Watch out for the 'tourist menu' scam in Naples, Italy

I was there last week and saw a place with a cheap pasta deal for 8 euros posted outside, but inside the real menu had a 4 euro 'cover charge' and a 2 euro 'bread fee' per person that wasn't listed. It doubled the price before we even ordered our food. Has anyone else run into these hidden fees in Italy and know how to spot them?

3 comments

3 Comments

samjohnson1mo ago

Honestly that's so frustrating, it really kills the vibe of a nice meal out. Jade_davis has the right idea asking upfront, I've started doing that too. Ngl I just avoid any place with a big tourist menu sign now.

jade_davis1mo ago

Ugh, classic Naples move lol. They get you with the cheap pasta sign and then hit you with the "air tax" or whatever. Always ask if the price on the board is the total price before you sit down.

evan_wilson181mo ago

Remember that time in Rome where the menu said "market price" for fish? My buddy ended up paying like 50 euros for a piece of sea bass the size of a deck of cards, lmao. Felt like they charged us for the view of the waiter's disappointed face. Those tourist traps really have a bag of tricks, don't they? Makes you want to just live on grocery store bread and cheese.