When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
La Lanterna di Vittorio
Why La Lanterna di Vittorio is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
La Lanterna di Vittorio is a cherished Italian cafe and pizzeria nestled in a beautifully restored townhouse at 129 MacDougal Street in New York City's historic Greenwich Village. Known for its intimate and romantic atmosphere, this restaurant offers a compelling blend of traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist, making it an excellent spot to meet up with friends or enjoy a relaxed meal. The establishment features two distinct levels, including a cozy basement venue called the Bar Next Door, renowned for hosting acclaimed live jazz and rock performances, creating a unique ambiance that enriches the dining experience. Guests can savor a variety of Italian specialties, with their signature Sicilian pizza and expertly crafted fresh pasta dishes like the Pinwheel Lasagna standing out as crowd favorites. With its warm, dim lighting, exposed brick, and even a working fireplace during colder months, La Lanterna di Vittorio provides a quaint setting that invites conversation and connection. Couples, friends, and artists alike appreciate the blend of great food, live music, and a welcoming vibe that makes every visit memorable. The restaurant also benefits from its proximity to cultural hotspots, including the nearby Blue Note Jazz Club, enhancing its appeal as a perfect spot for an evening out in the Village.
Here's what people think of La Lanterna di Vittorio
As of recent, La Lanterna di Vittorio holds a 4.5-star rating based on 2190 reviews.
Reviews from diners consistently highlight La Lanterna di Vittorio's authentic Italian flavors and inviting ambiance. Many patrons praise the quality of the homemade desserts and the variety of pizzas and lasagnas, noting particularly the generous portions and the distinctive taste of their Sicilian pie. Reviewers find the staff friendly and attentive, often mentioning the knowledgeable service that helps guests navigate the menu specialties. The live jazz performances in the basement Bar Next Door receive strong appreciation for creating an intimate and enjoyable entertainment experience alongside the meal. On the positive side, the setting is often described as romantic and cozy, a perfect escape from crowded city spots, making it a favorite destination for dates and casual gatherings alike. Some negative remarks center around slightly higher prices and occasional wait times during peak hours, as well as the limited visibility of the venue which can make finding it a bit challenging for newcomers. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly favorable, emphasizing La Lanterna di Vittorio as a well-loved Village institution that delivers superb food, excellent service, and an atmosphere that keeps guests returning time and again.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Rosa Quezada
Our first restaurant we ate at during our first trip to NY! It's a small intimate restaurant, very cozy. We were fortunate to not wait at all for a table as we weren't picky where to sit with our 2 young daughters. My girls love pizza and were excited to try some from a new place. We got the appetizer focaccia crisps and they were amazing. Their pizzas were phenomenal as well. We got a simple cheese and their pizza with chorizo. If we were to ever go back to NY, we definitely would be stopping there again!
Alon Grinshpoon
This place is a fantastic Italian restaurant! 🇮🇹 La Lanterna di Vittorio serves an endless selection of delicious 🤤 dishes 🍽️ like pasta 🍝, panini 🥪, and more! Their crown 👑 jewel 💎 is the Lasagna Flight - four personal servings of different lasagnas. You can choose between meat 🍖, vegetarian , or seafood 🐟 lasagnas. The place is beautifully decorated 🛋️ and has lots of indoor seating 🪑 across a dining hall and an covered and air-conditioned 🌬️ outdoor garden! 🏡 Ambience 🎶 is great! The staff 👨🍳 is super friendly and professional and the service is quick. ⏲️ I wish I came here sooner and more often!
