Experience with upselling and how to handle it

I recently visited Cloudstreet, a two-star restaurant in Singapore. We began our meal with some snacks, and a staff member approached to ask if we’d like wine to accompany them. We politely declined, mentioning that we’d already chosen a non-alcoholic beverage pairing. The staff member then offered a non-alcoholic option to pair with the snacks. Assuming this was part of our tasting menu or included in the beverage pairing, we agreed. However, we later discovered we were charged $22 per glass for this drink—which contained barely two sips—and, to our surprise, it was already part of the beverage pairing. Essentially, we paid extra to try the same drink twice.

The main courses and desserts were excellent. But then, with the petit fours, the staff offered tea or coffee to go with them. Perhaps due to our inexperience, we assumed that, given the premium price of the tasting menu, tea or coffee would be included. Unfortunately, it wasn’t. We were charged $15 for a small, pre-steeped cup of tea that tasted like little more than hot water.

At no point did the staff inform us these items would incur additional charges, nor was it indicated on the menu.

While the food and service were otherwise outstanding, the subtle upselling left a sour note.

I’m planning to visit another two-star restaurant in London, The Clove Club, and have read similar reviews about upselling there.

Would greatly appreciate hearing about similar experiences and any advice on handling these situations more effectively!

Thank you!

updated

Thanks everyone for sharing your experience and advice! For some context, it was our first time at fine dining hence we were inexperience with what to expect 😅 I had set a budget to treat my partner for her birthday which is why I was taken aback by the additional charges. But good to know, bottom line, if it’s not stated in the menu it’s not included. And if they ask if we would like something, it’s usually at an additional charge.