Crust in Lincoln

Stuck in the 1980s but in a good way

Great food, great service, great prices and so nice to go to an individual place for a change rather than the carbon copies you get in the high street.

The chef Victor provided great values of food and services. We liked their dishes at all. Please book your table in advanced. Highly recommended to everyone.

What a gem of a find, run single handedly by Victor who's got a long history of great food. Very welcoming and incredibly reasonable on price, where else can you get 3 courses, cooked by an award winning chef for £20?

This is an Asian-hate restaurant, especially the owner who shouted at us and made explicitly inappropriate jokes about our country. Never come again

The staff is a racist and very rude!😡😡He doesn’t allow customers to use phones when waiting for the meal and yelled at me and my friends because we didn’t find the bell😡. He even judged customers’ English if they are not native English speakers. Absolutely a racist.

Absolutely unreal food and a wonderful man!

Had a late lunch with my partner. The food was excellent and good value for money with the main course served at table all fresh ingredients and full of flavour. Hope to return next time in Lincoln.

Classical cuisine prepared and served by an internationally renowned chef/ owner. There are few opportunities to taste classical French cuisine in the Midlands, Crusts is the place for exceptional food,

Amazing cooking, truly incredible food. Great knowledge of the menu and the wines they offer. I would definitely recommend and I'll be back again soon.

Really, a lovely traditional restaurant. Excellent value, and down to earth food. Everything made fresh, not pre-prepared. The chef has over 40 years experience running the restaurant. As long as you don't expect nouvelle cuisine, you won't be disappointed. Strongly recommended.

The owner was more than accomodating and his food was excellent. I will definitely go again

What an place to eat, the menu is out of this world, the flavours, the same. I love it here. The chef, Victor is award winning and Maltese! You won’t be disappointed you will have discovered a gem of a place

My partner and I went for our best friend's 25th anniversary. What a lovely evening, Victor was so attentive and his beef stroganoff was superb. Its a bespoke and interesting experience but well worth the wait between courses...

I have read the previous reviews and can only conclude they were…… We arrived this evening to what can only be described as the worst meal, at a restaurant, we have EVER had! Sadly the “chef” lives in the past and his food is truly...

THIS PLACE IS A GEM and you'll not find it anywhere else. Victor is like the grandpa next door and I had the most memorable birthday dinner at his place. Make sure you have no plans after and clam down, relax and socialise (without your phone!), you'll find yourself coming back all the time.

The food was really nice. the restaurant environment look like my grandparents home. I strongly recommendation the house wine, i tried house red wine and house white wine, it's so nice. I will back again! But remember, DON'T BE LATE

I went to the restaurant at 2 30 pm as it said lunch 11 30 till 3 pm. I was greeted with a curt " can I help you?" I said I would like lunch please, he said "I am closed" I said the sign...

My husband & his 2 mates visited Lincoln to watch football recently & by chance found this unexpectedly fabulous little gem late on Saturday night, after trying to get into other restaurants to eat. They told me that the owner & chef Victor, who runs the place & cooks all the meals from scratch with fresh ingredients, stayed open to give them a delicious 3 course meal, which they washed down with a carafe of red wine. Yes it's old fashioned, yes it's upstairs & tucked away, but Wow the quality of the service & the taste of the food is top notch & gets a 10/10 from us. We'll definitely be back when we visit Lincoln again.

Three of us looking for a meal on Saturday night but everywhere apparently closing at 9pm or fully booked. Last resort was Crust where the genial host opened for us (no-one else there) and provided three superb meals. Very reasonable prices in very interesting surroundings....

Had an absolutely amazing meal today it was not rushed everything was freshly prepared so if you're in a hurry this is not for you my thoughts go out to vic who does everything himself and I don't want to even guess his age but he does a marvelous job pre booking is advisable but if you do get in enjoy the not rushed service 3 course meal was excellent

A lovely place to visit only small so booking is advisable a real gem in Lincoln as long as you are not in a hurry silver service is amazing a relaxed meal not overpriced a bit of nostalgia it reminded me of being on holiday...

