I'm visiting Spain for the first time with my sisters, and unfortunately this was one of the most…read moredisappointing dining experiences we've had thus far.
We ordered the fish and seafood paella for around €28. The menu states a minimum of 2 people to share, but does not list a maximum number of people. Being that we are in a new environment and are unfamiliar with the menu, we inquired about the paella and were told that the three of us could share one paella. At no point were we told that having three people at the table would result in being charged twice.
The portion was actually smaller than expected, but we ate it and didn't complain. When the bill arrived, we realized that we had been charged twice for the one paella we ordered. When we questioned the manager, he explained that because the paella is intended for two people and there were three of us, we would be charged twice.
That to me makes absolutely no sense. If there is an additional charge for a third person sharing, that should be clearly stated on the menu or explained before the order is placed, especially after we were told the three of us could share it. Had we known this we simply would have just ordered two paellas receive two portions. Instead, we paid the price of two while receiving only one.
We chose not to argue further or cause a scene. We are visitors in a foreign country and we are of a different demographic, which made us uncomfortable in escalating the situation.
The atmosphere was nice, and the food was good, but the lack of transparency regarding the pricing completely ruined the experience. Charging customers for two meals while serving only one, without clearly explaining that beforehand, is unacceptable.
