Super Ling, the new Chinese-ish diner by Hotel Lincoln's Iain Ling and chef Michael "Super Mike" Li (ex MoVida, Lee Ho Fook, Restaurant Shik) has opened on Queensberry Street, Carlton.

While the plan was always to open in August, Ling and Li weren't sure what surprises the tired former Queens Cafe would reveal once construction began in June. But beyond needing to widen the kitchen door to fit a wok burner and other equipment, and laying black epoxy resin to even out the dining room floor, the renovation was relatively straightforward.

It's small – about 30 seats – and quite modern in design. A terrazzo-tiled central communal table is a link to the pub next door; there's custom artwork by Bowral-based artist Alan Walsh on one whitewashed brick wall, and there are tables for twos and fours under suspended lights.

For lunch (which will start next week), it's mapo tofu jaffles, congee, dumplings, and noodle dishes including one with prawns, prawn oil and prawn butter sauce. Dinner is a bit more refined.

"We want it to be a place where you can bring a Tinder date, or a proper date," says Ling. Dinner dishes include steamed whole fish wrapped in salted cabbage; a meat platter with masterstock-braised pork belly and ears, beef tongue and brisket topped with pickles and peanuts; and clams with triple-cooked potato.

About eight to 12 drinks will be available by the glass – wines, sake, beers and cocktails such as a spiced pear spritz – but if you're after a bottle, you can order in to Super Ling from the Lincoln's entire wine list.

Open lunch Mon-Fri (from August 3), dinner Mon-Sat.

138 Queensberry Street, Carlton, superling.com.au