Testing the PARIS Restaurant SCAM Everyone’s Talking About!

In this video we go undercover to test Paris restaurant scams after a viral French video claimed some restaurants overcharge Americans. Colleen played the American tourist while Antoine watched from a nearby table, so if you are worried about getting ripped off in Paris, this shows what really happened and what to watch for.

Restaurant one, near the Eiffel Tower

We picked a restaurant with some of the worst Google reviews in Paris, many of them about scams. The staff clearly noticed our cameras. Colleen asked for water and got a free glass of tap water, there was a single menu in French and English, and no one asked either of us for a tip. They did not live up to the scam reputation, but the food was mediocre. Colleen’s bill was €33.70 and Antoine’s €36.20 when we filmed.

Restaurant two, near Notre Dame

Next we sat on a busy terrace with a view of Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle. The waiter was friendly and offered tap water, and the croque madame and club sandwich were passable. When the bill came to €41.50, the waiter asked if we wanted to make it €45, adding a €3.50 tip. Not a full scam, but something he likely would not have asked a French customer. We also overheard staff joking about charging extra to a guest who did not say bonjour.

Our tips to avoid getting ripped off

• Always say “bonjour” when you walk in. It changes the whole experience.
• Ask for a carafe of tap water, which is free by law in France.
• Do not ask for mayonnaise with your fries if you want to blend in.
• Check the bill before you pay, especially if the card machine shows a new total.

Our conclusion: restaurants scamming Americans are the exception, not the rule, and viral posts make it sound worse than it is. To find places we trust, see our guide to 125 Paris restaurants and our Paris Guide Bundle, or eat with a local on a Devour food tour.