Darling group is a leading hospitality group owned and operated by the Seoud family, with Nick, Sam and Chris spearheading the business. From their beginnings with Dundas&Faussett and Darling Cafe, they have cultivated a distinguished portfolio of venues, prioritising one-of-a-kind experiences defined by exceptional service, stunning aesthetics and of course, outstanding specialty coffee. Explore their venues below and read about their journey in hospitality—and how they’ve grown into the success story they are today.
The Observatory
Royal Botanic Gardens VIC | @theobservatory.melb
The latest venue from Darling Group offers sweeping views of the Botanic Gardens and a variety of inviting spaces — from elegant indoor seating to a generous courtyard and a scenic deck. Guests can also opt for a takeaway from the kiosk and enjoy a leisurely walk through the gardens. Showcasing a seasonal European-inspired menu, The Observatory blends Melbourne’s natural beauty with sophisticated hospitality. This new opening marks Darling Group’s second outpost within the Royal Botanic Gardens, further establishing its footprint in one of the city’s most iconic locations.
Higher Ground
Melbourne CBD VIC | @highergroundmelbourne
Just landed and looking for a quintessential Melbourne hospitality experience? Located directly across from Southern Cross Station in a heritage-listed powerhouse, Higher Ground has been a favourite of busy urbanites and tourists from day dot. Step inside and discover a stunning 15-metre-tall, multi-tiered space, bathed in natural light and adorned with lush greenery. Whether you are seated at the sleek stainless steel brew bar or in the intimate mezzanine, you can enjoy unique vantage points and seating options. Quality coffee is a main focal point of the Higher Ground experience, featuring a dedicated menu of seasonal single origin pourovers and espressos roasted by Five Senses Coffee. Pair a Spanner Crab Benedict topped with caviar with a perfectly crafted specialty coffee—now that’s the ultimate Melbourne morning done right.
Kettle Black
South Melbourne VIC | @kettleblackcafe
Nestled under Elenberg Fraser Apartment Tower on Albert Road, Kettle Black seamlessly blends a charming 1880s Victorian terrace with a modern and ambient aesthetic. Both elegant and inviting, it offers a refined yet welcoming atmosphere with a focus on high-quality service, food, and coffee. As you wait for the iconic Blueberry & Ricotta Hotcake, fluffy, topped with seasonal berries and drizzled with honey—take in the stunning design, featuring hexagonal marble tiles with touches of soft oak timbers and brass detailing. Making a pit stop? Swing by the front coffee cart for fresh pastries and a cup of the Darling blend.
Top Paddock
Richmond VIC | @toppaddock
An icon on Richmond's Church Street, Top Paddock embraces the 'paddock to plate' philosophy, offering an all-day menu with fresh Australian and New Zealand produce. In collaboration with local suppliers, the menu evolves with the seasons, featuring dishes like house-made Ricotta Gnocchi with goat's curd and Hot Smoked New Zealand King Salmon. Inside, the space features rich timber, detailed glass work and unique wall panelling. Umming and ahing about coffee choices? Opt for the Barista Breakfast and try it all with either three different single origin filters or a mix of milky and blacks.
Stringers Sorrento
Sorrento VIC | @stringerssorrento
Built in 1896, this beautiful, heritage listed general store was freshly renewed by the Darling Group as an Italian inspired all-day restaurant and bar with provedore. While keeping its century old heritage limestone facade, the team has reimagined the interior into a bright, breezy venue with custom furniture and modern, coastal-inspired touches. Serving Neapolital-style pizzas made with 72-hour fermented and proved dough, house-made gelato and exquisite wines, Stringers is the perfect stop to enjoy great food and a view overlooking Port Phillip Bay.
The Terrace
Royal Botanic Gardens VIC | @theterracebotanicgardens
Nestled in Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens, The Terrace offers one of the city's most stunning settings with views over the Ornamental Lake. The breezy cafe serves a menu with an array of delicious options such as fluffy scones, ricotta hotcakes, Turkish-style eggs and club sandwiches. Guests can enjoy their meals with a spritz in hand or opt for a Terrace-To-Go box, perfect for picnicking. The indoor-outdoor space, designed by Techne Architecture & Interior Design, features lush green tones and geometric furnishings. Beyond the cafe, an event space with lake views accomodates up to 300 people.
Cheri Eatery
South Melbourne VIC | @cherieatery
A European-inspired haven in South Melbourne, Cheri is a sprawling 150-seater, open daily from 7am-5pm just steps away from the bustling South Melbourne Market. This spacious venue with a beautiful open courtyard breathes new life into the former Bibelot and Chez Dre spaces. At its heart is a stuning six-metre-long display cabinet brimming with artisan pastries, eclairs and grand celebration cakes. Enjoy a hearty meal accompanied with their famous yuzu cold brew and take home some delicious bakery delights. A perfect Melbourne market day!
