Scam Alert! How This Sneaky Trick Inflates Your Restaurant Bill

Exploring as a tourist can really work up an appetite. After wandering through the historic downtown alleys all morning, you’re definitely in the mood to find a quaint little restaurant to grab some lunch. You immediately dismiss the idea of dining at a high-end place that could send your budget into the red, and instead, you set out in search of a more modestly priced establishment. You’re not too picky today.

In hopes of stumbling upon a great deal, you zigzag between various nearby eateries to compare their menus – feeling like you’ve preemptively walked off your meal. After what feels like an endless pre-meal hike, jackpot: a starter-main-dessert combo at a low price catches your eye. With a budget-friendly price, a crowded patio, and your stomach growling, you quickly decide to take a seat.

The lunch starts off promisingly. The sun is shining, the atmosphere is cheerful, the chairs are comfy, and the server is exceptionally friendly… that is until you actually look at the menu to order. The very lunch special that enticed you at the door with its appealing price is likely to end up costing more than you thought. Why? Because most of the dishes require an additional fee. It’s a real letdown for your wallet.

This exact disappointing scenario was experienced by a group from Marseille this summer, captured on camera by the Capital magazine on M6. Initially lured in by a daily special priced at 19.90 euros, the group of seven friends ended up opting for the “market return” menu at 28 euros. “We’re not going to break the bank,” one diner happily noted. However, out of the 13 dishes offered, 9 ended up requiring an extra 5 to 10 euros each. “It’s a complete rip-off, we got tricked!”, exclaimed Michel, the group’s elder. “I didn’t notice the +5s,” admitted the initially eager diner, now a bit burned. Not surprisingly, this bumped up their final bill significantly: they ended up paying 308.50 euros, which was 16 euros more per person than expected.

So, what’s the takeaway? A restaurant’s menu can be like reading an insurance policy: it’s always best to carefully read the fine print before making your decision…

Lesson learned: behind tempting menu boards, there are sometimes little tricks that inflate your bill quicker than your stomach. So, before you fall for a menu that seems too good to be true, keep your eyes open and your smile ready: the best flavor of a meal is the one enjoyed without any bitter aftertaste.