Ashley Starford I’ve been coming to the Lincoln for years, and after a brief sojourn away, decided to drop in to see what was on the menu. It remains my favourite pub in Melbourne - a place I return to for its assured cooking, commitment to locally sourced ingredients, and a drinks program that complements the food without overshadowing it. Starters and mains sit comfortably alongside a rotating selection of tap beers, wines by the glass, and an extensive, fashionable, and progressive bottled wine list.
Struck by curiosity - and guided by thoughtful service - I ordered the wild boar dim sims: four crisp yet succulent parcels served with beetroot chutney and vinegar, the latter suggested by the waiter and rightly so. The vinegar cut neatly through the richness, lifting what might otherwise have been a heavy pub starter. They were playful, gaudy, and thoroughly delicious.
For my main, I tucked into what I’d call their flagship dish: fish and chips. Fresh, beer-battered fish with a clean, confident crunch, accompanied by a lettuce-forward salad, mushy peas, and hot chips. The salad favours texture over complexity, which it does superbly. A pint of cider sealed the deal.
I left already looking forward to my next visit - perhaps during footy season, with a pie (venison, please?!) added to their seasonal-inspired menu - reassured that between the kitchen and the floor staff, the Lincoln continues to earn its place as a dependable Melbourne pub favourite.
5 /5