Has Late-Night Chinatown Institution Ling Nan Closed for Good?

While most of Melbourne’s restaurants spent the end of October frantically preparing to reopen after more than 100 days of lockdown, late-night Chinatown institution Ling Nan remains closed. It’s currently unclear whether the closure is temporary or permanent.

On Monday, Melbourne Food & Wine Festival reported the Little Bourke Street restaurant had closed. And late last week Broadsheet contributor Sofia Levin passed by, only to find it had been emptied out. The furniture, fish tank and equipment were gone from the longstanding Chinese diner, which is known for its XO pippies; no-frills service (including a generous BYO wine policy); and 3.30am closing time.

It also has a strong following in the hospitality industry – it was the first spot Annam chef Jerry Mai planned to visit with her staff when lockdown lifted.

Broadsheet reached out to the restaurant directly and to a member of the owner’s family for comment, but did not hear back before publishing. We’ll update this story as new information comes to light.