Ridgewood's La Lanterna Café & Grill Back In Familiar Hands

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — La Lanterna, a nearly two-decades-old fixture in Ridgewood, is set to reopen after closing temporarily and has returned to familiar hands.

The Italian restaurant, located at 29 West Ridgewood Avenue, is reopening under the management of the original owners, Paul and Joanne Karoutsos, who had sold the business more than a year ago to retire, the family said.

Having founded the restaurant in 2004, the Karoutsos had a close connection with old customers and staff that they did not so easily part with. So, when they heard that the new owners had decided to sell after about 13 months, the Karoutsos jumped on the opportunity and closed on the deal about three weeks ago, they said.

On Tuesday, after refreshing the space with some minor renovations, the restaurant is reopening to the public.

"We are so happy to have it back," said the Karoutsos daughter Marianna, who helps her parents — along with her brothers — with the restaurant. "We missed having the support of this lovely town, and we are excited to see everyone come back and create new memories with us."

Marianna Karoutsos said the family will slowly add new touches to the restaurant overtime.

"We are all so happy to be back and can't wait to see you," the restaurant said on its Facebook page.