The Charge Surprising Romanians on Vacation: What is 'Coperto' and Why Does it Appear on the Bill?

Romanian tourists vacationing in popular European destinations such as Greece, Italy, and Portugal are frequently encountering an unexpected charge on their restaurant bills: "coperto," "couvert," or "kuver."

This practice, while established for decades in some countries, often surprises visitors. The "coperto" fee typically covers the preparation of the table setting, including cutlery, bread automatically served, or other services offered before the main dishes arrive. While the name and application differ across nations, the core concept remains the same: it's a separate cost from the food and beverages ordered.

In Romania, the term "kuver" is not traditionally associated with restaurant practices, leading to confusion and controversy when such additional charges appear on bills. Discussions within Romania's hospitality industry have primarily focused on reservation fees or deposits for booked tables, which differ significantly from the "coperto" system. The "coperto" is tied to occupying a table and receiving basic services, whereas a reservation fee is linked to securing a table for a specific time slot.

The "kuver" is a per-person charge for being seated at a table. Originating from the French "couvert," it initially referred to the place setting for a customer. In practice, it can encompass costs like table preparation, bread, cutlery, and napkins. Crucially, "kuver" is not a voluntary tip for the waiter but a fixed fee set by the restaurant and itemized on the bill. This distinction is vital for customers, as food and drinks are purchased items, while "kuver" represents a service-related cost associated with dining.