La Lanterna Ristorante — Restaurant in San Mateo

This was a nice place with nice service. The workers were professional. The atmosphere was enjoyable.

The people I was with liked this place and treated me to it. I was not too impressed with the recommendation of veal, but I did enjoy the pork tenderloin with spinach and mushrooms. The tortellini duck was not much duck for my satisfaction, but it was tasty. The pork tenderloin was my favorite dish this visit.

I did appreciate the recommendation for the risotto to substitute the seafood for the steak. Although I did not do that this time, I should have.

I enjoyed the salad with beets.

We also enjoyed the bread pudding with ice cream but I recommend asking for 3 scoops so you don't run out of ice cream before the bread pudding.

The hazelnut creme Brule was interesting to try.

It's a nice little old feel hole in the wall.

Parking was pretty full. But I found a spot right in front at just the right time.

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Once in a while you go to a place that takes you somewhere else. La Lanterna is one of those places. It's like a little bit of Tuscany tucked away in San Mateo. It reminded me of a restaurant in Florance, not completely out of the way, but with an intimacy and charm that kept the outside at bay. The menu is a balance between meats and seafood with pastas and entrees. The ingredients are fresh, and well proportioned. When I went, I had the veal picatta, which was a perfectly balanced picatta sauce over the most tender veal I've had. But, make sure you save room for dessert. The cakes, gellato, and panna cotta are worth the wait. Speaking of waiting, the staff was friendly and accommodating. They are a little slow by US standards, but it reminded me of eating in Italy, where the pace is just a little slower, and the experience a little more savory. Go with friends, enjoy the wine list and the conversation. Prices are moderate, and dress is informal. The flavors...

Not only was the service and atmosphere spectacular, the food was out of this world. High quality service, delicious bread and appetizers, and bottomless water. The bruschetta was topped with fresh and crispy tomatoes. The gnocchi was buttery soft and the sauce danced in my mouth like your uncle at a family reunion. The silky, smooth exterior of these gnocchis could be punctured by even the dullest of teeth. The creamy smooth truffle sauce coated my tongue and was so flavorful that I used the fluffy white bread to soak up every last drop of that sweet, sweet sauce. To top it all off I finished with the chocolate and vanilla crème brûlée. These delectable treats were covered in a crispy, crunchy top and as I broke in I was met with a divine concoction that gracefully slid down my throat like a child on a slip n slide. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who enjoys good...