Review Crossways Restaurant - Melbourne

Fully vegetarian eating place. Nothing fancy, but I love how you don’t really need to make a decision as there is already a set meal for either lunch or dinner. If you are a student, show then your student card, and you will receive student rate!!

The staff at Crossways are particularly friendly and accommodating and service is very fast. You can purchase take away or you can eat there and consume as many servings of main course, dessert & beverages as you desire for just $9.50 (or $7.50 if you have a concession card) regardless. The Hare Krishna food meets various food groups & dietary requirements/preferences, making it accessible and healthy to various individuals. The main course and some deserts are vegan and overall, the menu is vegetarian. The curries are generally mildly spicy and flavoursome and there are a great deal of vegetables and very often some tofu and legumes. The menu includes rice, papadums 2 curries, fruit halava, orange cordial, lassi & water. There is a set menu for every day of the week. I am personally very glad that Crossways has re-opened and I believe the food is delicious and a good staple. I pay Crossways a visit on most days I’m in the city and it is my favourite restaurant of all time! I would recommend Crossways, particularly for people who like curries, have specific dietary preferences &/ have large appetites.

A very good initiative by ISKCON to serve vegetarian/vegan food with a touch of love and warmth. Located at the heart of the city in Swanston Street, this place offers vegetarian thali meals for lunch and dinner just for 9.5 bucks.

A pure Vegan Food Place in Melbourne 👌👌 I was surprised to visit this Eatery for first time ,, it’s running by Krishna Iskon People,, The food was simple delicious and vegan ,, Very neat and clean with reasonable rates ,, Jai Shri Krishna 🙏🌷

Fantastic value for money and hearty vegan food 🍲 very much canteen style and be aware the hare Krishna music is loud

Tasty, Healthy cheap food. Limited options but eat until you are full on standard Meal. Discount for Students and Consession card holders.

Amazing, functional, polite setting. Will definitely come again!

Really friendly staff. Set meals which change daily. Breakfast, lunch and dinner also change daily but a weekly cycle. Really tasty and simply usually with a yummy dessert. Sweet lassi or a cordial included. The meals are either vegetarian or vegan. Very reasonable pricing and eat as much as you want.

Beautiful Vegan and Vegetarian meals - simple and wholesome. Relaxed atmosphere, very central to the city. Very well priced and beautiful desserts - friendly staff and oasis from the city madness. Love the place!

Amazing restaurant, favorite place to eat in Melbourne. Fresh affordable vegetarian buffet with beverages included. Nutrition for the body and mind. �

Food is really delicious. Would definitely recommend everyone.. �

Had lunch there on Saturday with my daughter aged 13 who is a vegetarian. We both loved the place. We will definitely be back next time we head back to the city.

I loved the dessert yesterday and the meal was nice. Lovely people especially the guy behind the counter. Thank you.

Nourishment in several ways. Delicious vegetarian food and friendly service.

Cracking food at a great price, owned by really nice people. Thanks Vira for your kind words of advice!

I love this place. Great food, great relaxed atmosphere. Thank you.

Top notch food, top notch people.....love it

So fulfilling & tasteful. Once you’re done with first dish, you can go back for second but trust me, there won’t be even room for the dessert. Great food, fast service, going back #NoAnimalsWereHarmedInTheMaking.

Lovely staff and wonderful food!!!! Very cool and calming place 🌹

Good cheap vegetarian food :) Always a great place to go.

It is the best service best quality food available in CBD, healthy as anything as well as tastier. Low cost meal for students is another remarkable aspect of this sacred place of Lord Krishna. Hare Krishna !!! Hare Rama!!!

If you want to have the best vegetation meal in Melbourne then visit crossways

Amazingly Delicious food! So grateful! Thank you! :)

Loved it, a little place of home away from home �

Insta: melbfoodie_mark<br/>YT: MelbFoodieMark<br/>** Check them out for more food reviews in Melbourne!<br/>-<br/>Didn't expect to stumble into this cozy venue after getting a haircut! I was surprised to find out that it was only $8.95 for a meal. Its setup reminded me of a high school canteen. I went on Tuesday so they served "Red Kidney Beans, Brown Rice, Peach Halva & Custard". Considering the price, portion was definitely generous - you can have as much rice and curry as you want! I also really enjoyed this relaxed communal ambience of the venue.<br/>In terms of taste, it was slightly bland in comparison to other curries I had before. But it wasn't that bad since I could taste freshness of the ingredients - tasted healthy as if they were all homemade. Not to mention, Indian custard dessert was surprisingly flavourful! Overall, it was a simple but delicious hearty meal. I'd visit whenever I crave something healthy and affordable in the city :)

Friendly staff with cheap and yummy food, everything there is tasty 😋 I keep coming back to the restaurant, definitely a high recommendation 😋

