Great entertainment! Variety was terrific by the four singers! I will come back to see them. They were all amazing. Place is clean, service was great, staff is friendly. Food was terrible, probably the worst Greek food I ever had. I had great time because the service and entertainment, I would never go back to eat, just to go for drinks. Pricy food- terrible, no taste Improve your food and I will give you 5 starts. read more

the price is sky high like 8 bucks of meat they charging 39.99 put some potatoes on the plate save your money and they play load music with no taste make you want to stick your fingers in your ear read more

Bad food. Poor service. We went once and will be be back ever again. No wonder this place looks empty most of the time.

There is no shortage of good Greek restaurants in northeast Queens and Laterna is among the best. There is a large room which, on weekends, is often booked for a private party, and a beautiful, quieter, more intimate smaller room. Laterna offers an extensive menu with both Greek and American specialties. I had a NY Sirloin with potatoes and vegetables very reasonably priced at $19.95 and my girlfried had salmon, potatoes and vegetables for $16.95. Both dishes were perfectly cooked and absolutely delicious. Our waiter was attentive and pleasant, even bringing a free sample of a Greek dip I'd inquired about. Laterna is almost like two different restaurants in one. In the main room on a Saturday night there is often Greek entertainment, dancing and a boisterous crowd. The smaller room is quiet, intimate and sort of romantic. It had been awhile since we were last here and the smaller room has been re-done and is quite attractive. Even on a Saturday night when food and service quality often falters at many restaurants, you can can count on Laterna to maintain its excellence in both categories. The only negative is that street parking is almost impossible to find so I'd advise the valet parking, which is around the block behind the restaurant. read more

As I stated in previous reviews the food and live entertainment is excellent (my diet is a bit limited these days but the food is very good quality). I was happy that they played a lot of my favorite Greek songs. However I am very allergic to smoke and during a recent visit one of the band members was smoking. I had to run out to the parking lot to get some fresh air. As far as I know this is against NY State law and I see that another yelp reviewer complained about this in 2015 (even if they have a cabaret licence smoking still isn't allowed). If I go again and there is smoke I will speak to management (reporting them will be a last resort). I am looking forward to returning soon and expect a smoke-free atmosphere! read more

Awesome place! very attentive staff. Food was deft fenomenal and drinks were on point. My family enjoyed it as much as I did it is deft one of our favorite restaurants to visit! read more

The food gets five stars, the service however deserves one. My boyfriend and I loved the clams stuffed with crabmeat and the hot grilled pita. Our entrees were delicious as well, but being that we were the only people in the restaurant our service was by far the worst I've ever experienced. Our waiter didn't say one word to us, never asked if we'd like another glass of wine, never asked how our food was and was not attentive at all. So, delicious hot Greek food, horrible service. read more

This is a great place for small or big events. The food and service is amazing. Its a local place that offers great space and for any type of party. Not to mention live music. Food was so good and the owners are wonderful people who go above and beyond to make your event perfect. Thank you! read more

I went there on a Wednesday night, including our table only 3 tables, the waiting between order, food, getting my check was all very long. the chicken lemon soup I ordered was very good, the baby lamb chop was dry and no taste, all the seafood are frozen seafood not fresh. its not all that good like the other people said . read more

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I never leave reviews, and that wasn't the first time I've been to this restaurant, usually they are pretty good, nice food, good service expect yesterday! Last night August 8th I went with my friends for the first time for the live music they have, it was nice, we sat down, we ordered, food start coming, so far so good, I started eating my salad, I got the prasini which is chopped lettuce and feta I got the big spoon they serve it with and I was eating it with that cause it was really chopped, at one point I felt something in my mouth being really hard, I took out of my mouth a huge piece of glass, I panicked cause I'm also pregnant and I thought maybe a piece of that broke into my mouth, i runned to the bathroom to wash my mouth, before I go back my friends had already called the waiter and he took the glass from my plate, before I get there, after that no one showed up, the owner or the manager didn't even come to say they are sorry or to see how I am doing.. I didn't wanna make a scene or sue them cause in Greece we have learned how to be good people and not act like that but i am really disappointed how the Greek owners handled the situation doing absolutely nothing! Shame on the owners and the restaurant... read more

Attended a baptism reception here. Restaurant is nice, there is free parking in the back. Food was good, great menu selection. Attentive service....But the live Greek music is everything!!!! Awesome experience! read more

This place is SO OVER RATED! The food is nothing special...in fact, it was so salty...as I was drinking my water, I felt soemthing crunchy in my mouth and REALIZED THERE WAS A CHEWED CLIPPED NAIL IN MY GLASS! HOW DISGUSTING!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO ELSEWHERE read more

