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Restaurant

Crossways

147 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Recommended by 24 people

Updated

Find Crossways

147 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9650 2939
HoursMonday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Crossways

Ten dollars on Swanston Street buys an unlimited lunch with zero guesswork—hot prasadam ladled out by Hare Krishna volunteers. Students and city workers crowd the upstairs dining room for the daily spread: two vegetable curries, cumin rice, crisp papadums, and bottomless refills. Counter service moves fast, dishing out home-style cooking with no menus to navigate. The meal finishes on warm semolina pudding ladled with sweet custard.

  • Ten-Dollar All-You-Can-Eat: Unlimited refills of two daily curries, rice, papadums, dessert, and drinks for ten dollars, with concession rates available.
  • Daily Rotating Set Menu: A single rotating set menu served straight over the counter keeps midday lunch running fast with zero ordering fuss.
  • Devotional Non-Profit Kitchen: Run by Hare Krishna volunteers, the non-profit dining room dishes up fresh sattvic cooking in a peaceful central setting.
  • Warm Halava and Custard: Every tray finishes with sweet halava poured over with chilled custard, keeping loyal regulars coming back for dessert.
RestaurantVegetarianVeganRestaurant

What's On at Crossways

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Diners Choose Crossways

Explore Melbourne's most generous plant-based institution and book your visit today.

  • All-You-Can-Eat Value Set

    For roughly ten dollars, diners receive a complete, unlimited spread of two daily curries, seasoned rice, papadums, drinks, and dessert with unlimited refills.

    For just $10, you get a generous serving of two different curries with rice, a dessert, and your choice of lassi or juice. It’s also all you can eat, though honestly, the first serving is so filling most people won’t need seconds.

    Jason Wymer

  • Daily Rotating Set Variety

    A rotating daily set meal ensures everyday diners and regulars always enjoy varied home-style Indian vegetarian and vegan cooking.

    You do have different menu each day so you don’t feel bored.

    Vishnu Vardhan

  • Charitable Non-Profit Mission

    Operated as a non-profit initiative, meal proceeds directly support charitable community work, giving dining an ethical, mission-driven purpose.

    every penny goes directly to charity, as it’s a non-profit. Knowing that you’re enjoying healthy, affordable food while contributing to a good cause is an unbeatable combination.

    Jaelos Ang

  • Volunteer-Led Community Care

    Run with devotional hospitality by Hare Krishna volunteers, the venue welcomes diners into a cheerful, generous, and community-minded environment.

    a simple, generous and tasty lunch served by very nice and enthusiastic volunteers. Exactly what you would like to experience in such a place.

    Franck Lena

  • Rapid Walk-In City Lunch

    With a single set menu ready at the counter, busy city lunchgoers skip menu indecision and long waits to eat immediately.

    got to just stroll in and stuff our faces immediately :)

    Katie Price

  • Wholesome Nutrition on the Go

    Positioned centrally on Swanston Street, the venue provides speedy, nutritious sustenance without commercial restaurant markups.

    Simple, wholesome, tasty food that is fast, nourishes the body and costs so little has to be 5 stars.

    Thomas Maggs

Signature components of the daily rotating feast celebrated by visitors.

  • All-You-Can-Eat Daily Set

    For just $10, you get a generous serving of two different curries with rice, a dessert, and your choice of lassi or juice.

    Jason Wymer

  • Halwa with Custard

    The desert is mindblowing halwa dipped in flavour of custard.

    Vishnu Vardhan

  • Crisp Papadums

    The papadums were crisp and served alongside beautifully spiced curries that hit the spot.

    Lina Meier

  • Lassi

    Not only are you served delicious mains, but they also include Havala and Lassi—a full spread of authentic Indian flavors.

    Jaelos Ang

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the menu and pricing work?

Crossways serves an all-you-can-eat fixed set meal that rotates daily, featuring two curries, rice, papadums, dessert (such as halwa), and a drink for around $10 (with student and concession discounts often available). You cannot order à la carte, but refills are unlimited.

Are there vegan options available?

Yes, Crossways is dedicated to vegetarian cuisine and provides vegan options daily, including vegan dessert alternatives.

What is the dining setup and seating like?

Crossways operates with simple counter service where you collect your tray and food. Seating is available on the ground floor as well as an upstairs second-floor lounge area, with outdoor seating also available.

Is parking available, or is it better to take public transit?

Street parking in the Melbourne CBD can be tricky, though paid street parking is an option. Visitors frequently find it easiest to arrive via the numerous nearby trams and trains.

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