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Ratings and reviews

RATINGS
Food
Service
Value

Details

PRICE RANGE
US$19 - US$22
CUISINES
Chinese, Asian
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly
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meals, features, about
Reviews (123)
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Reviewed 26 April 2023

Went here after reading reviews on Trip Advisor only to be told by a passer by that it no longer is a sit in restaurant but does Takeaway only!

Date of visit: April 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 4 May 2022

Always my go to for a Chinese takeaway. Food is always very good and staff are welcoming and friendly. Would recommend.

Date of visit: May 2022
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 27 August 2021 via mobile

We had a take away from here last night and after ordering I had looked at reviews and worried it was a mistake. The food was lovely, good portions and really tasty. Would definitely order from here again

Date of visit: August 2021
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 2 July 2021

Absolutely disgusted with what I just received in my delivery order. Coated fat & gristle with hardly a hint of actual meat. Not good enough. Shocked as I had always loved this place as a youngster and was looking forward to tasting my go to...dish again. I won’t make that mistake in future.More

Date of visit: July 2021
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 29 June 2021

We have ordered regularly from this restaurant over the years. We were customers when they were in their previous location across from where Lidl is now. We have also celebrated occasions in this restaurant. We ordered a takeaway recently, it was a substantial order as...we had some family over to dine outside. The chips were terrible and the sauces in the dishes had split and were very greasy. We contacted the restaurant and the staff really just did not care, They offered to give a credit note for a very small sum but at that stage the meal had been ruined. We offered to drop the chips back down to them but they declined and insisted that the chips were freshly cooked. Overall, extremely disappointed.More

Date of visit: May 2021
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 11 April 2021

Chicken and sweet corn soup was ok, then I opened something that may be described as food in certain parts of the world. I thought o would give it the benefit of doubt and now wish I had trusted myself.

Date of visit: April 2021
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 27 December 2020 via mobile

I don’t order Chinese from here anymore as takeaways are usually horrible!! My 14 year old son ( who I’ve tried to tell not to waste anymore money ) rang the lantern Christmas Eve with money he had saved and was looking forward to it....He waited for his take away for well over 2 hours and to open it and it like pure wet, cold and rubber :-( he went to bed I said I’d order from some where else and he just went to bed after waiting so long! And the thing is I got an awful order about 2 years ago and sent the owner a picture of the horrible food and he wasn’t happy and blocked me so I know there’s no point in complaining anymore but it’s sickening for a child to spend money on this and it inedible:-(More

Date of visit: December 2020
Helpful?4  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 22 September 2020 via mobile

This restaurant takes its covid requirement responsibility seriously and should be commended for prioritising the health of customers and staff. The food and service were good. I just found it to be a little bit pricey for what it was. My wife asked if she...could have a little bit of fresh chilli to sprinkle on her meal but was told that none was available. We also asked for some soy sauce. The waitress seemed puzzled and eventually brought us a small bowl of dark soy sauce. We were surprised as we thought that dark soy sauce is not a table condiment, light soy sauce is. The meal was okay but we just found it a little underwhelming for the cost.More

Date of visit: September 2020
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Reviewed 20 September 2020

used to always go to this Chinese but since moving location food went downhill anyways haven't been here for awhile so decided to get a takeaway. Food was ok. But the staff on the other hand very rude very ignorant no manners whatsoever they throw...the box at you to put the money into when paying and then throw you're change back to ya and just walk away no please or thank you or even pretend to be nice when you're serving the public considering it's an expensive restaurant. Won't be going back again in a hurry.More

Date of visit: September 2020
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 1 September 2020

I visited during the week and was greeted by a young girl who sanitised the soles of our shoes. This young girl was extremely nervous and I actually felt it was quite disrespectful that she had to sanitise our shoes. I believe the customer should...have to do this themselves. We went upstairs and the gentleman who owns the restaurant came over and went through the COVID regulations which we had already read as we had the leaflet in front of us for 10mins previous. I could not believe the price of the food, 18.50 for chicken balls, 18 euro for chicken curry. Anyway we said we would treat ourselves. We decided to get 1 chicken curry, chips and rice between us as we wouldn't eat that much. We were told this was not possible and I would have to purchase something that costs minimum 15euro. I asked for a few mins to have another look at the menu. I decided to get a half portion of chicken curry and chips. The owner asked me at least 6 times are you sure thats what you want. Maybe you will try something spicy. I repeatedly told him I don't like spicy food I want chicken curry. My partner asked for chicken curry and half chips and half rice and was told this was not possible. At this stage we really had enough. We both decided we felt extremely uncomfortable and wanted to leave. I told the young girl and she said ok but looked terrified. I really do feel for her as she looked so nervous and scared the whole time we were there. As we were leaving the owner approached us and asked was everything ok (as he had said due to COVID you cannot leave your seat when you are in the restaurant!!). I briefly said we are not happy with the service and he started to plea with us, oh I can do the chicken curry for you etc etc. I had to tell him four times we want to leave we have made our decision and he eventually allowed us to leave! Never again will I step foot inside that place. We both felt so intimidated and uncomfortable, trying to be forced into things. The place was dead and there is no surprise that the restaurant prices are not available on the website. I cannot comment on the food but it is extremely over priced and appalling customer service. hopefully that young girl leaves and gets a better job where she can be more comfortable.More

