Coventry Street Gets a Chèri on Top with Darling Group’s Latest Eatery
The Darling Group has done it again. If you're unfamiliar with this powerhouse, you might want to catch up. They're the folks behind some of Melbourne's most iconic cafés and restaurant, and now, they've got another ace up their sleeve: Chèri, an all-day eatery and patisserie set to redefine brunch culture on Coventry Street, South Melbourne. Known for their successful ventures that have shaped Melbourne's cafe landscape, Darling Group has a knack for blending creativity, comfort, and quality—and Cheri is no exception.
Cheri is a bit of a supernova—it's bright, buzzing, and impressively vast. Set on the former sites of Bibelot and Chez Dre, Cheri is now a massive, unified space designed to capture all the best parts of European cafe culture, but with that distinct Melbourne flair. Think sleek booths, a chic 50-seat courtyard, and an open interior that invites you in with the aroma of freshly baked pastries and quality coffee. The spacious layout feels welcoming, whether you're in for a quick treat or a leisurely sit-down meal, and the atmosphere is charged with the kind of energy that makes you want to stick around for a while.
We grabbed a seat in their stylish courtyard—honestly, it felt like the place to be, especially with the summer breeze in the air. The courtyard is adorned with comfortable seating and tasteful decor, making it the ideal spot for people-watching or catching up with friends. To kick things off, we ordered the hot salami pizza, which comes draped with creamy stracciatella and a hit of hot honey. The combination of spicy salami, cool stracciatella, and sweet honey creates a flavour balance that is both surprising and addictive. The crust is that perfect mix of crispy and chewy, thanks to a 72-hour fermentation process that really brings out the depth of flavour. Then came the Chicken Cotoletta, a true standout: golden fried, topped with soft herbs and a Cafe de Paris sauce that was, in a word, sublime. The cotoletta was crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and the accompanying sauce added just the right amount of richness. It's a dish that exemplifies what Cheri is about—taking comfort classics and turning the flavour dial all the way up.
Of course, dessert is mandatory here. We couldn't resist the signature 'Eye Candy' cake, shaped playfully like Cheri's logo of heart/lip eyes. It feels like Darling Group knows how to put a bit of theatre into their food—the presentation is playful, but the flavours mean business. The cake was an indulgent bite—rich, balanced, and well worth the extra calories. The layers were perfectly executed, each adding a different texture and taste, making it a memorable way to finish our meal. Their patisserie selection is not just visually stunning but also crafted with an attention to detail that you can taste in every bite.
The vibe at Cheri is relaxed yet refined, perfect for a long brunch or just a coffee pitstop on a South Melbourne Market day. There's something so inviting about the whole setup—everything is there to tempt you, whether you're just after a quick croissant and a takeaway coffee, or you're lingering over a lazy lunch and a glass of rosé. The variety in their offerings means there's always something new to try, whether it's a freshly baked pastry or something from their all-day brunch menu. And with the team behind it—including Ash Hicks as Culinary Director and Michael Germanos leading the pastry program—you know the quality is there in spades. Their dedication to high-quality ingredients and meticulous preparation shines through in every dish.
Melbourne's brunch game is seriously strong, and Coventry Street is becoming one of the city's most bustling brunch strips. With spots like Hector's Deli, Juju, Juniper, and Code Black already drawing crowds, Cheri comes in swinging with an impressive mix of patisserie magic, cafe comfort, and a dash of fun. The Darling Group has made sure that Cheri stands out by incorporating elements that make it a truly multi-faceted experience—from a bustling breakfast hub to a relaxed lunch venue and everything in between. After our visit, Cheri is certainly staking a claim as the go-to for anyone after a bit of European flair with their smashed avo.
Cheri is open daily from 7am to 5pm at 285-287 Coventry Street, South Melbourne. Check them out online at cherieatery.com.au or give them a follow on Instagram @cherieatery. Whether you're a South Melbourne local or just exploring the area, Cheri promises a vibrant and flavour-packed experience that keeps you coming back for more. With its mix of classic European influences and Melbourne's laid-back charm, it's a place where you can truly sit back, relax, and indulge.