Lanterna Fish Island is a modern Italian restaurant, deli and bar in the heart of Hackney Wick. Housed in a converted industrial space with high ceilings, large windows and exposed columns, Lanterna combines bold design with warm hospitality, offering something for every occasion - from casual coffees to bottomless brunches and celebratory dinners.
Inside, you’ll find graffiti-style artwork, parquet and tiled flooring, wooden tables and plush velvet seating in jewel tones. A wraparound blue tiled bar anchors the main room, while a mezzanine level and private dining rooms offer cosy, semi-private spaces for groups. Whether you’re stopping by for a glass of wine and small plates or settling in for a long weekend brunch, the space feels vibrant and welcoming.
The Lanterna menu spans brunch, lunch and dinner, with authentic Italian flavours and generous portions. Brunch dishes range from full English to ricotta pancakes and breakfast pizzas, while lunch includes focaccia and ciabatta sandwiches, avocado toast and a range of salads and pizettes.
At dinner, the spotlight is on wood-fired pizzas - including Margherita, goat’s cheese, spicy salami and chicken - and pasta dishes like tagliatelle alla Nerano and king prawn linguine. Mains include chicken Milanese with crushed new potatoes and aioli, and slow-cooked Italian sausage ragu.
Small plates and sharing boards make it easy to graze, and desserts such as tiramisu, Nutella pizza and Italian gelato round off the meal. Lanterna also serves bottomless brunch at weekends, with 90 minutes of free-flowing fizz, cocktails, beers or soft drinks. Aiming to be the heart of the local neighbourhood, Lanterna Fish Island is a lively, stylish spot that brings a slice of Italian flair to East London.