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  5. St Kilda

Donovans

4.7
4.7
782 Reviews
$101 and over
Modern Australian
Top Tags:
Welcome to Donovans - our ‘house on the beach’ and home we love to share. Donovans is located on the St.Kilda beach front offering guests a memorable dining experience in Melbourne. With a bay side view, beautiful Mediterranean inspired food and the special relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant, Donovans is where you will feel at home.

Donovans’ exciting menu has been developed with Gail and Kevin’s knowledge of modern cooking coupled with an Italian influence from their talented Head chef Emma D'Alessandro. The menu is extensive with a modern mix of favourite dishes emphasising the best local produce. Donovans also offers an extensive wine list of Australian and imported wines and an eclectic mix of cocktails.

Make a reservation

2 people
11:30 PM
Booked 28 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Fine Dining

  • Cuisines

    Modern Australian, Mediterranean

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Wed–Sun 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Dinner Wed–Sun 6:00 pm–11:45 pm

  • Phone number

    (03) 9534 8221

  • Website

    http://www.donovans.com.au/

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Executive chef

    Stephanie Graham

  • Private party facilities

    For all Private Dining Room enquiries and availability please contact our Function Coordinators at Donovans on (03) 9534 8221 or send an email to privatedining@donovans.com.au

  • Private party contact

    privatedining@donovans.com.au: (03) 9534 8221

  • Location

    40 Jacka Boulevard St Kilda, AU-VIC 3182

  • Neighborhood

    St Kilda

  • Cross street

    Shakespeare Grove

  • Parking details

    Paid metered parking available opposite Donovans on Jacka Boulevard, adjacent to the Palais Theatre

  • Public transit

    Tram No.16 and 96 Stop 138 (outside Luna Park)

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

What 782 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Melbourne

    Scenic View

  • City Centre

    Best Ambiance

  • City Centre

    Great for Lunch

  • City Centre

    Scenic View

  • City Centre

    Special Occasion

  • City Centre

    Modern Australian

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Filters

  1. MV

    MargaretV

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Great food, service and ambience. Is not ott for fine dining experience. :)
  2. DH

    DonnaH

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Lovely evening, food, service & welcome. Only disappointment was that I’d called ahead to ask that my husbands 50th birthday was celebrated with his dessert but nothing happened. Otherwise our review would have been 5/5
  3. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Melbourne

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was fantastic and the food was delicious
  4. G

    Gene

    Melbourne

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    The quality, professionalism and ambience at Donovans has been unequivocal for at least 20 years. That's why it still thrives today. If you're flush with cash, you'll get a superb meal. It's expensive but it's good. An impressive wine list. Our crab ravioli was disappointing for lack of intensity of flavour (perhaps poor quality crab) but the rest of our meal was spot on.
  5. CB

    CherylB

    Melbourne

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on June 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful location, amazing service, exceptional food.
  6. D

    Diane

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food, great service and a wonderful view - what more could you ask for!
  7. LB

    LauraB

    New South Wales

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We booked Donavan's for my belated 70th Birthday Celebration. We were greeted and seated by a very friendly waiter and were given a very nice table. Our waitress was Serena made us very comfortable and provided us with excellent, high quality service. For entree I had the scallops and my husband had the parfait, both absolutely delicious. For main I had crispy skin barramundi and my husband had fillet mignon, both meals were superb. We did not order dessert but I had chocolate truffles with my espresso and it arrived with a birthday candle and Serena sang Happy Birthday, a lovely touch. The ambience of the restaurant is just like a beautiful country home, a wonderful place for a small intimate meal for two or for a group. A wonderful place to dine for a special occasion.
  8. JL

    JeffLuke

    Melbourne

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 16, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Nice busy restaurant, down side is no customer parking, entree and main was very nice, the downside was the desert, both was really average and not a good taste. Service was very good, each wait staff know what they doing.
  9. JA

    JAMESW

    Exclusive

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Donovan's is...Donovan's. IYKYK. Always a special occasion, even when it's not.
  10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Melbourne

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Donovan’s maintains its excellent delivery of delicious food and wonderful service. One of my favourite restaurants.
  11. KE

    KERSTIN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Exceptional atmosphere, wonderful service, great food. We will be back in summer so we can appreciate the view too!
  12. SD