Debbie DelValle
A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Greenwich Village! Dining at La Lanterna di Vittorio feels like being transported straight to a quiet garden café in Italy. Tucked away in the heart of Greenwich Village, this charming, family-owned restaurant has been a neighborhood treasure since 1977. Opened by Carlo “Vittorio” Antonini, an Italian immigrant with a passion for food, sailing, and hospitality. The ambiance is nothing short of magical. Dimly lit with cozy nooks and a stunning back garden, it’s the perfect setting for a serene girls lunch or romantic lunch/dinner. We were instantly taken by the peaceful atmosphere, which offered a much needed escape from the city’s hustle. We chose the lasagna flights, an absolute must. The vegetarian selections were delicious. Rich, aromatic, and indulgent. For dessert, we shared the cannolis and a warm bread pudding, beautifully complemented by a bourbon infused twist. Our drinks, the sangria and the “Malone” bourbon cocktail were balanced and well crafted, with the Malone pairing especially well with the bourbon soaked bread pudding. Service was courteous, professional, and genuinely attentive without being overbearing. You can feel the pride and care that goes into every detail.There’s something so special about supporting a small, family owned business, especially one with such history and heart. We left already planning our return. La Lanterna isn’t just a meal, it’s a memory you carry with you. Highly recommend to anyone craving true Italian charm, quality food, and a bit of serenity in the city that never sleeps.
Kayla Verble
A Dining Experience That Stretches Beyond Expectations – Literally! La Lanterna is hands down one of the most unforgettable dining experiences I’ve ever had. From the moment we stepped in, we were greeted with warmth and charm by the phenomenal duo, Benjamin and Elisa. Their service was nothing short of exceptional—attentive, charismatic, and genuinely passionate about what they do. They made us feel like honored guests rather than just customers. Now, let’s talk about the food. The cheese on their entrees? It literally stretches to the ceiling. I’m not exaggerating. It's a glorious, gooey, mouthwatering spectacle that makes every dish feel like an event. Whether you’re a cheese lover or just someone looking for a unique culinary experience, this place delivers in spades. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, yet refined—a perfect backdrop for both casual nights out and special occasions. Highly, highly recommend making a visit to La Lanterna. Between the unforgettable flavors and the standout service from Benjamin and Elisa, you’ll find yourself planning your next trip back before dessert even hits the table. Bravo! 👏🧀✨
John Krajc
Best lasagna I’ve had so far in NYC and huge selection! Recommend the lasagna flight where you can pick meat based(that’s what I had), seafood based, or veggie based and you get four lasagnas to try. Delish! The atmosphere is a bit loud if you’re wanting something more intimate but the people watching going by the front window is really fun. Large dessert selection.
How to reach La Lanterna di Vittorio
None
Website: None
Why La Lanterna di Vittorio may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at La Lanterna di Vittorio with your friends?
If you're searching for the perfect place to gather your friends for a memorable outing, La Lanterna di Vittorio stands out as a prime choice. Located in the heart of Greenwich Village, New York City, this iconic Italian café and pizzeria offers an enchanting atmosphere that effortlessly blends romance, comfort, and a lively social ambiance. With a solid 4.5-star rating based on over 2,000 reviews, it has established itself as a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. What makes La Lanterna di Vittorio a compelling meetup destination is its unique combination of authentic Italian cuisine, a vibrant year-round garden, cozy fireplaces, and an intimate jazz scene. It's not just a place to eat; it's a place to connect, relax, and enjoy quality time. Whether you want to catch up over thin-crust pizzas, sip fine Italian wine, or indulge in delightful desserts, this venue accommodates groups of all sizes in a setting that feels both private and inviting. The blend of dim lighting, historical charm, and the buzz of live music cultivates an environment where friendships can flourish, making it the kind of place you want to rally your friends to time and time again.
What activities can you enjoy at La Lanterna di Vittorio?
At La Lanterna di Vittorio, the activities are as diverse as the clientele, creating multiple options for entertainment and socializing. First and foremost, the venue’s charming year-round garden space provides an ideal setting for outdoor dining with friends, whether during a sunny afternoon or under the warm glow of lanterns in the evening. This outdoor area is perfect for intimate conversations or casual celebrations. Inside, the café serves an excellent selection of Italian dishes, including their celebrated thin-crust pizzas and exquisite pastries — ideal for sharing within a group. For those who appreciate music, the basement bar called Bar Next Door is a standout feature. It offers live jazz and rock performances regularly, with renowned acts such as the Jonathan Kreisberg Trio performing on Wednesday nights. This basement space, with its exposed brick and romantic lighting, is known as one of New York City’s hidden gems for jazz lovers. Additionally, on Sunday evenings, you can experience Tarot readings, adding a mystical and fun twist to your gathering. The combination of savory food, live entertainment, and unique activities like Tarot makes La Lanterna di Vittorio not just a restaurant but a multi-layered social venue.