I had my engagement party here and was promised a few american songs as well as english songs since my wife to be is italian. They played all Greek music except for 1 song that was in Spanish. I asked them continuously to play american songs because her family was unhappy, he kept telling me okay but nothing changed. The food was good and the place was nice but it was expensive about $60 per person before taxes and gratuity. I wouldn't recommend doing business with them because I wouldn't trust them with a night that is important. He lied to my face all night and caused several disagreements between me and my fiancé. P.S after the party we stayed to pack up some gifts and my mother misplaced her phone and asked the waiter if he saw the phone while they where taking off the linens and he said no and that was the end of it. A couple of seconds later he went in the kitchen and started yelling that we where accusing him of stealing her phone even though she only asked him if he saw it. These people are very rude! ..l., read more

Although the food was good. I have never paid $40 for whole bronzino.. I have dined at some of the finest Greek restaurants in Manhattan and Astoria.....my mistake for not asking , given menu stated market price. Martini .... $14..... Greek salad appetizer.... Diner quality.... Restaurant empty ....with so many fabulous Greek restaurants ... I would not make special trip there.... Maria's a few blocks down, better quality service and price .... ! read more

People have always told me, when you go to a restaurant with cultured cuisine, always look around to see the type of people dining there- if its mostly people of the same culture-- chances are its good! I myself am Greek, and being that no one makes Greek food better than my family (of course) I am very cynical when it comes to eating that cuisine anywhere else... I was invited to dine at Laterna and decided to give it a shot. After having been discouraged by many other Greek restaurants in the past I was apprehensive-- but after my experience here, I won't eat anywhere else!! The food tasted so AUTHENTIC AND HOMEMADE! It was as if my own mother was in the kitchen! As it turns out, this restaurant is family owned- the sons of the owner served me personally, the mother as hostess (and occasionally takes a peek into the kitchen), and the father overseeing. Once the incredible food was finished, our dessert was accompanied by LIVE music! We danced the night away and were even treated to a complimentary glass of wine. If you are Greek you understand how difficult it is to find a reputable Bouzouksidiko (live greek music restaurant). I WONT GO ANYWHERE ELSE!! THANK YOU LATERNA!! read more

Love the space for hosting a party, Food is delicious and comes with excellent live Greek entertainment. Can't wait to go back!

wow just wow !! The best Greek food in NY . A true Jewel in the neighborhood of bayside . I was there recently to celebrate my Birthday and had a great time . the staff is awesome and a shoot out to the owner Eleftheria she is the BEST !! will be back soon !! read more

Enjoyed a terrific meal. Very good or NY Greek dining. A close family friend is Greek so I've enjoyed the cuisine for m entire life. If I can eat at their home, this would be next choice. And the price was terrific as well. 3 adults for $80 read more

Whether you're in the mood for some authentic Greek food and live music or need a venue to book a special event Laterna is a great option. The restaurant is family owned and dedicated to customer service; they make me feel very comfortable every time I'm there. Always have a great experience at Laterna. read more

We booked 60th birthday party for my wife in Aug.2015 for 60 people. I had a stroke in mid July. had to change to Oct 2015 for 40 people. The owner husband and his wife gave us no problem. They are so sweet and nice. We all had great time, the food was excellent, owner gave our party extra time 5 to 11:30 pm, and the servers was at the the top of they profession . We love this place. I'm so happy w/ Laterna. Sorry it took me so long to write this review I'm still recovering from my stroke .Thank you so Much for everything. BLESS YOU FOR YOUR KINDNESS AND UNDERSTANDING. I can not wait to come back. THE CHINS read more

very disappointing...the only nice thing you can say about this place is nothing. Food , service and entertainment not good at all. This is the reason why it's empty. Will not recommend to anyone. REALLY SHOCKED THAT THEY HAVE GOOD RATINGS. NEVER AGAIN. read more

Great food, great ambiance, if you go to this restaurant, go at night when there are Greek singers. That's when you will see the best of Laterna. read more

Very good service and excellent Greek food. We have meat and fish selections and everything was cooked perfectly and tasted delicious. The live music is a great. Will be back. read more

I was looking on internet for three days for a Greek restaurant with live music, and I found one in Bayside, NY, named Laterna. Family restaurant, with two dining rooms, one large for parties. Free parking in the back. I threw a party last night there for my wife's birthday. Great food, moderate prices! Bouzouki music with two very good singers. The service was good, the owner, Andreas, all the time supervising it. Definitely, we will go there again read more

WAS THERE THIS PAST WEEKEND SO I COULDNT HELP BUT TO UPDATE i wouldn't change laterna for anything. i always have the lamb chops or a daily fresh whole fish. with ofcourse a bunch of greek appetizers.. highly recommended!!! read more

