Dining out is one of life’s great pleasures, especially for those of us who have seen many a menu in our time. It’s a chance to gather with friends, enjoy a night off from the kitchen, and indulge in culinary delights. But what happens when the bill arrives and the numbers seem… off? This is the tale of an Aussie diner’s experience that turned from savoury to sour, as a hidden cost left her stunned and sparked a conversation about the transparency of restaurant pricing.
Reanne Ho’s dining experience at Canton Lane Chinese Restaurant in Perth started as a delightful foray into gastronomy but ended with a jolt of sticker shock. The cause? A single lobster noodle dish with a price tag that could make even the most seasoned diner’s eyes water: a staggering $615. This wasn’t just a case of bill bewilderment; it was a moment that would lead to a debate about customer communication and the ethics of dining charges.
The incident unfolded on January 3, when Reanne and her party visited the well-known eatery. The lobster, charged by weight rather than a set price, seemed reasonable enough until the bill was presented. Reanne’s reaction was one of disbelief, and she quickly took to social media to warn others, emphasising the importance of clear communication about pricing, particularly for premium items like lobster.
‘I wanted to warn others because I believe no one should have to go through something like this, especially when it comes to transparency and pricing,’ Reanne said. ‘$600 for one dish does seem very unusual to me, especially without being clearly informed about the price and weight beforehand.’
In many upscale restaurants, it’s customary for staff to present the seafood to diners before it’s cooked, especially when the final cost is dependent on the weight of the item. Reanne claims this step was skipped, leaving her and her group in the dark about the impending financial blow.
The restaurant’s menu listed the lobster at ‘market price,’ a term that can often lead to ambiguity and surprise. When the bill arrived, Reanne was in disbelief and questioned the staff, who confirmed the charge was correct. The next day, still feeling uneasy, she called the restaurant for clarification and learned that the ‘jumbo lobster’ weighed in at 4.5 pounds, priced at $120 per pound, with an additional charge for five portions of noodles.
The story quickly gained traction online, with hundreds of people chiming in on the debate. Some argued that it was the diner’s responsibility to inquire about prices, while others sympathised with Reanne’s shock at the unexpected expense.
In response to the uproar, Canton Lane took to their social media to defend their practices, even providing CCTV footage as evidence of the lobster’s journey from tank to table. They admitted to negligence in not informing the customer of the price and weight but firmly denied any intent to deceive.
‘When it comes to the pricing, customers need to understand that there is a difference between buying seafood yourself outside and having live seafood in the restaurant. There are other costs involved other than just the live seafood itself,’ the restaurant stated.
They also pointed out that lobster prices can fluctuate significantly, especially with recent changes in the market. Just last week, coinciding with Reanne’s visit, the Australian government announced the lifting of a four-year ban on exporting live Western rock lobsters to China, a move hailed as a ‘major win’ for the industry. This resumption of trade with China meant that local prices were likely to increase rapidly.
This story serves as a reminder to always ask for clarification on menu items listed at ‘market price’ or charged by weight, especially when dining on delicacies such as lobster.
Have you ever encountered a hidden cost on your restaurant bill? How did you navigate the situation? Share your thoughts on the importance of clear pricing in the comments below.
Also read: Woolworths receipt from 15 years ago reveals startling price changes
