Our dining experience was exceptional; wait staff, dumplings and shrimp appetizer, entrees and dessert were phenomenal.

What an incredibly pleasant and unexpected gem this place is. The accolades of the restaurant and executive chef are apropros, and I'm glad that I got to experience this place on my most recent visit to the Raleigh area. Onwards! Location: 4 out of 5 I don't know a lot of places around the Chapel Hill campus area since I'm not from there originally nor did I attend UNC CC, but I know where the Carolina Brewery is. Not to sound stupid, but Lantern is right across the street from CB, and there's a nifty little lot that you can park in next door that is free past a certain hour of the evening. Maybe 8pm? All I remember is that I didn't have to pay to park. I imagine that any earlier than 8, it would be difficult to find parking in the area with the very densely populated restaurant offerings, so do keep that in mind as you plan your trip. Service: 4.5 out of 5 We did not have a reservation for the Wednesday that we visited, but were seated promptly by the maitre d', who was also performing duties as a server and regular host. The service that we experienced here was top of the line. It was the right proportion of southern charm and hospitality mixed with an almost-but-not-quite Michelin 1-star sense of urgency and efficiency. Our waitress was fast, efficient, and unpretentiously friendly even though both of us might have been slightly underdressed. More on this in a bit. Décor and Ambiance: 4.5 out of 5 Sound levels are quiet in this restaurant, and the space is tastefully decorated. Acoustic panels are about 3 - 4 feet above the dining tables themselves, and the wall on one side is adorned with a multi-paneled canvas on which sleek lines grace. The lighting is dim, but not so much that you'll need to use the LED flashlight function of your smartphone. Let me be clear - this is a nice place and in full disclosure - there was a guy sitting at one of the tables wearing a thermal shirt with mardi gras-esque beads on, so my jeans and BMW Motorcycles t-shirt with wool coat weren't atrociously out of place. Had I realized that this place was as nice as it was, I would have at least thrown on a dress shirt. This is not a pedestrian place that you would eat at on a Monday night; instead, most of our fellow diners were celebrating special events or occasions. Selection of locally sourced items: 4.5 out of 5 An eclectic Asian fusion menu with locally sourced ingredients was a high point of the menu. Local meat, produce, and dairy products are a highlight. Incredibly, they also offer whole fried NC fish (the type escapes me). On the particular evening that we went in mid November of 2012, I think we opted to sample "dim sum" style (all apps, no entrees): the pork and chive dumplings, the braised Korean style shortribs, Korean style honey touched fried chicken drumsticks, the NC crab and local pork spring rolls, and the charcuterie. Quality and taste of food: 4.5 out of 5 Amazingly parity throughout the entire set of options that we had. While pork and chive dumplings aren't by any means high class food, the taste of the pork was creamy and delicate. The braised shortribs were perhaps the weak link of the evening, but not bad by any means. Rather - I felt like I could have been eating the short ribs at any number of restaurants. However, the honey touched fried chicken drumsticks were skillfully assembled with just the right amount of crisp and the right amount of sweetness. The NC crab and local pork spring rolls were by far the most memorable, and I can say unequivocally that although I've eaten a lot of crab and pork spring rolls in the past, the ones at Lantern far exceeded my expectations as well as anything I've ever eaten. The charcuterie platter was in the top 15 - 20% of what I've had across all experiences, so a big nod to that offering. Price: 3 out of 5 Probably the least exciting part of the meal. With the food listed above and 4 total drinks between two people, the bill came to about 130 including tax and tip. For a nice night out on vacation, I thought that this price was quite reasonable. Overall: 4 out of 5 Incredibly strong 4 star restaurant, and I'd happily return any day of the week. read more

Most over rated food. The south is known for poor people food so this place wows the locals. But anyone who has lived in a major city should not be impressed. Lighting and atmosphere is great. Back bar is hip. Bartenders are skilled. Food is just... Bad. Some love it but I truly think it's- an emperors got no clothes thing. The chef won the beard award through friends and got great reviews.. But truly tell me you like, love the food I just don't believe it. The food is not only not good but bad. read more

Service was great but food was so underwhelming. It lacked flavor and we were expecting so much more after having read rave reviews online. This was a special dinner and we were squished between two large and loud tables. Might be tempted to go back again and give it another chance, especially if we are able to get outdoor seating. read more

