Coperto... killing us in Italy

[Prisoner 24601]

Coperto, the cover charge! Very annoying in Italy, we've not found this in Spain, Greece or Portugal. There are 6 of us at present including my sister in law. Most of the places you are looking at Euro 15-18 before you've even sat down. Then a couple of bottles of water, a beer, 3 juices and it's 40 euros and we are still yet to decide what food we'd like to order. :-)

We've generally been around Spain and Greece the past 5 years and I have a decent enough handle on what we spend in restaurants. Italy is proving to be quite expensive.

Anyway, first world problems and all that. Just a little rant shared.

[John D.]

Where abouts?

Found eating/drinking out very reasonable in Sicily a few months ago. Don't recall a standing charge or coperto though.

[Griffith4ever]

Coperto is usually the reserve of tourist hotspots. I used to live in Italy.

Ask for agua a la spina (tap water) - you'll get a jug with ice normally,

Edited by Griffith4ever on Tuesday 29th July 08:17

[Furbo]

Prisoner 24601 said:

Coperto, the cover charge! Very annoying in Italy, we've not found this in Spain, Greece or Portugal. There are 6 of us at present including my sister in law. Most of the places you are looking at Euro 15-18 before you've even sat down. Then a couple of bottles of water, a beer, 3 juices and it's 40 euros and we are still yet to decide what food we'd like to order. :-)

We've generally been around Spain and Greece the past 5 years and I have a decent enough handle on what we spend in restaurants. Italy is proving to be quite expensive.

Anyway, first world problems and all that. Just a little rant shared.

So, E18 between six? Three euro each? And this is killing you? I don't believe you.

Are they giving you bread sticks or a basket of bread? Generally you get something, however small.

It's not limited to Europe, by the way, we do it in the UK too.

Recently back from Gran Canaria and the prices have become horrible. Harvester quality food, Cote prices.

[Monkeylegend]

Griffith4ever said:

Coperto is usually the reserve of tourist hotspots. I used to live in Italy.

Ask for aqua a la spina (tap water) - you'll get a jug with ice normally,

The bottled water is most likely just tap water anyway.

Those stupid Brits, they won't know the difference and we will just break the seal for them as part of the service

[James P]

John D. said:

Where abouts?

Found eating/drinking out very reasonable in Sicily a few months ago. Don't recall a standing charge or coperto though.

We’re Western Sicily and most of our regular restaurants do charge coperta, usually €2-3. On the other side though you’re not expected to tip, the digestifs are often offered and the final bill is rounded down.
I

[Chris Stott]

Some places here (Marbella area) have a small cover charge (~€2). Typically includes bread and olives. I always think of it as a way to reduce the number of people who just want a drink in the really busy areas

It’s rare though, and you’ll not see it in the locals places.

[John D.]

James P said:

John D. said:

Where abouts?

Found eating/drinking out very reasonable in Sicily a few months ago. Don't recall a standing charge or coperto though.

We re Western Sicily and most of our regular restaurants do charge coperta, usually 2-3. On the other side though you re not expected to tip, the digestifs are often offered and the final bill is rounded down.
I

Fair enough. I probably wasn't paying attention. As I said, it seemed very reasonable for what we got.