We had a wonderful experience dining at Lantern for our 20th wedding anniversary. In brief: The chaat was the best I have ever had. The veggies were blistered to perfection and the presentation was beautiful. I had the drum and my wife had the tofu pasta. My drum was exceptional but my wife's tofu pasta was dry. She asked for some sauce, which was immediately provided, but we agreed her meal was a bit of a miss. We ordered a bottle of Burgundy off the reserve list and it arrived at perfect cellar temperature. The wine list is small but well-curated and I feel it goes well with the cuisine they serve there. Someone put it together who cares. We were disappointed that they didn't have any large capacity glasses. The glasses on the table were all they apparently have. The waiter poured the glass too full and we had to waive him off when he tried to refill our glasses. We love to swirl our wines, and it's hard in tiny glasses. The server was a delight. He was quick to get everything - almost too quick. We had to tell him a couple times we intended to have a slow-paced dinner. He eventually got it. As I said, he was a delight, just a little on the rushed side. In the end, we loved the dinner and would go back, despite the minor disappointments. read more

Lantern used to be a treat. The unique atmosphere, delicious whole fish, and interesting cocktails made up for the pretentious attitude, high prices, and lousy service. But really, the place has become a caricature. So Much Attitude from the jaded servers! So little taste in the mediocre food. My former love, the crispy whole fish has been limp and lukewarm the last couple of times, with inedible ketchupy sauce once - yuck. I can go to Elaines for too cool for you service and bad overpriced food, I can go to Cholonad for a delicious crispy fish. But I can't think of a reason to keep going to Lantern. read more

I am struggling(out of loyalty) not to give Lantern 2 stars. I have gone here easily over 20 times over the last 6 years- with groups large and small and by myself when swinging through town, and it used to be my favorite spot in the Triangle. Over time, prices have gone up and I finally have to admit the menu has failed to offer enough variety (or should I say, variety with quality, to boot) to merit return trips. Spicy flavors appear watered down for American palates. This week, the delectable-sounding Korean BBQ chicken special fell flat. The best thing about the dish was a very crispy crust but the flavors were very subtle and the cold potato/cucumber salad was in a sauce only detectable because of its yellowish-brown hue- it had no flavor. The standard menu's steamed cod dish is an Asian staple and this version is so-so. The tea-soaked chicken is good once, ok twice, but after that, not necessary to try again. Ditto for the bento box. The bar has a cool feel, and is in my opinion, the only place to dine, but the food sadly just does not do it for me anymore. I am also surprised they still have no espresso machine after all this time. Seems out of whack for a menu that touts average entree prices of $25 each. So, I give 3 stars "A-OK" for folks to try this once or twice, but a "meh, I've experienced better" 2 stars beyond that. read more

I really expected to like Lantern... the atmosphere is amazing, the bartenders super nice, and I love Asian fusion. What's not to like? Turns out, the food... my dish was a french/asian fusion (Tea and spice smoked Poulet Rouge chicken) that just didn't work. Instead of fusing two cuisines into something greater than the parts, this was complete disharmony... one bite (the chicken) tastes French, the next bite (the rice) tastes asian, and the two together taste gross. read more

good service, good but not great food. Winter Greens Salad tasty, Duck sauce overwhelming, pork good but did not like greasy overcooked egg, and banana dessert good but overpriced. Menu and space need improvement to match prices. 3.5 read more

