First, you should know that there are two Lanterna ristorantes in Genova, and this one, A Lanterna di Don Gallo (LDG) on Pza. Barabino, near the ferry terminal on the west side of the port, is NOT the same as the nearby, nearly eponymous one, Osteria Marinara A Lanterna (OMAL, erroneously also pictured in this review), on Via Milano closer to the port's center. LDG is named after Don Gallo, a legendary and hardworking Genovese priest/social worker, and this review is addressed to it, at its Pza. Barabino location.
Given the confusion between the two ristoranti, directions are relevant: LDG is reachable by bus lines 1, 3, 5, 9, and 20, among others, and is a short walk west of the Via De Francia railway - NOT subway - station. The trick to finding LDG is its blue striped awning and outdoor seating, once you've negotiated the confusing maze of streets and interchanges west of the Holiday Inn on Via Milano. For LDG take Via Francia as it heads west and morphs into Pza. Barabino; for OMAL, take Via Milano as it heads south along the port. Some map study is definitely in order before seeking out these two ristoranti. Remember, the blue striped awning is the key to telling them apart.
Once there, LDG is a delight. The food is fresh and well prepared. I had the excellent Estate del Mare, a pesto sauced barley seafood salad with baby clams, shrimp, tuna, and grated lettuce, carrot, and celery, the perfect starter for lunch on a hot summer day. I followed up with spaghetti al vongolo, in a delicate pomodoro crudo sauce, all washed down with an Ichnusa beer from Sardinia. The total bill was just under $20, and the food was excellent. The seats outside are just as nice as those indoors, and the friendly staff made the meal a total pleasure.
I've not yet been to OMAL, but it gets good reviews, too. Just be sure you get the names and locations of these two somewhat similar restaurants right when you review them. Buon appetito! read more