Bar bill bombshells: The shocking extras some restaurants sneak onto your tab – and what’s actually legal.
Credit: Atlaspix, Shutterstock
You’ve had a lovely night. A cheeky vino or two, some croquetas, maybe even dessert. But then it lands — la cuenta. And it’s got more hidden extras than a budget airline that rhymes with Cryanair.
Most restaurants in Spain play fair — serving up food at honest prices. But every now and then, a few dodgy establishments try their luck by slipping sneaky charges onto your bill, just like everywhere else in the world. From mystery “Covid fees” to paying for ice cubes like they’re rare diamonds, some diners are left wondering what on earth they’ve just paid for.
So what’s legal, what’s not, and when should you tell the waiter to jog on? Well, hold on to your serviettes, because we’ve dug into the facts — with help from Spain’s consumer watchdog OCU (Organización de Consumidores y Usuarios) — to uncover the tricks and traps used by a handful of chancers trying to turn your night out into a financial sting.
Price tag pickpockets: What they can’t charge you for
Let’s start with what should never end up on your bill — even if they smile sweetly while sliding it under your nose.
Number 1: VAT sneak attack
Adding IVA (VAT) after the price listed? Illegal. Menu prices must already include tax. So if you spot “IVA no incluido” scrawled on the side of a napkin or in microscopic font, don’t fall for it — it’s not valid.
Number 2: The infamous ‘cover charge’ con
Nope, they can’t charge you separately just for sitting down or using cutlery. “Servicio de cubierto” is a throwback scam, and it’s not legal unless it’s spelled out in black and white — and even then, Spain’s Consumer Association says it shouldn’t be a separate charge.
Number 3: Paying extra to reserve a table?
Absolutely not. While restaurants can take a deposit for big bookings or festive dates, that amount must be deducted from the final bill. And if you cancel due to unforeseen circumstances like illnesses or accidents (yes, still a valid excuse), they must refund it — because illness = force majeure.
Number 4: Tap water toll
Thanks to the Ley de Residuos y Suelos Contaminados, restaurants must provide free tap water. No more €3 bottles unless you want them. One thing though, if you ask for water without specifying, they will almost always bring you a bottle. If you want a glass of water or a jug of water you must specify. Tap water is “agua del grifo.” If you’re in a restaurant spending good money on food and drinks and you want a jug of water for the table, ask for the jug — it’s your right.
What they can charge for (even if it’s cheeky)
Right, now for the grey area — the stuff they can charge for, as long as it’s made crystal clear upfront.
Number 1: Tapas you didn’t order
Yes, that unsolicited plate of olives or salami can show up on your bill. But only if it’s listed in the menu — and only if you eat it. The trick? Ask if it’s free before touching it, or better yet, send it back untouched. Note: only very scammy venues are rumoured to do this and the writer has never experienced this in 20 years of living in Spain. In 99.999% of cases, a tapa you don’t order is free. Some regions like the Basque Country or even Malaga charge for tapas, but you have to order them off the menu and they are duly priced.
Number 2: Bread: your daily doughlemma
They can charge you for bread — if it’s on the price list and clearly explained per person or per unit. So if you keep asking for refills, just know the crumbs might come back to bite you. They will usually ask you if you want bread. If they just bring it, ask them “¿la comida incluye pan, o se paga a parte?.” Easy.
Number 3: Ice, Ice, Baby… the cold-hearted surcharge
Being charged for ice in your Coke? It sounds like something out of the Onion, but yes — some spots do it. Legally, they must tell you the price with and without ice. Our advice? If they’re charging extra for frozen water, maybe it’s time to leave. Again, this is technically legal, but it tells you all you need to know about the restauarant.
Menu minefields: The hidden hazards
Here’s where things get murky — and where diners often get duped.
Danger Number 1: Off-menu items
If the waiter offers you a “special,” they should also say the price. If not, and it comes back with a lobster-sized price tag, you’ve got every right to dispute it.
Danger Number 2: “Price according to market”
You’ll often see seafood or steak listed as “PSM” — precio según mercado. That’s code for “we’ll charge what we feel like.” They must provide a reference price, like €X per 100g. If they don’t, challenge it.
The bill, the bluff and the bamboozle
Think this only happens in shady backstreet joints? Think again. Even the poshest places can make mistakes — or sneak in extras hoping you’re too tipsy to notice.
Consumer rights lawyers are not mincing their words: ‘The ‘mistakes’ almost never go in your favour,’ it’s always a wine too many, or a price bumped up just enough that you won’t question it.’
Spain’s OCU has received numerous complaints about these practices — from surprise extras (“suplementos“) to being charged full price for meals cancelled due to major illnesses.
How to fight back fairly and reasonably (without flipping a table)
Always ask for the menu and check prices. If it’s not visible or available before you order, that’s already a red flag.
Demand the bill before paying. Check every item. Query anything odd. Ask to see the menu again if needed.
Take photos of the menu and the bill. Evidence is power.
Use the Hoja de Reclamaciones (complaints form). Every venue must have one. It starts an official process and can lead to inspections — even if it won’t get your €4 back.
Report abuses to the OCU. They’re on your side — and they’ve helped push through laws like free tap water.
These things will probably never happen to you in Spain, and that’s what’s so great about it. And even if they do, sometimes you just won’t feel like disputing your bill over 2 euros because you’ve enjoyed the meal and the service was great. You understand the restaurant is trying to generate a profit in a very competitive market. That’s OK. Just know that you have a choice. If the experience was bad, and they’re trying to sneak something onto the bill, you have rights in Spain.
Again, the things mentioned in this article are not common practice in Spain, but they do happen from time to time. So stay happy, enjoy this wonderful country, and stay tuned to the viraltrendingcontent for more news written for people living in Spain.
Get more original news and insights from around Europe.