Date of visit: August 2020
Helpful?4  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 23 August 2020 via mobile

We had a meal here on Thursday the 20th. Lovely food very friendly staff. Full covid plan in place. Staff extremely helpful in trying to find us a taxi. If in Ballina again would definitely go back

Date of visit: August 2020
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 22 August 2020

What a professional team of employees at the lantern restaurant! I’ve been to this place a couple of times pre Covid and the food is always amazing- but our most recent visit was just top notch! When booking, we were sent a text message outlining...the new HSE guidelines to adhere to which was very helpful! Upon arrival, we waited at the outside door to be greeted by a member of staff who then took our temperatures and sanitised our feet! We felt safe immediately! As we were escorted to our table we had a booklet to read regarding Covid rules which was later explained in detail! Just amazing work! This team should be so so proud of the hard work and effort they put in to ensure all customers are kept safe , along with maintaining the highest of food standards! Oh and the food was AMAZING!!!!!!! But that was no surprise 😁 Can’t wait to go back! Well done to all involved! Massive, massive achievement! Thank you !More

Date of visit: August 2020
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 4 August 2020 via mobile

Yum yum yum! Had the most amazing meal here but also wanted to acknowledge the care they have taken to reopen. I felt incredibly safe eating here and the way they are managing reservations is a cut above every other restaurant in the country. Would...highly recommend!More

Date of visit: August 2020
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 1 August 2020

First off. This Restaurant is in a stunning location overlooking the river Moy in Ballina. The food was delicious and portions plentiful. What compelled me to write this review is the sheer professionalism of the staff. The booking process was efficient, welcoming and accommodating. We...were then text a booking confirmation and asked to fill out a contact tracing form online prior to arrival. We were also given instructions to call a number and have our temperature taken prior to entering the restaurant. We were instructed to sanitise our hands and our shoes were sprayed with disinfectant. This is the most enjoyable meal i have had since the start of Covid-19 because i immediately felt comfortable that i was safe as the restaurant had gone to such lengths to ensure my safety. Tripadvisor/ anyone with the power reading this review. The Lantern Ballina deserve an AWARD for how they are managing this crisis and EVERY RESTAURANT IN THE COUNTRY could stand to learn something from the way they are doing things. Thank you so much for a lovely safe evening.More

Date of visit: August 2020
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 16 March 2020 via mobile

Recently visited this local establishment with my partner. This was his first time to eat in The Lantern & he is completely blown away by both the food & premises. It is without doubt the best Chinese food you will get, everything is amazing. We...had chicken wings, chicken satay sticks, sweet & sour chicken & the Lantern’s speciality Chicken Dry, Hot & Spicy which was incredible. You will not get anything similar to this anywhere. The premises is beautifully decorated overlooking the famous River Moy. Staff are very attentive & friendly. Highly recommend the Lantern if you are in Ballina, you won’t be disappointed. Book in advance as it’s busy particularly at peak times. Well done to all of the team. MarieMore

Date of visit: March 2020
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Questions & Answers
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1 October 2019|
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Response from Clive C | Reviewed this property |
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Michael John M
30 December 2018|
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Response from 1BK2 | Reviewed this property |
They are licensed so you would need to ask.
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THE LANTERN CHINESE RESTAURANT & TAKE AWAY, Ballina - Restaurant Reviews, Phone Number & Photos - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about The Lantern Chinese Restaurant & Take Away

Yes, The Lantern Chinese Restaurant & Take Away offers takeaway services.

Yes, The Lantern Chinese Restaurant & Take Away offers delivery services.

The Lantern Chinese Restaurant & Take Away is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travellers:
  • Food: 4
  • Service: 4.5
  • Value: 4