Went to explore Lincoln for the day and found this absolute treasure. It feels like Stepping into a Time Capsule and you are so well looked after in this homely environment. I wasn’t sure how the food would be for the vegetarian options but it was incredible. I ate so well and for such a good price. Keep up what you love victor!

The most appalling food experience I have had for longer than I can remember. The host was geriatric and past it, the room was like Miss Havisham’s wedding banquet from Great Expectations, the main course (£25.00 each) was so bad we left it and decided...

Unexpectedly, one of the nicest places in Lincoln. The dining area is quite big, quiet, old school, some soft music is played from the old radio at the end of the bar. You can feel that details matter here. Victor Vella is a chef and a former judge (!) of chef competitions in London, so you can be sure the food is tasty and nothing goes wrong. Portions are big and good value for money. Overall a very good experience. Best to make a reservation 24h before.

Absolutely wonderful food and service, great value for money and like stepping back in time. Thoroughly recommend 👌

We booked this lovely restaurant during our weekend trip from London to Lincoln, because of its very good reputation. We found it is indeed a very nice restaurant that has great food and lovely decoration. The restaurant’s Chef Patron Victor is very friendly and professional....

My party of 5 adults were welcomed to the restaurant by Victor who showed us to out table which already had bottles of water and some nibbles. I noticed that we were the only guests and Victor explained that as he did everything himself he...

Victor is a true host! From the moment we walked in , we felt so welcomed and made to feel at home. Victor makes sure everything has a personal touch and all of the food , all the way from the prawn starter , through...

Excellent establishment which we have supported over the years many many times Price service are superb This small business has done well to beat lockdown and all power to Victor

The restaurant has been closed since Christmas because of a family bereavement. Victor will be reopening the restaurant on the 1st of March to celebrate 40 years of crust restaurant opening

Such a nice place and food. I will definitely come back next time.

As always best food served. Lovely three courses meal by the best chef in town. Thank you so much! We had a great evening.

Me and my partner visited yesterday evening for the second time and yet again it was absolutely superb. Its cozy , quiet and a real gem! The chef/owner is a lovely man and the food is delectable! It is a bistro so don’t be surprised...

Well ok, you walk up some stairs and it’s like sitting in your favourite relatives living room, corner bar, settee in the corner and tables. The food is bl@@dy fantastic. There is a group of set menus then the a la carte. Partner chose set,...

I have been to crust twice now and each time I have been impressed by the owner. He is polite and welcoming.Crust is like traveling back in time to an era of food that I haven't experienced anywhere else given my age . The chef/owner...

Went in on off chance and certainly didn't regret it. Lovely freshly cooked food and well worth waiting for. This is not fast food just good food

We had the 3 course meal for £7.95. I really don’t know how the proprietor does it, both in terms of the fabulous value and the amount of work. The dining room is charming, full of the owner’s history. So many interesting photos on the...

I meet a friend in Lincoln every month and today we stumbled on Crust... from the moment we walked in we knew this was going to be special. It took my back to a time of dining not eating , standards , silver service and...

This place is still so special. The food and service is splendid. It is for people who enjoy an experience, for people who visit somewhere as it is an open door and happy to share an experience in the environment someone has created. If you...

Thank you Vic Another lovely night with some quality service. Great food , prepared and cooked to perfection by a local restaurant using local produce.

After seeing the reviews on here, expectations were high. The decor was as described which was an interesting touch, however the service and food was a letdown unfortunately. There was ample selection on the different priced menus ranging from £7.95-10.95 for 3 courses, however we...

We came here for dinner. Food was lovely, service was great. We had the restaurant to ourselves and were provided with a personal dining experience. If you are looking for good food and a different more traditional British experience, this is your place. There was...

