British holidaymakers in Corfu are reportedly being overcharged and misled by a number of bars and restaurants employing deceptive practices, according to an undercover investigation by the Daily Mail. The report details instances of hidden charges, prices differing from menus, and bills so chaotic that staff struggled to explain them.
Over three days in Corfu Town, the investigation documented multiple questionable practices aimed at increasing costs for tourists. These included charges for food and drinks above advertised prices, with one meal escalating to €74. Tourists were also allegedly charged for unsolicited appetizers, and specials were promoted without clear pricing. Specific examples cited include soft drinks priced at €8, cocktails at €14, and ice cream at €12.50.
A local waitress, when asked if tourists were being fleeced, was quoted as saying, "All of them."
The issues reportedly extend beyond restaurants. Taxi drivers are accused of overcharging, with one short journey costing €17 and a return trip €20. Complaints about less reputable car hire firms are also noted.
One of the most troubling experiences reported occurred at a cafe in Corfu's Old Town. The investigation described a handwritten bill that was illegible, making it difficult to ascertain the total cost. Items such as bread (€2.50) and tzatziki (€5) were added, and a small lager was charged at €6.50 instead of the menu price of €5. When questioned, the waitress expressed confusion about the bill, and the owner reportedly provided a swift explanation before departing.
This cafe, identified as The Corner, also faces a significant number of negative online reviews. On Tripadvisor, 40 out of 44 reviewers reportedly awarded it a single star, citing illegible bills, aggressive staff, and charges for un-ordered items. One review mentioned a €13 charge for a single scoop of ice cream.
During a second visit to The Corner, a €22 sea bass dish was followed by a €74 bill that included separate charges for vegetables (€9.50), bread, and tzatziki. Beers were priced at €6.50 instead of the advertised €5, and two scoops of sorbet cost €12.50. When challenged, the owner offered to remove the charge for the vegetables. The reporter was presented with a card machine before seeing the bill, which, upon request, was again a handwritten scribble.
Another venue, Piperista, reportedly served a €12 fish soup described as a watery broth with minimal fish. Additional charges were added for bread (€2) and table water. At Pecorino Wine Bar, a €14 Greek salad resulted in a €32 bill that included charges for pitta bread and an €8 Coca-Cola. Payment by card was reportedly refused, with the waiter citing a problem with the terminal and insisting on cash. Customers were allegedly prevented from taking receipts, instead being told to photograph a waiter's notepad.
Holidaymakers Darren and Kathryn Sambrook stated they would not return to Corfu, describing prices as expensive and feeling "rinsed" and treated like "walking wallets." Martin and Donna Griffiths also expressed shock at the cost of items, noting they were more expensive than in shops back home and made them feel like targets.
At the Gondola restaurant, a blackboard advertised a seafood platter without a price. A waitress quoted €70, but the delivered dish consisted of deep-fried seafood, rubbery squid, unopened mussels, and whitebait, which did not match the advertised grilled calamari or shrimp saganaki. A glass of white wine cost €9, and a bottle of water was €1.
Another central cafe, Cofineta, allegedly became confrontational when a reporter attempted to exchange an unpalatable drink, with the manager demanding payment for both drinks and suggesting the customer was at fault for not knowing what they ordered.
While many businesses in Corfu operate honestly, the investigation suggests that a minority are employing tactics to exploit tourists, including hidden cover charges, unstated prices, and pressuring customers to avoid confrontation.
Cafe Bar Spilia, previously known for poor reviews and alleged high prices for basic items like apple juice (€7.50) and beer (€10), has reportedly closed down.