La Lanterna Cafe & Grill Ridgewood NJ: Authentic Italian BYOB Experience

La Lanterna Cafe & Grill Introduce

When New Jersey residents are seeking a truly authentic and heartwarming Italian dining experience, many in Bergen County point toward a cherished local spot: La Lanterna Cafe & Grill in the picturesque town of Ridgewood. More than just a restaurant, La Lanterna offers a taste of Tuscany right here in North Jersey, creating a cozy and elegant atmosphere where exceptional food and genuine hospitality merge perfectly.

Known for its welcoming, family-run atmosphere, La Lanterna has been a fixture in the Ridgewood community for nearly two decades, originally founded by the Karoutsos family in 2004. This rich history is evident in every detail, from the classic Italian-Mediterranean menu to the personalized service that makes every guest feel like part of the family. The restaurant’s enduring appeal is centered on its commitment to traditional, high-quality Italian fare, often described as having a comforting, family-style feel. The dedication of the original owners, Paul and Joanne Karoutsos, who returned to manage the restaurant after a brief time away, has reaffirmed its status as a local favorite, beloved for both the superb cooking and the warm, friendly presence of the owners.

As a proud BYOB establishment, La Lanterna allows guests to bring their favorite wine or beverage to pair perfectly with their Italian feast, adding an element of convenience and personal touch to the dining experience. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a celebratory gathering with friends, or a cozy family dinner, La Lanterna Cafe & Grill stands out as a must-visit Italian destination in the Garden State.

Location and Accessibility

La Lanterna Cafe & Grill is conveniently located at 29 W Ridgewood Ave in Ridgewood, New Jersey. This prime location places it right in the heart of one of Bergen County’s most charming and easily accessible towns. The restaurant is situated on West Ridgewood Avenue, often noted by locals for being just "on the other side of the tracks" from the busier part of the village, which can offer a slightly calmer and more understated dining atmosphere. For guests driving to the restaurant, paid street parking is available in the surrounding area.

Accessibility is a key priority at La Lanterna. The establishment is welcoming to all members of the community and visitors, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible parking lot, a wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating. This ensures that every diner can comfortably enjoy the authentic Italian cuisine. The charming locale in Ridgewood, frequently described by visitors as an "adorable town" and "like a fairytale," adds to the overall pleasant dining experience.

Services Offered

La Lanterna Cafe & Grill provides a comprehensive array of dining and hospitality services to accommodate every guest's needs.

Dine-in Service: Full seating and table service available for lunch and dinner, offered in a cozy, romantic, and casually elegant atmosphere.
BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle): As a prominent feature, guests are welcome to bring their own wine or other alcoholic beverages to enjoy with their meal.
Reservations: Reservations are accepted and dinner reservations are highly recommended, particularly for weekends, due to the restaurant's popularity.
Takeout and Curbside Pickup: Convenient options for those who wish to enjoy the menu at home.
Delivery: No-contact delivery service is offered to bring the delicious Italian fare right to your doorstep.
Catering: The restaurant offers catering services, perfect for special events and parties.
Dining Amenities: High chairs are available for families, and the facility includes a clean restroom and Wi-Fi access.
Private Events: The restaurant's welcoming and beautiful setting, which historically included a newly renovated four-season porch, can be ideal for hosting special events.

Features / Highlights

La Lanterna Cafe & Grill is celebrated for several unique features that distinguish it as a premier dining spot in Northern New Jersey.

