Crosstown Eating House, The

4.8 Average

Food  6      Ambience  5      Service  5      Value  3     

Not what it used to be. The original concept of simple shared plates was lovely, and really good value, suited the pared back surrounds. Now its a standard entrees, mains and desserts restaurant, much more expensive but still with the basic surrounds that just don't work with the higher prices.

The staff ignored us for the first 15 minutes, we were refused access to the bar to wait for the rest of our party and couldn't get anyone to take a drink order at our table, but improved greatly after. Really disappointed how this restaurant has changed.

Apr 07, 2011 

6 Average

Food  4      Ambience  10      Service  7      Value  3     

This place had a great atmosphere, a beautiful old setting on a beautiful street. The staff were friendly and very helpful. We received our food in fast time, despite it being busy.

The food itself was not that great. It was not terrible but the portions, for the price, were small. None of us were full/satified. There seemed to be an awful lot of peas in the food (frozen peas?). The quality, for the price and reputation (ie: gourmet), was not up to scratch at all. The trout, entree was a about $18, the piece was tiny, with some sauce and prawns, not bad, but my local fish and chip shop does it better for about $8 and with a big portion.

Great atmosphere, but the food was not filling, overpriced, average quality and the beer selection was poor (and very expensive).

Oct 31, 2010 

5.8 Average

Food  3      Ambience  9      Service  10      Value  1     

We were very surprised at how poor the food quality was. I had the grains with goats cheese and baby carrots. Carrots were salty and seemed old. Grains were lukewarm and quite bland and heavy. My boyfriend had the spatchcock. The actual bird was nice but the rest of the dish was lacking and parts over salted. The sizes of the dishes were very small which would have been fine if they were of good quality. Also ordered a side of potatoes in butter which were clearly reheated, old and had an awful consistency. Very surprised.

Jun 15, 2010 

7.3 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  6     

Had a meal here last week, meatball entree was nice but a little disappointing. Lamb shoulder main was tender and paired with a delicious sauce, partner's pork was nice but not great. Meal sizes were quite small for the price! Had the brownie for dessert which was very yummy! Cool atmosphere and friendly staff.

May 13, 2010 

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  10     

Sensational! We need more places like this in Brissy, simple uncomplicated food done with love. Its awesome check it out for yourself you won't be disappointed!

Apr 26, 2010 

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  8     

The highlight for me was the flavours. Sure the vibe was good, interesting people, a face I recognised from TV, nice guy behind the bar at which we dined but the flavours experienced were all just right, really good ingredients well prepared. A cheese I'd never experienced before. Diverse wine list that I'd like to explore more after a couple of very good experiences.

Most of the dishes surprised a little because they were different from the image conjured in my mind by the description on the menu. I'd have liked all of them to be a little bigger. Enjoyed the relaxed service. Was initially surprised that the place was so busy on a Wednesday night. 2 happy customers, 5 dishes + 2 glasses of wine for $111.

Oct 28, 2009 

8 Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  7      Service  7      Value  8     

My friend suggested Cross town and we organised to meet, I arrived and was told by the female greeting guests, that I couldn't possibly have a booking as they don't take them! I asked if I could look in side to see if my friends had arrived and she reluctantly said yes. I was instantly put off and wanted to leave! I am so glad I didn't! after her rude start the rest of the staff were lovely and friendly and explained things well.

The chicken with outside stuffing is one of the best meals I have ever eaten, please bring it back! Even the mixed greens were lovely and fresh and clean. I loved every mouthful of food and I highly recommend this eatery to everyone wanting a casual setting with outstanding food to share but not like tapas like a family or group of friends sharing a meal together. Amazing concept amazing food. I can't stay away now.

Sep 02, 2009 

9.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  10      Service  9      Value  9     

This is my new favourite place to catch up with friends! It's buzzing every night of the week, but not in a 'can't hear yourself think' way, just a cheerful, vibrant atmosphere. The staff are relaxed, friendly and welcoming, but don't expect a fuss. They don't waste time pulling out your chair, laying napkins across your lap or even pouring your wine.

The food is great and well priced, especially if you share. Wine list is excellent, but from all reports cocktails are a bit lackluster. I've been a number of times and enjoy sitting in a different little 'nook' each time. The courtyard is ideal for pre-dinner drinks while you wait for a table, which is inevitable on a Friday or Saturday night in peak dinner time.

Aug 27, 2009 

7.8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  8     

Crosstown is a fun place to eat. The menu is a sharing style of eating and we had shoulder lamb with pasta, mushrooms on toast and meatballs. The meatballs ($16) were fantastic and served in a smokey tomato sauce, the mushrooms on toast ($14?) were tasty but nothing special and the lamb shoulder on pasta ($26) was wide ribbons of pasta with melt in your mouth shredded lamb shoulder.

All the food was good value and very tasty. The menu has very little description and the meatballs and sauce is described just like that. Crosstown doesn't take bookings so if it becomes as popular as it derserves on a Friday or saturday night, then it may be hard to get in. Service was friendly and fast although we were given no serving utensils to serve out our 3 dishes that we shared. Luckily we know each other but it wasn't ideal.

May 14, 2009