La Lanterna

La Lanterna, also known as La Lanterna Chez Nello, is an Italian-owned restaurant and pizzeria in Chaweng Noi, just south of Chaweng Beach. It has built a big following over the years, with well over a thousand reviews on Google and an average close to five stars.

The specialities are wood-fired pizza and home-made pasta. Look for the home-made ravioli with lobster, fettuccine with lobster, gnocchi alla sorrentina and the panuozzo, a Neapolitan pizza-dough sandwich filled with chicken or Angus beef. Gluten-free pasta is available, desserts are made in house and there are a few Thai dishes for anyone who wants them.

It is relaxed and friendly rather than formal, and handy for Chaweng hotels. It opens every day from midday to 10pm, so it works for lunch as well as dinner; call ahead for a table in high season.