Nestled in a cozy, lantern-lit indoor garden, this charming spot pairs light Italian dishes with an inviting atmosphere, perfect for winding down.
"Ensconced in a Federal style townhouse dating to 1828, La Lanterna is one of those old coffee houses that line MacDougal, where you might expect to see Bob Dylan sitting by the fireplace smoking a cigarette. The provender is strictly Italian, with lasagne options that emerge bubbling, brown, and cheesy. The fireplace is in the main dining room betwixt bar and enclosed backyard — which is down a few steps and where the eponymous lanterns hang." - Eater Staff
"Cited for its romantic vibes, this MacDougal Street restaurant hosted Swift awhile back with Todrick Hall, when they ordered two pizzas, two double French martinis, tiramisu and gelato, the owner told People magazine. Her visit was before the duo headed downstairs to the restaurant’s sibling jazz club, Bar Next Door." - Melissa McCart
"If you’ve spent any amount of time walking near Washington Square Park, you’ve probably passed by this Italian restaurant’s green awning without even thinking about it. Unlike 95% of the restaurants in Greenwich Village, it has a big, greenhouse-like outdoor patio in the back. Whenever we’ve gone here, most of the people around us have been tourists taking a break from holding Saint Laurent and Nike bags but that’s OK. Stop by for some pasta and some wine in a quiet, unexpected little place in a busy neighborhood - the lasagna here is pretty good." - hannah albertine
"Whether you're having espresso and dessert, or wine and light Italian fare, the lantern lit garden or the indoor fireplaces emanate romance. Just down the block from other noteworthy Italian cafes, La Lanterna is on the list of the top most romantic places. Owner Vittorio Antonini says the 200-year-old garden was once owned by Aaron Burr." - 345 Design
"La Lanterna di Vittorio, Greenwich Village by 345 Design. Whether you're having espresso and dessert, or wine and light Italian fare, the lantern lit garden or the indoor fireplaces emanate romance. Just down the block from other noteworthy Italian cafes, La Lanterna is on the list of the top most romantic places. Owner Vittorio Antonini says the 200-year-old garden was once owned by Aaron Burr."