Family-Owned and Operated: The original owners, Paul and Joanne Karoutsos, who reopened the establishment in 2023, provide a warm, attentive, and highly personalized level of service, often making guests feel like they are dining in an elegant friend's home. The family's passion and presence are a significant highlight, with family members frequently serving on the staff.
Authentic Italian-Mediterranean Cuisine: The menu focuses on Tuscan fare and traditional regional Italian dishes, prepared with an emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Chef Paul, with his background and love for Italian cooking, ensures every dish is crafted with care.
BYOB Dining Experience: The BYOB policy allows patrons to enjoy their preferred beverages, enhancing the dining value and making it a popular choice for celebrations and casual dinners alike.
Signature Menu Items: The expansive menu features classics like homemade Gnocchi Al Ragu, the ever-popular Penne alla Vodka, and seafood delights such as Linguine Alla Vongole and Shrimp Scampi. Other noteworthy dishes include Chicken Scarpariello, Filetto Di Manso, and a generous selection of desserts like Tiramisu and various Italian cakes.
Intimate and Charming Atmosphere: Located in an old bank building, the interior boasts high ceilings and original woodwork, contributing to an ambiance that is simultaneously casual, cozy, romantic, and upscale. Outdoor seating is also available, providing a lovely al fresco dining option in warm weather.
Highly Regarded Service: Customer reviews consistently praise the fast, attentive service and the genuinely caring nature of the staff, especially mentioning co-owner Joanne for her amazing hospitality.
Inclusive Environment: The restaurant identifies as LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safespace, ensuring a welcoming environment for all patrons.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries, or to place an order, please use the following contact details:

Address: 29 W Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450, USA

Phone: (201) 444-5520

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing La Lanterna Cafe & Grill means choosing a complete, high-quality Italian dining experience that goes beyond the plate. It is worth choosing for the unmistakable feeling of dining among friends and family. The restaurant’s identity as a Latinx- and women-owned establishment further highlights its unique place in the local community.

From a culinary perspective, the kitchen's mastery is evident across all sections of the menu. Start your meal with the flavorful Arancini, Mussels, or the substantial Tagliere cheese and meat platter. Pasta lovers will appreciate that all pasta is made fresh to order, giving a genuine taste of Italy in dishes like the hearty Pasticcio Di Carne (Lasagna) or the creamy Spaghetti Carbonara. The meat and seafood selections are equally impressive, offering everything from classic Chicken Parmigiana and the elegant Vitello Alla Marsala to fresh catches like Salmone Arrotolato and Branzino.

The true value of a visit, however, is the combination of the authentic, expertly prepared food with the genuinely warm hospitality from the Karoutsos family. As one reviewer noted, the dining experience here is a "true inspiration," reminding patrons of the importance of family. For anyone in New Jersey seeking delicious Italian food, a friendly and professional service, and the ability to bring their favorite bottle of wine, La Lanterna Cafe & Grill in Ridgewood is an essential choice. It delivers a memorable, elegant, and deeply satisfying taste of Italy, right in the heart of Bergen County.

La Lanterna Cafe & Grill Menu

Appetizers | Antipasti
Arancini $15.95
Classic rice ball served in a pesto cream sauce
Mussels Rose
Mussels sauteed in a red sauce
Mussels Bianca $15.95
Mussels sauteed in a white sauce
Polpette $15.97
Classic meatballs, tomatoes, basil puree, and whipped Ricotta
Carpaccio $17.97
Thinly sliced raw filet mignon, served with parmigiana reggiano, aioli and capers, with arugula and truffle oil
Burrata $17.97
Burrata mozzarella over a bed of arugula and prosciutto
Clams Gratinate $17.97
Little neck clams au gratin in garlic, oil, and white wine dusted with seasoned bread crumbs
Frito Misto $17.97
Fried mix of calamari, shrimp, zucchini and vinegar peppers served with aioli
Tagliere - Cheese & Meat Platter $21.97
Chef selection of three cheeses and three cured meats with fixings

Salad | Insalada
Made with fresh local organic produce whenever possible
Classic Caesar Salad $14.97
Romaine lettuce with garlic crostini in classic Caesar dressing
La Lanterna Salad $14.97
Spring mix, grape tomato, candy walnuts, asiago cheese, pickled red onion, cucumber ribbons, balsamic dressing and raisins
Arugula E Pera (Pear Salad) $14.97
Arugula, pear, and gorgonzola in a lemon vinaigrette
Beet Salad $14.97
Mixed greens, roasted beets, cantaloupe, goat cheese, pumpkin seeds and honey mustard balsamic vinaigrette
Caesar Side Salad $7.95
Smaller versions of our same dinner salads
Garden Side Salad $7.95
Smaller version of house salad

