The Unrequested Appetizers Dilemma
In Portugal and Spain, servers routinely drop baskets of bread, butter, olives, cheese, or small pâté tins on your table the moment you sit down, without you ordering them. Many foreign visitors assume these are complimentary welcome gifts and are upset when an extra €3 to €7 appears on the final bill.
Portugal: The Couvert Law
Under Portuguese consumer protection law (Decree-Law no. 10/2015), restaurants cannot charge for any food item that was not explicitly requested by the customer, even if placed on the table.
- The Rule: If you eat the bread, cheese, or olives, you must pay for them (prices are listed on the first page of the menu under 'Couvert'). If you do not touch them, the restaurant cannot legally charge you. Simply say 'Não, obrigado' (No, thank you) when they are dropped, or leave them completely untouched on the edge of the table.
Spain: Pan y Servicio
In Spain, restaurants often list a charge for 'Pan' (bread) or 'Servicio / Cubierto' (cutlery/cover fee), typically €1.00 to €2.50 per diner. By Spanish regional regulations, this fee must be clearly stated on the printed menu. If you do not wish to have bread served, politely tell the server 'Sin pan, por favor' when placing your main order.