La Lanterna at the Old Vestry

Featured reviews

• G

  Google user

  ·1 month ago

  “Glowing reviews here, but our experience was negative. It was our wedding anniversary and we went for lunch. The whole place is crammed with old Italian paraphernalia, which gives it an almost sleezy atmosphere. Nearly all of the tables were occupied but we noticed nobody had food and most people looked glum. Obviously waiting times were very long. The host reluctantly offered us a table but then insisted quite rudely that my wife should sit with her back to the wall, something she feels uncomfortable about. This was said in a gruff manner and felt overpowering. The menu looked good to be fair but we left before ordering, not accepting such shoddy treatment. They were busy and obviously didn’t want our business. We peaked into the kitchen and hygiene looked dodgy. No thanks! Following the response from the host, to clarify: you were impertinent and rude to my wife about where she should sit. We arrived not at 2:00pm but at 12:45pm and no one had food. If you’re hiding the poor hygiene behind a “staff only” area then you could put up a curtain to prevent guests seeing into it. Your righteous response underlines very much what an uninviting place it is.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·2 months ago

  “We were able to get a table for 2 as walk-ins on a Thursday evening in summer. The host was very cheery and friendly, the decor somewhat quirky with sports memorabilia seeming to support both major Turin football teams and lots of Italian nicknacks reminding you of the style of cuisine. The food was well above average for a small Italian provincial restaurant and very reasonably priced. Don't go expecting pizza, it doesn't do them. It prefers to concentrate on excelling at other dishes.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·3 months ago

  “Excellent fresh tasty food. You've got to go too this place.”

• G

  Google user

  ·3 months ago

  “Absolute hidden gem in Shrewsbury! £9.50 for pasta, bruschetta, salad and a glass of wine is unbeatable. Amazing for gluten free/coeliac as well!”

• G

  Google user

  ·5 months ago

  “Really authentic feeling bistro. There is a fantastic lunch special on weekdays - pasta, bruschetta and an amazing salad plus a drink for under a tenner. À la carte dishes look enormous and delicious (although we all had the special) Desserts are handmade and lovely. Service was warm, efficient and friendly. There aren’t many tables so do try to book if you can!”

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• G

  Google user

  ·7 months ago

  “Stunning food and service. We have eaten lunches here many times and decided to try an evening meal. What a lovely evening, fabulous food that tasted fresh, friendly service, sensible prices and decent sized portions. The restaurant is owned by the chef and he has a true gift turning out consistently great food. Add the relaxed atmosphere and we had a perfect evening. There are only about a dozen tables so you do need to book, and there’s no parking outside - but it’s so worth a visit as the decor is unique and makes you feel you are in Italy.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·1 year ago

  “My first visit here and won’t be my last! We visited as a party of 6, celebrating a 75th birthday. The food was outstanding, authentic Italian and boy it was good! Portion sizes are very generous and taste absolutely delicious. Service was flawless, couldn’t fault it and the restaurant was as quirky as they come. I’d recommend anyone local to the area or visiting Shrewsbury to book yourself in here. They have limited seating, so it books up very fast, so get your bookings in early.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·1 year ago

  “I had lamb’s liver and it was nice yet a bit too much as a main. The salad with tear drop shape peppers is quite new to me, and I find out it is in some supermarkets. The dining experience gives me a satisfying and surprising feeling about Italian food. Like the food and staff here, and had such lovely evening because of them.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·1 year ago

  “My new favourite restaurant! I absolutely love it here- there's lots of selection for all tastes, the interior is absolutely gorgeous and the atmosphere is quiet and intimate. The staff work incredibly hard and are very attentive! I can't wait to go back!”

• G

  Google user

  ·2 years ago

  “We found this place after a little searching, thank good ess for the sign posts however it fits the hidden gem statement. We arrowed and greeted by pleasant staff, a little pushy on the are we ready to order, especially as we were early for our 6pm sitting. We ordered some drinks and then our food. Cannot fault the food at all, very delicious indeed. Great value for money also. I had the salmon and vegetables which was absolutely delicious. It is a small venue, it can be a squeeze at times. My only problem was one of the girls asked me to move my bag which is fine buy it was how she said it to me, was quite rude. That's why it's dropped a star for me on the review. However, food and atmosphere brilliant. FYI- extremely warm and no air con far as I could tell and it was super hot on a very hot day outside.”

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