Restaurant server decided not to disclose the price of specials, but when customer was charged $65 for an entree, a problem arose: 'he was mad that I didn't say the price initially'

Author image for María Cetra
María Cetra • Writer
Jul 31, 2026 1:00 PM EDT

If you have doubts about something, you can simply ask…

Fancy restaurants have their own understanding of etiquette. You don't go in with certain clothes, you don't scream when talking, you arrive at the correct time of your reservation, and servers don't disclose the price of specials unless asked. That last one may seem odd, but it's actually quite understandable. If you are going out to eat at a place you know is expensive, you aren't really worrying about how much each plate is. You decided to go there knowing it was going to be more pricey than other places. Also, disclosing prices somewhere that fancy seems a little out of vibe, almost as if it was disrespectful.

Whether you agree or not with the 'rules of etiquette' these kinds of restaurants have, they are going to continue having them. It's up to you to go or not. In the story below, a customer knowingly went to a place that he knew cost more than others. He saw the prices of the other entrees, and when asked if he wanted the special one, he did not ask for the price. He ordered it. But when a $65 charge appeared on his bill, he seemed really concerned, weird, taking into account that he did not ask beforehand.

I believe that even though it may have stunned the customer to see the price of his food, he had no problem paying for it. He proved that by leaving a 15% tip. But I do think he was trying to either get it comped or to receive some kind of discount for the 'misunderstanding'. But it wasn't an error on the restaurant's or server's part. It was fully his fault for not asking for the price before ordering it. He got exactly what he deserved. A full bill to pay without any changes. You can be in favor of or against the policy of this place, but it's up to you to either avoid it or simply ask your questions instead of waiting for someone to disclose information they didn't know you needed. 
 

Add as a preferred
source on Google
Advertisement
  • 01
    I stopped saying the price when telling tables the dinner features awhile ago. We are a fairly high- end destination restaurant that has become known for top quality proteins (steak, tuna, salmon, you name it) and the price reflects the quality. Generally people will ask if they are concerned about the price, and i am happy to tell them. Most times people dont care or they are there to splurge a bit and spend money on something really
    via pitterbugjerfume
  • 02
    A bill with money placed on a table after eating out.
    via Daniela Shams

    A bill with money placed on a table after eating out. 

  • 03
    good. We had a sea bass feature last night and I had a guy sit at the bar by himself and order a bottle of wine (Kim Crawford, nothing fancy) he ordered the sea bass and sat there for a long time, no problem, it was later on and we weren't too busy anymore. He got the bill and the entree was $65 and he was so aghast at the price, said it was so expensive, thought it would be priced closer
    via pitterbugjerfume
  • 04
    to the tuna, etc... he was mad that I didnt say the price initially I said well they have a formula they use for pricing, we order the highest quality we can, etc, and he said it isnt about the price, it's how you delivered it! You need to say the price when you tell the specials, etc etc on and on. Like repeated himself multiple times and stared at his bill for ages. Lecturing me on what I did wrong by not telling him the price. I just
    via pitterbugjerfume
  • 05
    said I'm sorry about that sir, and stared him in the eyes for a few seconds while he seemed to be waiting for me to do something about it. He paid and left 15% so I am not complaining about that (figured he would leave less tbh) and he drank the whole bottle of wine. Soooo do you all say the price or no?
    via pitterbugjerfume
  • 06
    An entree placed over a dark plate at the table of a fancy restaurant.
    via Emma Houghton

    An entree placed over a dark plate at the table of a fancy restaurant. 

  • 07
    cydril Was the price written down anywhere he could have read it? Like I agree we don't say the price when listing specials but it also shouldn't be a complete mystery before they order
    via pitterbugjerfume
  • 08
    Squeaky Cleany. I've been talked down to for saying the price. Woman said it implied they might not be able to afford the item.
    via pitterbugjerfume
  • 09
    bananahammerredoux I absolutely abhor places that don't give the pricing on their specials. If you're the kind of establishment that puts prices on the menu, then give the pricing on the specials as well. It puts guests in such an awkward position when they have to be the ones to ask. A lot don't because they don't want to look gauche. It is the hallmark of bad service to make your guest feel awkward for any reason. Knock it off.
    via pitterbugjerfume
  • 10
    K_A_irony I think if the price is SIGNIFICANTLY (20% or more) different then the rest of the menu pricing, you should say it. Otherwise...nope you are good. Lets say you have several steaks on the menu in the 30 to 50 dollar range, but the special is an american wagyu at $80. You should slip in the price.
    via pitterbugjerfume
  • 11
    Key Purpose 1340 Servers in my restaurant (on the higher end, but not crazy expensive) recited the special/additions to the menu and closed the descriptions with "are there any questions?" Questions could be anything from more detailed ingredient lists to pricing information. In my experience and opinion (40 years fine dining) OP did nothing wrong and served the guest properly.
    via pitterbugjerfume
  • 12
    ChaosFountain Not on you but man it should be criminal for places to not disclose price before purchasing.
    via pitterbugjerfume
  • 13
    Ok_Function2282 If you're a high-end restaurant you absolutely should not be saying the prices.
    via pitterbugjerfume
  • 14
    loadformorecomments I prefer a server who mentions the price so I avoid embarrassment asking for it. The menu has prices, why shouldn't the specials have them too.
    via pitterbugjerfume
  • 15
    stumanchu3 I've heard of people eating out in Greece and ordering a "special" without asking the price. Sometimes it's above the $400 dollar mark. Always ask the price. It's the mark of a sophisticated diner, don't give a cr p about the server or feeling embarrassed. It's so easy to ask, "what's the market price for this dish?"
    via pitterbugjerfume
  • 16
    Positive Use 1308 Yeah, it's a tricky thing in high end places, d ed if you do, d ed if you don't. I think it's best practice to tell the process when specialing. Just say it as a matter of course, an additional descriptor.
    via pitterbugjerfume
  • 17
    greenFuzzy Tesla I'm of the opinion all restaurants should have a paper slip with details and prices for daily specials so we don't have to say it and then repeat it 20 times. If that's not an option I explain each special and end it with "at $$" I don't repeat it but I do feel like clarity is key when it's double regular menu prices. I skip that part when it's the same price as other entrees.
    via pitterbugjerfume

Want More? Follow Us and Add Us as a Preferred Source on Google.

Tags

food service prices tales from your server restaurant server
Scroll Down For The Next Article