On the YouTube channel “Love and Paris”, a blogger published a video exposing tactics used by Paris restaurants to fleece travelers. In highly touristic zones, visitors often face steep markups, oversized menus, and aggressive marketing.
He urges people to check the displayed menu before entering. If it’s massive and includes dozens of categories and strange items, that’s often a warning. In authentic French bistros, menus tend to be concise — just a few choices per category.
He also cautions about restaurants near major sights — these are prime spots for premium pricing. Instead, he advises walking a few blocks into quieter neighborhoods to find modest eateries with no-frills menus.
Risks & Tactics You Should Know
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Price markups disguised as prestige.
Tourists are upsold “exclusive” dishes or wines they didn’t ask for. -
Surprise “service charge” or cover fees.
Some menus hide “service compris” or “couvert,” which may be added without warning. -
“Tourist special” treatment.
Some visitors receive smaller portions or different dishes than local patrons. -
Warning signs of a tourist trap:
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Big flashy menus with photos
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Menus with ambiguous or no pricing
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Busy location directly on tourist routes
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Staff recruiting passersby aggressively
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Smart Dining Tips for Travelers
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Always inspect the outside menu with prices before entering
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Eat in local neighborhoods, not directly at tourist landmarks
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Ask if “service” or “cover” is included in bills
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Request the English menu or clarification of dishes
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Don’t hesitate to walk away if something feels off
Paris is breathtaking — but enjoy it wisely. Even in the bustling tourist maze, you can preserve your dignity (and wallet). Listen to YouTubers like “Lyubov i Paris,” but verify yourself. Armed with curiosity and caution, you’ll avoid traps and dine like a local.