If I was on death rowe and had to pick my final meal - it would be a crossway's curry, crossway's dessert and let's not forget, the brilliant crossway's Orange drink. I love crossways. I LOVE crossways. Thank you, crossways. That's all

Sometimes you want to eat healthy but tasty food and a lot of food,  and don't want to spend a lot of money on it, places with all of these filters on are really hard to find, This one is one of those places. The food is very simple, it's healthy, tastes really really good and doesn't take much out of your pocket.<br/>They have different types of curries for each day which are served with rice and papodums. The flavor of the curry is always amazing. I always end up wanting more and more of it. The good thing is you can have as much as you want.<br/>But the best part is the custard and raisin halava. If you like sweets you will fall in love with it. It is the Best. When you take a bit with custard and Halava on your spoons it just melts in your mouth and creates such a soothing feeling for your taste buds that they want more and more of it. I always have to resist myself to stop eating it. The Vibe of this place is always happy and calming.  I think if you are in the city and want to try something cheap and good, this is the best place to go.

Great cheap eats for when you can’t take the missus for a date at Costco for $2 hotdogs anymore.<br/><br/>I’m all seriousness. A nice and cosy place. Amazing value. <br/>

Mostly Vegan - No Surcharge on Credit Cards <br/>We’ve been going here since 1989 - not much has changed until this week. New venue. No longer at Swanson street. Same vegetarian and vegan food, friendly and happy atmosphere. It’s now in an arcade around the corner. This is definitely the place to go if you want a delicious, healthy vegan dish, in a calm, happy atmosphere.

Amazing food for such a small price. the staff seemed very friendly too but you don&#039;t interact with them much (which is good if you&#039;re an introvert like me). A very good place to eat for students. Nice and nutritious food for just $6.95! The decor could use a bit of work, maybe replace the cheap foldable plastic chairs with proper ones and replace the old dented and worn out tables but otherwise everything was good. I loved the little &quot;Thank you&quot; bell too, great touch haha.

A nice cosy place offering good indian vegetarian buffet. Students also get concession. I liked the curry taste, it was like made at home style. The dessert of custard and halwa is my one of the favorites.

Great vegetarian option for those who love it <br/><br/>Food is below average<br/>Food back home in India is never this bland<br/>There are great Indian vegetarian options around<br/>Have to taste them to see the difference <br/><br/>Very bland and the lassi is watery<br/><br/>Both nonetheless appreciate the effort of these guys<br/><br/>But personally I wouldn’t go back to this place<br/>Prefer some flavour in my food<br/>

Growing up in a traditional family in Southern Part of India, food like this was always part of my life. The very first time when I visited the restaurant with my friends, they were more excited than I was. The very first thing you need to notice is that this place is more like an ootupura(dining hall) at a temple. There are certain believes and values this place withhold and the patrons are expected to keep up with that. A strict no to the Non-vegetarian food. The ambiance is just average, the staff are incredibly courteous and kind, the pricing is amazing considering you get to have as much rice and curry as you need. <br/><br/>Looking at the food, the taste is average. Of course, it is of homecooked quality and one of the best vegan options in the city. I know vegetarians who are concerned to eat from outside (it is an obvious fact that the vegetarians would never prefer a spoon/utensils used by non-vegetarians). This place is a great option for such people. The students get a discount by showing the student ID. For me, the best part of the meal was dessert. The Lassi they serve is, well I can't call it as Lassi. It was very watery and I had to stop it at the first sip. I know this review may attract some negative comments but, this is my personal opinion. Overall, if you ever miss your home and craving for some Indian food at an affordable price then just give them a try. <br/>PS: You also get to ring a bell once you are done with the meal.

This is my favourite get together place while catching up with friends in the city.<br/>The place is always crowded but we can still manage to get a seat .<br/>The food is average home cooked  but really filling.<br/>The dessert is their highlight.... yummo!

Stumbled in by accident. Loved the idea of good proper food for a good price. Nothing fancy but perfect if you’re looking for proper, good and honest food. Nice hippie vibe, everybody sitting together and all kind of people inside. Very tasty lunch and what a good price (only 8 dollars) for a full hearty meal. Lóved it!

Only wish they were open on Sundays too. Really good food and service. <br/><br/>Serving portion is sizeable enough for such affordable prices. I love how they have structured their food plan to cater to many cuisines. <br/><br/>Really good option for students and people wanting to eat on a budget.

This place is the best, $5.5 (for students) all you can eat is just too good to pass up. Whether I'm on my lunch break at work or grabbing some food before heading out on a Friday, this place never fails. Seriously for that price point any complaints are negated and really my only complaint would be the insane business there can be sometimes but that only speaks to its popularity. There could be more variety but then again the point is to use similar ingredients to keep the costs down and thereby potentially help those who might not otherwise be able to get a nice meal out. If compared to a place like Om Vegetarian then the difference would be variety and price; Om is $1 more and only has one all you can eat dish but has a regular restaurant menu too and table service, where as Crossways is $1 less, has more all you can eat dishes, but no table service or regular menu, but it does have free lassi refills and dessert too so it really depends on what you want (not to mention these places are less than a block apart).

