a testa,...

Lovely meal - everything was fresh and very tasty. The proprietor took the time to explain everything and matched the wine to our meal perfectly. I'd very much recommend you trying this Osteria. We had two entrees, two mains, one desert and three glasses of wine and it was less than 80 euros. Just fabulous...