Have passed by the sign for Crust many times, and often wondered what we would find if we ventured upstairs. After doing just that today I'm so glad we did. Victor said how some days he is really busy and on others, like today, he...

Dont come here if you're expecting the usual 'dinner' where all 3 courses come within 10minutes of one another and you're done within an hour. This is more of a dining experience. The chef is a wonderful grandfatherly gentleman, and runs the whole place by himself, including greeting, cooking, serving and clearing. We entered at 7.30pm and finished our 3 courses by 10.30pm, normally the wait between courses wouldnt be so long, however, the table before us arrived 30minutes late for their booking throwing everything off, then managed to offend the chef by asking if his fruit salad came from a tin. There are 5 different prix-fix menu's to choose from, as well as individuals and a specials board. The food itself was ok, not spectacular, but when you realise that each plate of a 3 course meal, for 8 people total is hand prepared by 1 octogenarian, you really get just how impressive it is. The main draw of Crust is the chef coming out after your meal and having a friendly chat with you and a laugh and a joke and tells you some of his funnier stories about cooking through the years and when he was in the forces. The entire experience feels like dinner at your grandparents house and its just so lovely. (Though, you do feel the need to offer to carry your plates through to the kitchen for him afterwards).. Wonderful dining experience. A little slow for my personal preference, but thats because i'm one of these 'go in, eat, leave' type folks that doesnt like to sit and digest, but, would absolutely recommend going for the experience.

It's like dining with an old friend. The decor, the atmosphere is like someone's home. The range of dishes on the menu is extensive to say the least. The food is like very well prepared home cooking. An evening to remember.

The best dinner me and my fiancée have had this month. The taste of succulent steaks with crispy chips are just fascinating! A truly unique dining experience no other restaurants in Lincoln would be able to offer.

This isn't just a restaurant, it's a gastronomic experience! Amazing food, amazing service from chef Victor and amazing curtains!

It’s fascinating to walk into someone’s life work and have so many interesting things to look at. I listened to stories and chatted with other customers. Today was a truly wholesome and nourishing experience. The food was made with so much love and served in...

The guy who owns the restaurant is the chef, server and bartender. It’s incredible, I got a 3 course meal for £7.95. Need I say more?

We found this gem of a restaurant by accident on a very wet afternoon and what a delight it is. The food was faultless, perfectly cooked and very good prices. The owner/chef was very attentive and the service was great. He told us it wasn't...

Lovely little restaurant great food and hospitality on first entering the restaurant wasn't to sure but after climbing a small flight of stairs and entering restaurant what a great surprise spotlessly clean and well presented we had a three course meal each at a cost...

Absolutely loved the experience. You either get this place or you don't. It's classic cordon bleu cooking, hearty portions and a total step back in time without any apologies. We had the place to ourselves, it didn't matter, it felt intimate and the food is...

As a regular visitor to Lincoln, I'd often seen the door to Crust and mentioned to the wife that "we really should try it". This time, whilst entertaining a friend, we decided it was the right time! We visited for lunch and were not at...

As a regular visitor to Lincoln, I'd often seen the door to Crust and mentioned to the wife that "we really should try it". This time, whilst entertaining a friend, we decided it was the right time! We visited for lunch and were not at all disappointed: in fact, there were many "wow!" moments. Firstly, it looks like it hasn't been redecorated since they moved here in 1991: but that's no bad thing; it may be faded in places, but it's part of the dining experience and experiencing a time before the chains took over (as a 30-something with parents who couldn't afford to eat out, this is something I barely remember at all). You will read other reviews describing Crust as "retro" or "Kitch", or "quirky". I get that, but actually those descriptions would have you believe the decor was created purposefully - but it's not. This is a restaurant that opened (after moving from another premises) in 1991 and it retains the decor of the era: nothing at all manufactured or false about it at all - it's genuinely unique and very much a "time machine": much to it's benefit. The pride of proprietor, Victor Vella, is evident in the decor, the certificates and newspaper cuttings that adorn the walls, but most of all in his service and meals. The hospitality and meals were beyond compare: complimentary water and bread rolls are served swiftly after arrival and our starters, meals and desserts were spectacular! Traditional wholesome dishes with remarkable flavour. Now I've discovered Crust, I suspect I will return every visit!

