The inflated coperto, the surprise fish price, and what to do when the bill doesn't match expectations.
Plan your Italy trip →Coperto (€1-3): Legal in most of Italy (banned in Lazio, replaced by "servizio"). Must be listed on the menu. Normal: €1-2.50 in trattorias, €3 in nice restaurants. Scam: €5+ or coperto not listed on menu. Servizio: Service charge. If listed on the menu (5-15%), it's legal. If added without being listed, challenge it. Fish by weight: "Pesce fresco" is often priced per kg (etto = 100g). The fish costs €4-8/etto, a whole fish is 400-800g = €16-64. Ask "Quanto costa?" before ordering. This is legal but feels like a scam when the €8/etto fish becomes a €48 plate.
Before ordering: Check that prices are on the menu. Ask for the price of daily specials and fish. Note the coperto/servizio charge. When the bill arrives: Check each item against the menu. If something doesn't match, point it out calmly: "Scusi, ma questo non corrisponde al menù" (Excuse me, this doesn't match the menu). Most disputes are resolved on the spot. If they won't adjust: Ask for an official receipt (scontrino fiscale — they're legally required to give one). Pay what you believe is correct. Contact the local Guardia di Finanza or police if you believe you've been defrauded.
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