What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Lantern
Review
About
Travellers' Choice
2024
Southeast Asian restaurant & bar, set in a lush garden in Papamoa Beach
Features
CUISINES
Asian, Thai, Fusion, Vietnamese, Healthy, Malaysian
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Dog Friendly
Full Bar
Gift Cards Available
Highchairs Available
Outdoor Seating
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Wheelchair Accessible
Wine and Beer
Does this restaurant allow dogs or considered pet friendly?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 12:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Wednesday
12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Thursday
12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Friday
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Saturday
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Contribute
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.9
(220)
Excellent
204
Good
13
Average
0
Poor
3
Terrible
0
Carran J
London2 contributions
Feb 2024 • friends
We booked a table for 10 of us from work and had the most fabulous time.
The waiter even decided on the menu we wanted with the budget we gave per person and individualised it for all dietary tastes including gluten free/ vegetarian and pescatarian!
Every single dish that was served was incredible with fabulous fresh flavours … 5 star food/ 5 star ambience and 5 star service .
It’s a gem of a place to have in The Bay
Written 12 February 2024
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.
Lantern Papamoa
Thank you for the great review. We are so happy we could accomodate you all and keep everyone happy. 😊
Written 25 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Billyemeny
Tauranga41 contributions
Oct 2024 • couples
If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience in Papamoa, Lantern is the place to be. This Asian fusion restaurant is an absolute gem, offering a perfect combination of bold flavours, creativity, and warm hospitality.
We opted for shared plates, which turned out to be a fantastic decision. Each dish was a masterpiece, beautifully presented and bursting with flavour. From the delicate balance of spices to the fresh, high-quality ingredients, every bite was a delight. The variety allowed us to experience a range of tastes, each one as impressive as the last.
The cocktails were another highlight of the evening. Handcrafted to perfection, they were both visually stunning and delicious. The care and attention put into each drink truly elevated the overall experience.
Lantern’s atmosphere is modern and inviting, with a cozy yet stylish vibe that’s perfect for a night out with friends or a special date. The staff were attentive, knowledgeable, and made sure our evening was seamless from start to finish.
If you’re in the Bay of Plenty, make sure to visit Lantern in Papamoa. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again. Highly recommended! 🌟🍸🍴
Written 30 November 2024
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.
Nigel B
Chipping Ongar451 contributions
Jan 2025 • family
We chose Lantern for a special family birthday dinner for 9 of us and we weren't disappointed. There is a lovely atmosphere and our waiter Jimmy W was very friendly and explained all the menu options. The food was delicious and enjoyed by all. I particularly enjoyed the prawn toast and lamb shank curry. The restaurant was busy but service was excellent and we managed three courses in 2 hours when our table was needed by the next diners.
Written 9 January 2025
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.
Coastal19365154111
111 contributions
Nov 2024 • couples
One of our favourites. Everything is next level. The service, the fitout, the cocktails, the food. I had the green thumb cocktail which was tart, sour and sweet at the same time. So delish. We always have a tuna bite for a start. It’s a perfect combination of crisp, salty and tangym(this from someone who doesn’t like raw fish). We shared steamed fish, beef skewers, crispy Malaysian chicken and pork and chive dumplings. Everything was phenomenal. We will always be back to Lantern. It’s one of the best in the Bay.
Written 16 November 2024
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.
Tracey-Lee S
313 contributions
Oct 2024 • friends
We had dinner with friends here last night and it was fantastic. The food was delicious - I especially liked the siracha prawn toasts, Korean fried chicken, and the beef skewers. The service was great. Our server was a young gentleman who was funny and helpful - popped up at the right times but wasn't intrusive. The atmosphere was really cool as well. Would absolutely recommend this restaurant. We will definitely be back (but make sure you book well in advance. This place is crazy popular).
Written 19 October 2024
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.
cathy137408
Tauranga172 contributions
Sept 2024 • couples
This is the best restaurant in Papamoa, and possibly the best in the Tauranga area. This place has been in our top three since it opened and Jimmy and his happy team make this a really great dining experience. It’s a sharing kind of menu so you can taste lots of dishes. Today we shared the steamed fish, cured tuna bites, beef skewers, fried chicken and pork dumplings. Everything was next level fantastic. Service is impeccable and the restaurant fit out is lovely. Always save room for an affogato. It is the best dessert in the bay.