Ambience : 5/5 (The feel of the place is great. No frills, a bit like a college canteen without the noise. A place somehow seems pious in itself)<br/>Taste : 4/5 (One of the best healthy vegan options in Melbourne)<br/>Options : 2/5 (The menu is fixed. So not really sure if it is right to judge thus at all)<br/>Service : 3/5 (It is like a college canteen. So not much to expect, but the service sure is prompt)<br/>Value for Money : 10/5<br/>Portion Size : Infinity (literally..... any number of servings you want for the 8 dollars you pay)<br/><br/>

I remember coming to Crossway during my poor uni student days when I felt like having a feed on the cheap! Despite it's incredibly cheap price tag (no higher than $8) for a full meal, the food at Crossways was always good and I would thoroughly enjoy it ash time. Simple food done well. There isn't much variety on offer throughout the week but you will (on average) receive a bowl of plain white rice, curry , a Indian side/vegetable as well as an Indian custard dessert (which, let's be honest - was one the reasons I would come!). Portions were generous and the staff/servers were cordial. You won't get any ambience or atmosphere but if you're in need of a simple, cheap meal this will never set you back.

Incredibly affordable, filling and practical vegetarian food<br/><br/>Thursday night:<br/>Malaysian curry and basmati rice with sticky date pudding for dessert.<br/><br/>Review:<br/>I'm a little confused at how this joint works.<br/>I thought it would be the option of either two options (I was really looking forward to the pasta and lentil) but it seemed as though only the curry and rice were available.<br/>Not a bad option, but still a little surprising for me.<br/>Portions were incredibly generous - especially when you have the option to bring your empty plate up and receive another serving.<br/><br/>Malaysian curry was chunky, and basmati rice was a good complimentary side. Can never go wrong with the classic rice and curry combo - especially when the chunky fresh curries gives you so much flavour and texture.<br/><br/>Sticky date pudding wasn't really for me. Best to have it sooner, rather than later because it doesn't taste well when it gets cold. The consistency was a bit too thick and was a lot different compared to what I was expecting (re: Melbourne Supper Club).<br/><br/>This place is truly no frills, and the tuck shop style reminds me of Gopal's... just with less options and at a cheaper price point. If I were to compare the two, I'd probably steer towards Gopal's.<br/>Although Gopal's doesn't have the option of a 'buffet' style at such an affordable price, I'd rather pay more to have a bit more selection.

Been coming here since I was a 8 year old child. I used to cringe coming and eating in here as the decor and people used to freak me out. They still do however the food is as it has always been, consistently fresh and full of flavour. Used to be $4 all you can eat in 1994 and is now $8 which is fantastic, the meals are set per day but you generally get a vegan main with rice and papadums, and a semolina dessert and orange cordial. If you can ignore the surroundings do come here for a vegan treat you wont be dissappointed

Finally got a chance to try this place this after past through it couple times! <br/><br/>Monday lunch menu : Basmati rice and vegetables satay I thought satay would be like skewers but it was actually a kind of curry with potatoes and carrot in it + papadums *so good i loves papadum so much* and raisin halava and custard. <br/><br/>Verdict, the overall taste is pretty standard but tasty! Recommend the dessert tho so good🤤 haha will come back to try the other dish.

I love it! Strictly No Meat Allowed and a huge meal with drinks and dessert for only $8 in the centre of the city. This small patch of Swanton St somehow supports three very similar establishments, two of which are equally good.

A meal can not be any cheaper than this. $7 all you can eat. 5 star for customer service, the staffs are very warm and friendly. Delicious and filling meal. Make sure to go on the day with apple crumble. Imo the curry could be a little bit less salty though. Overall, my favourite place when craving some curry and any dessert that comes with heaps of custard.

K: Never will I have thought to be attending a vegan establishment in the existence of my Zomato experiences, but sometimes we make sacrifices and try new things for those we love- in this case a colleague of mine. A highly popular restaurant endorsing the concepts of God consciousness, spirituality and Hare Krishna, Crossways is known for its buffet vegan food that is cheap, filling and delicious.<br/><br/>Service works in a way where it's like a canteen, and the attendents usually give your food to you. Today we had the rice with papadams, carrots, beans and potato, with a sort of apple crumble like dessert. The papadams were my favourite of the meal, tasting crisp and just the right amount of salt. My colleague noted usually the food is warmer, however the food and vegetables were fulfilling enough. The dessert was also decent.<br/><br/>It's hard to judge a restaurant on a cuisine I am not experienced with so take this review from the perspective of an avid meat eater. My colleague does recommend this establishment to all vegans and value lovers alike.<br/><br/>Food: 3/5<br/>Service: 3/5<br/>Ambience: 3/5<br/>Value: 4/5<br/><br/>Overall: 3/5

My partner got me takeout from Crossways for a measly $6.50 and got entree, main and dessert. Everything was seriously tasty, especially the dessert (I think it was date pudding? I'm not sure). I'll definitely come back to stuff my face someday.

