Among the best risottos you’ll try in Glasgow

Hidden in plain sight on one of Glasgow’s busiest streets, many would walk past this Italian institution situated right opposite Central Station. The warm and unpretentious setting, together with a few glamorous touches, invites diners to indulge themselves, and with the arrival of the table nibbles you know you’re in good hands – the house-made focaccia is so moreish it would satisfy as a starter by itself. Aged prosciutto and ‘seasonal fruit’ is beautifully presented as a parcel of the freshest mixed berries, rich in colour, enveloped in a bed of the finest, thickly sliced prosciutto ham. It’s a simple but mouthwateringly sweet and salty delight – testament to the quality of their ingredients. Risotto mari e monti is among the best risottos you’ll try in Glasgow. A 50-50 ratio of rice to seafood is skilfully combined so all the textures are spot on, with enormous prawns, just pink, and generous chunks of monkfish coated in silky, al dente arborio rice, which is equally delicious (with stock tasting like the kitchen are making use of the prawn shells). Despite the portion being generous, you’ll be sorry to take the last mouthful.

- The List Eating and Drinking Guide 2017

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La Lanterna’s Á la carte menu is extensive. Be prepared to pour over the menu for ages, deciding what you’ll have. Phill chose the Calamari to start and this was served with garlic mayonnaise and a leafy salad. I opted for the soup of the day which was roast tomato and pepper. Both of us thoroughly enjoyed our starters and we didn’t have to wait long for them to be brought out. I deliberately went for something light and I liked that the soup was textured and looked suitably rustic.

Phill ordered the veal ravioli for his main course whilst I had the pancetta risotto. Phill’s veal and ravioli was cooked to perfection and he loved the wild mushroom sauce. My risotto was delicious, with plenty of ham, pea and mushroom throughout.

As we perused the dessert menu Phill finished the last of his red wine which the restaurant manager selected especially for him. Phill loved the taste so much he asked for the name of it to be written down. It was called Gran Maestro Puglia and the waiter who poured the wine explained in detail about its taste and how it was from his region of Italy. A nice touch.

Phill ordered the chocolate torte and I the tiramisu. The tiramisu is a La Lanterna staple and the recipe is 39 years old. It was beautifully creamy. La Lanterna is a homely feeling restaurant, they serve well-cooked, fuss-free Italian food.

- Ruth, Willow Lane Blog