southern cross garden bar restaurant

wasn't wowed. upmarket, well presented restaurant. food was a let down - sounds fancy but doesn't taste like it. staff were brilliant and the beer selection was not surprisingly very good. wanted to love it as the ambiance was excellent but unfortunately food isn't worth the price. didn't feel like a great place for kids - but that is personal opinion - just putting that out there in case.

it was our first dining experience on the patio and we enjoyed ourselves. my daughter & i had halloumi sandwiches with fries. she also had the chicken drumettes in maple/soy glaze. they have a separate deep fryer for celiacs and many gf/veg options. my husband had the stone lamb (you cook it yourself on a hot stone) and he said it was delicious! the banana, coconut milk & cinnamon smoothie was delicious. fast & friendly service and one of the best cocktails i've ever had (gin/cucumber/elderflower). i want to throw a party here because the vibe is welcoming & relaxed.

service was great but the meal wasn't exactly what we were expecting. taste was average. nice dining area and lovely drinks made. ☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️😐

probably one of the most trendy places in town. great food, great setup and rooms to host large parties. lastly great service makes this place shine.

***this does not reflect the customer service but more the food ***

being a rainy sunday and arriving for brunch after a nighyt on the wines we thought wed try this place as we were down here for wow. we come every year and decided to try a different place from the normal that we go to.

what an amazing venue. so many cute and quaint lil areas to cater to so many types of parties from what we saw on our visit.

my partner and i ordered the breakfast bowl ( vegan ) and a soy latte and soy hot chocolate. the drinks came out first and were perfect. both seering hot which is my favourite.

the food came out and after expecting a large breakfast we thought the value for money ($20) for that bowel was a.bit of a rip, as we had to ask for bread to fill us up, this is what was definately needed wirh this meal.

it was also luke warm which on a cold sunday one does not wish on anyone.

the bread cost $4.50 for 3 slithers of ciabatta.

not impressed

decor funky & service pleasant enough. i have scored average due to drinks taking 30 minutes to recieve. i ordered the mushroom and walnut balls with a salad. it didn't taste of mushrooms or walnut it was just mush in the shape of a ball. the salad had no flavour or dressing. it was super tiny and i was still hungry so could be larger in size. i didnt eat dessert but all the cakes and slices at the counter display looked lovely.

i find this place very average. it's a great bar, but the restaurant leaves something else to be desired. had the mac n cheese a couple of times. the first was dry, and i asked for more sauce. the second was flavourless, even with a ton of salt added.

i went there for desert which was a bit random by still it was absolutely scrumptious and i love how they have hot water bottles and blankets if you want to sit outside!

awesome paleo steak and salad just ask and they will leave out the carbs. very friendly staff and great garden bar on an awesome wellington day.

went to this great place for brunch with my kids and their children. we are from out of town and this was super easy to organise. the puppet show and face painting was adorable and went down well with the grandchildren. it was cold outside but gorgeous and warm inside. food and coffee was amazing. we were well taken care of. thanks so much you guys!

10/10 2 for 1 stone grills on monday if you're a bit of a stone grill conossouir. definitely quality chunks of meat. fyi the aioli looking sauce next to the fries is in fact not aioli for the golden fries.. instead it is garlic butter for the meat :)

great atmosphere and service with a good and varied selection of food, so every one is catered for. while lunch was fine evening meals have been served cold.

i love southern cross! the actual look of the restaurant is beautiful and the inside is comfortable and spacious and the outdoors is a little zen garden. the number of vegan and vegetarian option makes it impossible to choose because there's so many they're all delicious! i love to get the raspberry and chocolate brownie it like has this thing when its always cold and so its really fudgy and delicious. also the $10 cocktails are really really yum and i just love this place so much.

just had the best dining experience ever!!
food was fantastic and staff were just as great.
i had the big breakfast which is no lie, the amount of food you get on your plate could prob serve 2 people.
my husband had a 400g rump stonegrill which was a first for him and he smiled from start to finish.
definately going back once a month thats for sure!

for an appetiser and being a vegan my wife ordered vegan mac and cashew cheese. it came with bacon which she did not discover until she had her first mouthful.
my main of winter bliss bowl consisted of chewy inedible kale, lukewarm roast kumara, roasted cabbage that seemed a lot more boiled than roasted , marinated tofu that was more rubber and less tofu, and tasteless couscous salad.
this may seem harsh but this was one if the worst meals we have ever had with the added bonus of meat.
i would recommend vegans and vegetarians avoid this restaurant.