Amazing place, amazing food . Great experience.

Quirky and cosy a wonderful experience with delicious food prepared by a chef whose experience and qualifications probably exceeds any other chef in Lincoln. An extensive menu at a very reasonable price. It's a culinary gem not to be missed.

A truly lovely restaurant with personal service. The owner is a delight and consistently delivers sublime dishes. Fantastic atmosphere and delicious food

The charming genuine vintage decor is virtually unchanged since the 1970's. The three course menu is fantastic value. Victor Vella, who is probably in his seventies, is a most attentive host. His grandson is the chef. It's like travelling backwards in a time machine!

The charming genuine vintage decor is virtually unchanged since the 1970's. The three course menu is fantastic value. Victor Vella, who is probably in his seventies, is a most attentive host. His grandson is the chef. It's like travelling backwards in a time machine!

Ate at this restaurant a few weeks ago, making a special effort after arriving too late a few weeks before. To say I/we were not disappointed is a real understatement. This is not a restaurant that serves food as it ‘used to be’, it is...

What a lovely place. It’s like being transported back in time in the nicest possible way in terms of menu and decor. Such reasonable prices and great, pretty much silver service. So sad I’ve walked past Crust so many times. Now I know what I’ve...

An unusual, unexpected and unique experience! Lovely personal service from Victor, great food and good value. I loved the decor too. Recommended! 😊

Myself and my partner popped in for a early lunch . The decor is really old and traditional so if you expect a modern restaurant your looking at the wrong place ! If your looking for quality traditional food then your certainly in the right...

Highly recommended, Victor welcomes you like at home offering a superb bistro/Mediterranean cuisine in his upstairs restaurant. It’s opened and you should visit, plus it’s the best value 3-course meal in town! My 8- and 13-year old daughters loved it!

We nearly walked past this little gem on Friday , so glad we went in , I have never had a 3 course meal that was so tasty and value for money No skimping on portions and served on your plate at the table, good...

Had a lovely meal here in the truly retro surroundings of Victor’s time-warp Lincoln city restaurant. Portions decent, food fresh and service friendly. Overall good value and an unforgettable evening.

If you want to know what restaurants were like in the 1970s then pay this place a visit. It's like stepping into a time warp, even down to the prices. Couldn't give 5 stars because I really don't like over cooked vegetables like my mother used to do. 😉 Enjoy the experience it's worth it.

My husband and I have visited the crust restaurant today for lunch , the service the food , was outstanding 5 star plus , the master chef Victor cooks the most amazing food to a exceptional high standard , I don’t know why this restaurant...

Absolutely amazing little gem of a restaurant. The food and service was outstanding, it was incredible value for money. This will definitely become a regular spot for food for myself and everyone else at the meal

Great food at a great price, the chef is super friendly and accommodating too.

Myself and my 2 friends called in here on Saturday lunchtime to eat, they were busy so we were asked to come back in half an hour, we were not disappointed, the table was all set ready for us with a large jug of water,...

A small first floor restaurant which you can easily walk by without noticing but fantastic quality food at a great price. A three course meal for less than £10 for lunch is hard to find anywhere in this day and age. The place itself is...

Great food, excellent service and very low price compare to what you got.

Victor cooks all the meals fresh and they taste lovely, homemade puddings too, everything is piping hot and all served by Victor himself. Super reasonable prices and a huge selection of menus too. You need to go and sample a delicious meal.

Totally unique dining experience one not to be missed. Victor could not be more accommodating if he tried

Although it is on the High Street it would be easy to miss this place. Which would be a shame for, in these days of the all-conquering chains, it is a genuine, old-fashioned, independent gem. Up a flight of stairs where a bell is rung...

