The "Couvert" Rule in Restaurants

When you sit down at a restaurant, waiters will bring bread, olives, cheese, or paté (the Couvert). These are not free. If you eat them, you pay for them. Prices can range from €2 to €10 depending on the venue.

Legally, you have the right to refuse them. If you don't want to pay, simply tell the waiter "Não, obrigado" immediately or don't touch them. If they charge you for untouched items, it is a violation of consumer law.