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La Lanterna di Vittorio
ZipPicks Awards
Best Romantic Restaurants in Soho
Master Critic Review
La Lanterna di Vittorio
8.2
Operating since the late 1970s, this lantern-lit MacDougal Street café offers thin-crust pizzas, pastas, and desserts in a warren of cozy rooms and a glass-covered garden. Fireplaces, candles, and live jazz downstairs make it one of the more relaxed, romantic spots near Washington Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pesto lasagna, Thin-crust pizza, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Lantern-lit café with fireplaces, a garden room, and nightly jazz downstairs.
Who should go: Couples wanting cozy, low-pressure romance with dessert.
When to visit: Evenings after dark; later hours feel most atmospheric.
What to order: Pesto lasagna, a pizza to share, tiramisu.
Insider tip: Ask for a garden or fireplace table, then head to Bar Next Door for jazz.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on MacDougal; rely on nearby garages along West 3rd or Minetta for easiest access.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for date night.
Noise level: Moderate in the café; quieter in the garden room; jazz downstairs is intentionally louder but still conversational at earlier sets.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for garden or fireplace tables.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though service hours can be limited outside dinner.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Many options including pizzas, pastas, and appetizers; easy to build a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited—some salads and customizable pizzas, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pizza crust is available; pastas are limited, so confirm day-of availability.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, fireplaces, and relaxed pacing make it ideal for low-pressure romance. The garden room feels intimate without being too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially for smaller parties. Expect a wait on weekends for prime tables; requesting the garden or fireplace area may add extra time.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—older kids are fine, but the ambiance skews adult and quiet. No children's menu, and late evenings are better suited to couples than families.
Best For
Better for: Cozy, atmospheric evenings with live jazz and a slower, more intimate vibe than nearby louder Village spots.
Skip if: You want modern Italian, larger portions, or a fully vegan- or gluten-free–friendly menu.