---
title: What is the restaurant “cubierto” charge?
description: "[Home](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com) | [Docs](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs/) | [Money and Payments](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs-category/money-and-payments/) Excellent that you ask 🤓 — because many first-time visitors to Buenos Aires are surprised when they see an extra line on their restaurant bill called **“cubierto.”** ## 🍽️ What Is the “Cubierto”…"
url: "https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs/what-is-the-restaurant-cubierto-charge/"
updated: "2025-08-21"
category: Money and Payments
---

# What is the restaurant “cubierto” charge?

[Home](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com) | [Docs](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs/) | [Money and Payments](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs-category/money-and-payments/)

Excellent that you ask 🤓 — because many first-time visitors to Buenos Aires are surprised when they see an extra line on their restaurant bill called **“cubierto.”**

## 🍽️ What Is the “Cubierto” Charge?

- **Cubierto** literally means *“[cover charge](https://www.thetravelchica.com/2011/08/buenos-aires-argentina-cubierto/).”*
- It’s a **per-person fee** added to your bill in many **sit-down restaurants** (especially parrillas and traditional bodegones).
- Typically: **ARS 2,000–5,000 per person** (≈ $2–5 USD, depending on exchange).

## 🥖 What Does It Cover?

- It’s **not a tip** → it goes to the restaurant.
- It usually covers:

  - Table setup (bread basket, butter, dips).
  - Table linens and service.
  - In some places, *agua de mesa* ([tap water](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/is-tap-water-safe-to-drink-in-buenos-aires/)) is included, but not always.

## ⚠️ Things to Know

- **Displayed on menus**: By law, restaurants must show the cubierto charge somewhere on the menu.
- **Not charged everywhere**:

  - Cafés, bars, fast-food, and most modern/hip restaurants don’t add it.
  - Traditional parrillas and tourist-area restaurants almost always do.
- **You still tip separately**: Add your **10% gratuity** on top of the bill (including cubierto).

## ✅ Example

- Food & drinks: ARS 25,000
- Cubierto (2 people): ARS 6,000
- Subtotal: ARS 31,000
- Tip (10%): ~ARS 3,100
- **Total paid: ~ARS 34,100**