A family-run Italian restaurant right in the centre of Glasgow, La Lanterna makes you wonder why people bother with pizza chains. Proud to be the oldest such restaurant in Glasgow, having been established over 35 years, the secret to the success seems to be the authenticity. The pasta is home-made in the restaurant’s kitchen and daily specials mean the menu is just as fresh; the seafood specials are hot favourites. While the food is contemporary Italian, the décor is more traditional with bare walls and exposed beams, a low-key approach that keeps the emphasis on the food. There’s a separate bar as well, ideal for a post-dinner cocktail, perfect for relaxing after dessert; the tiramisu needs to be tried.