In Greece, they charged for bread....what about other countries in Eastern Europe.

In Vienna they charge you a linen fee if cloth tablecloths and napkins are used. We found it was usually at dinner. Lunch they had paper placemats on the table. I read that in Portugal they charge you for anything they set in the table, such as bread, olives, etc. but you aren’t goin there. Anyway, we only experienced the fees in Vienna. We were in all the other countries you mention and don’t remember any “hidden” fees.

Last summer I traveled through Hungary, Ukraine, Poland, and Czechia. At some point I realized I was rarely, if ever, seeing bread at dinner. I can't say for sure that it never happened, but it must have been really rare. I have insufficient or no recent experience in the other countries you list.

Yes, Portugal puts bread and small appetizers on the table. Decline them if not interested. Most European countries seem to have a charge for linens, bread all in one fee, a cover charge, copertivo in Italy. Just pay it.

Resturants in Prague placed baskets of bread on the table and counted the number of slices consumed.

Spain also charges you for bread that's put on the table. Just tell your waiter you don't want it.

Fairly common through out Europe. Assume that there will be a charge instead of it being free. Keep in mind free is always a relative term. And there are no free refills of beverages. And bread is not free in the US either -- just built into the cost of your meal.

Gee, if they charged in Prague for the bread by the slice, do they re-issue the unused slices to the next diner?

Gee, if they charged in Prague for the bread by the slice, do they re-issue the unused slices to the next diner?

Yes. No different to any restaurant the world over.

Paul-of-the-Frozen-North & JC, so we’re doing the next customer a favor if we eat all of the bread? ; )

In Austria, as that is on your list, a bread basket might be brought to you after you've ordered. . That basket may contain a pretzel or bread roll, catsup, mayo.

Anything you take from that basket will be charged. Likewise in Germany...not complimentary. As long as you're aware of that, you won't be surprised.

"Gee, if they charged in Prague for the bread by the slice, do they re-issue the unused slices to the next diner?

Yes. No different to any restaurant the world over."

Wrong at least in the US. In almost every state it is illegal to serve food again if it has been placed on a customer's table. All uneaten food must be thrown out. So, in the US, do not feel bad if you take any uneaten bread, chips, etc home as they will be tossed if you do not take them. This is why in Mexican restaurants that serve a free basket of chips at every table, we ask them to only bring a half basket. No need to waste food.

It's also illegal to sell food beyond its expiry date but if you think there are no restaurants in the US (or worldwide) that don't do so then I'm afraid you're terribly naive. Don't think for one moment that there aren't restaurants in the US that don't 'recycle' uneaten bread and that's the least of your worries!

I agree, there will always be those that do not follow the law in order to make an extra buck. My daughters worked in several restaurants as waitresses (working their way through college) and all of those restaurants did follow the law. The wait staff was not even allowed to take the left over food.

In Bavaria(Germany) at least, Pretzels on the table in the basket are charged out per piece if you take them.

Suki: copertivo??? I think you mean coperto, right?

Thank you for the replies. I'm glad I asked so we know what to expect.