We arrived in Porto yesterday afternoon and at dinner we asked for tap water (we were also ordering wine and beer). The server told us that tap water was not allowed and we would have to buy a bottle of water. Is that true, or is this a ploy for the restaurant to make extra money? Thank you for any insight you have.
Posted by
Portsmouth
5878 posts
By law all restaurants in Portugal have to provide free tap water.
Posted by
Belgium
206 posts
Law N° 52/2021, article 25.º-A, Par 5.
In HORECA establishments, it is mandatory to have a container of tap water and sanitized non-disposable cups available to customers for consumption on site, free of charge.
https://diariodarepublica.pt/dr/detalhe/lei/52-2021-169360995
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1975 posts
Yes, it is a law, but restaurants get around it by telling you the building is old and the pipes and water aren’t good. I went through a period of time when I insisted and admit the water wasn’t very good. Some places have started having water in reusable bottles that they clean and refill. But, they still charge for it.
Since this is practice throughout Europe, I’ve adjusted to paying for water and then know it will be good.
Posted by
Texas, USA
89 posts
Recently visited 5 cities in Portugal and dined out. We ordered and drank tap water as part of our beverages. We had no issues with the request for it nor the taste. Having traveled internationally many times, I find that local establishments recognize "foreigners" and sometimes take advantage of that. Use some common sense as to what you are told and what you believe. No different that when you dine out in the U.S.