Chicken | Pollo
Chicken Cacciatore $26.95
Chicken breast sauteed in white wine, stewed tomatoes, wild mushrooms, herbs, and olives
Chicken alla Francaise $26.95
Savory boneless filets of Chicken sauteed in White Wine, Butter, and Lemon Sauce
Chicken Alla Milanese $26.95
Breaded pan-fried chicken served with arugula, fennel, grape tomato salad, lemon vinaigrette, roasted potatoes and shaved parmigiana cheese
Chicken Alla Marsala $26.95
Savory boneless breasts of chicken sauteed in marsala wine and wild mushrooms with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables
Chicken Parmigiana $26.95
Classic chicken parmigiana served with linguine and a rich tomato sauce
Pollo Agrumi $26.95
Marinated grilled chicken breast pan-roasted with citrus demi-glaze served with roasted potatoes, arugula, fennel, grape tomato salad, lemon dressing and shaved parmigiana
Chicken Scarpariello $26.97
Chicken breast, sausage, vinegar, peppers, mushrooms, roasted potatoes with white wine and herbs

Meat | Carne
Costoletta Di Maiale $32.47
Double-cut pork chops, calabrese peppers, espresso rub in a grappa sauce served with mashed potatoes and broccoli rabe
Vitello Paliarde $34.27
Thin slices of milk-fed veal lightly marinated and grilled, served with roasted potatoes, arugula, fennel, grape tomato salad, lemon dressing and shaved parmigiana
Vitello Alla Milanese $34.27
Breaded pan-fried veal served with arugula, fennel, grape tomato salad, lemon vinaigrette, roasted potatoes, and shaved parmigiana cheese
Vitello Alla Marsala $34.27
Veal scallopini cooked in an aromatic and delectable melange of marsala wine and wild mushrooms
Vitello Parmigiana $34.27
Classic Veal Parmigiana served with Linguine and a rich Tomato Sauce
Saltimbocca Alla Romana $35.47
Thin slices of milk-fed veal, sage, prosciutto, and white wine served with roasted potatoes and spinach
Filetto Di Manso $41.95
Filet mignon wrapped in prosciutto over a red wine reduction with mashed potatoes and spinach

Pasta | Farinacci
All pasta made fresh to order
Penne Puttanesca $22.47
Garlic, oil, drop tomato, capers, olives, and white wine
Penne alla Vodka $22.97
Penne Pasta sauteed with a Vodka Sauce, Prosciutto Ham, Cream, Capers, and Fresh Tomatoes
Spaghetti Carbonara $22.97
Spaghetti, pancetta, eggs, black pepper, and pecorino
Rigatoni Amatriciana $23.95
Pasta with drop tomatoes, pancetta, lightly caramelized onions, and pecorino
Gnocchi Al Ragu $24.97
Homemade potato gnocchi served in a meat sauce alla bolognese
Pasticcio Di Carne - Lasagna $24.97
Classic lasagna with meat sauce alla bolognese
Linguine Alla Vongole - White Sauce $25.97
Classic linguine with clams served in a white sauce
Linguine Alla Vongole - Red Sauce $25.97
Classic Linguine with Clams served in a Red Sauce
Pappardelle Funghi E Salsiccia $26.97
Wild mix of mushrooms, Italian sausage, white wine with a touch of cream and reggiano
Linguine Pesto Shrimp $31.97
Pesto a la genovese, shrimp, and roasted cherry tomatoes
Shrimp Fra Diavolo $31.97
Shrimp freshly sauteed in our zesty marinara sauce with linguine

Fish | Pesce
Salmone Arrotolato $31.95
Basil-seasoned salmon, cherry tomatoes, black olives, zucchini, carrots, and roasted potatoes
Shrimp Scampi $32.97
Jumbo shrimp sauteed in extra virgin olive oil, garlic, lemon, and white wine sauce with roasted potatoes and spinach
Gamberi Croccanti $32.97
Crispy pan-seared jumbo shrimp with breadcrumbs over orzo pasta, creamy shrimp reduction and leeks with touch of a lemon sauce
Branzino $35.95
Oven-roasted branzino with arugula, cherry tomatoes, fennel, lemon dressing, and roasted potatoes
Brodetto $39.99
Shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari, onion, fennel, tomato, garlic, azafran (safflower), zucchini, white wine, and grape tomatoes