Written 1 September 2024
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.
diver201
Opotiki154 contributions
Aug 2024 • couples
We had a quick lunch here this week and as usual, the food & service were fantastic. My partner is Coeliac and the Lantern staff always take care to ensure that her food is 100% GF. Much appreciated!
Written 29 August 2024
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.
Victoria P
Tauranga35 contributions
May 2024 • family
We went as a group of 5 adults and 1 pre-schooler for an every dinner birthday celebration on Saturday. The food and service was absolutely amazing. We had a range of dishes with the edamame beans, tuna cups, summer rolls and wok tossed noodles being the favourites. The massaman curry was really good too. Probably the best since we travelled south east Asia. The wait staff were fabulous - it seemed like they had a great culture and all worked really well together. They were attentive and funny and brought our daughter a surprise lolly when she fell and hurt herself. The purple rain cocktail is a win if you don’t like sweet cocktails and a citrus hit. We will 100% be back!!
Written 4 May 2024
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.
Lantern Papamoa
Thanks for the great review Victoria! Glad you all had a great time! Great to hear you loved Purple Rain too. That’s our newbie
🥰
Written 5 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Raina C
15 contributions
Aug 2023 • friends
Best place to eat in Papamoa
We celebrated my husband's 60th here, we were a party of 25 and enjoyed a set menu.
From beginning to end the service we had was exceptional. Jimmy emailed to find out any dietary requirements and we agreed on a price per head. The food was amazing and we had so much we enjoyed taking doggy bags homes. The serving staff did and excellent job and were all very friendly. Can't wait to eat there again.
Written 6 August 2023
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.
Susan R
Auckland25 contributions
Apr 2024 • couples
Loved this place! Gorgeous decor, staff so knowledgeable about wine and food. Had the set menu, everything was delicious and such generous servings, we asked for a doggie bag. Recomend to all. A must when in Papamoa
Written 28 May 2024
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.
carol o
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • friends
Went for the first time earlier this week for lunch. Proved to be an excellent dining experience. Menu was fully explained by friendly and helpful staff. as someone who prefers not to eat nuts of any sort, alternatives were offered on the spot. Food was prompt, beautifully presented, and although we both only ordered a small entrée, rice was added at no charge. One of the most reasonably priced lunches I've had for many a long day. Hope to visit again real soon.
Written 30 November 2023
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.
Lantern Papamoa
Thank you for the review. Happy to hear you’ll be back 😊
Written 25 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kezzaj17
Auckland93 contributions
Oct 2022 • family
We went for a family dinner out with our two teenage children. As it was our first time, we were told their menu is designed to be shared and was advised to get 2 small plates per person, or one large plate per person. We chose a good variety and everything was wonderful.
We all had our own favourites, the Korean Chicken was fantastic but we couldn't fault the food (except for the huge amount of coriander, so much coriander) The staff were also very friendly
We thought it was a bit expensive compared to other places we've been to but the food was very good.
Written 28 October 2022
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.
c h
Tauranga50 contributions
Aug 2023 • friends
Around 2yrs ago I wrote a poor review for lantern that was befitting of my then experience. Decided to try again as friends farewell dinner.
Amazing!! All of the dishes were delicious, waitress fantastic and communicated the 'vibe' of sharing plates coming out at different times etc.
Really looking forward to going back again.
Written 22 September 2023
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.
Aaron Myall
Christchurch82 contributions
Aug 2023 • family
Was very impressed with Lantern, the South East Asian menu is designed for sharing, and the dishes just come when ready. Everything we ordered was delicious, the menu caters for vegan and gluten free diets, and also a mix of spicy and mild. Staff were fantastic, very friendly, explained the menu really well and knowledgeable on dietary requirements etc. Will be back for sure.
Written 26 August 2023
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.
Sandi B
Tauranga8 contributions
Jul 2023 • friends
HIghly recommended by my daughter and so thought we would give it a go. The food was so delicious - we all loved the flavours and the mix that we could choose.
The service was friendly but also helpful as she explained how it worked and what some of the dishes were like. We never felt pressured, but could just relax in the warm atmosphere and enjoy the experience together.
Written 14 August 2023
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.
Showing results 1-15 of 219
Best moderately priced restaurants
See all
Best nearby
We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Best nearby hotels
See all 
Best nearby restaurants
See all 
Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing