Is this $287 lunch bill expensive? Most Australians don’t think so

A 42-year-old who “didn’t even order mains” at a restaurant was stunned by her final bill – but the response wasn’t what she expected.

A woman was left horrified after copping a $300 bill for a “girlie lunch” with a friend in Sydney – arguing the astronomical cost of the meal is proof the cost of living crisis has gone too far.

While data shows Australians are still eating out amid the current economic climate, the rising cost of every living expense has affected our dining habits, spawning a notable trend of skipping desserts or opting for cheaper alternatives such as buffets.

However, it appears we’re now becoming accustomed to higher prices in restaurants, as one woman’s recent bill shock has just shown.

Jules Park, a forty-something who posts on social media under the handle @amazingsydneylife, recently shared a photo of the receipt from a lunch out with one of her mates – and it’s fair to say the response wasn’t what she expected.

“Cost of living in Sydney is like …. Lunch bill for 2 girlies (we didn’t order any main dishes),” she wrote.

While the pair didn’t order a main dish, they did get through two small plates, four “snacks”, two sides and six fresh oysters as well as two mocktails, a glass of Shiraz and a dessert.

In total, the bill came to $287, a figure many argued actually “isn’t that bad”.

“That’s actually very good,” one wrote.

As another agreed: “Girlie you ordered the entire menu what did you expect?”

“You ordered 83 entrees,” someone else joked.

Reaction to ‘expensive’ lunch bill proves Aussies have become accustomed to soaring restaurant prices. Picture: Facebook/amazingsydneylife

Others pointed out the dishes, which included Woodfired Prawn for $34 and a $38 serving of Pipis, Jamon, Chilli Paste & Garlic Toast, wouldn’t have been cheap to make.

“Seafood, alcohol and dessert – and still complaining the bill is high,” remarked one.

“Cost of living does not include oysters,” teased another.

As another reasoned: “That’s like the equivalent of me hiring a helicopter and then saying, ‘Ugh man these Sydney prices for transport’. You order luxury, you pay for luxury.”

Recent figures from CreditorWatch show one in 10 hospitality businesses in Australia have shut down in the past year, with the report suggesting the food service sector is one of the worst hit in the country, alongside construction.

The reason is cited as pressure caused by rising costs and decreased consumer demand, with Aussies opting to forgo eating out as they battle to pay rising bills and grocery expenses.

Younger Australians, particularly Gen Z (40 per cent), are far more likely to eat out, with a new survey from Money.com.au showing they are the most likely to spend out too much on restaurant meals and takeaways, followed closely by Millennials (37 per cent).

Jules Park was shocked her meal for two came in at almost $300. Picture: Facebook/amazingsydneylife

But social media said the 42-year-old should have expected a hefty bill considering what was ordered. Picture: Facebook/amazingsydneylife

The good news is that while we’ve all undoubtedly got less money than ever before, dining out remains a priority for many Australians.

“Australians know they should cut back but can’t resist dining out or buying takeout because it feels like a small indulgence in tough times, a social necessity, or simply more convenient than cooking at home,” Finance Expert, Sean Callery, told news.com.au.

“Our survey found that overspending on dining out or takeaway is the second worst financial habit reported, only trailing behind not budgeting or tracking expenses. This indicates that, for many Australians, the ease and enjoyment of dining out often take precedence over sticking to a budget.”

There were a few who agreed with Ms Park that the meal was “very expensive”, but those commenters were a minority among the 4500 left on her post.

“Everything is so exxy these days, you shouldn’t really be surprised,” one said.

“It is a lot of money but it is 2025,” agreed someone else.

News.com.au has contacted Ms Park for further comment.

Originally published as Is this $287 lunch bill expensive? Most Australians don’t think so