As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, Australians are becoming increasingly aware of every dollar they spend.

However, even the most budget-conscious among us might be in for a shock when it comes to the price of dining out, especially for something as seemingly simple as what this customer has experienced.

The individual expressed disbelief at the eye-watering bill, sparking a wave of reactions from people who couldn't fathom shelling out such a hefty sum for a morning pick-me-up.

Recently, an Aussie diner's experience at a beachside café in Darwin left many shaking their heads in disbelief.

The customer, who shared his story on a social media thread, was charged a shocking $77 for two egg and bacon rolls with avocado, and two iced coffees.

The breakdown of the bill was enough to make anyone's wallet flinch: $44 for the rolls, $20 for the coffees, an additional $6 for ice cream in the coffee, and to top it off, a $7 Sunday surcharge.

A customer was shocked at their breakfast bill amounting to $77 at a Darwin beachside café. Credits: Reddit / u/LeeWiserEnvoy

The post quickly gathered momentum, and many expressed their frustration with the current state of affairs,

One commenter lamented, 'That's why I don't go out anymore.'

Another was more direct, stating, 'You got ripped off big time.'

‘Charging an extra $3 for ice cream, that should already be included in a $10 iced coffee,’ a third said.

‘And the audacity to add a Sunday surcharge,’ another added.

One reader asked, ‘That is absolutely crazy. Were they any good at least?’ to which the author replied, ‘Yes! To be fair, it was really nice food—but I still had to do a double take when I saw the cost.’

Meanwhile, one commenter asked, ‘Don’t people check the prices before they order?’ and the author replied, saying, ‘Sadly I have no excuse. I was with someone who suggested the brekky rolls, then I went straight to the counter, and ordered without viewing a menu.’

‘I’ve learnt my lesson about tapping without paying attention and walking away,’ they added.

Another café in New South Wales faced backlash for charging $4 for a babycino—essentially a small cup of steamed milk for children—which is the same price as a cup of piccolo, after a mum shared her experience on social media.

‘Seriously?! I understand inflation and the costs of running a small hospitality business, but do you really need to charge $4 for about 50mL of milk?’ the mum asked.

‘I have never known anyone to order a babycino only, there’s always coffees (and money) being made already with the order. In our case, $38.’

‘We don’t go out much, but is this the norm now?’ she added.

This incident sparked outrage among commenters.

‘I have never seen a babycino [for] more than $2,’ one said.

‘That’s absolutely ridiculous! No way I would pay $4 for a babycino, especially because I get a latte, and it would just be the bit of foam off the top of the milk they use for it,’ another exclaimed.

However, a third replied, ‘The people spending money on this are literally part of the problem.’

There had also been previous criticisms regarding the price of coffee shop products.

To match this, some experts shared some tips on how to save money on your next order. You can read the full details and more here.

Key Takeaways

• An Australian diner was shocked at the hefty price of $77 for two egg and bacon rolls and two iced coffees at a Darwin beachside café.
• The cost included a Sunday surcharge and additional charges for added avocado and ice cream.
• Social media users expressed disbelief and criticism over the pricing, with some suggesting the customer was 'ripped off’.
• A separate incident where a NSW café was also criticised for charging $4 for a babycino, sparking debate over fair pricing for simple menu items.

Have you ever had a similar experience in cafés or restaurants? Do you have your own tricks to save money when eating out? We’d love to hear your experiences and tips in the comments below.

 

[MariaG]

We have breakfast dates once a fortnight. We both look forward to them and have never been disappointed regarding quality of food or prices.
Yes, I have looked at menus and said, not here thanks, however, there are always other cafes around the next corner.
If a breakfast bill comes to more than $45, then it's too expensive for us. One can have a very nice brekkie for a reasonable price.
I most certainly would not even order a glass of water at a restaurant that charges all those extras named in the story. It is somewhat of a trap, but only if you do not read the prices first. I don't think any establishment can expect to ask for orders if the prices are not shown.

 

[Phantom55]

I recentlypurchased my 10 yo Mercedes by simply eliminating my morning tea at a local coffee shop (saved me $20 per day for this saving up , I will have paid for my car in 3 yrs, I still have my coffee at home, but I like my car too

 

[Phantom55]

What a rip off.

coffee shops are for tourists (once's) its the same o'seas, locals wont pay the prices that tourists pay, were just catching up to the tourism lurks.....I think they call it progress

 

[Catherines]

Can only assume there were no prices on the menu, or they just sat down, 'we'll have 2 xyz with extra blah blah blah'. The old adage, if you have to ask, you can't afford. Now it seems, just vent your spleen on social media and get the standard replies of 'your were robbed, name them, etc. Nothing wrong with reading the menu and seeing the price and then just walking out and explain to the operator why.

Absolutely agree - check the menu before ordering, check if the business displays a holiday or Sunday surcharge fee (I believe it is a legal requirement), then walk out if charges are outrageous. You don’t have to buy just because you have entered the premises - it is your wallet that will empty & their till that will fill.

 

[margaretritchie48]

I have one statement "CHECK / READ THE MENU FIRST"

I agree, you must have seen the prices on the menu before you ordered. More money than sense.