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About
A fantastic fully Licensed bistro in the heart of Belfast City Centre! An established favourite in the hearts of locals and visitors alike, The Lantern is the perfect place to catch up with friends or celebrate those special occasions in an intimate, relaxed environment. Located just five minutes' walk from Belfast City Hall, our delicious and varied menu options feature only the finest locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. We look forward to welcoming you.
PRICE RANGE
US$6 - US$33
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Dinner
CUISINES
Irish, European, British, Grill, Fusion
FEATURES
Seating, Free Wifi, Reservations, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Wine and Beer, Gift Cards Available
Reviews (1,409)
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1,349 results
Traveller rating
1,075
193
47
25
9
Traveller type
Time of year
LanguageEnglish
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Traveller rating
1,075
193
47
25
9
Show reviews that mention
All reviews steak spring rolls slow cooked beef apple crumble fish cakes sea bass pork belly squid starter bread the pre theatre menu goats cheese last night cooked to perfection lovely meal small restaurant pepper sauce food was amazing
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Reviewed today

The lantern had been recommended to me by a work colleague. I wasn't looking for the Lantern but happened to pass it and remembered the recommendation. The restaurant staff were welcoming and friendly (especially as we were walk-in) and made us feel immediately at ease....The menu was selection was varied with something there for all tastes and dietary needs and in our case seasonal offerings. Despite the temptation of the seasonal Turkey & Ham I went for the duck and it was SUPERB! All of us complimented the food, highly recommended! I was given a recommendation for a local beer - Belfast Lager and it was a great beer especially with dinner - not too heavy. I have spent the last few hours trying to source some of the beer for the upcoming holiday. Can't recommend The Lantern highly enough, friendly staff, fantastic food (with a wide and varied selection) and great drink recommendation too at a very reasonable price! Enjoy...you won't regret trying The Lantern.More

Date of visit: December 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 4 days ago via mobile

We’ve been here before and it didn’t disappoint. The service was wonderful, staff are friendly and attentive. Our food was delicious, not complaints at all, highly recommend

Date of visit: December 2023
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 5 days ago

I can't not describe how amazing the food is in this place I would highly recommend this place keep up the good work folks

Date of visit: December 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 5 days ago via mobile

Such a lovely little restaurant that could be easily missed. We booked in last minute on Friday night. This was our first time eating here. With it being the festive season everywhere in Belfast was booked out. Wow, it is just a little hidden gem....The food was amazing and the service was top class. We had the Fishcake starters & Goats Cheese spring roll (a must try). Then the Seabass and the Shoulder of Beef for mains, both so full of flavour and all very reasonably priced. The owner was so friendly & welcoming. We will definitely be back again 🫶🏽More

Date of visit: December 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 6 days ago via mobile

This is small, vibrant restaurant with excellent food and service. We visited in December when there was the usual menu accompanied by a festive menu. The Christmas pudding and brandy sauce was the best I’ve tasted in a long time!

Date of visit: December 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 2 weeks ago

Lovely little restaurant in the city centre. Service was excellent and food was very good. We will definitely be back!

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 2 weeks ago

The server and owner were both top notch. Full of conversation, friendliness and knowledge on the menu and things to do around belfast. If I lived in Northern Ireland this place would be a weekly visit for me and friends and family. A must visit!

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 2 weeks ago

First time eating here. The food was delicious. We chose from the Pre Theatre menu. Very good value. Service was excellent, the two waitresses were attentive and pleasant. The owner is very friendly and welcoming. Nice atmosphere. We will be back.

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 2 weeks ago

Had a fantastic dinner from the pre-theatre menu, especially the the goats cheese spring rolls! Will be back.

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 3 weeks ago via mobile

Great food, great service in a fun and friendly atmosphere. We visited on Friday 12th Nov. We felt really welcome in a small cosy restaurant.

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 3 weeks ago

My best friend and I had an excellent dinner and excellent service. A very intimate setting with high quality food - overall a very memorable experience! Highly recommend the chicken and creme brûlée.

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 3 weeks ago via mobile

Amazing food and great service. Had the chilli squid, pork belly (GET THIS), and crème brûlée!! Great first meal in Belfast!

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 3 weeks ago

Quite a small restaurant and tables close together making it a more intimate experience but did not spoil the meal or atmosphere. Friendly service and lovely food.

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 3 weeks ago via mobile

What a fantastic place to eat!!! Group of 6 of us in Belfast for a long weekend and having read previous reviews, booked it up. The food was incredible, service fantastic and really well priced. Brilliant music too!!!

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 4 weeks ago

This is my second meal here. Both meals were enjoyable and I’ll definitely be back. Great for preshow (GOH).

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Questions & Answers
Ask a question
LaurenH606
5 March 2020|
AnswerShow all 2 answers
Response from patsyhayes8 | Reviewed this property |
From what I remember it should be okay for a wheelchair user. Maybe call and check with the restaurant.
0
Votes
Jennifer1M1
4 January 2020|
AnswerShow all 9 answers
Response from thelanternbel | Property representative |
we are no longer byo,we are fully licensed now.
0
Votes
vingt
23 May 2019|
AnswerShow all 6 answers
Response from thelanternbel | Property representative |
sorry we are no longer BYO ,we are fully licensed now.
1
Vote
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THE LANTERN, Belfast - Updated 2023 Restaurant Reviews, Menu & Prices - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about The Lantern

Yes, The Lantern is taking precautions against COVID-19. A full list is available within the "safety precautions" section of this page.

The Lantern is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travellers:
  • Food: 4.5
  • Service: 5
  • Value: 4.5
  • Atmosphere: 4.5