Lisbon restaurants penalizing tourists?

The original article came from a weekly Portuguese newspaper and I don't know how credible it is, but the story has picked up steam in english speaking outlets. https://ca.news.yahoo.com/lisbon-restaurants-charging-secret-cheaper-105209836.html
It seems to be a secret rebellion that even the Portuguese Hotel and restaurant Association claims no knowledge of, and no restaurant owner is quoted in any of the articles. But I several locals were quoted about their distaste for tourism;

“Tourism isn’t good for everyone. For most people, it only means high
prices, poverty and indignity. And the impossibility of enjoying their
own country”, said another.

If their is two-tiered pricing then I guess I have a choice of eating there or not. Thinking about it at home, occasionally I see a restaurant owner making a big fuss when a regular comes in and maybe the table gets a free appetizer or a discount that I don't. Is that discriminatory pricing? I think not.

I've also read several articles about Sintra not enjoying the tourism surge at all and even bans on some transportation modes such as the tuktuks.

I also read the article but had not heard about it before that. However, in the nine years I’ve been here, I’ve heard rumors about restaurants and vendors in the Mercado in Cascais. My observation of menus and posted prices of fruits and vegetables don’t bear that out.

However, there are more rumblings of frustration with the large numbers of tourists - mostly Lisbon and Sintra. - and how the government is not doing anything to protect locals. Lisbon raised their tourist tax per night in hotels recently.

I, personally, would not be surprised if the article is correct. However, even with inflated prices for tourists, the prices in most restaurants is still a great deal compared with the U.S.

I don’t really have a problem with this. If it was advertised as a locals discount then I think it would be quite understandable. A lot of tourist attractions offer lower prices for people who live locally. I don’t see why restaurants can’t do the same, especially in a country like Portugal where average wages are substantially lower than in countries that most tourists come from.

Price is not whether or not it is for tourists or locals, it is a question of is the price alright for you. You pay it or you don’t. You have a choice. There are plenty of other restaurants. If the local price is $1 and they want to charge me $2, sure it is twice the price, but it is still only $2 to me.
Most of us never get the comparative menu to see a different local price anyway. So you look at a menu and it is what it is. Is that price OK for you?

My concern is not with the price differential itself, but rather the concern that it signals a shift in attitude of the local population. A shift away from "We are so happy to share with you our wonderful country and culture" to a resentment regarding our financial privilege.

As an aside, as a lifelong sailor I saw the Carribean change from a proudly independent (but poor) culture to a semi-colonialized tourist dependent one.

Is this me just ranting like an old man at the inevitable march of "progress"?

Is the Rick Steves wish to "travel like a temporary local" now just a late 1970's fantasy?

Dennis

In the English Lake District we have a local discount card which gives us reduced prices at various restaurants and visitor attractions. Some attractions also give us up to 75% off in low season independently of that card.
Even some of the scenic railway lines have reduced fares for locals.
A tourist wouldn't see all of that as it is only marketed to locals, who have to prove residence.
Some of the attractions do market it to us as a thanks for having to put up with the summer time disruption caused by mass tourism.

"We are so happy to share with you our wonderful country and culture" to a resentment regarding our financial privilege.

Haha.. what a beauty. I know I'd be adding five bucks to your bill for that sort of chat anyway lol

My concern is not with the price differential itself, but rather the
concern that it signals a shift in attitude of the local population. A
shift away from "We are so happy to share with you our wonderful
country and culture" to a resentment regarding our financial
privilege.

I leave for Lisbon in 3 weeks and I'm curious if I will notice a change in the winds. I haven't knowingly experienced resentment of any kind yet. The closest I observed it was in Venice in 2017 where it just felt different. We stayed in a local neighbourhood, ate mainly at local restaurants, and shopped at a small grocery store, but we always felt more of an outsider there than anywhere else in our travels. I'm not saying I expected to be 'living like a local' or being treated like one, but in the case of Venice it just felt different. Our hotel owner though was extremely friendly and outgoing and was working his tail off to make sure the guests had a quality stay.

There has long been a tradition of variable price scales in the tourist areas of the Algarve. In my experience, there is one high price for tourists from other countries, a lower price for Portuguese tourists, and the lowest price for locals.
At some of the popular cafes in central Lisbon, there is also a price gradient for location. So, lowest price if you stand at the bar, a higher price for sitting down inside, and the highest price for sitting outside. For example, the menu at the cafe A Brasileira shows all three prices. I often meet friends there as it is a convenient central location, but I always count my change carefully as the bar tenders sometimes try to short change foreigners.

I think you should consider the rantings of old men and what that may mean to you.

Treemoss2,
At 76, I think I qualify as duly authorized to comment

Dennis

Me too. It is a right once you reach a certain age. Lewis Black has made a successful career of it.

How old do I have to be to join the Ranting Old Man Club? I'm marking it on my calendar.

Allan, to paraphrase someone, “If you have to ask you’re old enough already.”
Aren’t you about to retire? I grant you early dispensation. It has its perks! Safe travels from a ROM

I retire in 4 hours and will be proud to take up membership in the Ranting Old Man's Club, now GET OFF MY LAWN!!

If they are charging more its inconsequential. We found the dining to be much less expensive than here in the states

"If they are charging more its inconsequential."

I agree. I believe it should happen more to cut down on the "local vs tourist" dynamic. Or at least the more unpleasant part. Perhaps advertise that and devote a portion/all to local efforts on maintenance/support.

I believe some are going to be pissed at being charged more "on principle". I myself find it peculiar that this doesn't bother me at all but I absolutely refuse any "surge pricing" for items here in the US.

All over Sintra are signs against tourism. There was even such a sign on a hotel - apparently their customers are welcome but other tourists are not. The place is overrun with tourists so I can understand the sentiment. It's not the fault of the people who travelled thousdans of miles and are spending lavishly. The cities should control matters themselves.