Backlash after mystery diner pays for everyone’s meal at one of Sydney’s fanciest restaurant

Stunned diners at one of Australia’s fanciest restaurants have left their stomachs and wallets full after a “random act of kindness” that left at least one customer uncomfortable with the gesture.

A Good Samaritan paid the bill for every dinner at Crown Sydney’s posh Japanese eatery Nobu on Monday.

Among the surprised diners was television and radio presenter Sami Lukis, who initially appreciated the gesture but, like many Aussies, now wonders if the thousands of dollars taken out could not have been better spent on those who really needed it instead of dining in the expensive restaurants. restaurant.

Lukis was still in shock on Tuesday when she recalled the “surreal night” and admitted that the experience made her feel uncomfortable.

The waiter called it “a random act of kindness.” The incredibly generous stranger probably won’t see this… but… thanks,” she tweeted.

Lukis later shared more details in an article for Nine honey .

“I certainly don’t mean to sound ungrateful for my ridiculously lavish complimentary meal, but as we left the restaurant I couldn’t help but notice that this particular art of generosity seemed strangely out of place in such an expensive restaurant,” she wrote.

It’s probably safe to assume that most people who choose to dine at Nobu don’t struggle, so I wondered if those thousands of dollars couldn’t have been better spent elsewhere?

That said, you never know what’s going on in someone’s life and it’s not for me to judge how someone chooses to spend their money. Maybe that man had already donated to charity or a homeless shelter that day, or spread joy elsewhere.”

A mysterious person paid for fellow diners’ meals at swanky restaurant Nobu in Crown Sydney. Pictured are previous dinners in the restaurant

TV and radio host Sami Lukis thanked the mysterious diner who paid for her meal

Lukis said she questioned the Good Samaritan who claimed he had paid for everyone’s meal, but was tight-lipped about his reasons.

Fellow diners have also expressed their gratitude.

‘I was there with my partner and cousin to celebrate my cousin’s 21st birthday. Almost fell off my chair when the waitress said. So kind,” one man wrote.

But everyday Aussies struggling with the rising cost of living were furious when they learned what was happening.

“Just what overpaid rich people needed. A bill the size of a family of four’s weekly groceries to be paid in a restaurant that is generally only inhabited by people who have money to spend on such luxurious things,’ a man bellowed.

Another added: “Whoever that person was, although a kind gesture, next time give that money to people who are really struggling. Not the ones who eat at Nobu who can probably easily afford to pay their own bill.

A third wrote: ‘So a rich person pays for rich people’s dinner. Why not go down and pay for everyone else at maccas or the local fish and chip shop. Giving money to people who really need it, not pompous entitled rich people eating $275 wagyu beef.”

Not all diners eating there on a Monday night scored a free feed.

‘Was in Nobu from 6:30pm to about 9pm last night.. no one shouted our bill. We paid it in full,” one wrote.

Reservations are booked well in advance at Japanese restaurant Nobu (pictured)

Crown Sydney has also spoken out about what happened.

“It’s always nice to hear stories like this where someone does a random act of kindness,” a spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.

We are sure that the guests enjoying their dining experience must have been delighted by this extraordinary act of generosity.”

Internationally renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa opened the restaurant in Barangaroo when the $2.4 billion Crown Sydney opened its doors in December 2020.

The restaurant is almost always full seven days a week, where reservations are made well in advance.

Nobu describes itself as a modern fusion restaurant destination, ‘where Japanese sophistication is reimagined with a passionate Peruvian influence’.

World famous signature dishes on the menu include Black Cod Miso and Yellowtail Jalapeño.

Menu items start from $6 for Nigiri and Sashami to $98 for Lobster Wasabi Pepper.

A seven-course meal starts from $180, while the Japanese Wagyu A5 costs $275.

Sami Lukis (pictured) wonders if the thousands of dollars saved by the mystery dinner could have been better spent elsewhere