Country menu guides
The bread charge in Greece: do you have to pay for bread?
In Greece, a line for bread (ψωμί, psomí) per person is common on taverna bills — typically around €1–2 each. Greek market rules allow it only if you accepted the bread: no product such as bread or bottled water may be served and charged without your consent. A "kouvér" (cover charge) for the place setting itself is not allowed at all.
- On the menu
- Ψωμί / ΚουβέρPsomí / Kouvér
- Meaning
- Bread charge, billed per person; a cover charge (kouvér) for the place setting is banned.
- Typical amount
- Typically around €1–2 per person for bread, where charged.
- Is it a tip?
- No
What Greek rules say
Greece's code of market rules (Ministerial Decision 91354/2017, article 72, paragraph 5) draws a clear line:
- Kouvér is banned. A restaurant may not charge for the place setting — plates, cutlery, napkins.
- Bread and bottled water need your consent. They can't be served and charged unless you agreed to them.
- Fines apply per item charged in breach of the rules (€500 per item, according to the decision).
So a bread charge is legitimate when you agreed to the bread. The rule speaks of your prior consent, so if you don't want it, say so as soon as it arrives: once you've eaten it, it's hard to argue you didn't accept it. Billing a cover just for sitting down is not allowed.
How it shows up on the menu and the bill
On the menu, look for Ψωμί with a price, sometimes written in English as Bread or Bread & dips. On the bill it usually appears as Ψωμί x 3 or Ψωμί/άτομο (per person). Some tavernas still print Couvert or Κουβέρ on older bills; under current rules a charge for the setting itself shouldn't be there, though a bread line with that name is common.
Some places bring more than plain bread — olives, a small dip, toasted bread with oil and oregano. If something arrives that you didn't order, assume it may be charged unless the waiter says it's kérasma (on the house).
What to do
- Don't want it? When the basket arrives, say Chorís psomí, efcharistó ("No bread, thank you") and hand it back before you eat any.
- Want it? Enjoy it — it's usually good bread, and the price is small.
- Check the bill. Bread should match the number of people who had it. If you see a "kouvér" for cutlery or setting, or bread you declined, ask for it to be removed.
Frequently asked questions
Is the bread charge legal in Greece?
Yes, if you accepted the bread. Greek market rules say products like bread or bottled water may only be charged with the customer's consent, and they ban charging a kouvér for the place setting. So billing bread you accepted is normal; charging a cover just for sitting down is not.
Can I refuse the bread in a Greek taverna?
Yes. When the waiter brings the bread, say "Chorís psomí, efcharistó" (no bread, thank you) and hand it back before you eat any. It then shouldn't appear on your bill. If it does, politely point it out. Declining bread is common and won't offend anyone.
How much is the bread charge in Greece?
It's typically around €1–2 per person, sometimes more in upmarket or very touristy places, especially when the bread comes with dips or olive oil. The amount should be on the menu. If it isn't, you can ask before accepting the bread, or check it on the bill afterwards.
What is kouvér on a Greek bill?
Κουβέρ (kouvér), from the French "couvert", is a cover charge for the place setting: plates, cutlery and napkins. Greek market rules don't allow restaurants to charge for it. You may still see the word used loosely for a bread charge; what matters is that only bread or items you agreed to are billed.