Lantern has been on my radar every since I moved to NC, and for good reason - the place get's all the love from the New York Times, Travel & Leisure, and was named to the "Top 50 Restaurants" by Gourmet Magazine. Enough with the hype already! The stars aligned a few weeks ago (I found a babysitter) so on short notice my wife and I decided to check it out. From the outside, Lantern is unassuming and you might mistake it for another barber shop. Strolling in with blue Jeans and no reservation, we were pleasantly surprised to learn we could be seated in 90 minutes, which was no problem because there are plenty of boutiques, bars, and niche retailers close by to chew some time. We sifted through old vinyls at the retro record shop a block east, and then returned to Lantern 60 minutes later to discover that our table was ready a little early. The contemporary setting features clean lines, soft lighting, mirrors, and large Asian inspired oils. The noise level was mezzo-piano when we arrived at 7pm, but quickly crescendoed into a forte within the hour, seemingly in parallel with the drink production rolling off the bar. Our waiter greeted us and introduced the cocktail menu which contained a short list of interesting elixirs' such as "Milk of Human Kindness" and "The Cunning Kimono". My wife ordered the "Junebug" (Pimms, fresh ginger, lemon soda and cucumber) which starts sweet then ends with a crisp cucumber finish. My "Strange Acquaintance" (Whisky, ruby port, lemon, Blenheim spicy ginger ale and egg white) was a bit more broad and spicy. Both were delicious and left us mildly intoxicated. We sobered up with "Seasonal vegetable spring rolls" and a juvenile contest involving copious amounts of hot mustard. The deep-fried rolls were piping hot and the veggie internals were crisp and fresh. Lantern's menu proclaims to be "a marriage of Asian flavors and North Carolina ingredients sourced mainly from local farms and fisheries". Although the menu is somewhat small (7-8 entrees at most), the selection changes regularly and there seems to be something for every type whether carnivore, herbivore or pesco-lover. I ordered the "Fried whole North Carolina catfish with chilies, garlic, tamarind, fresh lime leaf, carrot salad and jasmine rice" and it surpassed each of my expectations in flavor, texture, temperature and aesthetics. The fish was lightly breaded and fried, and contrasted nicely with the cool carrot salad. The jasmine rice was aromatic and steamed to perfection - setting a new high watermark for me in how rice should be cooked. My wife's loot was equally delicious - the "Moon-viewing hotpot with homemade Anson Mills soba noodles with black trumpet mushrooms, fresh bamboo, local vegetables and a poached Fickle Creek Farm egg" . Breaking with Asian tradition, we fully consumed both entrees. After some intense deliberation over the dessert menu and no easy decision in sight, our waiter convinced us to try the "Local Sourwood honey panna cotta with L'Hoste Meyer lemon caramel, honeycomb and organic kiwi". We could literally taste history in this confectionary delight while our waiter lectured us on the origins and local significance of Sourwood honey. The food and drink at Lantern is exceptional, but the service also sets it apart. The wait staff is extremely knowledgeable yet unpretentious. Execution was near flawless with perfectly timed dish pickups and drink refills, but not overly-intrusive. Even for a top culinary destination such as Chapel Hill, it's hard to find this level of knowledge and service. Overall, I must opine that the hype is legitimate and Lantern Restaurant is the real deal. Now, if I can just find another baby-sitter. read more

This place is way overrated. The food was honestly kind of bland. The best thing we got was the Chaat appetizer (which was very good, but not necessarily any better than Chaat at casual Indian restaurants), but our main courses (steamed fish and steak) were just average. Overall they just lacked flavor and were not very inventive. For the price, I didn't think it was worth it. I much prefer other restaurants nearby, such as Elaine's and Talullas. I'd recommend more creative main courses with more vegetarian options, and I think the main courses they do have should be served with more/better sides. The one thing that did stand out as exceptional was the dessert. We had a rose cake, which had the delicious taste of rosewater and was beautiful. Maybe just go for the dessert at lantern, skip the food. Our server was very nice, and it is nicely decorated restaurant with a nice atmosphere. read more

I brought my husband to this restaurant after I watched a great glowing review on Unique Eats. I was first taken aback by how formal and stiff the staff were, considering this restaurant was right on a busy thoroughfare in a very young college town (Chapel Hill). They were not very excited about my 2 year old taking part, and did not have boosters or high chairs, or even a cup with a straw for her to use. Second they right away demanded a $9 plating fee per person for the birthday cake I brought for my party. The food was then very disappointingly average. James Beard Award? I can scarcely believe that. Yes, I am Asian, and yes I am a New Yorker. So perhaps I had unreasonable expectations for "modern Asian." But the dishes did not have the right balance or umami for anything to be unforgettable, considering how pricey each dish was compared to other N Carolina fine dining establishments. The Korean fried chicken tasted like it had been sitting out for hours, and the chicken meat was dried out and unseasoned. True Korean fried chicken is heaven on earth, and Lantern's interpretation seemed like they didn't care to even try. The whole Thai fish was oversaturated and inundated with their sweet chili sauce. Really good chili Thai fish should look like a freshly fried whole fish with sauce to enjoy with it. The flesh of the fish was also dried out and unseasoned. The duck was bloody and tough, and was perched over what appeared to be scallops. However we were disappointed to discover that they were really just rounds of potato. Not an effect I expected for a fancy restaurant! And then I was charged over fifty dollars for my husband and our friends to have a slice of cake (not provided by the restaurant) for his birthday. The food did not taste like food from New York City, so I did not understand why I had to suffer horribly pretentious customer service like we were in New York City. Lantern is in NORTH CAROLINA. In this particularly lovely Southern state, restaurants should be family friendly, welcoming, warm, and serve honest, comforting food. I think this restaurant has a serious identity problem. I was, to say the least, disappointed. read more

