How to dine like Amal and George Clooney in Lake Como: from Harry’s Bar and their date night favourite Il Gatto Nero, to the Grand Hotel Tremezzo terrace and Grill at Villa d’Este
George and Amal Clooney are practically the celeb king and queen of Lake Como … at the very least they always seem to live like royals in this dreamy destination.
Both stylish, sophisticated and immensely talented, it’s no wonder the couple chose to invest in property in the gorgeous region. And boy was it a good investment – George bought their 18th century Villa Oleandra back in 2002 for US$7 million, and today it’s worth a whopping US$100 million. Step anywhere near it though and you’ll be fined US$600.
Located in the Lombardy region at the foothills of the Alps, the mountainous backdrop features Italy’s third largest lake and is home to a wealth of Renaissance architecture, breathtaking scenery and high-end restaurants and hotels.
The region has clearly made an impact on the couple, who spend much of their time in this dreamy locale – when George isn’t busy making films and Amal isn’t pursuing human rights cases as a barrister, that is.
So without further ado, here’s how to wine and dine in Lake Como like a Clooney.
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1. Il Gatto Nero
A popular date night spot for George and Amal, Il Gatto Nero is a terraced restaurant overlooking the lake.
The eatery serves Italian cuisine and Mediterranean specialities with a menu curated by chef Stefania, who cooks up delicacies such as Pastificio Braglia tagliatelle and slow-cooked veal fillet. In fact George is such a regular that, according to Harper’s Bazaar, the Ocean’s Eleven actor sold his motorbike to the restaurant’s owner during a visit last year.
2. Grand Hotel Tremezzo
A-listers flock to Lake Como’s art nouveau-style Grand Hotel Tremezzo, which has been a long-time favourite of George’s – and now of Amal too, it seems.
The couple have previously been spotted arriving by boat with family and friends to the hotel’s elegant waterside La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi restaurant. On the more casual end, the hotel’s T Pizza makes the carby classic in a wood-fire oven amid the property’s beautiful gardens. Even Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have been spotted dining here.
The hotel is currently closed for the winter season and will reopen its doors on March 1.
3. Harry’s Bar
The duo really do live la dolce vita. Another spot they’ve been known to enjoy, according to People, is Harry’s Bar in Cernobbio.
Open since 1973, this lakeside location is ideal for aperitifs, lunch or dinner and has an impressive wine selection. The sunny spot will reopen its doors after the holidays in time for Valentine’s Day on February 14.
4. Villa d’Este Hotel
While luxury hotels in Lake Como are a dime a dozen, the Clooneys’ favourite is likely to be Villa d’Este, according to The Telegraph.
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Often dubbed the region’s crown jewel, this romantic resort has played host to princesses, marquises, sultans and tsars for centuries, while celeb guests have included the Duke and duch*ess of Windsor, Elizabeth Taylor, Alfred Hitchco*ck, Frank Sinatra and more, per The Leading Hotels of the World. The same source states that the Clooneys’ preferred dining choice is Grill, which is located near the Queen’s Pavilion. Guests can opt to dine in the garden during the summer.
5. Alle Darsene di Loppia
You’ll rarely find the Clooneys not dressed to the nines when they’re out and about – which is hardly surprising considering their exquisite taste in venues.
Another waterfront place they seem to love is Alle Darsene di Loppia, where guests can sit outside under a pergola. The upscale Michelin-recommended restaurant specialises in both fresh and saltwater fish and meat dishes while peering over Loppia’s port. Model Molly Sims has also been spotted here.
6. Da Luciano
Back in 2021, George showed his support for the local restaurant owners affected by a violent hailstorm in Laglio, a tiny village on the West side of Lake Como. ET Canada reported that the storm was so violent it caused landslides and rivers to overflow.
The 61-year-old actor spoke with the founders of Da Luciano bar – and even took a pic for their ‘gram.
7. La Colombetta
Founded by three sisters, La Colombetta brings traditional Sardinian cuisine to Lake Como and is favoured by A-listers including Google’s Sergey Brin, Adam Sandler and The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger. According to MCC Social, the Ticket to Paradise star has also dined at the charming two-storey restaurant set inside a historic former chapel. It will reopen its doors after the winter season on February 12.
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8. Azienda Agricola Sorsasso
George and Amal are known wine enthusiasts, even owning a vineyard in Provence, according to Vinepair. When in Lake Como, fellow oenophiles would do well to stop at Azienda Agricola Sorsasso, a family-run wine producer that’s believed to have been the source of Clooney’s wedding day drinks menu. The vineyard and restaurant also hold wine tastings in its picturesque mountain hideaway.
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