Reviews - Lanterns
Reviews summary
Lanterns restaurant in Ipswich received mixed reviews from customers. Some expressed disappointment in the quality of the food, citing undercooked rice, lack of ingredients in dishes, and unprofessional behavior from staff. Others praised the delicious, hot, and fresh food, as well as the friendly and helpful service. The fixed-price menu was a hit with customers, who enjoyed the option to eat as much as they wanted cooked to order. Overall, opinions varied on Lanterns, with some recommending it for great Chinese food, while others felt let down by the dining experience.
Was Florence Ward at Lanterns a mag?
If you want awesome Chinese food this is the place, the a la carte menu is a little expensive compared to others but when you get your food you won't be that bothered as it's superb, some of the best Chinese ribs I've ever had and along with the two girls we had serve us who were both extremely helpful polite and actually smiled when they met you and brought you your food which is very rare these days, would definite... View all feedback.
What Angel Ceccoli dislikes about Lanterns:
Upon our arrival, we had to wait a short while in an invisible line before being seated. Unfortunately, the menu was not explained to us, so we had to seek out a waitress to ask for clarification. Once we understood how it all worked, we were able to enjoy our buffet lunch. The variety of starters and mains offered were all delicious and catered to different tastes. Our family of five had a great time. It was also Mo... View all feedback.
Images uploaded by reviewers
Reviews from various users
Last update : 21.06.2026
Went there with a group of friends last night. Was greeted in a very friendly and welcoming manner. It seemed to have a very relaxed atmosphere. We were not rushed into ordering our food. We ordered a selection of appetisers which turned out to be a excellent variety to start our meals. We then ordered a selection of dishes for our mains. The food did not take long at all and again lived up to expectations. We were able to get some extra portions when we had finished the mains. We ordered some d
This is a superb Chinese restaurant. Staff are all super friendly and the food is amazing. I was served by P and she was fantastic. I would defo recommend to friends and family. Can’t wait to go back.
We visited this restaurant as a couple on a week night. It wasn't busy, there were only a few tables occupied and the service was fast. We chose the buffet menu where we could order as many dishes as we want for a fixed price. Made it through two appetisers, one main course, and a dessert each, so it was good value for money. The waitress was super friendly and recommended dishes which was helpful as the menu is very broad almost to the point where it's difficult to make choices! The food was ni
Amazing food, staff were great, nothing was any trouble and you weren't rushed. Would definitely go again
My other half and I had a lovely meal here. Food is amazing lovely vegetarian optons) service 10/10 atmosphere friendly the staff are friendly and can't do enough we were made to feel welcomed. The restaurant is very clean the decor is fantastic. Definitely going to bring our family next visit.
Last update : 26.04.2024
Upon our arrival, we had to wait a short while in an invisible line before being seated. Unfortunately, the menu was not explained to us, so we had to seek out a waitress to ask for clarification. Once we understood how it all worked, we were able to enjoy our buffet lunch. The variety of starters and mains offered were all delicious and catered to different tastes. Our family of five had a great time. It was also Mother's Day, and my mum was offered a complimentary glass of Prosseco, which she declined as she does not drink. It would have been nice if a non-alcoholic alternative was offered, but it was not a big deal. Overall, it was a wonderful dining experience.
This isthe second time we have eaten here, first was a birthday, second was on valentines day. Both times the place was very busy but this did not affect our dining experience. The wait for food was no different to any other restaurant where food is cooked fresh. The food itself is amazing and we both agree they are the best ribs we have had in any establishment (from Norwich and this includes the many slow cooked/smoked/rib specialists there). Would recommend this restaurant to anybody, not just the all you can fanatics. Decor is very pleasant, staff very friendly and approachable.
The buffet menu offers great value at £22 per person. The atmosphere is lively, but can be noisy. There is a car park directly across from the restaurant, and it is an easy walk to the town center for bars and other amenities.
The food was excellent and the staff were extremely helpful in assisting us with selecting our meals for our party of 6 people.
Last update : 11.09.2023
This is the second time we ate here, first was a birthday, second on Valentine's Day. Both times the place was very busy, but this did not affect our dining experience. Waiting for the food was no different from any other restaurant where the food is freshly cooked. The food itself is amazing, and we both agree that there are the best ribs that we had in every operation (from Norwich and this closes the many slowly cooked / smoked / rib specialists there). Would recommend this restaurant to everyone, not only what you can fanatics. Decor is very pleasant, staff very friendly and accessible.
The food was fantastic and the staff was very helpful in choosing what we wanted for the 6 of us.
Had a lovely meal here last week with my partner, food quality was amazing and lots to choose from within the buffet all you can eat menu. My only complaint is the service, the 2 young girls took ages to bring our drinks and take our order, it was quite busy but im sure gets a lot busier than that. Maybe employ a bar member instead of the girls having to make drinks, serve meals and take orders. Will definatly go back due to the quality of the food, the food portions were not big at all however you can order what u want so order as many different dishes as you would like and you can always order more after :
We went lantern's last night I was in the february and it was amazing! but last night was another experience the appetizers came it nicely presented and hot, but not really tasted of anything and after a long wait the escape came it was very badly not a cripple very fat, the gurke was dry and the earlylings had still attached the root. we then waited a long time for the main meal when they came, it was average the chow mine and the bun with cashew nuts saved the day, but the recovery was not great. the ladies were beautiful and made a great job! I don't know what has changed since februar, but improvement is necessary.
Good food but extremely poor policy communication. Turns out the buffet 'all you can eat ' is only 2hrs limit -something not mentioned on their site, upon booking or on arrival. We were merrily discussing our next order when the bill was unceremoniously plonked on our table and we were told another party was waiting for our table. No objections to limits but when something is sprung upon you like that it really puts a downer on the experience.