Children's Menu
Menu per bambini
Penne $9.95
With butter sauce, marinara sauce, or pink sauce
Linguine $9.95
With butter sauce, marinara sauce, or pink sauce
Meatballs $12.95
2 pieces. With pasta and marinara sauce
Chicken Fingers $12.95
3 pieces. With French fries

Side Dishes | Contorni
Sauteed Broccoli Rabe $9.95
Sauteed Spinach $9.95
Mushrooms $9.95
Roasted Potatoes $9.95
Mashed Potatoes $9.95
Sauteed Asparagus $10.95
Pasta, Garlic, and Oil $10.95
Pasta Pomodoro $10.95

Dessert | Dolce
Tartufo (Ice Cream) $9.95
Carrot Cake $9.95
Cheesecake $9.95
Chocolate Temptation Cake $9.95
Hazelnut Chocolate Flute $9.95
Limoncello Flute $9.95
Mixed Berry Tart $9.95
Monterosa Cake $9.95
Ricotta Pistachio Cake $9.95
Tiramisu $9.95
Torta Della Nonna Cake $9.95
Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake $9.95
Triple Chocolate Mousse Coppa $9.95

Children's Menu
Menu per bambini
Penne $9.95
With butter sauce, marinara sauce, or pink sauce
Linguine $9.95
With butter sauce, marinara sauce, or pink sauce
Meatballs $12.95
2 pieces. With pasta and marinara sauce
Chicken Fingers $12.95
3 pieces. With French fries
Chicken Parmigiana $15.95
Chicken breast, mozzarella, basil puree, panko, parmigiana cheese and tomato sauce

Dessert | Dolce
Tartufo (Ice Cream) $9.95
Carrot Cake $9.95
Cheesecake $9.95
Chocolate Temptation Cake $9.95
Hazelnut Chocolate Flute $9.95
Limoncello Flute $9.95
Mixed Berry Tart $9.95
Monterosa Cake $9.95
Ricotta Pistachio Cake $9.95
Tiramisu $9.95
Torta Della Nonna Cake $9.95
Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake $9.95
Triple Chocolate Mousse Coppa $9.95

First Course (Choose Two)
Family Style
Caesar Salad
House Salad
Eggplant Rollatini
Prince Edward Island Mussels in Red or White Sauce
Mozzarella Caprese
Mozzarella Carozza

Second Course (Choose One)
Individual
Rigatoni Bolognese
Orecchiette and Broccoli
Penne alla Vodka
Farfalle Pomodoro

Third Course (Choose Two)
Family Style
Chicken alla Francaise
Chicken alla Marsala
Sole Piccata
Sole Livornese
Capers, Olives, White Wine, with Tomato Sauce
Veal alla Francaise
Veal alla Marsala

Desserts (Choose One)
Individual
Cheesecake
Tiramisu

Children's Menu (Choose One)
Selections for Children under 12
Penne
With butter sauce, marinara sauce, or pink sauce
Linguine
With butter sauce, marinara sauce, or pink sauce
Meatballs
2 pieces. With pasta and marinara sauce
Chicken Fingers
3 pieces. With French fries
Chicken Parmigiana
Chicken breast, mozzarella, basil puree, panko, parmigiana cheese and tomato sauce

First Course (Choose Three)
Family Style
Eggplant Rollatini
Prince Edward Island Mussels in Red or White Sauce
Mozzarella Caprese
Mozzarella Carozza
Tagliere -- Meat and Cheese
Polpette - Meatballs

Second Course (Choose One)
Individual
Caesar Salad
House Salad

Third Course (Choose One)
Individual
Rigatoni Bolognese
Orecchiette and Broccoli
Penne alla Vodka
Farfalle Pomodoro

Fourth Course (Choose Three)
Family Style
Chicken alla Francaise
Chicken alla Marsala
Veal alla Francaise
Veal alla Marsala
Salmon Piccata
Salmon with Mustard Glaze
Branzino
Plus $5.00 per order
Filet Mignon
Plus $10.00 per order
Shrimp Scampi
Plus $10.00 per order

