Restaurant Scams in Pisa

Via Santa Maria Restaurant Overcharging

The strip of restaurants and cafes along Via Santa Maria — the main pedestrian artery between Pisa Centrale station and Campo dei Miracoli — caters almost exclusively to day-trippers with no repeat custom. Practices include undisclosed coperto (cover charges) of €3–6 per person, water charged at €4–6 per bottle when tap water (acqua del rubinetto) could be requested free, tourist menus priced significantly above local trattorias, and in some cases items added to bills for things not ordered. A simple tourist lunch for two can reach €60–80 on Via Santa Maria versus €25–35 at restaurants two blocks off the main drag.