That One Time Stanley Tucci Cooked “Cod alla Livornese” For Harry Styles

It’s not every day that a Hollywood heavyweight cooks for a global pop star, but Stanley Tucci is no ordinary host. Known as much for his culinary prowess as his acting chops, Tucci recently spilled the beans—or rather, the cod—on the time he served up an Italian classic for none other than Harry Styles. The anecdote, tucked away in Tucci’s memoir, reveals a delightful intersection of food, fame, and flair.

Imagine hosting a dinner party with a guest list so eclectic it could rival the Met Gala. For Stanley Tucci, that dream became a reality when Harry Styles turned up at his table. Styles, who was invited by Tucci’s stepdaughter, made quite the impression on the host. “He’s the loveliest guy,” Tucci gushed in his memoir, cementing Styles’ reputation as the kind of guest you’d happily pass the salt to.

But this wasn’t your run-of-the-mill chicken-and-rice affair. No, Tucci went full-on Italian maestro, dishing out Cod alla Livornese, a Tuscan specialty brimming with tomato sauce, olives, and capers. The dish, much like Styles’ outfits, was bold, layered, and impossible to ignore.

Cod, But Make It Chic

For Tucci, cooking isn’t just a skill—it’s a performance. Known for his deeply personal connection to food, he brought all the drama to his Cod alla Livornese. The dish, a staple of Livorno, Italy, perfectly embodies the region’s coastal charm and rustic sophistication. In his memoir, Tucci recounts how he perfected the recipe, balancing flavors that could stand up to even the most discerning palate (and perhaps the scrutiny of a Grammy winner).

Styles, ever the gentleman, reportedly savored every bite. It’s not hard to imagine the pop star leaning back, sipping wine, and appreciating the mastery of Tucci’s kitchen—though, of course, Tucci remains his own harshest critic.

What’s a meal without conversation? While the cod was the star of the evening, it was likely rivaled by Styles’ infamous charm. Tucci noted that Styles fit seamlessly into the family dinner dynamic, proving once again that charisma doesn’t stop at the stage door.

Tucci’s memoir doesn’t just give us a glimpse of his star-studded dinner parties; it reveals his philosophy about food. For him, cooking isn’t about showing off—it’s about connection. Whether he’s serving cod to Harry Styles or whipping up a simple pasta for his kids, Tucci approaches the kitchen with the same love and care.

This particular evening was no different. As Tucci set the table and plated the fish, he wasn’t just feeding a pop icon; he was sharing a part of himself. And that’s the kind of recipe we could all use more of.