One of best meals I have had since moving to NC. We arrived a little early and had a drink in the bar, which is in the very back of the restaurant down a hall way in a separate room. I believe you can enter the bar from a side entrance. The atmosphere in the bar was hip & fun. The mood is dark and cozy, a great place for a date. You can order food in the bar too. We had a couple of their signature drinks that were refreshing, bold and whimsical. Then we went to the dining room for dinner. Our servers were very attentive and friendly. We ordered the crab fried rice appetizer and some dumplings. Delicious!! (wish the portions were bigger bc we almost licked the plates haha) I can't remember what my sister-law and husband had, but I had a pork dish with an amazing assortment of accompaniments to create lettuce wraps. Wow, the flavors blew me away! I have been dreaming of going back to have it again, but I see it's not on the menu now. :( We will definitely be back, great experience overall and outstanding food, drinks and service. read more

I have enjoyed the bar here for a number of years. The cocktails are a must, such fun drinks with quality mixers- nothing fluorescent or sticky sweet. I also love the decor, vibe and the staff; they are all top notch at making a wonderful experience. I recently had occasion to dine at Lantern for a special event and I was equally pleased. The food is wonderful; loved the chaat and the salt and pepper shrimp and the desserts (yes, plural- and I would recommend them all). The whole fish entree and seafood hot pot were also good. But I usually equate main courses at nice restaurants to new year's eve- they can never live up to my expectations. Whereas they were yummy, they were not blowing-my-mind good. Yes, it was an expensive meal but I really like their emphasis on local and seasonal and I think that kind of care does cost more. I do wish there were more creative vegan options. I think every restaurant should expand their vegan options. Regardless, I will be going back, especially for apps and desserts. read more

We came here to celebrate a friends birthday. We sat in the back by the bar. It's quite cozy. We ordered drinks and a few appetizers. The drinks were good, the Manhattan needs some work as I think my drink had more sweet vermouth than bourbon. The dumplings are a must! They're delicious and I cannot wait to go back to order them again. The chaat was okay, not something I'd go out of my way to order again. The junebug cocktail was lovely, even their standard cosmo was better than most places. Really would like to go back and enjoy a full meal. The service was good, a little confusing as we had someone fill our water glasses but he said he couldn't take our order. We will be back! read more

Always a sure thing! My fiance and I have gone here for every big event we've wanted to celebrate in the last 3 years and every single time we are greeted with intelligent, competent, and accommodating servers; wonderful ambiance; and most importantly unbelievable food. The whole experience is beautiful, each and every time. read more

I am a long-time Lantern customer. There were a few years where my husband and I went there and were blown away by the flavors and unique dishes offered. Over the last few years, we have been increasingly disappointed in the dishes we order. We'd be fine with paying the current prices for the "used to be food", however, the food is clearly not created with the care it used to be. After tonight, we have solidified that we will not return to the Lantern. The uniqueness and flavor that made the Lantern "The Lantern" are not there. I am sorry to say, do not blow your money there. read more

This is strictly a restaurant review, so move along barflies. We had reservations right smack dab at the start of Valentine's Snow Flurry Friday. Quarters were a bit more cramped than we expected, but my time away from Franklin St. (and civilization) has spoiled me. I do want to give them kudos for completely isolating the bar from the restaurant. Nothing ruins a fine dining experience more quickly than a noisy bar in close proximity. Our host seated us at a four top on a Friday night, so that was pretty sweet, as we had resigned ourselves to getting the draughty two-seater by the door. The menu strikes a nice balance between variety and simplicity. Our appetizers (SOTD/chaat) and entrees (pork shank/catfish pot thingie) tasted very fresh and well prepared. The desserts we tried seemed like more of a fusion novelty than anything else(worth trying once). Service was excellent, although a bit slow. read more