Desserts (Choose One)
Individual
Cheesecake
Tiramisu

Children's Menu (Choose One)
Selections for Children under 12
Penne
With butter sauce, marinara sauce, or pink sauce
Linguine
With butter sauce, marinara sauce, or pink sauce
Meatballs $12.95
2 pieces. With pasta and marinara sauce
Chicken Fingers
3 pieces. With French fries
Chicken Parmigiana
Chicken breast, mozzarella, basil puree, panko, parmigiana cheese and tomato sauce

First Course - Appetizers
Must choose either Mussels Bianco or Mussels RoseMeatballs are included
Mussels Bianca
Mussels sauteed in a white sauce
Mussels Rose
Mussels sauteed in a red sauce
Polpette - Meatballs
Meatballs in a red sauce

Second Course - Pasta
Both Pasta Dishes are included
Pasticcio Di Carne - Lasagna
Classic lasagna with meat sauce alla bolognese
Penne alla Vodka
Penne in a delicious vodka sauce

Third Course - Entrees
Two Entrees include Seasonal Vegetables and Roasted Potatoes
Chicken Parmigiana $26.95
Classic chicken parmigiana served with linguine and a rich tomato sauce
Salmone Piccata
Salmon sauteed in a white wine and lemon sauce with capers

Fourth Course - Dessert
Your Choice of either Cheesecake or Tiramisu
Cheesecake
Your Choice
Tiramisu
Your Choice

Pricing
Family Style Packages

Appetizers (Antipasti)
Arancini $15.95
Classic rice ball served in a pesto cream sauce
Mussels Bianca $15.95
Mussels sauteed in a white sauce
Mussels Rose $15.95
Mussels sauteed in a red sauce
Carpaccio $17.97
Thinly sliced raw filet mignon, served with Parmigiana Reggiano, aioli, and capers, with arugula and truffle oil
Burrata $17.97
Burrata Mozzarella over a bed of arugula and prosciutto
Clams Gratinate $17.97
Little neck clams au gratin in garlic, oil, and white wine dusted with seasoned bread crumbs
Frito Misto $17.97
Fried mix of calamari, shrimp, zucchini, and vinegar peppers served with aioli
Tagliere -- Cheese and Meat Platter $21.97
Chef selection of three cheeses and three cured meats with fixings
Polpette $15.97
Classic meatballs, tomatoes, basil puree, and whipped ricotta

Salad (Insalate)
Caesar Side Salad $7.95
Garden Side Salad $7.95
La Lanterna Salad $14.97
Spring mix, grape tomato, candy walnuts, asiago cheese, pickled red onion, cucumber ribbons, balsamic dressing and raisins
Classic Caesar Salad $14.97
Romaine lettuce with garlic crostini in classic caesar dressing
Arugula E Pera (Pear Salad) $14.97
Arugula, pear, and gorgonzola in a lemon vinaigrette
Beet Salad $14.97
Mixed greens, roasted beets, cantaloupe, goat cheese, pumpkin seeds, and honey mustard balsamic vinaigrette

Pasta (Farinaci)
Pasticcio Di Carne $24.97
Classic lasagna with meat sauce alla bolognese
Linguine Alla Vongole - Bianca $25.97
Classic linguine with clams served in a white sauce
Penne Puttanesca $22.47
Garlic, oil, DOP tomato, capers, olives, and white wine
Spaghetti Carbonara $22.97
Spaghetti, pancetta, eggs, black pepper, and pecorino
Rigatoni Amatriciana $23.95
Pasta with DOP tomatoes, pancetta, lightly caramelized onions, and pecorino
Gnocchi Al Ragu $24.97
Homemade potato gnocchi served in a meat sauce alla bolognese
Linguine Alla Vongole - Rose $25.97
Classic linguine with clams served in a red sauce
Pappardelle Funghi E Salsiccia $26.97
Wild mix of mushrooms, Italian sausage, white wine with a touch of cream and Reggiano
Linguine Pesto Shrimp $31.97
Pesto a la genovese, shrimp, and roasted cherry tomatoes
Shrimp Fra Diavolo $31.97
Shrimp freshly sauteed in our zesty marinara sauce with linguine

