La Lanterna Ristorante

Family-run restaurant serving traditional Italian dishes with nightly specials.

Head Chef Ramon opened La Lanterna in 2001 after two decades in what the site calls esteemed establishments, and the restaurant remains family run, with all six family members often on hand. The kitchen describes its cooking as traditional Italian with a modern twist, mixing classical dishes with newer creations, and the squid ink pasta is singled out on the site. The San Mateo dining room is a large space with high ceilings set away from the downtown crowds, and it handles takeout, private dining for 15 to 20 guests, and full buyouts up to 80.