Be it known that this is the restaurant that brought me out of my hiatus of writing YELP reviews. I found this restaurant in an airline magazine and confirmed that this was definitely a place to check out after a quick search on YELP. We came on a Saturday night, luckily we were able to snag a reservation the night before and immediately were greeted with incredible scents and elegant lighting. All the tables were full when we arrived, but everything was coordinated well and we were seated at a perfect table by the window. This is the place where you go all out, order the drinks, get the appetizers, entrees and dessert. The appetizers were amazing - shrimp, cabbage dumplings and our personal favorite was the crispy chick peas. Someone ordered the tea chicken, but we fell in love with the tofu and fish entrees. We ended our night with the most incredible thing I have tasted to date, persimmon pudding! The chocolate cake and sorbet were also amazing. It was truly an enjoyable experience and well worth the pricey cab ride from Durham! read more

If you haven't been to Lantern you need to go! The food is amazing! The chaat is an original and the asparagus app is delicious. You must take a walk to the back and enjoy a drink at the bar. The staff is fantastic. Great date night! read more

Had the flounder and the coconut panna cotta for dessert. The flounder was tasty, but I think it was overpriced. And the panna cotta was a little runny, although some other people got the hot chocolate cake, which looked delicious. I think you can probably get better food at a lower price, but overall the food was pretty tasty. read more

Severely underwhelming for anyone who's been to China. I can't believe this place gets such praise. For those who haven't been to China, it's still only about 2 stars. Waste of money. read more

Heard about the hype. Disappointed in the reality. First of all, decor in the main dining room lacked interest and seemed as though no thought or effort was put into the ambience. Food was mediocre at best. Fried okra wasn't warm and tasted as if it were sitting for a while. Chicken appetizer lacked flavor. Bi bim bap was flavorful and okay, but nothing better than what I have had a local Korean joint for $12. The chickpea veggie stew was okay but underwhelming. I feel as though I've been duped. read more

I started and ended 2018 with two fancy dinners at Lantern. One wow-ed, and other was just ok. Unfortunately the first dinner was my birthday celebration, and my friends and I dined in the main area. The food was good, especially the appetizers (salt and pepper shrimp, duck fat spring rolls), but the service was not. I made a reservation the weekend before, and I had to confirm what seemed like thousands of times prior to our actual dinner. This sort of thing coupled with the atmosphere and stoic server made the experience a bit stuffy. Also, $30 for one filet of catfish?! I know there's always an up-charge, and I enjoyed the curry sauce, but the dish was way too pricey for what it was. My friend's whole fish, however, was so impressive and worth the steep price tag. I've been to the bar several times over the years and always enjoyed my cocktails, so I decided to give the food another chance with my friend last week. We sat at the bar, and the experience was night and day from my previous dinner. The service was fantastic, super helpful, and unbelievably courteous, making this place live up to the hype. We split the salt and pepper shrimp (it's that good), the chaat appetizer (also amazing), and the steak, which was cooked perfectly (medium rare/rare)! We also enjoyed two gin martinis each, so we were happy and full of iron and peace by the end! I can't wait to return, and I'm always sitting in the bar from now on! Everything from the dim lighting, colorful lanterns on the ceilings and bright red walls to the friendly servers was perfect! The one issue is the lighting is so dim, my pictures aren't worth posting. read more

If I had a lot of money, I'd eat here often. As it is, we save it for special occasions. But, wow, food is delicious and the mixed drinks are great. It's a small place, so you should make reservations. read more

Pricey, but perfect burgers and fries. All food is locally sourced, safe, and fresh. Superb burger, superb fries. Friendly, knowledgeable staff. read more