Before I came here I had my doubts. But it turned out to be a fine experience! Surprisingly good actually. The food was simple: plain rice, curry, some kind of Indian chip and Indian custard dessert. But they all tasted really good, especially the chips which looked blend but were actually flavorful. The custard dessert was rich and filling. Staff was nice and portion was adequate. There wasn’t so much of an ambience but hey, it only costed $7.9 for two people on Groupon, so can’t complain!

My partner and I came across this place just walking by and wanted to check it out. We have been back about 4 more times in the past couple of weeks as we love it. We are vegetarian and love spicy food/curry so this place is perfect for us. Plus it’s all you can eat so even better! They have something different everyday and we’re currently working our way through the menu 😆

I went here with a friend and really enjoyed my experience. My friend had been there before and really enjoyed it and encouraged me to come. The restaurant is on the second story of the building. When you walk in there are signs hanging from the roof directing you to the place where they serve you the meal of the day. I had a basic chickpea curry, papadums and rice. I also got a pudding with custard and a choice out of orange juice and a yogurt drink I forgot the name of. Overall, the food was very tasty but not exceptional or mind blowing, it could be perceived as bland to some. The decor was pretty minimal but it had a homely canteen feel to it. The place didn’t come off as the most hygienic restaurant, it seemed a little on the dirty side but the prices were very cheap for the amount of food your paying for, service was wonderful and the servers really nice. Vegan, and I also heard that some of the money they receive goes to charity but I’m not entirely sure. There was a Thankyou bell which you could ring on your way out if you enjoyed the food. Overall, good experience especially for someone on a budget but looking for a place to eat. Really filling food so if your hungry this could be the place to go!

I love curry, I love cheap food, I love buffet style, I love meat free food, I love a relaxed and communal atmosphere. Crossways does all these things perfectly. A favourite.

if you ever fancied veg food and did not want to take the trouble for having to choose from a long menu..this is your place. self-service only. empty your plates after you are done and return them. ring the bell if you liked the food!

Perfect place for those looking for simple vegan vegetarian food. Its 5.95$ with concession and 7.95$ with no concession. Its all you can eat with different menu for lunch and dinners everyday. Simple, healthy and generous amount of food for the price you would pay. <br/>They serve rice, curry, papadum, desert and lassi. Its a canteen style layout, generally packed with people. Very friendly service.

I’ve been here for lunch with my friend. It was packed with people. The food is sooo cheap and it’s all you can eat so you can get more food whenever you want. The menu for the day was Malaysian curry, bread pudding for dessert and lassi/OJ for drinks, all for 5.80 which is surprisingly nice. Also I lovee vegan food! <br/><br/>Recommend it for vegan or anyone who looks for cheap meal in the city.

I have been excited to visit Crossway for a while. Wasn’t disappointed! They do discount for student (yay!) so for less than $6, I got a large plate with main veggie dish, basmati rice, papadum and raisin palva in custard for dessert. Drinks are included, you can choose water, orange juice or lassi. Now, I’m definitely not an expert in Indian food - but what I had was tasty. Rice was fluffy, veggie in coconut sauce was milder than normal Indian curry and very easy on my palette. I also love the atmosphere there - people come in, eat and go, everyone has the same dish, same price, it’s very relaxing and feels sort of liberal. Staff was fantastic - they are friendly, smiling and wishing you well after giving you your meal. It’s one of the best cheap meal I have ever had.

This place is perfect for those on a budget but wants a hearty filling meal! 😉<br/><br/>Ambience: Located on Swanston st, there is a small sign leading you to the 2nd floor (kind of hidden). There is a 3rd floor as well! The place has a canteen feel to it, and it's pretty spacious.<br/><br/>Service: It has a canteen style, they scoop food for you (you can tell them how much you want) and then they put your plate on a tray along with your dessert. There's another table with cups and drink machines, all of which are refillable. The people are also very friendly!<br/><br/>Food: They have different menu everyday and that night we had some vegetable and beans curry with rice with halava custard as dessert. The drinks choices were a type of orange juice and lassi (type of yoghurt drink) which both taste kind of bland. The same goes with the food, bit bland for my liking but that aside it's pretty good. (There are salt and pepper on the table)<br/>I like the halava custard though! It was such a perfect end for the meal.<br/>Most importantly, the food surely fill you up! (In my case, no need for second serving!)<br/><br/>Price: This is where they top it! For only $8pp (even better $6pp for concession) you get refillable main, drink and dessert! If that's not a bargain Idk what is! 👀<br/><br/>Favorite: halava custard (dessert)<br/>Nopes: none<br/><br/>Photos from left to right: lassi, halava custard, basmati rice with vegetable and beans curry<br/><br/>ｘｘ、 ｊｏｅｌｌｅ

The best value vegetarian restaurant. . Set menu main desert and drink. All you can eat. I have been coming here for years and will continue too.flavoursome and hearty.

