Went here with my family. We all got a slab of meat and the quality was top. We also loved the bread so we asked for more and more. There were a few famous actors dinning the same time as us.
It has been a long time since I last visited Donovan's, however the experience did not disappoint me! The seafood for what this place was famous for were fresh and the steak was not bad either. However, the flaming of Bombe Alaska was already done in the kitchen. I guess maybe it was due to the recent bushfire events and we totally respected it. We enjoyed the night and will definitely come back again!
It’s best if you book first beforehand.
We dine quite often at Donovans - it is always at a high standard with service many other places can only dream of offering. Food quality is first class, portion sizes generous, the wine list is impressive, it is comfortable and has beautiful views. All in all a great place to enjoy a meal and company.
Donovans is an iconic Melbourne institution located in St. Kilda. Modern Australian cuisine done properly.
🍽 tempura fried oysters with pickled radish - Sydney Rock oysters are my favourite and the way they were prepared was a delight. Seared scallops with cauliflower purée- Juicy plump scallops perfectly caramelised. Linguini with seafood and Moreton bay bug, chilli and garlic - good amount of seafood, silky pasta, nice hit of chilli. Lamb rump with potato gratin - medium rare lamb with smokey creme fraiche and creamy potato gratin. Only criticism is that the lamb portion was a bit smaller than I’d like. For $54 I’d expect a little more. To finish the evening we had a bombe Alaska. This was a very big portion which became quite sweet overtime but was still a decent dessert.
💁♀️dined at Donovans on a busy night. Service was attentive and friendly. Fine dining done very well.
I’ve been wanting to try Donovan’s since the worth it steak episode and finally made a booking. We ordered oysters, chicken liver pate, and two rib eye steaks. The steaks were better than expected. They were tender and cooked to perfection. The “chips” were the crispiest potatoes I’ve ever had. Overall an amazing meal in a gorgeous venue with a beautiful view of st kilda beach.
A Melbourne institution which does fine dining exceptionally well. The chicken pie, the scallops, the salmon blini and the tempura oyster are real highlights. As is the bombe laska.
Donovan’s was a rather iconic restaurant located in the St Kilda beach area, serving modern Australian cuisine. The view of the beach was amazing especially if you were seated by the windows. The food I ordered, slow cooked pork belly with a side of house chips, were pretty delicious but not too outstanding; the pork was tender and nicely paired with fresh green pepper relish, and for dessert I had their famous bombe alaska which was choc hazelnut ice cream covered in toasted meringue, but it came with no liqueur and meringue toasting action. Service was pretty friendly, the atmosphere felt comfortable in an old fashion way.
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Can’t believe I’ve not done a review for Donovan’s, the on-St-Kilda-Beach stalwart that I’ve been coming to for years!!
You know I open those Art Deco inspired swimmer doors and see the waiters in their kit that hasn’t changed and I feel at home. In fact that’s the whole ambiance of the place, like going home.
Stand out service: warm, professional, perfect timing and smiles. It adds so much to the experience.
I wasn’t drinking alcohol this time, for a friends 50th so just stuck to the Cape Grim sparkling.
Started with that incredible bread with the butter and white bean purée. I eat too much of it usually this time I was a good girl!
Seared Tasmanian scallops with cauliflower purée, hazelnut and cucumber salsa, tempura mushrooms and caramelised lemon was my entree. Yum yum yum. I was impressed as there were 5 or 6 scallops and i probably are it too quickly as all those flavors married together perfectly.
Had at least 25 mins between meals which was great as I was then not too full for main which was rare seared barbequed blue fin tuna with pea purée, smoked potato croquette, baby vegetables and apple and yuzu foam. Beautifully presented and perfectly cooked; again I ate this down so fast. Obviously I haven’t eaten out in a great place for sometime.
Our waitress was understated yet there when you needed her.
Bombe Alaska to be shared with chocky sauce. No lighting it like they once did (too dangerous in these days of insurance claims). I nearly finished this old favourite that we have every time we come. Divine!! Mocha to end, sadly in a restaurant of this calibre, no almond milk!! No complaints either way.
Thank you Donovan family for a fabulous Sunday (12pm seating) lunch!
Excellent setting on StKilda beach in what feels like a warm, cosy hut in winter. The service is excellent as you’d expect and the food is fresh. Had the scallops & barramundi which I found to be good without being blown away (which you may expect for the price tag).
Went here for dinner on New Years Eve, service was 5 star as was the food.
Even the potatoes were spectacular, every dish was a flavour bomb.
Wine list expensive but we enjoyed the cocktails and they were reasonably priced. We will definitely be returning for lunch very soon. Highly recommend the Apple Soufflé, outstanding 🙌🍎
I love this place. My regular restaurant in st kilda. The food is lovely and the service is always good. Perfect for your anniversary dinner. Make sure you book the table next to window for the best best beach view
Great customer service. Not much space between tables, the restaurant was full and very noisy during our meal. Food was good but I was expecting something better for the location and price.
Was there with my soul sister on Saturday night 11th June, food was great, ambience was classy yet warm, and we have met the best waitress ever her name is Laura. She’s so professional yet feels like friend. She never gave us any feeling of interruption and appeared naturally at the right moment to do what she needs to take care of us. Love the Donovan experience and Laura’s top notch service.
First class modern Australian cuisine leaning towards and keeping representing (Italian) melbourne food heritage; highlighting fresh seafood treated respectfully. all served by very professional staff Without pomposity. The crab ravioli was a highlight- the ocean sweetness of the crab meat perfectly delivered via thin al dente pasta sheets. Views of the beach and water, purposefully cozy atmosphere. Unfortunately it may have lost its trendy shine in recent years but the quality and standards have maintained going back at least 15 years and i wish them all the best so i can keep coming for special occasions (prices continue being dear).
Food was tasty but for the price you pay I was expecting it to be exceptional. The restaurant was cool, staff could be more welcoming, overall was good. Nice area to go for a walk before or after!
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