Fish (Pesce)
Shrimp Scampi $32.97
Jumbo shrimp sauteed in extra virgin olive oil, garlic, lemon, and white wine sauce with roasted potatoes and spinach
Salmone Arrotolato $31.95
Basil-seasoned salmon, cherry tomatoes, black olives, zucchini, carrots, and roasted potatoes
Gamberi Croccanti $32.97
Crispy pan-seared jumbo shrimp with breadcrumbs over orzo pasta, creamy shrimp reduction and leeks with touch of a lemon sauce
Branzino $35.95
Oven-roasted branzino with arugula, cherry tomatoes, fennel, lemon dressing, and roasted potatoes
Brodetto $39.99
Shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari, onion, fennel, tomato, garlic, azafran (Safflower), zucchini, white wine, and grape tomatoes

Side Dish
Sauteed Broccoli Rabe $9.95
Sauteed Spinach $9.95
Sauteed fresh spinach
Sauteed Mushrooms $9.95
Sauteed fresh mushrooms
Roasted Potatoes $9.95
Mashed Potatoes $9.95
Sauteed Asparagus $10.95
Sauteed fresh asparagus
Pasta, Garlic, and Oil $10.95
Pasta Sauteed in garlic and extra virgin olive oil
Pasta Pomodoro $10.95
Pasta in a tomato sauce
Eggplant Parmigiana $10.95
Thinly sliced eggplant with fresh mozzarella, Parmigiana, and a tomato sauce

Chicken (Pollo)
Pollo Agrumi $26.95
Marinated grilled chicken breast pan-roasted with citrus demi-glaze served with roasted potatoes, arugula, fennel, grape tomato salad, lemon dressing, and shaved Parmigiana
Chicken Alla Milanese $26.95
Breaded pan-fried chicken served with arugula, fennel, grape tomato salad, lemon vinaigrette, roasted potatoes, and shaved Parmigiana cheese
Chicken Parmigiana $26.95
Classic chicken Parmigiana served with linguine and a rich tomato sauce
Chicken Alla Marsala $26.95
Savory boneless breasts of chicken sauteed in marsala wine and wild mushrooms with mashed potatoes, and seasonal vegetables
Chicken Cacciatore $26.95
Chicken breast sauteed in white wine, stewed tomatoes, wild mushrooms, herbs, and olives
Chicken Scarpariello $26.97
Chicken breast, sausage, vinegar, pepper, mushrooms, roasted potatoes, with white wine and herbs

Carne (Meat)
Vitello Alla Marsala $34.27
Veal Scallopini cooked in an aromatic and delectable melange of marsala wine and wild mushrooms
Saltimbocca Alla Romana $35.47
Thin slices of milk-fed veal, sage, prosciutto, and white wine served with roasted potatoes and spinach
Costolette Di Maiale $32.47
Double-cut pork chops, calabrese peppers, and espresso rub sauce, served with mashed potatoes and broccoli rabe
Vitello Paliarde $34.27
Thin slices of milk-fed veal lightly marinated and grilled, served with roasted potatoes, arugula, fennel, grape tomato salad, lemon dressing and shaved Parmigiana
Vitello Milanese $34.27
Breaded pan-fried veal served with arugula, fennel, grape tomato salad, lemon vinaigrette, roasted potatoes, and shaved Parmigiana cheese
Filetto Di Manso $41.95
Filet mignon wrapped in prosciutto over a red wine reduction with mashed potatoes and spinach
Vitello Parmigiana $34.27
Classic veal parmigiana served with linguine and a rich tomato sauce

White Wines
Pinot Grigio - California 2019
This Pinot Grigio offers aromas of pineapple, guava, and jasmine. Fermented cold in stainless steel, the wine offers fresh floral and fruit flavors balanced by a crisp and refreshing finish. Easy to pair with prosciutto and melon, lobster rolls, soft cheeses, or any delicate fish.
Chardonnay - California 2020
Full-bodied, displaying aromas and flavors of honey, poached pear, orange blossom, and Creme Brulee. Rich and creamy mouthfeel finishing with a note of fig and lemon curd. Pair elegantly with Brie, fettuccini alfredo, lobster, shrimp, chicken, or pork, or enjoy with apple pie or pear desserts with whipped cream.

