Coffee is just the beginning at this quaint, romantic cafe.
(347) 535-4414
129 MacDougal St
(Between W 3rd Street and W 4th Street)
New York,
NY
10012
40.7306
-74.0002
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Greenwich Village
La Lanterna
Last updated 11.11.09
What People Are Saying About La Lanterna Caffe
The Owner
La Lanterna Caffe
Owner
There are dozens, if not hundreds of Italian cafes in New York. With so many fabulous ones strewn throughout the city, it would be virtually impossible to choose the best. La Lanterna, however, is markedly different because of its very romantic appeal. La Lanterna consists of two dimly-lit levels decorated in a dozy fashion, and with its close proximity to the NYU Law School, there is something in this small cafe that stirs visions of an intellectual and scholarly past. During the cold New York winters, a fireplace is ablaze on the lower level, as couples romancing one another and students…
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene – Waiters--winking Old New York types in black vests and white aprons--count on the same scenario every shift. Invariably, an affectionate couple wanders in, handpicks a table and wonders aloud how it's possible they've never noticed this cafe before. More low profile than nearby options, it's a find for locals who prefer a handful of fresh sunflowers and a view of the garden to the tourist-oriented get-em-in, get-em-out establishments nearby. – – The Food – The charming fireplaces and wooden chairs spell cozy cafe-romantic if you're in love, and comfy if…
06/16/09
Maybe if you are masochistic...
by alexed
What made this place unique? The worst service in five boroughs... want your waiter to treat you like your most crazy ex used to? Try out La Lanterna. Like snarky answers to simple questions? Would you like to be denied a napkin or a glass of water? This is your place.
- Pros: None
- Cons: Absolutely horrible, rude, snippy service
05/01/09
great
by xoxogirl44
great REAL italian pizza for low prices, with a lovely garden to sit in the back. don't miss this place b.c there are lots of other italian restaurants that will charge twice or more for the same thing.
- Pros: great deal for the price
- Cons: menu a little confusing
02/19/09
Extremely Over-Rated
by PsychoHarrier
After reading all of the reviews for La Lanterna Caffe, I expected this place to be the perfect Valentine's Day dinner spot; boy was I wrong. I can certainly deal with the slow, absolutely flat and disinterested service on a holiday evening, but the food was shockingly bad. I've had better lasagna come out of a microwave in comparison to what was plopped in front of us. The cheeses they used were completely separated, and it was obvious that they were just re-cooking giant batches of lasagna being carted in every five minutes by surly kitchen staff who seemed to take some glee in allowing the door to the outside SLAM constantly. The lasagna was truly awful, all of the cheese solids were clumped up into a disgusting mass and all of the oils had COMPLETELY separated. If eating not just over-cooked, but poorly reheated lasagna with enough separated oil to make you think you were eating grease soup sounds good, be sure to go to La Lanterna Caffe for their Valentine's Day lasagna dinner.
The Details on La Lanterna Caffe
The Extras:
Extend the evening at Next Door, a jazz bar with the same owners and same menu, accessible from the stairs in back.
Know Before You Go:
From 6pm to 9pm each night, a prix-fixe dinner is served with four small courses, plus wine and coffee.
Outdoor Dining:
In the summer, enjoy a sweet treat or espresso outside in the garden.
Category:
Italian, Restaurants, Diners, Dessert Shops, Coffeehouses
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, Diners Club, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Late Night Dining, Romantic Dining, Brunch, Outdoor Dining, Fireplace
General Info:
Open 7 Days
Cuisine:
Message from La Lanterna Caffe
- Pizza, Panini, Lasagne
- Hot Coffee, Tea and Beverages
- Dessert and Gelato
There are dozens, if not hundreds of Italian cafes in New York. With so many fabulous ones strewn throughout the city, it would be virtually impossible to choose the best. La Lanterna, however, is markedly different because of its very romantic appeal. La Lanterna consists of two dimly-lit levels decorated in a dozy fashion, and with its close proximity to the NYU Law School, there is something in this small cafe that stirs visions of an intellectual and scholarly past. During the cold New York winters, a fireplace is ablaze on the lower level, as couples romancing one another and students reading the likes of Nietzsche and Beckett can be seen sipping their espressos while attempting to thaw out. --Romantic New York
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