The Lantern Chinese Restaurant – A Taste of Ballina Since 1986

For almost four decades, The Lantern Chinese Restaurant & Take Away has been delighting Ballina locals and visitors alike with authentic flavours, warm hospitality, and a signature dish that has earned a legendary reputation – the famous Chicken Dry Hot & Spicy.

A Chance Encounter That Changed Ballina’s Food Scene

The story of The Lantern began in 1985, when Sunny Ho, then Head Chef at Kites Chinese Restaurant in Ballsbridge, Dublin, met a Ballina business couple who encouraged him to bring Chinese cuisine to the town. Sunny and his wife Loretta travelled west, fell in love with Ballina, and soon after opened the town’s very first Chinese restaurant by the River Moy. Locals were instantly hooked, and Ballina’s food landscape was forever changed.

The Taste of Ballina

What sets The Lantern apart is its signature dish, Chicken Dry Hot & Spicy, which has become so iconic that many simply call it “The Taste of Ballina.” The recipe’s origins are almost as special as its flavour. Each day before opening, Sunny would cook meals for his staff. One day, a delivery driver was drawn in by the irresistible aroma and asked to try it. Word quickly spread, and soon customers were requesting it by name. Today, this much-loved recipe has been passed down to Sunny’s son, Jackie, who now runs the restaurant.

A Family Business at the Heart of the Community

Sunny and Loretta raised their family in Ballina, becoming an integral part of the community. Now, Jackie continues the tradition, serving delicious Chinese cuisine to locals and visitors while keeping the restaurant a welcoming, family-run space.

A Restaurant with a View

Located on Emmet Street, the new Lantern restaurant offers breathtaking views of the River Moy and St. Muredach’s Cathedral. Inside, guests will find a bright, spacious dining room with subtle Asian-inspired décor, comfortable seating, and a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Whether dining in or ordering a takeaway, The Lantern offers an experience that keeps customers coming back.

Visit The Lantern Chinese Restaurant & Take Away

All images courtesy The Lantern Chinese Restaurant & Take Away Facebook