Went to lantern with reasonable expectations, having heard mixed reviews. The long and the short of it is this: there are moments that were good, none that were great, and there is just no way to justify the spend here. One is struck by the stinginess of the place: shallow wine pours, servers that seem inconvenienced by your presence, and portions that leave you wanting a burger afterward. When I informed the server that the cucumber soup was inedible spicy, I was told "that's how it should be" -- no man, no it isn't. Still got to pay for it though! 170 for 2 people, it's just not worth it. It's a shame because there are so many places in the triangle, even across the street, that are. Places can be mediocre, they can be expensive, but they can't be both. We gave lantern a fair shot, but won't be back. read more

Wasn't overly impressed with the food. Cucumber soup was too overpowered by the spice. When I think cucumber I think cool and refreshing along with the spice. Crispy catfish wasn't very crispy. It was also spicy but not the best compliment of spice. We waited a while between courses. Won't be rushing back. read more

Expensive but insanely delicious food! I especially loved the hibiscus cocktail and the spicy sichuan wontons

Probably the best meal we had all year. The flavours were amazing. The fish was fresh. The meat was tender. Wonderful place!

I think of the Lantern restaurant and the Lantern bar as two separate entities. While, I've never really had the restaurant experience, I've had the bar + food experience, and I give the latter an easy 5 stars. For me, the food does get a little too pricey, though some dishes have been well worth it. For example, the Smoked Salmon Bento Box was a great drinking food for my girlfriend and I on several occasions. Then, there was the Thai crab cakes, which were well-seasoned and accompanied with a great sambal-based sauce and a well-pickled carrot and daikon salad. The okra appetizer was good, but not really something I'd get again, and the dumplings that I had there were nowhere near as good as the ones that I have at home. The ones I had that night were a little overcooked--the pork a little bland and the skin a little too thin and nearing the point of falling apart. I'm not sure if this is a regular thing, but I like my dumpling meat a certain way, and having made my dumplings from scratch at home with a hand-ground combination of meats makes me a lot pickier about texture. The drinks, however, blows the other bars here (maybe except the crunkleton, which I've never tried but heard good things about) out of the park. The bartenders that I've encountered, Wes and Sarah, have been amazing at recommending drinks as well as making original drinks tailored to my taste. They are both knowledgeable, but Wes is especially helpful for those who are interested in recreating drinks. A favorite of mind as been the Cunning Kimono, and he was happy to discuss the drink in detail. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves their cocktails strong and well-made with fresh ingredients (lime, lemon, mint, etc..) instead of nasty sour mix. read more

This is definitely five star food. The desserts deserve six stars. For dinnner last week we had oysters on half shell with caviar, local pork belly that literally melted in your mouth, chaat (a chick pea concoction with cauliflower and potato and unexpected crispy and good), and beef sashimi. Dinner brought korean style fried chicken, wild mushroom sandpot, bento box with trout. We had most of the desserts. The unexpected favorite was roasted banana ice cream with peanut brittle. Best meal I have had in town. read more

I just don't get it. How Lantern has such high reviews is a mystery to me. Pluses: - very good but not a best location - very good service, and the waitress was very cute - food very thoughtfully and artistically prepared...and tasty for sure Negatives - beyond expensive for what you get. I left the place hungry after an entree and an appetizer...and my wallet was empty. Just simply not worth the price. Food was good, but you can do much better with your cash. read more

My husband and I went to the Lantern for our anniversary. His duck was tough and my pork shank was too sweet. I took most of the pork home thinking my dad might like it since he eats most anything. My mother, father, and brother tried it but didn't like it. The egg roll appetizer was good but the sweet potato soup was bland. The bill was $90 before tip. We ended up going across the street to Carolina Brewery and having yummy mini tacos and dessert. read more

This was my first time dining at Lantern and was quite excited. We walked in and were greeted by the Maitre D' holding up his finger to us while he answered a phone call. We waited until he was done and were finally seated. The restaurant is small, which is fine, but this means the tables are very close together. If I can read the menu on the table next to me, it's a little too close. As for the food, the Chaat was delicious, but I couldn't eat a lot of it. It became monotonous half way through. My favorite appetizer was the Veal and pork wontons. My guest had the Tea and spice smoked Poulet Rouge chicken as his main course, and he enjoyed it. Will he rave about it the next day? No. I had the Crispy slow-cooked duck soup - doesn't that sound delicious? I had such high hopes, and this dish failed to deliver. The broth had no favor - tasted like hot water. The duck was not crispy and quite dry. The table next to me felt the same way. (They weren't talking to us, but the tables were so close so I heard her.) We shared the Panna cotta for dessert, and while it was tasty, lacked in presentation. As for service, our server seemed more interested in the table next to us. I figured out it wasn't even in his section because he only chatted with them and never brought out food. Apparently the diners used to work at the restaurant, so I'm sure they wanted to catch up, but at the expense of being an inattentive server to us. Once again, I learned all of this because the tables were so close. Overall, I would give Lantern another try because of Chef Reusing's reputation. However, I was disappointed in this experience. read more

Was excited to finally try their food as I have had drinks from them before, they were great. Food was alright, over priced for what it was, but I am always willing to pay for good food. Service was horrible. I had an 8pm reservation, and at 815 my table wasn't even cleaned, the waitress would dissapeer for 30+ minutes at a time. It then took a good twenty minutes to place an order. We had other plans this night but didn't end up leaving until 1030pm and trust me we didn't order anything crazy. 10 minutes into the appetizer our entree came out. We weren't asked how our meals were, if we wanted more drinks, or anything at all. When it came to desert I received the wrong one, by the time she came back to fix it my girlfriend was completely done with hers. Instead of taking the desert off the bill she gave us an extra one that we didn't really care for. And to top off the horrible service my credit card was charged slightly higher than I signed off for....classy for a restaurant that is talked to highly of. Overall food was alright, didn't go over the top, HORRIBLE service, and they stole money from me. I won't be returning. read more

So this is a place I indulge in on a very regular basis. I always sit in the bar (except for my first visit and was not a fan of the front of the house). The bar has a great low-light, warm atmosphere that encourages you to sit down alone or with friends and stay awhile. Their cocktails are to DIE FOR and I can never enjoy just one (my latest favorite is Ava Gardner). And I really love their food. Their staples (e.g. Salt and pepper shrimp) are always good and their seasonal surprises keep me guessing. I have met folks, who haven't been impressed with the Lantern. My advice to those who go for their first visit: sit in the bar and ask your bartender or server what is best (they always know). Enjoy! read more

I had dinner here while traveling for work about three months ago and I am still missing that meal-- wish I could go back regularly. It was spectacular and I am not easy to impress. I had a range of appetizers instead of an entree and my dining partners split a few other appetizers and had entrees. We shared a dessert that demanded the upmost in politeness to not hoard it b/c it was so fabulous. I was talking to one of the friends I ate with there this week and he described it as the best meal he had in NC during his several years in the state. While I don't live there, I wish I did now so I could go to the restaurant. I would especially recommend the seasonal pickle plate-- its not actually pickles, it pickled fruits and veggies that are truly surprising. I loved the pickled persimmon. It was incredible--who would have thought? read more

Taking your lover to Lantern is one of the best things one can do in Chapel Hill. No problems getting a reservation. They even called me on the day of to confirm. . I cannot praise Lantern enough. It was just the right amount of elegance not to exceed into the uneasy snobby territory evoked by other high end establishments (for example "An" in Cary). High five Lantern. read more

Excellent restaurant for special occasions. One of the only higher end food places in Chapel Hill that can hold up to Durham and Raleigh. Highly recommended. read more

The ever popular Lantern is must visit for anyone near Chapel Hill. Modern Asian is rarely done right, so what Lantern does is just that much more impressive. Chef Andrea Reusing keeps the food upscale without losing the Asian character that makes the food so special. I usually find myself trying to find the downfall of a restaurant trying to be Asian. So, in keeping with the theme of searching for the flaws, I went straight to the simplest form of cuisine: dumplings and the Vietnamese spring rolls. Served just the way I would have wanted in a neatly presented bamboo steamer, the dumplings may have steamed just a tad too long, but the flavor was spot-on. The dough fell apart even with a delicate touch of the chopstick. Where many dumplings fail in the addition of too much of a good thing (i.e. too much ginger, garlic, chive, etc.), these dumplings had just enough chive and pork. The spring rolls were a touch non-traditional. A normally deep-fried wrapper comes out smooth and drenched in oil, yet these were airy and with no residual oily drip. These were excellent and left me wishing there was more. Crispy whole fish served on its belly is a perfect example of the homage to Asian cuisine, with the incorporation of sweet, salty Asian flavors and the deboning left to the diner. A single-serving portion of fish fits perfectly in this setting and anymore bells and whistles would have detracted from the fine experience. The panna cotta is a perfectly balanced, must-have dessert. It's one of those meal-enders that isn't overly sweet and won't let you forget the meal you just had. We didn't see the persimmon pudding on the menu, but would not hesitate to order it next time. 5 stars for excellent riffs on Asian cuisine. Lantern deserves its spot on every Triangle best list and is a constant glowing reminder that the South can produce more than we give them credit for. read more

