La Lanterna

Walking past La Lanterna you notice a board advertising a lunch deal, 3 courses for £4.95. This certainly sounds like a bargain and so we were tempted to make a lunch visit there. Hanover street is awash with cheap and cheerful Italian restaurants, some setting pretty low bench marks. La Rusticana serves their risotto with basmati rice (I could understand this in an Indian restaurant but Italian?). Bar Napoli also got fined for 'food hygiene' back in 2010 (BBC News - Court fines 'filthy' restuarant), which is why we have been a bit wary about visiting.

Drink selection was quite simple on arrival. Usual array of Italian beers and wine, most people opting for the Perroni. The menu was quite simple, which is no surprise considering the price. You got to pick any pizza and pasta on the menu, quite decent in itself for £4.95,  then add a starter of either minestrone soup or potato skins, lastly add a pudding of ice cream or coffee. Most people opted for the pizza as a main and it was a decent  size filling most the plate. The staff were friendly and efficient. You might get the sense at dinner that you are being a bit rushed, however for a work lunch this is good, as you don't want to be hanging around. At the end of the visit no could argue against the value to be had at this place.

Quality Food 7.40
Quality Drinks 7.00
Value 9.20
Service 8.00
Ambience 7.00
Overall 7.80

Full Leaderboard

Bill including tip: £9

Comments:
- For a fiver this is an amazing deal. Pizza was very good. Beer Perroni and Moretti as every Italian should serve. Nice restaurant and friendly Italian staff.
- Very good value for money.
- A bit awash in garlic. One of the cheaper lunches to be had in town.