What is the "Restaurant Cover Charge and Menu Switching" scam in Benidorm?

Question

Accepted Answer

Restaurants on the Levante and Poniente strips, particularly those targeting British package tourists, present English menus on arrival with competitive prices and then present bills that include bread cover charges of 3-6 EUR per person, service charges of 10-15 percent, and occasional items at prices different from the menu. When disputed, staff claim the printed menu had a date or note excusing the difference. Read the menu carefully before ordering and ask explicitly whether any items on the table — bread, olives, condiments — carry a charge. Ask for an itemised receipt when the bill arrives and compare each item against what was ordered and its menu price. If billed more than agreed, request the manager.

Restaurant Scams in Benidorm

Restaurant Cover Charge and Menu Switching

Experienced a scam here?