As a university student, cheap and good food is what I live for. It can be hard to find though, especially in the middle of the city. Crossways provides large portion sizes in an all you can eat setting of healthy, vegetarian/vegan curries and deserts which are almost certain to hit the spot. <br/><br/>It does get busy, but if anything, that should just indicate that it is a popular spot for a cheap meal.

Best vegetarian and value for money eatery in town. Decent ambience, quiet and peaceful. Should try the desert on saturdays. Would definitely recommend this place.

Canteen style food outlet with friendly staff and good service. Really cozy with a changing menu and provides good cheap warm food. Definitely a value for money.

Unlimited food, dessert and drink with daily specials. Solid meal with great Indian flavours. Would come here any day for the amazing food, the people, and the cheap eat!

Alternative Culture vego place.<br/><br/>The regulars here are diehard vegetarians. <br/><br/>Over the years, the food in this place has declined. Years ago, it was significantly better, and the only reason Im giving this place a 4.0 rating is that I dont want to drop the average too much as It probably fulfills a more important society niche that you'd expect <br/><br/>But actually half the days the food is borderline. <br/><br/>Now lets talk about food quality here... Its not so simple.<br/>See, the food here is "prasad" , has perculiarly been prayed over and blessed by the chanting devotees of the Hare Krishna cult and been subtly altered by the process and you can actually detect it.<br/><br/>The metaphysical aspect of food is not intanglible but rather tangible which explains why at some places like foodstar buffet you can cooked food that ticks all the boxes but somehow doesnt hit the spot.<br/>Here its the opposite. <br/>Very ordinary foodstuffs enhanced by whatever the prasad process does but its tangible. <br/>THe thoughts and mood of the cooks somehow alter the substance during the alchemical preparation process of cooking.<br/><br/>So... while the food here has declined over the years, the Hare Krishna restaurants (Crossways, Gopals, the Albert Park temple area) have something that cannot be easily competed with toe to toe ... the prasad factor .<br/><br/>Years ago the cult farmed its own vegetables with ox and cart (no petrol machines).<br/>They gave that up and the veggies are now market bought.<br/><br/>The internal culture of the Krishnas regarding cooking is the same as outside the cult in that the cook usually refuses to share the recipe. Even years ago the cook used to make the stuff offsite and transport it here via 20 litre buckets (same nowadays). So.. when he moves away the next cook wont be able to replicate the recipe exactly.<br/>The current cook(s) frankly arent much good.<br/><br/>*** TIP ***<br/>1) The menu follows a weekly program.<br/>Basically, if the mealstuffs include what looks like red beans or brocolli,<br/>you are on a good day.<br/>If not, frankly I'd avoid.<br/>The curry + potatoe + chickpea just doesnt cut it for me, prasad or not.<br/><br/>2) Desert only option...<br/>its $2.50 for desert if you ask for desert only.<br/><br/>3) Go upstairs and look around.<br/>Its worth visiting this place once just to check out the wall artworks and<br/>the upstairs library of vedic books (equivalent of the bible for Hindus).<br/>The writings of Prahupada (founder of the Krishna movement in the west)<br/>are largely repetitive.<br/>It looks like he wrote 20+ books but actually its one book, 20 times.<br/>They are all about the failure of Western civilization and (surprise) the virtues of the living the Hare Krishna way.<br/><br/>Also, there is some sort of yoga program going on upstairs.<br/><br/>Hare Krishna! Hare Rama!

The moment you enter here, listen chants of Krishna. Loved the way the food is served. Totally liked it. A place where my parents will definitely want to come.

Canteen style; friendly, vegan desserts available. Had lentil curry. Menu changes everyday. I didn’t feel 100% afterward, could just be me. Communal style dining was great; interesting conversational

Awesome place! Service was terrific and the staff were very friendly. Unlimited food, how can you not like that! Furthermore the food is delicious!

While the staff is friendly and this is a very economic meal for vegan/vegetarians, the food is just okay. Not much taste in the curries but you get what you pay for!

I have a love/hate relationship with this place. On the one hand, the food is good and nourishing, and it is a really cheap feed for the city. There is a lot of room to eat, and generally a bit of privacy and quiet upstairs if you want that.<br/><br/>On the other hand, the service is nothing more than average, and on several occasions I've been lectured about how this is a holy place and all in the service of Krishna. Yesterday I received a phone call from a friend while dining, and was berated for it, being told that I would get bad karma for obstructing the vibe.<br/><br/>I get it. It's a Hare Krishna restaurant. But when I pay for my food, I want to eat it in peace, without having to hear about someone else's spiritual experience. I'm sure most people don't have this problem with the place, but I've been coming for over ten years, and over time I've seen the cracks in the woodworks.<br/><br/>Frankly, the only reason I go to Crossways over Gopals (another vegan Hare Krishna restaurant just a few shops down Swanston) is because of the price. It's cheap, and you get what you pay for. But Gopals is the place you really ought to be if you are willing to pay a bit more.

