We all know that grabbing a coffee and a bite to eat at a local café is one of life’s simple pleasures—especially for us Aussies. Whether it’s a leisurely brunch with friends or a quick pit stop before running errands, the humble café is a cornerstone of our daily routines. But what if that morning treat suddenly came with a surprise price tag just for the privilege of sitting down?

That’s exactly what happened to one Sydney woman, whose breakfast outing turned into a baffling—and slightly comical—ordeal. After ordering a $13 breakfast combo (an egg and bacon roll with a hot chocolate) from the takeaway menu at a Broadway café, she was ready to settle in and enjoy her meal. But as she made her way to a table, the cashier stopped her in her tracks: if she wanted to dine in, the price would jump to $17—a whopping 30% increase!


'So now sitting comes with a $4 upgrade? Maybe the chair reclines, plays Netflix, and offers emotional support?' she quipped, clearly unimpressed. Rather than fork out the extra cash, she found herself awkwardly standing outside, 'holding my greasy brown paper bag and eating like a pigeon' while waiting for the bank to open.


The experience left her gobsmacked. 'I know life is getting more and more expensive, but that much just to sit down and enjoy the brekky? I don’t think it’s normal,' she told Yahoo News. She hadn’t seen any signs warning of the price difference, though she later noticed the menu was marked ‘takeaway’.


And it turns out, she’s not alone. A quick look at online reviews revealed another customer had faced a similar situation years earlier: a takeaway coffee was $3.70, but sitting in would set you back $4.50. The reason? 'Because we have to clean the mug,' staff reportedly explained.

So, what’s going on here? Is this the new normal for Aussie cafés, or just a one-off?

Why Are Cafés Charging More to Dine In?


To get to the bottom of this, Yahoo News spoke to Franco Amitrano, owner of Café & Cuchina in Surry Hills. His café charges an extra 20 cents for customers who choose to drink their coffee in-house, but food prices remain the same whether you’re eating in or taking away.

Franco explained that the extra charge isn’t really about washing up. 'Mainly it’s because the barista takes a bit longer to make it look nice, to make latte art,' he said. 'It’s more because the barista has to take a bit longer to do the service and you have to get someone to deliver it to the table. So that’s the extra in labour.'

He also pointed out that while a small surcharge is common, a $4 hike is 'too much' and not something most cafés would do.


The Rise of ‘Unbundling’—And Why It’s Not Always Popular

Professor Nitika Garg, a marketing expert at UNSW, weighed in on the trend. She explained that this practice is known as 'unbundling'—where businesses separate out costs that used to be included in the overall price. Think budget airlines, where you pay extra for your seat, luggage, and even a glass of water.

While unbundling can help businesses manage rising costs, it often leaves customers feeling short-changed. 'Unbundling typically leads to a poor customer experience and is usually not advisable,' Professor Garg said. She suggested that most diners would prefer a single, slightly higher price that covers everything, rather than being hit with unexpected surcharges.


Why Are Prices Going Up?

It’s no secret that the cost of living is rising across Australia. Cafés and restaurants are facing higher bills for ingredients, wages, rent, and utilities. Some are responding by introducing surcharges for public holidays, card payments, or—increasingly—dining in. While these fees help businesses stay afloat, they can catch customers off guard, especially if they’re not clearly advertised.

What Does This Mean for Seniors?


For many over-60s, a café visit is more than just a meal—it’s a social outing, a chance to connect with friends, or a well-deserved treat. Unexpected charges can put a real damper on the experience, especially for those on a fixed income. It’s a good reminder to always check the menu (and the fine print) before ordering, and don’t be afraid to ask staff about any extra fees.

How to Avoid Surprise Surcharges

• Check the menu carefully: Look for any mention of ‘takeaway’ or ‘dine-in’ prices.
• Ask before you order: If you’re unsure, ask staff if there’s a price difference for dining in.
• Look for signs: Surcharges should be clearly displayed, but sometimes they’re easy to miss.
• Share your experience: If you feel a charge is unfair or wasn’t properly disclosed, let the café know—and consider leaving a review to help others.

We’d love to hear from you! Have you ever been caught out by unexpected fees at a café or restaurant? Do you think it’s fair to charge extra just to sit down? Or do you have a favourite spot that still offers good value for money? Share your stories and tips in the comments below—let’s help each other make the most of our café outings!