I've known about this restaurant for a while now and was delighted to have the opportunity to finally dine there. The atmosphere is modern and spare, but with a comforting vibe and the noise never rises above a low hum. We ordered plates to share and a few main dishes: salt & pepper shrimp, veggie spring rolls, vegan dal (more about this one later) and a small green salad. The shrimp is one of their signature dishes, my other half enjoyed it a lot. The spring rolls and salad were very good, but the lentil dal was a pleasant surprise: far from a soupy, curry-flavored concoction, this one had lentil, crunchy colorful vegetables and a subtle flavor which made it an instant favorite with everyone at our table, including the omnis. We ordered and ate two hot pots and a tofu dish (shared) and shared two desserts. Their tea selection is excellent, the coffee is just okay. Not that it detracted from the rest of the food, but you'd expect a tad more. It was a wonderful dinner experience and I fully expect to return there when visiting the area again. read more

Good but I was definitely not blown away for the price. Appetizers were large. Ordered the whole fish (NC flounder), which was tasty but excessive on the garlic and seasoning and I tasted it for about 12 hours later.... Not cool. Desserts were excellent. Draft beer selection is terrible. Seems like they are coasting. read more

the lantern came to chapel hill just as i was leaving for California, so i never got to try it on the first time around. then, on the west coast, i developed a taste for sushi and an insufferable level of culinary snobbery. i though this boded poorly for my move back to NC, but then i found the lantern. everything here is delicious. make sure you try the bento box, and try your hand at making your own sushi. you won't be disappointed. read more

Very Manhattan/urban. Small place. Expensive, but decent appetizer menu. Great cocktails in bar behind the restaurant (separate entrance). The bar is dark and kinda sexy. Best on a weeknight when it's not crowded. read more

Showed up with no reservation and told we would be seated in 10-15 minutes. 45 minutes later we finally get our seat and the host comp'd our apps, great move. We got to spend some time at the bar which is a cozy spot with very interesting drink list. We split the ahi bento box and pot stickers for apps, great stuff! Our main course was pretty good too, would definitely repeat. read more

Pros: Wonderfully flavored food and specialty cocktails. I had a fresh strawberry/vodka cocktail which was out of this world. Husband had tasty draft Belgian beer. Appetizers: Caramelized Pork Belly (among the best appetizers any of us have ever eaten). Thick rich brown sugar/molasses type sauce over tender, succulent pork. We were fighting over the last bite. Probably would order two next time. Also loved the light and flavorful summer rolls with shrimp, pea shoots, etc. Also delicious dumplings with dipping sauces. If I had to skip one, it would be the dumplings, which, while delicious, are typical of all Asian restaurants, although not at all greasy. Entrees: Spiced tea chicken with green beans--Had this several years ago and remember it being more succulent. Was not overly impressed with this dish except for the green beans with an amazing sauce, which I loved. Husband had Seafood hotpot--highlights were the lobster dumplings (amazing!) and the blue crab. Daughter had (HUGE!) pork chop, which she loved. Dessert: 3 of us shared a banana ice cream sundae with caramel and fresh cream accompanied by peanut brittle. Fantastic. Cons: When it gets dark, the tables only have two tiny candles and it is much too dark. I would not want to come in the winter evening, because you could barely see the menu. We went at 7:30 in the summer so enjoyed the lovely window area table in the daylight. Very indifferent waiter. I was truly surprised. He did not engage with us at all, never smiled and seemed to care not one iota about his job. He needs to be let go IMHO. The other wait staff were delightful. Price: It is exorbitantly priced, If I were to go again, I think I would order multiple appetizers, wonderful cocktail and one dessert and sit on the patio (which I have not seen, but I believe would be the place where you could just have appetizers and drinks). That would still probably cost you $60 without tip for 2 people, but still wonderful food and drink. It may be just me, but I liked the appetizers, cocktail and dessert better than the main course. read more

Service is excellent. I have to say that both of the appetizers were meh. Pork/crab spring rolls were fairly bland and salmon sashimi was ok (fairly smoked and a little tough). I was getting a bit disappointed but then my whole fish (black bass) arrived. Holy smokes was it amazing. Chocolate cake was delicious as well. 2 for 2. I am willing to overlook subpar appetizers and come back to try more! read more

