See how much this restaurant charges for fish and chips and whether you're overcharged!

The humble fish and chips: a quintessential Australian comfort food that conjures images of seaside dining and simple, satisfying flavours.

It's a dish that's supposed to be accessible to all, celebrating the ocean's bounty without the frills.

But what happens when the price of this beloved meal seems to soar as high as the seagulls at the beach? This is the question many Australians are asking after a beachside restaurant's pricing for fish and chips left customers reeling.


At the heart of the controversy is Republica, a restaurant in the picturesque inner suburb of St Kilda, known for its bustling tourist scene and stunning foreshore.

Over the weekend, a customer took to social media to share their astonishment at the cost of their meal: $40 for battered fish and chips accompanied by an orange juice.


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Outrage over fish and chips prices at Melbourne beachside restaurant, deemed 'obscene' by some Australians. Credit: Reddit


The photo accompanying the post showed a piece of fish, cloaked in batter, nestled on a bed of chips with a side salad.

The caption read, 'Fish and chips and a drink cost (sic) me 40 dollars. I knew St Kilda would be more pricey because it’s a tourist area, but what the f***? Fish was all batter, too.'

The sticker shock didn't end there. A glance at Republica's menu confirms that beer-battered hake with chips is priced at $34.00, with an orange juice adding an extra $5.50 to the bill.


Online reactions ranged from disbelief to indignation, with comments like 'Obscene prices for mediocre food' and 'That’s f****** wild man. Honestly, I just wouldn’t.'

Some defended the pricing, pointing out the high costs of renting a prime location on the foreshore and that the area's residents and visitors are often willing to pay a premium for the experience.

'Very much paying for the location,' one person suggested, while another added, 'To be fair, you sat in and ordered a main meal at a beachfront restaurant, not the local RSL or even a fish and chip shop.'

Amidst the debate over the cost of dining out, there was also a curious side discussion about the customer's choice of beverage.

'Who has orange juice with fish?!' one person questioned, highlighting the unusual pairing.


This incident comes when Australians feel the pinch of the rising cost of living.

With predictions of changes to rate cuts, inflation, and support payments, many are looking for ways to ease their financial burden.

According to new research from Compare the Market, 77 per cent of Australians are trying to reduce spending to boost their savings, with takeaway meals being the top expense they're cutting back on.

Chris Ford, general manager of Compare the Market, notes that Australians are forgoing what they see as life's little luxuries to save money.

'The trend we’re seeing is that Australians plan on saying no to what may be seen as life’s little luxuries to boost their savings,' he said.


So, what does this mean for the future of dining out, especially for classic dishes like fish and chips?

It's a reminder that while we may be willing to pay for the ambience and location, there's a limit to what we consider reasonable.

It also underscored the importance of being mindful of our spending habits, particularly when it comes to dining out, which can quickly eat into our budgets.
Key Takeaways

  • Australians are outraged over the cost of fish and chips at a Melbourne beachside restaurant, with prices considered 'obscene' by some.
  • The meal of battered fish and chips, along with an orange juice at Republica in St Kilda, totalled $40, prompting strong reactions on social media.
  • While many are shocked by the high price, others defend it due to the establishment's high rent and desirable location.
  • There is a divide among customers over the acceptability of the price, with some suggesting you pay for the location and experience, while others believe it to be excessive.
Have you experienced 'bill shock' after a meal out? Do you think $40 for fish and chips is a fair price at a beachside restaurant, or is it a sign that we're overcharged for our favourite dishes? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
 

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Come on over to WA. A takeaway fish and chips will set you back close to $22-25, more if you want the good fish!
And around $40 for an in restaurant dine in experience.
It's bloody ridiculous!
Even the humble potato scallop/cake costs around $5-6 takeaway!
Also saw one pickled onion for $5.50 takeaway!
Oh but they do toss in a free lemon slice if you ask. 🙄
Not at the Francesco's Cafe attached to Spudshed at Jandakot. Last time I was there, it was $12 at the end of last year for fish and chips and if you got the right girl serving, you would get a "bit extra".

Food that is, you dirty minded buggers! 😁
 
We all know if you choose to dine out you will pay for it these days. Reading the menu before you go is not a bad idea then you will not be in for bill shock and you have the choice of going somewhere else OR staying at home and eating at a price that is more suitable to your hip pocket :)
 
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The last time I had any fish and chips in St Kilda was walking back mob handed from the Prince of Wales pub funnily enough to Station Pier at Port Melbourne and it cost me the princely sum $1.50 for a large piece of fresh Flake and Chips. At the time I was that impressed with the fish that I tossed the chips and when asked said that I was going back for another piece of fish it was that good. I think the shop owner got a bit of a fright when we all trooped in, a far cry from $40 robbing bastard? you should have asked him if any long lost relatives from Nottingham?
 
Considering the cost of the oil to cook the products/power to heat the oil/wages for the staff especially weekend rates eg:chef, waitresses, restaurant cleaners,water and power bills, insurance to say the least/cost of products on the plates admittedly not many chips and salad, it is sadly the outcome of todays' cost of living.
Prepared picnic on the beach from home is also expensive if that was broken down into cost of individual units.
 
I will NEVER EVER pay this ...... like in NEVER ..... I will not even pay $25.00 for fish and chips. Don't people look at the prices on the menu card before ordering????
Not sure why you gave me an angry emoji, perhaps I didn't clarify that it was for a FAMILY OF THREE or perhaps you didn't or could deduce that it was for a FAMILY OF THREE, therefore, three of fish, etc.
 
take away and dining out has become a tourist item ..(just like o'seas) locals can no longer have that unless they pay the price and since they are tourists they cough up. take away is becoming a treat (used to be a common weekly event about $20 now hard to get out under $40-50 )and thats for one person, times change and take away is now different, remember the old ice cream man...hes gone so is the green grocer with his truck...gone
 
Considering the cost of the oil to cook the products/power to heat the oil/wages for the staff especially weekend rates eg:chef, waitresses, restaurant cleaners,water and power bills, insurance to say the least/cost of products on the plates admittedly not many chips and salad, it is sadly the outcome of todays' cost of living.
Prepared picnic on the beach from home is also expensive if that was broken down into cost of individual units.
Mine was wrapped in a bit of greaseproof and the local paper, none of this fancy shite,
 

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