Darling Cafe
South Yarra VIC | @darlingcafe
The original Darling in South Yarra is a beloved local gem, offering a vibrant all-day dining experience in a stylish, light-filled setting. Known for its seasonal menu crafted from quality, locally-sourced ingredients, Darling combines flavour, flair and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps locals coming back.
Dundas and Faussett
Albert Park VIC | @dundasandfaussett
Dundas & Faussett presents a stylish, modern space where classic cafe favourites fuses with bold Southeast Asian-inspired flavours. Start your morning with a vibrant grilled broccolini breakfast or indulge in the fluffy ricotta hotcakes. Enjoy the Asian twist with grilled barramundi fillet with five spiced soy dressing or the rich Coconut braised Beef Penang Curry. The contemporary interior, featuring blond wood and sleek black lighting makes this a beloved local gem. As with all Darling venues, expect expertly brewed rotating single origins and signature Darling Blend flat whites.
Token & Bambu
South Yarra VIC | @token_au
South Melbourne VIC | @eatbambu
Token and Bambu form the dynamic, Asian-inspired restaurant duo of the Darling Group. Located near the vibrant South Melbourne Market, Bambu Asian Eating House delivers a contemporary take on authentic Asian cuisine inspired by the flavours of hawker-style street food. Bambu offers fresh, locally sourced ingredients, delivering wok-fired specialties, inventive cocktails, curated wines and craft beers. The interior features sleek timber-paneled ceilings, an open kitchen and bar, and communal dining areas that seat 65 indoors and 35 outdoors. Large sliding windows bring the vibrant market atmosphere right to your table.
Meanwhile, Token is an ode to Japanese izakayas, divided into two distinct spaces. Up front, a vibrant tiled raw bar invites guests to watch sushi chefs at work, crafting dishes with precision and artistry. At the back, the focus shifts to fire, smoke and charcoal, centered around a custom-made binchotan yakitori grill that takes pride of place. The design blends modern elegance with traditional touches—low tables, imported Japanese tiles, sleek sand-coloured booths, marble-accented walls and rich timber furnishings, all creating an inviting and refined ambiance.
We sat down with the team to chat about their journey—from humble beginnings to becoming the hospitality heavyweights they are today.
Tell us about the Darling Group and its history.
Darling Group was built on love for exceptional hospitality, beautiful spaces, and the little details that turn a simple meal into an experience worth remembering. What started as a single venue has grown into a collective of some of Melbourne's most iconic cafés and restaurants, each with its own unique charm but united by a commitment to quality, atmosphere, and creating moments people want to come back to. From the sunlit brunch spots that fuel the city's coffee culture to the refined dining destinations that bring people together over great food, Darling Group continues to evolve—always with an eye for for what makes hospitality truly special.
Why did you choose Five Senses Coffee?
Because great coffee isn't just about caffeine—it's about craft. Five Senses is aligned with what we value: quality, consistency, and a genuine passion for what they do. Their commitment to sourcing the best beans, roasting with precision, and supporting sustainable and ethical practices makes them an easy choice. We want every coffee poured across our venues to be exceptional, and with Five Senses, we know it will be.
What challenges have you faced owning multiple venues?
Managing multiple venues is a balancing act of keeping quality high, operations smooth, and teams motivated—all while navigating the ebbs and flows of hospitality. No two venues are the same, so ensuring each one maintains its identity while upholding the Darling Group standard is always a challenge but one that we enjoy. But at the end of the day, the biggest challenge is also the biggest reward: creating spaces people love and keeping them coming back.
What advice would you give to other café owners opening their first café?
Start with a clear vision and don't compromise on it. A café isn't just about coffee and food—it's about the entire experience. From the space you create to the team you build, every detail matters. Invest in great people, obsess over consistency, and be ready to adapt. Hospitality is hard work, but if you create something you truly believe in, customers will feel it—and they'll keep coming back for more.
Where do you see the hospitality industry going in the next few years?
Hospitality is evolving fast. The demand for quality, sustainability, and unique experiences is only growing, and venues that embrace this will thrive. We're seeing a shift toward more immersive dining, where ambience and storytelling matter just as much as what's on the plate. Technology will continue to shape the way customers engage with venues, but at its core, hospitality will always be about connection. The future belongs to those who can balance innovation with authenticity—creating experiences that feel effortless, memorable, and worth coming back for.
Across its diverse venues, Darling Group redefines the dining experience with a signature blend of style, innovation and culinary excellence. From bustling market-side eateries to elegant dining destinations, the group continues to set the standard for memorable food experiences in Melbourne.