Dined here for New Year's Eve with a party of 6. The menu was limited, but slightly different from what was on-line. Service during the meal was excellent, although a long delay for one app and a too long wait between apps and entrees was an issue. I started with a pork belly app which was well cooked but could have used some kind of dressing/sauce. Other apps, such as Rosa's Samosas and Seafood Extravaganza were enjoyed. My entree of bavette steak with chips and bone marrow was cooked perfectly, but was on the tough side and I now realize I am NOT a bone marrow fan - bring on some good old butter! Other entrees included the orange duck, miso glazed black cod and pork shank. Everything was well cooked but common comments were about lack of expected flavors - for example, the pork was described as smoked cinnamon and star anise - but the diners could not detect them - maybe they were too delicate? Desserts were a big hit and ended the meal on a high note. All four on the menu were tried. I had the persimmon pudding with pecans and it was excellent. Raves heard from the three hot chocolate cakes (with purple sweet potato and marshmallow ice cream (!)) as well as about the frozen chestnut custard and the pistachio pana cotta. I do look forward to trying the regular menu on a return trip to Chapel Hill. read more

I have never been disappointed with the Lantern, only impressed and satisfied. I appreciate the size of the carefully-designed menu and the consistency in quality. While I have only eaten dinner there a few times, I occasionally pop in for dessert or a visit to the bar. read more

I've eaten here no less than 4 times. Great food but can be pricey. Really love the salt and pepper shrimp. Service is generally good but can be spotty. Parking is a nightmare and even when you have a reservation you can wait 30+ minutes to be seated. read more

Superior food and service! So worth the drive from Raleigh. Can't wait to come back and try another dish.

The food is fine, but not enough to make me want to go back. It's really over-priced...$30 for a bowl of pho? The charcuterie was good but the portion was ridiculously small. This place is definitely not worth the hype. read more

We have been going to Lantern when possible over a number of years. It has long been my favorite Triangle restaurant. Sadly, this past weekend may have been the last time. The chat and dumplings were solid as always. But our three entrees and two cocktails (totalling $178), were tired, sloppily executed, and not as advertised. We had come for a menu that apparently had just changed, although the menus themselves were worn and reminiscent of when we were there last May. Our son had the steak with brown rice, ponzu sauce and fried kale. In this dish, as in the others, there was little synergy on the plate. The kale was excessively greasy and dumped all over the plate. My husband had scallops with jasmine rice and a grapefruit side. Again, nothing special, no synergy. My duck dish was most disappointing. The duck was dry and overcooked, as though warmed up in a microwave. Supposedly accompanied by gingered sweet potatoes, it rested on a smear of a tasteless mashed white potatoes and again an undressed mass of greens (menu said pea shoots), all with a thin kumquat sauce. All unappetizing. Our cocktails were overwhelmed by a strange tasting aperol. I had to let the ice melt before i could drink mine. Having great meals for less at Heron's and Death snd Taxes made us further realize we won't be back. In mourning. read more

Food was delish but the waiter was delish on a dish. One take home box for you please. I want to take you home. I will treat you so right. 5/5 stars. read more

Lantern was an unexpected treat during a work visit to Chapel Hill! I was lured by the farm-friendly menu with Asian tones and variety of seafood and veggie options. I settled on the seafood hotpot, which seems to rotate in content -- this version had lobster dumplings, shrimp, clams, and some really lovely mushrooms. I was not a huge fan of the lobster dumplings -- they were heavily breaded instead of steamed as I anticipated -- however the rest of the dish was beautifully balanced (the broth was insanely flavorful!). I sat in the back bar, which had a much busier and more hipster vibe than the main dining area, which was more peaceful and refined (really a stark contrast!). Next time I'd probably sit in the main dining area for dinner -- the bar area was a little crowded and loud (but would be great spot for drinks!). All in all, I was impressed and would definitely return in the future. read more

One of the best restaurants in Chapel Hill for the money.... have been there several times and recommend to anyone visiting CH.

I love this place. Perfect date spot, or a much needed getaway from the usual Chapel Hill blah.

I thought it was too pricey for what you get. As an Asian person, the flavors were too ordinary for such a place that got such good ratings and publicity. I expected more surprises since it is a fusion cuisine. I ordered the salt fried shrimp appetizer which was tasty and the whole fried fish which the waiter highly recommended. He also recommended the shaky beef which my husband ordered. both entrees were good, but not impressive. read more