A content creator was left gobsmacked by the astronomical prices at one of the world’s most stunning cafés, particularly after discovering the cost of a simple bottle of water.

Claudia Sierra, a content creator, shared her financial shock with her 45,000 TikTok followers during a visit to the renowned New York Café in Budapest‘s Antara New York Palace Hotel, reports the Mirror.

The café, famed for its historic significance and opulent interior adorned with chandeliers and frescoes, was reportedly a favourite haunt for Hungarian artists.

Before entering the lavish eatery, Claudia commented on the breathtaking venue: “Look at the coffee shop where we stopped for a cup of coffee. They can take my ribs out right here, I don’t care.

“All I see is people flipping through the menu on repeat, trying to find something reasonably priced.”

Upon perusing the menu, Claudia and her friends were taken aback to discover that a bottle of San Pellegrino water was priced at €12.50 (£10.91), according to an online version of the menu.

One of Claudia’s companions exclaimed: “The water bottle costs 12.50 euros!”

To save some money, the group decided to opt for tap water instead.

Another friend added: “Oh, we’re going to have such a good breakfast! I’m crying. Thank goodness they gave us a little bit of tap water to wash down the biscuit.”

The water isn’t the only item on the menu with a hefty price tag. A cappuccino will set you back €11 (£9.59), while a grilled ham and cheese sandwich served with a sour cream–flavoured salad is priced at €16 (£13.95).

Claudia and her friends are not the first to comment on the sky-high prices at popular dining spots. High-end restaurants have long drawn visitors for the experience they offer, as well as the bragging rights that come with having dined there.

Earlier this year, another content creator visited Sushi Kanesaka at 45 Park Lane in London, an exclusive venue with just 13 seats at the sushi counter and one of the UK’s priciest eateries.

The restaurant, which opened in 2023 under the guidance of Shinji Kanesaka, charges around £420 per person for its set menu. The experience is so extraordinary that one visitor described it as ethereal.

They posted on Google: “The most amazing sushi I’ve ever had outside Japan. Awesome food, service and atmosphere. Only 13 sushi bar seats in the entire restaurant, 9 in the main area and a more private 4-seater. Pricey, but ethereal.”

Commenting on the cost, one diner added: “Yes, it is expensive; however, the experience is extremely intimate, with only a few small sittings each night. Furthermore, the ingredients used are absolutely the best on offer.

“I have honestly never been served a blue lobster, and the Kobe beef was certainly as good as the best wagyu I have previously tried in Japan.

“The whole team was extremely professional and very attentive. The sake pairing was again exceptional, with the sommelier describing each in amazing detail.”