The Lantern, Ealing, London

I haven’t been here for many years, but I am glad I came back. It’s a great, well, quirky Greek eatery experience. When you enter the Lantern it has a very homely feel to it. Although a tad worn, its clean and wonderful to say the least. When you look up, because it’s not possible not to, it’s amazing. Everything is hanging from the ceiling. It’s like as if they got a bric-a-brac cart of ex Greek restaurant decor and simply chucked it up at the ceiling. Whatever stuck, stayed put. There are many string less guitars hanging round and so many fairy lights that an xmas tree would be envious.
It’s warm, cosy, inviting and intimate without feeling crowded.
The food is authentic, I say this because it tastes good, it’s not frilly and the chef came out at the end of the evening, had a glass of wine and a chat with us. He has been cooking there for years.
I would not say it the most amazing food you will ever eat, but its very GOOD. The house red is also good, we had a lot of it.

Great place for dates, families, groups of friends who just wanna eat!

PS: LOVE the toilets.

Very entertaining place for a slightly offbeat night out. The restaurant feels like it has been transported wholescale from a tourist town on a Greek island.

The decor has to be seen to be believed -- I don’t think I’ve ever seen more fairy lights in my life. Gents can enjoy the “count the nipple” game in the toilet (I think there are 3).

Food is generally pretty good: although I advise you to steer clear of the “catastrophe” (a huge plate of various different bits of meat) unless you have low blood pressure.

I’m not sure about the quality of the live musician (a guitarist who sings covers) but it all adds to the atmosphere I suppose…

Booking recommended.

I took a girlfriend here for our second date and it didn;t go well as dates go….and I lay the blame squarely at the feet of the Lantern.
Wwe arrived early (10 minutes) and were seated in the unheated conservotary (in Feb). When I asked to be moved, I was told we would have to wait for another 30 minutes.
Wwhen eventually served, the food was pretty ordinary. The service was fine, but all in all….....2 stars is what they deserve

I love this place! Has a fantastic atmosphere, with live music on friday nights. Really quirky looking with loads of fairylights and bits and pieces adorning the walls and ceiling. Food is great too, especially if your sharing!

Probably the best Greek in Ealing.

This family run business has existed for many years - testament to the quality of food and fantastic atmosphere in the evenings. We’ve frequently eaten here with the family, and I’ve yet to be disappointed. Beautiful live music and great service complement the fresh, tasty Greek dishes.

I think it’s an undiscovered gem to many; but once you’ve been here once, you’ll keep coming back!