Our dining experience at Laterna Restaurant was fantastic. The restaurant was welcoming & the food was spectacular. The wait staff was courteous and well versed on dinner suggestions & provided great insight on Mediterranean cuisine. Fantastic restaurant to sit down and have good conversations with friends or a date. I highly recommend it. Our group enjoyed it. read more

This is the ideal place for great food and live entertainment! It's easy to get to and even has parking available in the back. You will feel the good energy and the up-beat mood as soon as you walk in. I've been there several times for dinner but even a wedding too! I had made no reservation the last time I was there and even though packed, they managed to get us a table. I enjoy their savory appetizers, like the delicious meatballs and oregano spiced French fries. Their array of entrees are equally adored, like their flavorful lamb shops and their seafood pasta yum! Something you don't come across often in a restaurant and will complement you night is the dance floor, so bring your dancing shoes! Last time I was there our waiter told me it was family owned for many years that explains why they have catered to my every visit like they were family. I recommend it to anyone who likes to explore something good and fun. I will definitely go back! read more

Place is very welcoming. Service is excellent and the food is even better! I would highly recommend this restaurant for lunch, dinner, catering and for late night food/music. read more

I have been going to Laterna for a couple of years now and till this day I don't have one bad thing to say. The food is always fresh and delicious. The service is amicable very friendly owners, waiters and staff. It's a restaurant where you can go enjoy a quite diner during the week or enjoy your weekend nights eating, listening and dancing to live Greek music. read more

I go toLaterna often . The music is Great !!!! the food is excellent . I usually order the Lamb chops . Friday night is a perfect night to go . read more

Just went to Laterna and was given excellent service ad super fresh and delicious food. It may have also been that I was extremely hungry but can't say anything but great things about the salad, clams, and chicken my husband and I ate. read more

The food was pretty good, but the band is way too loud. I was there for a birthday celebration, and they started playing music from the minute guests arrived until we left at 2 am. It was difficult to socialize with other guests because we kept shouting at each other over the music. There were several children there and the volume made it unenjoyable for them. Also, dinner was served at 11 pm - 3 hours after the party started. Finally, the room is shared with other people celebrating occasions, for instance, another party, celebrating a christening, sat up against the windows and the only thing that separated us from them was a railing, so one band for both parties. The clincher -- our party paused for a few minutes while the people celebrating the christening made a speech in front of their cake. We all sat there listening to a stranger saying a few nice words about her child. The tables turned when our party brought in a belly dancer and the other party had the pleasure of enjoying the entertainment they didn't pay for! To top that, the restaurant sat regular clients up against the side wall in the same room!!! In summary, we shared one room with another party and strangers off the street listening to a persistent band that played extremely loud music. read more

The place is a bit odd. We visited tonight and a few of the menu items were not available. These included porgy, giouvetsi, and bakaliaros. Huh? They ran out of these three items? The wine/liquor was priced sky high. Bottle premiums were in the 600%-1000% markup range. Who does that? Two of the band members were smoking while playing. I'm not sure whether Laterna has a cabaret license but it is not appropriate to be smoking and letting the smoke waft towards the customers. The big drawback is that we were offered coffee and a few fruit slices were placed on the table. There was no dessert and there is no dessert menu. Expect to pay $60 pp with a shared appetizer, an entrée, wine, and no dessert. The place was more than half empty on a Saturday night. You'll know why. On the plus side, the entrees were tasty. The moussaka was quite good and the bronzini was excellent. The surf and turf, by the way, is spelled surf turk (yes, turk) on the online menu. I'm all for cooking up a Turk but this is not a good typo to have in a Greek restaurant. read more

Went Saturday afternoon 6/25/11. Both inside rooms had parties going on and, since it was a gorgeous afternoon, we opted to eat on the patio outside. What a beautiful time we had. Our waiter was attentive and considerate. The grilled shrimp were perfection, the Greek salad as fresh as it could be, and my friends' shrimp scampi and lamb kabob, delicious. My boyfriend ordered something (I knew he would not like because it had cheese on it), but insisted that was what he wanted. Then, of course, he did not like it. Our waiter graciously said not to worry and what else would he like to order? It did not appear on the bill. We ordered baklava for dessert, and it was outrageous, as well as huge! We all took half home for a midnight snack. We were discussing the honey drizzeled over the baklava, and our waiter explained that the sauce was not honey at all, as we had thought, but rather caramelized suger, water, cinnamon, and orange rind. Who would've thought? Prices were slightly high for the area, but the quality, service and surroundings were worth the extra couple of bucks per person. Fresh, fresh, fresh! go and enjoy. read more