If you are planning a trip to Ibiza, prepare for sunshine, beautiful beaches, and world-class cuisine—but also keep your eyes open when the restaurant bill comes. We at Living Ibiza want to help you avoid some of the shady practices recently spotted at restaurants on the island. Some of these tactics are not just cheeky—they are illegal.
This is not about isolated incidents or misunderstandings. It is about a pattern we have observed where restaurants are trying to slip in extra charges that go against consumer rights. So before you sit down to enjoy that paella or sip your sangria, take a minute to read what follows. It might save you time, money, and frustration.
No, they cannot charge you for the bread and olives on your restaurant bill unless you ask for them
It might seem harmless: you sit down, and a waiter brings over a small basket of bread, a few olives, maybe even some aioli. You did not ask for them, but they are there, so you eat them. And then—surprise—they appear on your bill.
That is illegal. Restaurants in Ibiza (and anywhere else in Spain) cannot charge you for food items you did not explicitly request. This includes bread, olives, aioli, or any other appetisers served ‘as a courtesy’. If you did not order them, you should not have to pay for them.
If you are offered something before ordering, do not be shy—ask if it is complimentary. If it is not, and you did not want it, politely decline.
‘Cover charge’, ‘Service fee’, ‘Reservation Fee’? Also Illegal
Some restaurants have started to add creative line items to bills under names like:
- Cover charge
- Table service fee
- Reservation fee
Here is the truth: these charges are prohibited. There is no legal basis for a restaurant to charge you simply for sitting down, making a booking, or receiving normal table service.
If you spot any of these on your receipt, you are within your rights to dispute the charge. It is not a cultural norm, and it is certainly not legal.
The prices must always include VAT—and be clearly visible
When browsing a menu, either outside the venue or at your table, keep this in mind:
- Prices must include VAT (IVA in Spanish).
- Menus must be visible and accessible before you order.
- You should not be surprised by any last-minute fees.
Tourists often fall into the trap of not checking closely or assuming a ‘small tax’ will be added later. But by law, what you see should be what you pay.
If a menu has unclear pricing, or if your bill is higher than expected because VAT was added on top, you are being taken advantage of.
Tips are voluntary—never included without permission
Ibiza is not London, and service charges are not the norm here. A tip, if you choose to leave one, should come from you, not be decided by the restaurant.
If you see a tip automatically added to the bill without your consent, you do not have to pay it. You can ask for it to be removed—and you should.
Of course, great service deserves appreciation, and many visitors happily leave tips for friendly and attentive staff. But it must be your choice, not theirs.
The ‘handbag hook’ trick: yes, it happens
It might sound bizarre, but it has happened. Several restaurants have added small charges for items like a handbag hook discreetly placed under the table. Something that should be a convenience—not a billable item—ends up costing you a few unexpected euros.
This kind of upselling is not only misleading—it is unethical. As a customer, you should never be charged for something you neither ordered nor agreed to.
What can you do if this happens to you
If you believe a restaurant has violated any of the points above, do not just let it go. You have several options:
- Ask for a complaint form (‘hoja de reclamaciones’) – They are legally required to provide one if requested.
- Take a photo of the receipt and menu – Document any unclear pricing or illegal charges.
- Report it to the local consumer office – In Ibiza, you can file a complaint even as a tourist.
Final tip: stay informed and do not be afraid to speak up
Most restaurants in Ibiza operate professionally and treat customers with respect. But a few try to take advantage of tourists who may not be familiar with local laws. Now that you know your rights, you can enjoy the island’s incredible food scene without getting scammed.
So when that next bill comes—read it. Check it. Question anything that does not make sense. It is your money, and you are entitled to clarity, honesty, and fair treatment.
Have a great holiday, eat well, and do not let anyone ruin your Ibiza experience.
