About
Lantern is a modern Asian restaurant in Chapel Hill that offers a unique twist on traditional Asian cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. The menu features dishes like pea and scallion dumplings and grass-fed beef sashimi, showcasing flavors from faraway places with a local touch. In addition to its culinary offerings, Lantern also participates in community initiatives such as the Kitchen Patrol program, teaching children about healthy eating and cooking.Reviews
Lantern in Chapel Hill offers a mix of reviews, with some praising the excellent service and cocktails while others found the food to be hit or miss. Highlights include standout dishes like Korean fried chicken, ramen with pork belly, and innovative cocktails. The ambiance is noted for being classy and warm, perfect for intimate gatherings. While some reviewers felt the prices were high for the quality of food, many appreciated the unique flavors and presentation at Lantern.
Loved this place. The atmosphere is classy, warm and homey. The ladies who served us were well dressed, especially the one in training. The food was unique. I loved the crispy shrimp , the dumplings, the steak. I would have loved my salmon little bit more cooked but that's my fault. Loved the crispy green spices, never had them fried like that. The bill was hefty but it was so worth it. Loved the drink. The ginger was very present!
Food was ok. Beef was not tender, and the steamed fish didn't taste like anything I can't make myself. Nothing to write home about. What was outrageous was that they mandated a "Fair Wage" tip to the kitchen staff in addition to the tip for the waiters. If you charge $32 for a small plate of mediocre food, you can afford to pay a "Fair Wage" to your cooks instead of transferring the cost to patrons.
Great atmosphere, excellent service, okay food.
The fish was cooked whole, which I'm definitely not used to. If it blew my mind I wouldn't have cared, but I've had much better fish that didn't involve mouthfuls of fishbones.
The pork and chive dumplings were good, not great.
The cocktail I got (scotch, port, egg white, some other ingredients) was EXCELLENT.
The chocolate cake and peanut brittle ice cream dessert was so good we ordered a second one.
As a vegan lantern does not skimp on the flavor for their plant based dishes. The cocktails, food, and overall service experience is always a 10/10. Their outdoor area is so beautiful and seems to be slept on since it’s never busy. Highly recommend lantern.
My recent dining experience at Lantern in Chapel Hill was nothing short of delightful. From the delectable cuisine to the captivating ambiance, it was an evening to remember.
Let's start with the highlight of the meal - the bite-size Korean fried chicken. It was simply out of this world delicious! Each crispy morsel packed a punch of flavor that left us craving more. It's definitely a must-try dish for anyone visiting Lantern.
As for the drinks, I opted for the Late Blossom, a perfect spring cocktail that blended vodka, lillet blanc, lychee, and orange blossom into a refreshing and fragrant concoction. It perfectly complemented the vibrant flavors of the meal.
Speaking of which, I savored every slurp of the ramen with pork belly, bok choy, and an egg. The broth was rich and flavorful, the pork belly perfectly tender, and the addition of bok choy added a refreshing crunch. It was a bowl of comfort and indulgence.
What truly elevated the experience was the ambiance of the back room where my friends and I were seated. It exuded a sense of intimacy and mystery, making it the perfect setting for romantic dates or intimate gatherings. The dim lighting added to the allure, creating a cozy atmosphere that enhanced our dining experience.
Overall, Lantern offers a memorable dining experience with its exquisite cuisine, inviting ambiance, and impeccable service. While the meal was fantastic, there's always room for improvement, hence the four-star rating. Nevertheless, I highly recommend Lantern to anyone looking for a culinary adventure in Chapel Hill.