Brit tourist visits 'world's most expensive cafe' left floored after asking for bill

It seems like the cost of a coffee and pastry has soared everywhere. Whether you're popping into your neighbourhood Greggs or a hip independent bakery, it's hardly shocking to fork out £5 or more for a flat white and croissant.

But while that stings your purse, it pales in comparison to what's available at one of the globe's most lavish cafés, where a basic sweet indulgence can exceed your entire weekly grocery bill. Head south to France and you'll discover Monaco, the billionaire's paradise. This minuscule principality is famed as the beating heart of Formula One, home to countless multi-million pound superyachts – and its legendary casino.

Perched above that very casino within the Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo, an upmarket patisserie has gained notoriety for its exquisite pastries and bakes - alongside the astronomical prices they demand.

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Stroll through the marble foyer and you'll discover what's been branded the "world's most expensive café", Cedric Grolet.

Grolet is a globally celebrated French pastry chef boasting millions of social media fans and honours, including "Best Pastry Chef in the World".

The Monte-Carlo branch marks his Mediterranean debut, following phenomenally successful launches in Paris, London and Singapore, though given its setting, it appears among the most expensive.

His masterpieces are immediately identifiable, with puddings crafted to mirror lemons, peaches or strawberries perfectly on the exterior, before unveiling intricate layers of mousse, cream and sponge inside.

Some of the traditional pastries might not necessarily empty your wallet, but they're still decidedly on the expensive side. For instance, a pain au chocolat will set you back a hefty €12, but with some more luxurious pastries available, one visitor soon fell into the sweet trap and was left with a massive bill.

During a visit to the bakery that he later shared on TikTok, Charlie Betts ended up shelling out an eye-watering £140 on just a few items and a matcha.

Upon arriving at the bakery, he said: "There's life like looking at fruits, I don't even know what they would be, maybe little chocolate tarts? I'm not sure, but I think it's going to be quite good. Hopefully, the best sweet treats I've ever had in my life.

"This has got to be the best thing of my life. I'm really scared of what the price is going to be."

Ordering a chocolate chip cookie, a peanut, mango and strawberry styled dessert, and a final special rose tart, the bill was certainly on the steep side. Each dish was clearly meticulously assembled with layers of mousse, foams, cake and jams all rolled into something scrumptious, but can any baked good justify such a high price tag?

Charlie summarised: "If price isn't involved, I'm going to give it a solid 8.5 out of 10. My most expensive meal ever."

Many in the comments were as shocked at the price. One person wrote: "As a pastry chef, those prices are ridiculous."

While another added: "I get hives at the price of Costa, can't imagine what medical condition I'd develop here."