In Cernobbio, on Lake Como, controversy erupts: at Il Gatto Nero restaurant, the cover charge for a table in the front row, with a lake view, goes up to a whopping 15 euros, and the prices on the menu are no less. But how much are we willing to pay to eat in front of an exclusive view?
The news
As famous as Amalfi, Positano or Taormina, Cernobbio is an Italian town in the province of Como, internationally renowned as a prestigious tourist destination, so much so that even Americans are fascinated. Among the landmarks that lend importance to the village are Villa d'Este and Villa Erba, as well as an evocative view that enchants at any time of day or night.
It is precisely the latter that has become the fortune of many restaurateurs in the area, and a misfortune for customers. Visitors, often unknowingly, face significantly inflated bills. The record is held by Il Gatto Nero, a restaurant with an excellent overview: the terrace overlooks the lake, and on it is arranged the first row of tables, upon which seating implies a cover charge of 15 euros per person. Sitting not far from the balustrade is slightly cheaper, 8 euros, a sum that is still exaggerated compared to other high-end restaurants located in Milan or Venice, at Biffi for example the supplement is 6 euros.
Not to mention the list on the menu, appetizers hover around 24-30 euros, a pasta dish 28 euros and main courses start at 34 euros and up, data reported by Huffpost. And it's a good thing it does not boast any kind of special recognition or Michelin stars, otherwise it would be inaccessible even to the wealthiest.
The previous management affected its fame, George Clooney was a regular, as well as its immediate proximity to the five-star hotels surrounding the Lario. This in no way justifies the addition of 15-20% on the receipt. Although there is nothing illegal about it - since the service charge is listed on the paper as required by law - the website, which is necessarily used for reservations, and consulted before placing the order, does not list such information.
A clever and devious trap that exploits the lack of experience of the unfortunate customers, who find themselves in front of the cash register stunned, obviously forced to face a more than onerous final expense. This tactic not only disappoints new patrons, but also undermines their confidence, making their future return less likely.
