Lynch’s Narooma
Cold beer, air-conditioning and Australian-Chinese meals.
Pub dining$
Disclaimer
In October 2024, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Good Food detailed allegations of sexual harassment, exploitation of female staff and drug use at Merivale venues. Merivale, the owner of this restaurant, began an internal investigation into the claims and said it is committed to “an inclusive, diverse and respectful workplace environment for our staff, as well as for our customers”. SafeWork NSW also began investigating the company. In June 2025 and July 2025, further allegations of exploitation and underpayment of Merivale workers were made, and Fair Work confirmed it was investigating the company. Merivale has denied all allegations against it. The investigation remains ongoing.
When word came through that Sydney hospitality giant Merivale was taking the keys to dinky-di heritage pub Lynch’s, Narooma-ites feared the worst. Or at least they feared the old boozer would become a house of rosé and overpriced spritzes. Mercifully, that hasn’t happened.
The ancient marlin head still hangs above the bar, and the walls are still adorned with darts and weathered photos of the region and its families. There’s no fussy share plates here either, just classics done right, such as a whopping parmigiana, lamb shoulder with assertive salsa verde, and local fish and leek pie.
Well-rested rib-eye comes with bright, minted peas and roast chicken gravy, and a side of mac-and-three-cheese with bacon is so big it could be dinner in itself. While nearby Queen Chow is closed for renovations, a few of its Cantonese signatures pop up here. Prawn toast and cold Tooheys for the win.
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Original URL: https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/goodfood/nsw-good-food-guide/lynch-s-narooma-20241011-p5khjv.html