A great option for vegans and very wallet friendly too. Have never left feeling unsatisfied. The staff are very friendly. Not to forget to mention what an amazing cause they are.

If u r a vegan or a vegetarian or just soft hearted for vegetarian food, this place is a must to visit.<br/>Great and Tasty food,kind people & pleasant environment is all that you can experience here,which everyone desires of.

A very good option for vegans - this place serves indian dishes with a fusion touch. The prices are very reasonable too. The veggie lasagne and kofte are a fast seller. A must try if you are in the city at lunchtime.

Simple food, cheap and nice to have available in the city. I wish it was GF and Vegan, but you can't have everything in life. :) Peaceful place.

My weekly stop when I go to the cbd, cheap and good food! Vegan options for desert. I like the communal table and the kirtan music. I appreciate the concession price for students, this place is just super convenient!

The food is absolutely amazing! I'm shocked how good the quality is!!! And the date pudding is amazing!!! I didn't think this place was gonna have such amazing food based on the old venue but I was so wrong!!! Absolutely amazing vegan indian food and very authentic. The staff are very friendly as well, definitely recommend it!

A wholesome, cheap lunch.<br/><br/>I don't like how they never stick to their daily menu and to be honest the mains are too salty for my tastes.<br/><br/>Crossways is more expensive than the other local 'all you can eat' cOMpetitor but you do get a dessert and lassi included in the price which you won't get down on Elizabeth street...<br/><br/> Whether the extra cost is worth the dessert is a personal choice but for me this is place is number 2.

i love the concept of this place - all you can eat for just $7.95. definitely worth it especially if you've got the appetite. they serve authentic indian food & accompany it with complimentary dessert & drinks (which are also buffet style). nothing to complain about here!

It is a great deal for students. Especially those from India. The place is run by the temple trust. That's is the reason the prices are so affordable. You get unlimited buffet which includes rice + curry + dessert + drink. The menu changes every day. The food is tasty which is proved by the customers this place welcomes on a daily basis. Not only Indians visit this place but there's also a huge number of Australians and people from other nationalities visiting this place all day. The staff is really warm and friendly. I would call it a student's savior. Definite 5 stars and a thumbs up for this place.

Been coming here for yeaaaars. Love it so much. Crossways is a Melbourne institution. Good hearty simple comfort food. Cheap and healthy. Always left satisfied. Buzzing, happy atmosphere. The best!

Usually good, predictable food. But some of their staff/volunteers have a serious attitude problem and lack basic empathy when issues come up like trying to claim their Health Care concession after being approved for Centrelink Newstart, but having not yet received your Health Care card. I was in that exact situation, so I brought in a letter from Centrelink a couple of times before & was given the concession price, so the staff knew my situation. Then recently I came in without my Centrelink letter, and politely explained my situation to an old Indian women at the counter. She reacted violently and loudly snapped at me "No, no way!" with an evil glare like I was a criminal trying to rob them or something. Living Krishna's values...not! They're full of shit, and their food probably is too.

May not look/sound appealing but try it!!!<br/>Really cheap at $5.95 (concession) which gets you a main and dessert (and free refills!! which you probably don't need because one tray is usually filling enough). Drinks are available too. I visited twice, both during lunch. Both times (Friday and XX can't remember) were delicious! Very hearty. Don't forget to finish the halava & custard too, so good! Def visiting again (& again...) bc I wanna try everything on the menu haha!

I love South Indian cuisine and I'm definitely not disappointed. Food is vegan but almost makes me forget I'm not. Be prepared to queue and dine with other people. Great atmosphere

Great and cheap place to eat! <br/><br/>Best during lunch time where they serve papadums, they are the best. I personally don't really enjoy their menu on Thursday but the rest is good<br/>

Absolutely a gem for uni students and a cheap and always quick feed.<br/><br/>I lived on this place for uni outings for lunch between classes. Always extremely kind staff and generous in the pricing. You will not find a cheaper eat in Melbourne. <br/><br/>This is not for the snooty types, come here if you're after a humble lunch in a very laid back venue.<br/><br/>Don't come here for something instagramable or if you're looking to bash on a not-for profit feeding you for $7.50. Yes the food may not be perfect but hell is it honest.

Great food, cozy ambiance and friendly staff. What more do you want? Bang for your buck? Hell Yeah!!!<br/>Hot food served with love makes a wonderful meal, don't you think...

Below average ambiance and half done food ..<br/><br/>Pathetic non profit organization. ISKON...WASTED 8 Dollars for nothing...<br/><br/>Rice was not even cooked .Thursday menu .Vegan.Malaysian Curry is like a boiled up soup with veggie half cooked.<br/><br/>Highly not recommended...