Henry S. really said it right when he said the menu changes all the time, but I still have to talk about this meal. I had a sweet glazed salmon with jasmine rice and sauteed veggies (I'm a little hazy on what type, but who writes a review about the veggies anyway). It was fantastic. Truly. Best meal I may have ever had in CH. Almost as astonishing was their wine selection where I tried the only white wine I've ever liked at the recommendation of the knowledgeable waiter. The ambiance took me away from Franklin Street in a second, never feeling like there were swarms of students all around us. I won't come here often when I am home, but I will definitely go back for a nice meal and some quiet time. read more

My wife have been going to Lantern for years. When we lived in Chapel Hill we went weekly. Now we go every time we visit. The food is consistently creative and delicious. Andrea is considered one of the best chefs in the southeast and deservedly so. The Asian touch which she has perfected adds something special to every dish. I would not be doing justice if I didn't mention the staff who are professional and engaging. They make the evening special. read more

i go weak in the knees thinking of the Lantern. The atmosphere is cool and beautiful. The food is delicious, intelligent, and largely local. A wonderful place for dates and special occasions. Definitely order a cocktail or eight--they're spectacular. read more

My husband and I went to Lantern for my birthday last night. I was a little nervous that it wouldn't live up to the gigantic expectations I had formed, but luckily my fears were completely unfounded. Our evening started with 6:30 reservations; sat right away, the attentive waitstaff got busy wishing me a happy birthday (apparently the hubby told them it was my b-day and to lavish me with birthday wishes). I cannot emphasize enough how great the service is here. The entire front of house staff works like a well oiled machine. Everyone is pleasant and attentive, but without being at all overbearing. Our waiter came over and recited a list of excellent-sounding specials. We asked for some sparkling water, which he brought over in a large carafe, and then started debating what to get. I was greedily eying all of the delicious meals at tables around me. They are so pretty! We settled on sharing the soft shell crab appetizer while I had the whole fried fish and hubby ordered the steamed salmon. We each got a glass of the Sauvignon Blanc as well. What can I say? It was food heaven. Wine - excellent, and well paired with the food. The crab appetizer was superb, with an amazing spicy/sweet sauce and an elegantly arranged whole fried crab on a bed of delicate spring salad greens. My husband's salmon was delicate while avoiding blandness - that's hard to do. The salmon was perfectly cooked and served with pickled onions, cucumbers, and wonderfully steamed coconut rice. My only complaint about that dish is that it is served on this weird stand that makes it a little difficult to eat. But, the tour-de-force of the evening was my whole fried fish (the market fish last night was flounder). I cannot even begin to do justice to its amazingness. Such complex flavors, such fun to eat, I would definitely return just for that. Overall, and excellent meal with excellent service. We can't wait to return! read more

I don't get the hype. I went here with family to celebrate my husband's birthday. We were all really looking forward to it, but it turned out to be such a disappointment. To start, we ordered Indian fried okra and dumplings as appetizers, and both were delicious, so I was really looking forward to my entree. I ordered a very simple noodle dish, and because of the appetizers I was expecting amazing flavors. What I got was a plate of lukewarm noodles that were tasteless even after being drowned in soy sauce and 3 servings of chil oil. Others at the table enjoyed their food, but none of the entrees we ordered were exceptional in any way. Service was average and the food was expensive. The only way I would return here is for appetizers and drinks at the bar. (The drinks were strong, and appropriately priced). If I want an Asian dinner in Chapel Hill, I'll go to Jujube instead. read more

This is my favorite restaurant in Chapel Hill and one of my favorites in general. The food is inventive and delicious. The menu changes frequently with wonderful combinations of Asian inspired dishes. Highly recommend ! read more

I had the Korean-style braised beef short ribs with Pine Knot Farm white sweet potato-chile pancake and local Napa kimchi. The ribs were wonderful! They just melted in your mouth with a sweet and spicy sauce. Would go again in a heartbeat. read more

Best bar in Chapel Hill, hands-down.

The restaurant is on the small side, and the tables are pretty close together which made it hard to have an intimate conversation. We went on a Tuesday night and it was packed. The service was great, but I just wasnt too impressed with the food. I will preface this review wiht the fact that I am asian, and I LOVE asian food. S0, my hubby ordered the whole fried fish special, and it came out soft/soggy, and the flavors of the sauce were bland. I had the duck noodle soup, and again I wasn't too impressed. Everything's was just "okay," and we spent over $100 that night. I think maybe Ive just had delicious fried fish and noodle soups from authentic asian restaurants all of my life, and so perhaps the "fusion" dishes from asian fusion restaurants such as Lantern just aren't my favorite... read more

Overrated and pretentious I tried this place several times and I find the flavor combinations here very unharmonious.