Why is La Lanterna di Vittorio ideal for group meetups?
La Lanterna di Vittorio excels at catering to groups because of its spacious and versatile environment. Whether your group is large or small, the layout offers multiple seating options, from cozy indoor tables to the charming outdoor garden, allowing groups to find the perfect spot for their dynamic. The private-like ambiance created by the dim lighting and the warmth of working fireplaces gives groups a sense of intimacy while still enjoying the vibrancy of a bustling café. The diverse menu appeals to a wide range of tastes and dietary choices, including vegetarian-friendly options, so everyone in your party is sure to find something enjoyable. Moreover, the venue stays open late — until 2 AM on weekends — which accommodates late-night gatherings, making it an excellent spot for after-work meetups or celebratory dinners. The staff is known for attentive service, enhancing the overall experience of group dining by ensuring everyone feels welcomed and attended to. The ability to enjoy live jazz or rock performances together further cements the place as an entertaining and social hotspot perfect for groups.
How does the ambiance at La Lanterna di Vittorio enhance your meetup experience?
Ambiance is a critical factor when choosing a meetup spot, and La Lanterna di Vittorio truly shines in this regard. Nestled in a restored townhouse, the ambiance evokes a blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy, enhanced by the warm glow of working fireplaces and the inviting lantern-lit garden. The multi-level café features intimate lighting and carefully designed spaces that create pockets of privacy, ideal for conversation and connection among friends. The presence of live music in the basement adds an auditory layer of pleasure, complementing the visual and culinary experience. The cozy, brick-lined Bar Next Door offers a speakeasy vibe with its low ceilings and romantic lighting, perfect for soaking in an unparalleled jazz atmosphere. This environment encourages relaxation and enjoyment, free from the rush or noise of larger venues. For groups looking to enjoy an experience that feels both exclusive and welcoming, the ambiance at La Lanterna creates a setting that enhances social bonding and the joy of gathering.
What makes the food and drink at La Lanterna di Vittorio special for groups?
The culinary offerings at La Lanterna di Vittorio play a pivotal role in drawing groups who want to share a memorable meal. The café specializes in fine Italian cuisine, most notably its thin-crust pizzas that are both flavorful and satisfying. The menu also features a variety of Italian pastries and standout desserts that add sweetness to your gathering. Coupled with the food is an extensive selection of wines and liquors, which pairs perfectly with the dishes and caters to different tastes within your group. Whether you want to enjoy a well-mixed cocktail, a glass of Italian red wine, or a classic espresso, the drink options are versatile. The availability of vegetarian-friendly dishes ensures inclusivity, so no one feels left out due to dietary preferences. This attention to quality and variety makes the dining experience at La Lanterna di Vittorio as much about sharing delicious food as it is about spending time together in good company.
What additional experiences make La Lanterna di Vittorio a memorable destination?
Beyond food, drink, and live music, La Lanterna di Vittorio offers unique extras that enhance the social experience and set it apart. For instance, the Tarot readings available every Sunday evening add a mystical and playful dimension for groups looking to try something different together. This activity creates conversation starters and can turn an ordinary meetup into a night filled with laughter and intrigue. Furthermore, the long operating hours on weekends support spontaneous or prolonged outings, whether it be a late-night catch-up or an impromptu celebration. The venue’s prime location in Greenwich Village places it within walking distance of other cultural hotspots, allowing pre- or post-meetup excursions if desired. Staff friendliness and attentiveness add a final touch that ensures groups feel comfortable and valued from arrival to departure. All these elements combine to make La Lanterna di Vittorio not just a restaurant or bar but a vibrant cultural hub, ideal for making lasting memories with friends and family.