La Lanterna Ristorante

Established in 1973 and reckoned to Scarborough’s oldest Italian restaurant, La Lanterna is very much the Giorgio Alessio show. The chef/patron’s press cuttings are everywhere, along with signed photos of actors who have appeared in the nearby theatre – and the man himself is often out front, advising or whipping up zabaglione.

The kitchen rejects pizzeria clichés in favour of Piedmontese truffles and seafood from the local boats – perhaps fish stew with crunchy homemade crostone, lobster or brill cooked simply and served with some al dente veg. You can also eat handsomely by ordering one of the homemade pastas (tagliolini with veal ragù and pecorino, for example), and there are some fine meat dishes too – from buttery veal escalopes with white wine and lemon juice to fillet steak dressed with a luxurious sauce of taleggio cheese, cream and grappa (truffles optional). Patrician Italian wines too.

Something of a Yorkshire institution, La Lanterna Ristorante has stood proudly on the city’s Queen Street for almost forty years. The restaurant first opened its doors in 1997, with chef patron Giorgio Alessio at the helm from day one.

Once inside, the smart dining room will conjure up images of the Italian coastline, thanks to sunny pale yellow walls, terracotta tablecloths and cosy high back chairs upholstered in shades of ocean blue. Portraits of ships and the sea further shape the restaurant’s identity, while soft lighting creates a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.

Unlike many more casual Italian restaurants in the UK, La Lanterna Ristorante is not the place to visit for the likes of a quick and casual pizza. Instead, the restaurant prides itself on dishing up a sophisticated and refined take on Italian cuisine, inspired by Giorgio’s native Piedmont in northern Italy. There is a particular focus on fish (don’t miss the daily-changing list of fish specials), as well as homespun pastas and risottos, plus game dishes when in season. Those looking for a touch of luxury will be glad to know that La Lanterna Ristorante considers itself something of a specialist when it comes to Italian truffles.

The menu here is divided up into the traditional four-course Italian format, beginning with antipasti such as parma ham and melon or beef carpaccio topped with Parmesan shavings. From the pasta dishes, choose between the likes of ravioli stuffed with black pudding and served with an English mustard sauce or tagliolini with veal and a Pecorino cheese sauce. If you are craving meat, order a chicken breast for your main course, either wrapped in Parma ham and topped with cheese or served in a garlic and rosemary sauce.

To finish, tuck into homemade natural ice creams or a selection of Italian cheeses.