Chapel Hill's best bars all seem to be down dark alleyways. Lantern is one of them. I really want to give Lantern 5 stars because the atmosphere is cool and the sake is yummy. Alas, only four stars because of how packed it gets. I really like it on quieter nights. Does this mean I'm getting old? Speaking of "old," the crowd here is not your typical UNC mob. More mellow, 20-30 year old hipsters hang here so you can wear your cute suede Penguin sneakers and not worry about getting keg beer sloshed all over them. read more

Lantern is the best. From the cocktails, to the food, to the wine selection, to the service, everything is thoughtful, delicious, and beautiful. But sit in the bar and go on a weeknight to avoid the annoying people who don't get out much. ALSO VERY IMPORTANT: If you get the salt and pepper shrimp for the LOVE OF GOD DO NOT PEEL THEM! I understand you might be scared but trust and you will be rewarded. read more

I absolutely love this restaurant! I was visiting North Carolina for work and had to stop by Chapel Hill to eat at Lantern after seeing it on Unique Eats. I've eaten a lot of Asian food in my life... after all, I am Asian, so I can be a big critic when it comes to Asian cuisine. The ingredients at this restaurant were not typical Chinese ingredients, but it felt very Chinese in the preparation and taste. The presentation was very nice as well... I'm so used to Chinese food being served on a huge dish that is to be shared family style. The flavors are very original and unique at this restaurant... I really enjoyed the special that night... deep fried puffer fish. It was so tender and very flavorful. That preparation really brought out the best in that fish. I also had the Tea Spiced Smoked Chicken... it was so moist (it's very easy to dry out that chicken) and such a nice taste from the tea spices. The sauces and spices on the side were a nice way to enjoy the chicken in a couple of different ways. I love this restaurant so much and would recommend it to anyone visiting NC. read more

Lantern - Look for the Lantern! - Asian Fusion Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Our grand daughter gave us a very nice gift certificate for this #1 rated restaurant in Chapel Hill. First off, the napkins we were given seemed like they had been stored very close to old sesame nuts, or old Crisco. Appetizers were great, entree's were average. My Artic Char was not cooked, maybe it is supposed to be that way. My wife's NC catfish was swimming broth. Rice very good, veggies sautéed in vinegar. Don't think I would go back for $130.00 Wine pour is very small. read more

May be best restaurant in chapel hill for vegetarians, gluten free, and eat anything people. Amazing spices, menu, and staff. Make a reservation! read more

Have had several meals at Lantern and it has always been very good. Both the dining room and the bar upstairs have a nice atmosphere. The bar has a funky vibe and they serve great cocktails. The dining room is intimate and well designed. The only issue I have is I wish they would take reservations. Some nights I want to go, but don't want to wait at the bar for a long time. It is one of my favorite places in the area though, so definitely think it is worth the wait. read more

Have eaten several times now in the bar in the back as tough to get seat out front. Kind of a funky dark atmosphere. Great cocktail options and wine/beer list. Spring rolls are truly incredible. The pot stickers were good as were the coconut shrimp. Special of Korean fried chicken was excellent. read more

Don't believe the hype. My husband surprised me with reservations here for our anniversary. Based on all its local press and shout-out in Gourmet magazine, I was expecting fantastic food and a great atmosphere. Instead, it was rather disappointing. My food was overcooked (I got some kind of chicken dish), and my husband's short ribs were okay. To me, the real kicker was the service. The waitress kept forgetting our wine and it took forever to get our food (I guess they were busy overcooking my food). To top it off, the host smelled like BO. Did I mention it was the dead of winter? What gives? For the money, I'd much rather head to another restaurant in Chapel Hill. read more

Recently dined here on my wife's birthday. Started at the bar in the back with a great and unique cocktail - a bit of a play on an old fashioned. Later tried a cocktail with lemongrass and gin and that was delicious but a bit girly. We started with the tastiest fried oysters we've ever had and we order those everywhere. Then we got the crispy spring rolls with crab and pork and they did NOT skimp on the crab. These too were amazing. My wife had a delicious piece of fish that I tried and I had the crispy duck soup. A bit odd to have a full dug leg in your soup but the taste was out of this world. Apps were probably the highlight but hands down one of the best dinners from start to finish I have ever had. read more

This place is so overrated! I heard good things about this restaurant .So I said I should try it .The service was OK, i'll give them that, but the food was pretty terrible and VERY expensive I enjoyed the ambiance but the portion was a little small for the price. read more

It's a nice location and ambiance and the cocktails were great! Drinks were creative and the bartenders were very helpful. But the food is completely overrated. For $30 you can get yourself a "pot on fire" that is like a peasant beef stew with maybe 1 oz of actual meat........ I would never go back for food. read more