My go-to treat whenever I'm in the CBD. The meals are delicious, very affordable, and include lassi and dessert. Moreover, it's a sanctuary from the crazy CBD with a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere and warm and welcoming people. Thank you Crossways for all the food and comfort :-)

Value for money ✅<br/>Hearty vegan food✅<br/>Friendly ambience ✅<br/>Best sticky date pudding and custard I have ever had so light not so sweet just glides through your mouth and food pipe.

This is a national treasure you can almost feel the love. Happy crew, an endless stream of people from all walks of life and amazing food. Thank you.

Was here on a Thursday and had the Malaysian Curry with Basmati Rice. The Malaysian Curry was only average but the Papadums were thin, crispy and fragrant. For dessert, we had the Orange Halava & Custard. It was rich in flavours, with the distinct orange flavours while the Halava was delicate yet dense. Even though it was delicious, I felt that it was slightly just too sweet for me since both the halava and custard were sweet.

I've eaten at Crossways for lunch a couple of times and it's growing to be one of my favourite places in Melbourne. I'm a student so only having to pay $5.50 (concession price) for a delicious, healthy, vegetarian and extremely flavoursome meal is not only unheard of but crazy awesome! The food served each day is different so it keeps things interesting. One thing that doesn't change though is the staff. What beautiful and friendly people. I absolutely love it here. Perfect for your work break, if you're travelling to Melbourne on a budget or a student. Actually, it's for everyone! ❤️

It's hard to fault a $7.50 (cheaper for unemployed and students) all you can eat restaurant. The food is vegetarian, healthy and tasty. You do get much more than you paid for and the people running it all seem to have a smile on their face. More of a student hangout than something fancy but good for a quick meal anyway if your on a budget.

Being a student and vegetarian, there aren't too many options in the city for a VFM restaurant. Unlimited food is a great initiative! Custards are probably my favourite part of the menu. They are absolutely delicious!

I've only been here twice and it's so different to your usual restaurant. It has that community vibe and a friendly/accepting atmosphere. The place also kinda feels a school canteen in a way. The food is pretty good, portions are hugee so I can never finish it D: But it's a great place if you want healthy food that's very cheap.

Home to Hari Krishna. Crossways offers a set menu, however change each day. U pay about $7-8 & you get a decent meal with a drink. It's delicious than I thought. Staff very welcoming & happy. Ambiance clean.. this is a place where no one cares who you are & where are you from. Feels everyone equal in here & enjoy the same meal. Come on it's all for good cause. Spread love ... the man who served me said welcome home! This is the home to everyone! 5*

Cheap Vegan food in the central city! For what you pay and what you get its so worth it! You even get a drink and dessert for $7! #winning! It gets a bit stuffy

For the price point and in the heart of the City, excellent value for plenty of food on your plate.<br/><br/>Recommended if you are vegetarian or want something else, the concept of this restaurant is nice.<br/><br/>Nice to see so many happy faces and the bell on exit!

Massive portion of great food at an incredible price. Highly recommended for any vegans or anyone looking for a filling meal at a low price.

Unbelievable value for money! It's hard to believe it costs as little as $6 to eat - to eat ALL YOU LIKE, I might add - here; some regular Indian restaurants would charge maybe double that for just one dish alone. There is a weekly meal plan in action at Crossways, and each curry dish and pasta is tasty as heck. I've heard good things about the Halava dessert as well... except it's not vegan (which is why I haven't tried it myself) and Crossways don't offer a vegan alternative dessert - a bit of a letdown. However, the kitchen staff are lovely to talk with, are always friendly, and so polite! So it all evens out in the end.

Great service, so organised, different meal for different days of the week, clean, spacious, generous portions with drink and dessert included!

Have been a customer for years!!!It has always been too good value for money for such amazing food. They now have takeaway/eftpos which makes it even easier to grab on the way back from work. Portions are massive yet it is all you can eat. Highly recommend-you will not be disappointed. the atmosphere is so cosy and relaxing- feels good in a group or on your own. Best vegetarian food in town!!!

Went there on a Wednesday where they served a curry for a main accompanied with a berry pudding dessert. The curry was surprisingly light so you can have helpings without feeling sick. The dessert was just right, not sickly sweet. Feeling very light the end of the meal. For a cheap price like that, it's impressive. Love the cute addition at the door where you can ring the bell if you liked their food. I rung twice ;)

On a bit of a vegetarian streak lately which is very uncharacteristic. This is the Hare Krishna kitchen with all you can eat for under $8. I had rice and two curries - a bean one and a mixed vegetable which were delicious and the halva dessert which was nice but a little too sweet for my taste. I'm not an overly hippie type so I guess the atmosphere wasn't my ideal but for the price - great value for money. Good way to get a healthy home cooked meal right after work when you don't feel like cooking.

simple, fresh, clean and friendly..what more could you want when you're paying less than $10? but there is more, you can eat as much as you like..never had a bad meal here and I reckon it will stay that way. Menu changes daily for lunch and dinner, enjoy.