Sangria
Red Sangria -- California
Semi-sweet flavors of peach, plum, strawberry jam, and hibiscus with a burst of fruit punch. Pair with bold cheeses, spicy foods, grilled and baked seafood, and pasta with garlic or cream sauces.

Red Wines
Pinot Noir - California 2019
100% California Pinot Noir has pleasant aromas of red cherry, red currant, and a hint of cinnamon and dried herbs that continues onto the palate. Medium-bodied with a soft, round, and enjoyable finish. Pair with duck, chicken, pork, bacon stuffed mushrooms, goat cheese crostini, or strawberries and cream.
Merlot - California 2017
A bold wine with vibrant red fruit and integrated tannins. Strawberry and raspberry on the nose, followed by dried plum and cassis for a satisfying finish. It complements marinara sauce dishes, boar ragu, bacon-wrapped filet mignon, or a great aged pecorino.
Cabernet Sauvignon - Lodi 2019
Aged in 50% new oak, our Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has rich aromas and flavors of cherry, black currant, black plum, and dark chocolate. The mouthfeel is lush and smooth with a silky finish enveloped in warm cloves and cinnamon sticks. Pairs perfectly with roast lamb, steak, pork, aged cheeses, and luscious chocolate desserts.

Appetizers - Family Style
Fritto Misto
Fried Seafood
Arancini
Fried Rice Balls
Panzarotti
Fried Potato Croquettes
Fried Zucchini Blossoms
Carciofi Fritti
Tuscan Fried Artichokes
Eggplant Fritti
Fried Mushrooms
Calamari Fritti
Baccala

Middle Course
Individual Servings
Italian Christmas Salad

Entrees
Choose One
Chicken Parmigiana
Boneless Breasts of Chicken breaded with Pano Bread Crumbs and topped with melted Mozzarella Cheese in a zesty Marinara Sauce
Golfo
Ravioli filled with Shrimp, Scallops, and Lobster in a Cream Garlic Saffron Sauce with Crab Meat, Asparagus and Grape Tomatoes
Fra Diavolo
Black Ink Linguine with one-half Maine Lobster, Clams, and Mussels in a spicy Plum Tomato Sauce
Capesante
Pan-seared Scallops in Ginger Carrots Veloute Sauce served with Parmigiano Risotto and Asparagus
Dentice
Almond-crusted Chilean Sea Bass in a Citrus Prosecco reduction with Grana Padano Cheese Risotto and Asparagus
Agnello
Pan-roasted New Zealand Rack of Lamb in a Prune Cognac demi-glaze with Mushroom Risotto
Manzo Brasato
Braised Short Ribs served with Wild Mushroom Risotto

Dolce
Family Style Dessert
Pasticcini
Fine Italian Pastries
Biscotti
Cookies
Cioccolatini
Fine Italian Chocolates

Children's Menu (Under 12)
The price will be $35.99 per child
Penne
With Butter Sauce, Marinara Sauce, or Pink Sauce
Linguine
With Butter Sauce, Marinara Sauce, or Pink Sauce
Meatballs
2 pieces. With Pasta and Marinara Sauce
Chicken Fingers
3 pieces. With French Fries

First Course (Choose Two)
Family Style
Caesar Salad
House Salad
Prince Edward Island Mussels in Red or White Sauce

Second Course (Choose One)
Individual
Rigatoni al Pomodoro
Penne alla Vodka

Third Course (Choose Two)
Family Style
Chicken alla Francaise
Chicken alla Marsala
Sole Piccata
Sole Livornese
Capers, Olives, White Wine, with Tomato Sauce

Desserts
Family Style
Biscotti and Cannoli

Children's Menu (Choose One)
Selections for Children under 12.
Penne
With butter sauce, marinara sauce, or pink sauce
Linguine
With butter sauce, marinara sauce, or pink sauce
Meatballs
2 pieces. With pasta and marinara sauce
Chicken Fingers
3 pieces. With French fries
Chicken Parmigiana
Chicken breast, mozzarella, basil puree, panko, parmigiana cheese and tomato sauce

