When Dining Turns Into Regret
No one wants to go for a meal in a dream destination and leave with both a lighter wallet and a lingering sense of regret, but it happens. Around the world, some dining spots lure visitors with charm or hype, then disappoint in service, quality, or value. Knowing which places to avoid can save both money and memories. As you read on, you’ll find out 20 such restaurants that could ruin an otherwise great trip.
1. DK Oyster, Mykonos, Greece
Few restaurants have drawn as many complaints as DK Oyster. Diners often report paying from €600 ($655) to over €2,300 ($2,510) for modest meals. Unclear per-kilo pricing and delayed price disclosure have made it a popular Mykonos spot to avoid.
Online Beach Sunbed Reservations | DK Oyster, Platis Gialos Beach, Mykonos by BeachDips
2. Pat’s King Of Steaks, Philadelphia, USA
Pat’s holds legendary cheesesteak status, yet many say it survives on hype over flavor. Long queues, high prices, and a rivalry with Geno’s keep tourists coming, but locals commonly suggest smaller neighborhood spots for a better and cheaper sandwich.
Leonard J. DeFrancisci on Wikimedia
3. Caffè Florian, Venice, Italy
Historic charm doesn’t hide the steep costs at Caffè Florian. Triple-priced coffee and music surcharges on Piazza San Marco feature in countless complaints. Some visitors leave convinced they’ve paid far more for the atmosphere than for the actual food or drink.
4. Seafood Paradise, Singapore, Singapore
Ordering seafood here can be a costly gamble. Visitors say unclear pricing leads to bills far beyond expectations, especially when seafood is sold by weight. Stories of eye-watering totals have kept this place in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
5. Caffè Lavena, Venice, Italy
A seat at Caffè Lavena in St. Mark’s Square can feel like a setup. Shockingly high drink prices and repeated warnings from past customers make it clear why several travellers place this café high on Venice’s “avoid” list. The Prime St. Mark’s Square seating also drives the premiums.
Dimitris Kamaras from Athens, Greece on Wikimedia
6. Gran Caffè Quadri, Venice, Italy
Here, the bill reflects prestige rather than value. Extra charges for music and views push prices well beyond what most expect, and even simple orders become costly. This ensures its place among the most criticized tourist-focused cafés in Venice.
Rob Young from United Kingdom on Wikimedia
7. Dick’s Last Resort, Las Vegas Strip, USA
Dick’s Last Resort uses a “rude service” gimmick to justify Strip-level prices. Reviews regularly slam it as a tourist trap. Oversized drinks, tacky merchandise, and bar food that fails to impress make the experience more novelty than genuine dining.
The RUDEST Restaurant in Las Vegas: Dick's Last Resort by Up Up & Our Way
8. Gianni’s At The Former Versace Mansion, Miami Beach, USA
Diners frequently report that the food falls short here, and those reviews have kept it firmly associated with Miami’s most overhyped tourist dining spots. The Versace Mansion’s glamour draws crowds, but the experience at Gianni’s rarely matches the price tag.
9. Sirocco (Lebua State Tower), Bangkok, Thailand
Steep minimum spends, a strict dress code, and relentless upselling have made Sirocco one of Bangkok’s costliest dining spots. Many say the view easily outshines the food, and its feature in The Hangover II continues to drive up the premiums.
10. At.mosphere, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE
Sitting on the 122nd floor, At.mosphere charges steep minimums, especially for window tables. Dress codes and packaged experiences dominate the visit. Diners say that the view—not the food—drives the cost, and extra spending is often required to secure prime seating.
David Jones from Isle of Wight, United Kingdom on Wikimedia
11. Nusr-Et Steakhouse, London, UK
Gold-leaf steaks and celebrity theatrics define the experience at Nusr-Et. Additionally, mixed reviews and an emphasis on social media spectacle leave most feeling shortchanged. For critics, the hype eclipses the food, and for many, this is one of London’s most overhyped dining spots.
Reviewing Salt Bae's CRAZY Expensive Steakhouse Nusr-Et by Kristin & Will
12. Antico Caffè Di Marte, Rome, Italy
This spot near Castel Sant’Angelo is infamous for inflated bills and hefty service charges. Visitors have repeatedly called out non-transparent pricing, and the steady stream of complaints has cemented its place among Rome’s worst tourist dining experiences.
13. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Times Square, New York, USA
Times Square is packed with chain restaurants, and Bubba Gump stands out for all the wrong reasons. Overpriced seafood and aggressive merchandise sales dominate the experience, and countless reviews warn there’s better food just a short walk away.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in Times Square, NYC by Beth Frank @farbav
14. Planet Hollywood, Disney Springs, Orlando, USA
Inside Planet Hollywood, the Hollywood memorabilia and themed dining overshadow the menu. Gift shops push merchandise before and after meals, and food quality often disappoints. Crowds pack its massive dining room, reinforcing it as one of Disney Springs’ most commercialised restaurants.
Theme Park Tourist on Wikimedia
15. Señor Frog’s, Cancún Hotel Zone, Mexico
Known for rowdy entertainment, souvenir glasses, and premium-priced cocktails, Señor Frog’s markets itself directly to tourists. Loud MCs and gimmicks overshadow the food, and cover charges on busy nights seal its place as a high-energy, overpriced tourist magnet.
Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE on Wikimedia
16. Tavern On The Green, Central Park, New York, USA
The location inside Central Park promises magic but often delivers inflated checks and underwhelming meals. Though holiday prix-fixe menus draw big crowds, reviews warn that the restaurant’s fame and scenery matter far more than the quality on the plate.
17. Geno’s Steaks, Philadelphia, USA
Service and quality are frequent debate points for Geno’s, where its bright neon corner pulls in first-timers eager for photos. Lines can stretch long for a sandwich that many call overrated, helping it earn a spot among Philadelphia’s top tourist traps.
Pat's vs. Geno's! Which Tourist Trap Philly Cheesesteak is Better? by UA Eats
18. New York Café, Budapest, Hungary
Palatial décor and long queues set expectations sky-high at New York Café; however, the grand setting hides a dining experience that most find disappointing and forgettable. Guests frequently label it overpriced, with coffee and desserts costing far more than local standards.
Fred Romero from Paris, France on Wikimedia
19. Caffè Greco, Rome, Italy
Caffè Greco’s literary history can’t distract from steep prices and service complaints. Visitors regularly name it a top rip-off in Rome, and mixed reviews suggest that the café’s reputation benefits more from its age than from the experience it offers.
20. Rainforest Cafe, Niagara Falls, Canada
Rainforest Cafe lures families with animatronics and a jungle theme, but reviewers repeatedly call it overpriced. Long queues during peak hours and kid-focused merchandise contribute to the frustration, while the food itself often fails to justify the tourist-heavy Clifton Hill location.