I was very fortunate that a friend took me to Crossways! I didnt know what to expect, it was very far out of my comfort zone. The food was VERY affordable and its all you can eat - even though I was already full from the first plate. The dessert on tuesdays is AMAZING and definitely trumps most restaurants in taste. The atmosphere of Crossways is one of nurture and appreciation. I'd highly recommended anyone with an open mind to go and try it before you judge it. Ring the bell when you leave to let everyone know you had a good time. An absolute gem and can't wait to go again.

Amazing food, cheap as well. Was a regular when I used to study in city. The dessert on its own is worth the money. Friendly staff as well. Very worth the try.

Came here often as a poor student. All you can eat at a fixed (and cheap) price. The best value you will find in the city. I was concerned coming here that I would look out of place but besides students it was full of office workers!

Verdict? Cheap and cheerful atmosphere with generous and delicious vegetarian fare - Crossways is exactly as I remember it from my student days and is still a wonderful bargain in the CBD.

Great food, friendly vibe, accepting atmosphere, interesting conversations. It is open til 8pm. An healthy option in the city, good for the tummy, for the mind and for the wallet.

The cheapest, most delicious option for a meal in the city. This place is the perfect haunt for students. Run by the Hare Krishnas, the food here is seriously amazing and plentiful. The meals are all you can eat for a fixed price, and come with drinks and dessert. There is always a different set menu each day. The atmosphere is pretty simple, but that's never a problem when you are too engrossed in your food!

I first wandered into Crossways out of curiosity at what on earth a $5.50 buffet would be like. I'm glad to say my expectations were blown.<br/>$7.50 ($5.50 concession) for a heaping plate of curry, rice, pappadums, drinks as well as absolutely delicious desserts sounds like a deal that's almost too good to be true. But it is. And even better, it's all-you-can-eat! Not that you'll need seconds.<br/><br/>There's nothing better than a complete, nutritious and hearty meal for a price that any other place is yet to match. The food is good quality and quite home-style. <br/>I've eaten here several times now, and I know I'll be back many more times.

Have been eating here since the mid 1990s as a uni student and now bring the kids! 25 years on and the food is still top notch. Love their dessert and cannot complain about the price!!! Peaceful calm environment!!!

Relaxed place with all you can eat for just $7.50. Includes main, pappadums, dessert and drinks. Different food depending on the day but only one option per day/meal-time. One serve is satisfying and the food was quite good and a varied mix of customers come here.

Good hearty food with a heavy touch of we're all the same so lets eat! Long tables. Two storeys. Different menu each day of the week. All you can eat for next to nothing. Very basic which is all you need.

Praise. The stafff are very very very friendly they got time for their customers

If you have ever walked down Swanston Street you have probably seen linen clad men standing around in bare feet holding a sign that says something like ‘$5 all you cat eat’, but I doubt you’ve ever thought anything of it. Well, time for that to change. There is a 3 story food hall on Swanston Street run by the Hare Krishna of Melbourne that also doubles as an ‘urban’ yoga studio on Wednesdays.

Great food and great value. Enjoyed the food very much. loved the environment. there is even a discount for students and elderly! well done!

Tucked away up a stairwell on Swanston Street is the Crossways Hare Krishna vegetarian restaurant — aka the best value meal in Melbourne. Two courses...

The official name of this restaurant is “Crossways Food for Life” but I always think of it has just “the Melbourne Govindas.” It’s like any typical Govindas anywhere in the world in that it has a cafeteria style atmosphere, and is predominantly lacto-vegetarian (milk products, no eggs) with some vegan friendly options. The main thing to say about this place is the food is delicious. The food is both nicer and cheaper than the Govindas in the Brisbane CBD . The desserts at Crossways are particularly delish. For example, egg-free trifle (an Aussie favorite!). Eating at restaurants in Australia and New Zealand is considerably more expensive than in the US. However, this is a great place to fill your belly, especially if you’re staying at a nearby backpackers or need a pick me up after enduring the Melbourne weather. There is a set meal option as is typical of Hare Krishna run restaurants. The vegetarian lasagna is super good and has a rich, thick, flavorful homemade tomato s

The atmosphere is good upstairs; the space is light and bright, the people are from all walks of life (including some stingy suits like ourselves) and everyone’s smiling as they put their dishes away at the end. If you’re interested in Hare Krishna beliefs you can even read about them in little books on the table, although to be honest I’ve been concentrating on the food when I’ve been in there. It’s only open for lunch. Recommend!

Overall, a tad oily but food’s pretty yummy but recommended for it’s value for money .

Every hipster and their fixie opts for a vegetarian diet these days, so I thought I’d share my favourite vegetarian restaurants in Melbourne.