A group of four diners recently shared their experience at a private dining restaurant after a casual birthday gathering evolved into a billing dispute with the restaurant owner/chef.
Image credit: 别吵，FAFA火 (Xiaohongshu)
Birthday celebration turns sour
According to the post, the group had made their reservation one month in advance and paid a RM100 deposit. They opted for the à la carte menu, which the restaurant had confirmed prior to the visit. As they had already eaten earlier, they ordered modestly, which are two cocktails, one bottle of Aqua Panna and four food items.
The diners described the meal as generally average, noting that certain dishes. such as the smoked duck breast, felt underwhelming. During the evening, the restaurant also presented a small birthday cake and brought the group to its champagne room for photos, which at first appeared to be a thoughtful gesture.
Discovery of miscalculation
The bill for the night came to RM517.32 after tax. After deducting their RM100 deposit, they paid RM410 before leaving. It was only the next day that they noticed a discrepancy, although they had ordered two cocktails, the bill reflected charges for three. The additional cocktail, priced at RM58, became the centre of their inquiry.
Following the mischarge, one of the girls contacted the restaurant via Instagram to clarify the charge and asked whether the complimentary cake had been included in the bill. The restaurant confirmed that the cake was free of charge but maintained that the billing was correct.
Image credit: 别吵，FAFA火 (Xiaohongshu)
When the group questioned why they were charged for the extra cocktail, the restaurant responded,
“If you want to dispute over RM58 I’ll get the cash ready for you tomorrow to pickup. You spend RM500 between 4 people lol.”
The owner of the restaurant the proceeded the mock the girl, saying:
“Please pick up your cash tomorrow and don’t come back.”
Escalation through message exchanges
The conversation grew increasingly tense. While the group emphasized that their concern was about accurate billing rather than the amount spent, the restaurant insisted the calculations were justified.
Image credit: 别吵，FAFA火 (Xiaohongshu)
The situation escalated further when the restaurant later posted on Instagram story titled, “If you can’t afford RM400 between 4 pax, maybe don’t come,” which the diners perceived as a public responses to their inquiry.
The post, shared soon after the private discussions, was seen as a response to the diners’ inquiry. They later released screenshots showing further exchanges in which the restaurant questioned their intentions, asked them not to return, and made remarks regarding their spending.
Image credit: 别吵，FAFA火 (Xiaohongshu)
In the following messages, the girls attempted to clarify their calculations, while the restaurant maintained its position and viewed the responses as an overreaction. The exchange concluded with the restaurant reiterating
“It’s ok just don’t come back, and please tell all your poor friends.”
The clarification request later drew attention due to the tone in the message exchanges and the restaurant’s public post. The incident has since circulated online as an example of how minor disputes can escalate when communication breaks down between customers and businesses.
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