Went to the crust for our wedding anniversary, food fantastic, price excellent service first class, highly recommend 5 star . We have had the lunch menu on a Saturday lunchtime three course lunch excellent valve al la carte nighttime’s you won’t get a better meal...

Four of us booked for Tuesday night. We were greeted when we arrived and given a table next to the window, which was great because this restaurant is on the first floor so there's a good view of the High Street. The decor is from...

Lovely meal, great value for money!

A little gem in Lincoln, a British-French nice vintage restaurant, full of care and athmosphere. I really reccomend.

Food was adequate but not spectacular, mine host was very attentive but the dining area was extremely cold.

The food and service was superb. Lovely atmosphere.

This restaurant isn’t the usual run of the mill place. However Victor the owner is so friendly, he’s the chef too and I must say our meals were delicious. Excellent prices too. I had fish, my husband chose steak, both perfectly cooked. It’s a small...

Great food excellent service. Unique restaurant with a personal touch lost in today's fast paced lifestyle.

This is the most extraordinary restaurant I have ever set foot in. I guess it is the last of its kind in Lincolnshire. The who experience is like a time warp from the 1950s. The décor through to the silver service. The chef is also...

But worse. I can’t fathom how this place has received any 5* reviews. The musty smell hits you as soon as you walk in and when you reach the dining area, it’s easy to see why. It is very run down and in need of...

Slightly worried on first impression, empty restaurant in a time-warp. What we got was an amazing dining experience! Chef Victor is a real chef, not someone who just puts together pre-prepared food. Everything was cooked fresh by a man who has obviously loved his profession...

Probably one of the best I’ve had (and I’ve had a lot) great tasting meal, great portions and friendly, highly recommend (we will be back)

Was visiting Lincoln with friends, read the reviews for the Crust and booked. It looks like it was opened in the 70's and stayed there, but the food was excellent freshly cooked and well worth the wait.

I'd never noticed the restaurant, but found other reviews saying great things, so decided to give it a try. It's a bit bizarre and very quirky. The menu is a complex mix of set meals and a la cart. The decor is eclectic. The chef,...

The Crust restaurant is special. It is not a bog standard chain. It is a unique cosy venue that serves fine food to satisfy a wide range of palates and preferences. My wife and I booked for dinner on our Silver Wedding day. Delicious soup,...

Visited with partner and friends. Very welcoming staff who couldn’t do anymore for you. Food was excellent and a great menu choice. Really impressed by the amount of choice you have for both starters and mains and a great choice for sweet. Would 100% go...

I had walked past here many times but a friend recommended it and I was unaware of its high reputation and amazing food. There is lots of choice, all freshly cooked by the host. I even managed to find room for desert! We can’t wait...

I visited with my wife. There were warm bread rolls and a jug of water provided. The atmosphere is very homely, and the owner very affable. We had 3 courses for about £16 each, and the food was excellent, freshly cooked. I had mackerel salad...

Amazing atmosphere, magical. Great quality food victor been great chef. loved the place, will defo list again

Lovely dining experience. Very quaint and friendly atmosphere. All home cooked meals with a personal service. Be aware that meals are individually cooked to order so it'll take a little while. However very worth the wait for a good quality and relaxed dining experience. Recommend calling ahead approximately 30 mins to give the chef advance warning. Helps reduce waiting time.

Had a brilliant evening there will all my family, we all really enjoyed ourselves. Food was brilliant and the owner and chef was an absolute delight. If you are every in Lincoln then I highly recommend

Very quirky, 1 guy was chef and front of house. Made for a great experience. Lovely food, we had the serloin steak. Cool to perfection and the chips where amazing. All home made and prepped there. Very very friendly, would 100% visit again

We were the only people in the restaurant but the chef was so friendly, the food was fabulous and incredible value for money.