Question 1

What is the "Ciudad Vieja Inflated Tourist Menu" scam in Montevideo?

Accepted Answer

In Montevideo's Ciudad Vieja historic district, a handful of restaurants near the main tourist drag keep two sets of menus — one in Spanish at local prices, and a glossy tourist version with inflated prices. Visitors who do not speak Spanish or who ask for the English menu are handed the more expensive version as a matter of course. The price gap can be 30–60% higher than what locals pay at the same table. Ask to see the Spanish-language menu even if your Spanish is limited, or check prices against photos posted on Google Maps or TripAdvisor before ordering. Eating a block or two away from the main tourist corridor often halves the price.

Question 2

What is the "Overpriced Parillada Hidden Cover Charges" scam in Montevideo?

Accepted Answer

Some parillas (steakhouses) in Ciudad Vieja and the Pocitos neighborhood apply undisclosed cubierto (cover charges) of $10-$20 USD per person and charge separately for each item on the bread basket that appears automatically. English-language menus in some tourist-facing restaurants near Mercado del Puerto omit prices for daily specials, with items billed at significantly inflated rates. Ask specifically whether a cubierto is charged and the price of any daily specials before ordering. Request the complete itemized bill before paying and compare against what was ordered. Established parillas near the market generally publish prices prominently.

Restaurant Scams in Montevideo

Ciudad Vieja Inflated Tourist Menu

Overpriced Parillada Hidden Cover Charges

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