Ethiopian restaurants

Chercher

4.8 78 reviews Closed 93 Irving St, Footscray VIC 3011, Australia

Discover this place

Chercher, nestled on Irving St in Footscray, Australia, is a vibrant Ethiopian restaurant that transports diners into a world of authentic flavors and warm hospitality. Customers rave about their traditional dishes, with highlights including the Kitfo—a unique blend of raw and cooked beef—with a side of mild Ayibe cheese, and the exquisite Doro Wet, a spicy chicken stew that’s a staple of Ethiopian cuisine. The vegan platter also garners much praise for its diverse curries. Reviews reflect a charming dining experience; patrons like Martin Pham appreciate the robust, well-seasoned Awaze Tibs and warm service, feeling that Chercher strikes a perfect balance between affordability and generous portions. Hozzy recalls feeling reminiscent of home, thanks to comforting dishes like Kekel, a lamb soup that evokes nostalgic memories. Meanwhile, Naomi Li highlights the unique Ethiopian coffee ceremony, enhancing the overall cultural immersion. With consistently high ratings for both flavor and ambiance, Chercher stands out as a must-visit for those craving authentic Ethiopian cuisine. The combination of delicious food, exceptional service, and a cozy atmosphere makes it a local gem in Footscray.

Photos

Amenities & More

Service options

Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Popular for

Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Dining options

Lunch
Dinner

Atmosphere

Casual

Crowd

Groups

Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with Chercher before visiting.

Reviews for Chercher

4.8

78 reviews

100%

Review highlights

Based on 78 reviews

Chercher, an Ethiopian restaurant in Footscray, is widely praised for its authentic and flavorful cuisine, featuring generous portions that balance rich spices with delicate, comforting tastes. The menu highlights standout dishes like vegan platters and traditional soups, appealing to both plant-based and meat-eaters alike. Guests frequently commend the warm and attentive service provided by the owner and staff, creating a welcoming, homestyle atmosphere. Additionally, the inclusion of cultural experiences, such as the Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony, enhances the dining experience. While the vegan options are limited, they are thoughtfully presented and satisfying. Overall, Chercher offers great value, authentic flavors, and a memorable, intimate dining environment loved by locals and visitors.

Martin Pham

Oct 24, 2025

I got the Awaze Tibs and it was delicious! My first time trying Ethiopian food at this nice home-style restaurant and as someone who loves strong spices (i.e. Thai, Indian, Chinese), I'll say this hits the sweet spot. I only paid $24 including the drink, which is a great deal considering the size. The lady serving me was very lovely, will definitely come back next time I'm in Melbourne :)

isabel duong

Oct 21, 2025

The vegan platter is so delicious we came back the next night to order it again! The lady who owns this place is so sweet and a very talented cook. Beautiful service, a cute local spot, and a great option for plant-based eaters. There is only one vegan option on the menu, but that’s because it features a portion of 6 different curries over bread so you definitely get well fed and within that one dish you get to try a lot. We’ll be back next time we come to Melbourne!

Pete Davis

Sep 10, 2025

I’ve been to a few Ethiopian places and this is by far the favorite. Huge portions but also tremendously light and delicate flavors, coupled with a friendly atmosphere from the owner. An appointment dining experience for sure

Hozzy Jaa (Hozzy)

Sep 07, 2025

Absolutely loved my experience at Chercher Ethiopian Restaurant in Footscray! I had a delicious winter dish called Kekel — a hearty soup with tender pulled lamb that melted in my mouth. It was cooked by the owner, and it reminded me of the traditional meal my mum used to make during the rainy season. So flavorful and comforting — it brought back beautiful memories. Highly recommend if you're after authentic Ethiopian food that feels like home!

Naomi Li

Jul 19, 2025

Fantastic and authentic Ethiopian food! You can order individually, or ask the chef to put them in a big plate that is the true Ethiopian spirit! Thanks for beautiful Liya’s warm hospitality, we had a joyful arvo and enjoyed an interesting and unique Coffee Ceremony and the spiritual Ethiopian fragrance which has the very exact scent as the perfume L'orpheline EDP - Serge Lutens.

Yuki Chung

Jul 16, 2025

Best Ethiopian restaurant in Melbourne! Amazing food and excellent service. Beyaynetu is great! Highly recommended. Liya is so nice, thank you so much for the coffee and popcorn.

Sarah McNabb

Jul 05, 2025

Delicious vegan combo platter! So much flavour, fresh and a generous serving. Lovely friendly service too. New fave Ethiopian in Footscray and can’t wait to go back.