Question 1

What is the "By-weight fish ambush at market trattorie" scam in Catania?

Accepted Answer

Waiters at seafood eateries ringing La Pescheria pull tourists in with friendly patter, then serve grilled fish or a seafood platter priced per 100g (al etto) without a clear per-unit price agreed first, and the final bill balloons once the kitchen 'weighs' a large fish. The mechanic relies on diners not asking the weight or price before ordering. Ask the price per etto and the total weight before the fish goes to the kitchen, see the raw fish weighed, and get the total in euros confirmed. Prefer fixed-price menu items or places with prices clearly printed.

Question 2

What is the "Coperto and cover-charge padding" scam in Catania?

Accepted Answer

Restaurants in the tourist core add a coperto (cover charge) and sometimes unrequested bread, water or 'specials' that inflate the bill, occasionally listing a coperto well above the local 1.50-3 euro norm or not disclosing it on the menu. Tourists who do not check the printed menu get surprised at payment. Check the menu for the stated coperto before sitting down, query any charge over about 3 euro per person, decline bread or extras you did not order, and itemise the bill before paying.

Restaurant Scams in Catania

By-weight fish ambush at market trattorie

Coperto and cover-charge padding

Experienced a scam here?