Thanksgiving Package
You have the option for items to be served hot or cold!
See photo for Package Details

La Lanterna Cafe & Grill Details

From the business
Identifies as Latino-owned
Identifies as women-owned

Service options
Outdoor seating
Curbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great coffee
Great dessert
Live music
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Romantic
Trendy
Upscale

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safespace

Planning
Reservations required
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations

Payments
Checks
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Paid street parking

La Lanterna Cafe & Grill Photos

La Lanterna Cafe & Grill Location

La Lanterna Cafe & Grill

New Jersey Bergen County Ridgewood West Ridgewood Avenue

29 W Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450, USA

La Lanterna Cafe & Grill Reviews

An average rating of ★4.7 from 285 user reviews.

food and serviceBYOBappetizerbirthdayscallopsburrataownerdininghomeevening

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Thank you for a wonderful date night. Truly enjoyed the grilled octopus. And so nice to meet with Joanne who I truly admire from all the reviews here. Happy birthday to your granddaughter! They are so lovely!Joanne is amazing! She’s the one when you have a bad day, you feel like to come to eat to get the comfort from home… food is amazing… service is attentive… but she’s the key to make the difference! Salute to Joanne!! Have a great Sunday and please take care of yourself as you take care of all of usUpdated : thinking about Joanne always put a smile on my face even I’m far away in key west or Michigan … and as google rated me as top 10 % reviewers on Italian restaurants I will repeat myself again above and make up a review on the Italian restaurant in Venice Italy by the river near the bridge … too bad my purse got robbed and I lost the business card… the manger and handsome manager back to Italy from short hill nj just reminded me of Joanne … more to write but I’m traveling and lost whatsup number of Joanne … welcome back and I hope you had an amazing vacation in your hubby’s home town … beautiful Greece brings good vibes…Updated with new dish I tried today ! Love it! And Joanne brought me my most favorite salad first. She is amazing and everyone eat here and work here just looks so happy.Another reason I think this is the best restaurant in town is that the girl would be truly inspired by Joanne to be a better wife. And the man would be inspired to be a better husband as this is a great husband and wife and family ran business… love Christopher who’s a school teacher helping their parents and my most favorite little girl in town also named Sophie… to eat here is a true inspiration and family is the most important thing in life …
September 30 · Junior Bunny
I can not say enough about this place. I needed a place where 11 people from different areas of three different states could meet for a bachelorette lunch. I pulled up a map, pinned everyone's location, knew we wanted to be near the GSP and put my finger on Ridgewood. We were looking for and Italian BYOB and after reading many Google reviews chose La Lanterna. The owner was just a doll, the servers were great, and the food was amazing. You would think for a smaller place the menu would be limited but the regular menu has a lot to choose from and they offered a crazy number of specials. It was truly like we were in a family dinning room for Sunday dinner. Definitely, our meeting place go-to from now on! Bravo!!! Oh, and to the people of Ridgewood, what an adorable town. I had never been, it's like a fairytale in the middle of NJ.
May 31 · Donna Spinetta
La laterna is our new absolute favorite, we are so glad we could find OUR spot, anything you eat there is amazing. The owners are so lovely and welcoming, every time me and my daughter go we feel so homely . Joanne is wonderful!! Highly highly recommended if looking for authentic Italian food!!!! Our server Katrina is always a pleasure. Overall I would give 100 stars if I could!! ♥️
May 21 · Pupul Chopra
This place was awesome! We went for my girlfriend’s birthday, and it was amazing. The owner (did not get her name) made us feel at home! She shared all of the specials with us (we got the burrata and the guacamole), and ordered the shrimp and the eggplant parm for dinner: 10/10. The service was amazing, the ambiance was amazing, and the prices were fair! I would recommend anyone going. I am all for the experience and this was a 10/10 thank you for making her birthday special!
August 02 · Tyler Barone
My husband I went last night for the first time. The food was superb as well as the service. The specials were explained explicitly and the mussels appetizer was out of this world. The sauce was excellent. We will definitely be back! ❤️
June 30 · Beverly Lania