Originally Posted By Spanner Juggler
I have walked out of restaurants that refuse to remove their cover charge before now and cancelled my booking, I always tip if the service is even half decent but in cash to the staff.

Generally a cover charge is a different thing, at least in my experience. It is generally a small charge that covers such things as the bread etc. It may also be a small additional charge that is charged on Sundays and public holidays when wages are higher. I have seldom found a cover charge that I felt I could object to.

Having said all that it may well be that the cover charges are getting excessive in some restaurants and that it is being used as a term to hide this so-called service charge.

To give an idea of what I consider reasonable one of the best meals I have ever eaten in terms of both taste, presentation and service was on our trip in Sicily in July. I would challenge anyone to offer better and to top it our table was out on a terrace in the garden with a view over the Valley of the Temples at Agrigento. Cost, including wine, €130 (€65 each).

We spoke to the chef and he is a young guy with an absolute passion for using local products and traditional flavours prepared to perfection and presented in an appetising and attractive way.

I can really recommend it as a place to stay and to eat.

Hotel Foresteria Baglio della Luna

Have a look at the photos in Google Maps and you will get a good idea of what it is like.

In this case it was a pleasure to leave a tip to be shared amongst the staff(sharing is staff policy).

Sorry it is a slight thread drift but presents and example of something diagonally opposite the avaricious behaviour of some.

Peter

[Linked Image]