Red Lantern - Lawrenceville

I was really looking forward to having a seafood restaurant so close to home, but I ended up feeling quite disappointed. I ordered the seafood boil with shrimp and green mussels, but the sauce was completely lacking in flavor. It felt as though they just added water to the seasonings without letting it actually cook. However, that wasn't even the worst part. When I turned over the mussel, I was shocked at how unappetizing it looked. There was still grime and barnacles clinging to the shell. It seemed they didn’t bother to wash or scrub the shells before putting them into the sauce with the rest of the food. I apologize to the owner for my harsh feedback, but I truly felt disgusted.

I was impressed by the quick service and friendly staff from the moment I walked in, and the restaurant was very clean. Red Lantern is not your typical Asian restaurant, as you might expect. I’m definitely planning to return soon! This review comes a few days after my first visit.

I’ve given this restaurant three chances, and each time has left me disappointed. The food tastes cheap and of low quality—not good at all. During my second visit, I was the second person in line, yet they completely forgot about my order! I ended up waiting 15 minutes for my lunch with no apology. In the photo, you can see the chicken fried rice—I can barely find a piece of chicken in it. For $8? I won’t be returning.

I picked up lunch today because I wanted some good Chinese. Big mistake, first time eating here, and I ordered the sesame chicken combo with vegetable fried rice egg roll. Well, the rice was okay, and the egg rolls were good, but the sesame chicken was not good, very chewy, and mostly fried fritter, with sesame seeds thrown on top. Very disappointing, paid $13, not worth it.

I went in at the last minute to have something for dinner never been there before. They were warm inviting and friendly. They were cleaning the place was very clean. I told him that I had never been there before he explained their dishes what I could expect them to taste like. I can truly say EVERYTHING was delicious and I will be going back!