    SimonD

    Melbourne

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Completely as expected, service outstanding, food magnificent, setting perfect. Special mention to our waitress Julie and the attentive staff who looked after Kerrie who is in a wheelchair these days. 10 out of 10.
  13. AF

    AnatoliF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    All was great. We have only one serious problem: parking!!!
  14. MM

    MarkiMark

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 10, 2022

    overall2food3service4ambience1
    Been to Donavans with my wife a few times before but the most recent time was not good - despite me telling them that the occasion is for a wedding anniversary and asking for a table next to the window, they put us on a table next to a wall which was next to the toilet entry. Waiters were at least good so I gave them a tip. Food was ok but not special. Will not be going there for at least a few years…
  15. AS

    AmandaS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a pleasure returning to Donovan’s. We will be back again soon. Thank you to our incredible service we received.
  16. LF

    LunchwithFriends

    Hawaii

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on June 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Never disappoints. Just a trusted Melbourne institution.
  17. JM

    JulieM

    Gold Coast

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Donovans really leads the way in special occasion dining. The standards have remained the same since I first dined there 20 years ago. As part of my birthday celebration we enjoyed a cocktail by the fireplace, then were taken to our table with a window view of the water. Everything is relaxed and the staff members are always there to assist, never to rush you. I can't remember the last time I had such an enjoyable meal. The food is consistently good and we ordered old favourites - the barbeque prawns and chicken pie. Dessert was chocolate fondant and apple souffle. Classic delicious food, Hamptons beach-style decor with excellent service - it just doesn't get better than this! Thank you Donovans - I had a great birthday celebration and look forward to coming again soon!
  18. CA

    CAROLYNT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love going to Donovans for special occasions as it’s always a wonderful experience.
  19. FP

    FlaviaP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good food, very cosy and excellent service. I will definitely coming back soon.
  20. HJ

    HollyJP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Omg outstanding 10/10 food was magnificent but the real win was our waitress, she made the experience even better, polite, funny, professional, on top of everything (without being annoying ) just all round amazing
  21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Melbourne

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband’s Birthday
  22. F

    Feeber

    Melbourne

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of our favourite restaurants in Melbourne! The food is reliably excellent, the service super friendly and the atmosphere cosy. Highly recommended!
  23. LC

    LaurenC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 28, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    We keep going back and love everything about it. Food and service plus value equals faithful customers.
  24. TS

    TerenceS

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2022

    overall2food1service5ambience1
    Disappointing :seating location, noise levels , food. Staff were very good.
  25. AG

    AlexG

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely love Donavans. Fantastic service, food and location.
  26. b

    brent

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    our favorite place to go in our rotation of high class restaurants in terms of variety on the menu and extensive wine list, dont forget your on the beach! its been around for a while now, its an institution.
  27. R

    Rach

    Melbourne

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food, lovely wine, wonderful service (as always). Thanks
  28. CN

    CarlaN

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great for a special occasion, particularly on a calm, sunny autumn day!
  29. SB

    SusanB

    Melbourne

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous ambience coupled with excellent customer service. The prawns are a favourite so too the roast duck. Never disappointed with our dining experience
  30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely fantastic loved every minute
  31. F

    Foodlover12

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Requested a tablet next to the window for a special birthday and we didn’t get that and we booked over a month in advance. The chicken pie initially looked amazing but the waiter serving it made an absolute mess of it, it took forever, and it just dripped everywhere when your paying over $50 for a pie you don’t expect a slopped mess to be served up. Asked for chips got given chunky potato’s, the female toilets had a terrible smell. Our waiter was great food was good.
  32. LA

    LindyA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Like all the other special family occasions we have enjoyed at Donovan's over many years, our recent luncheon experience was terrific! Donovan's manage to create a very friendly atmosphere while providing their customers with the best of fine dining service. Thanks to all the wonderful staff.
  33. OC

    OnaC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Beautiful venue, amazing food - it’s a classy restaurant without being “stuffy”. Service is friendly and professional with great knowledge of the menu. Great location with beautiful views …..Always love our lunches and dinners here, would very highly recommend!
  34. JO

    JOJO

    Melbourne

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is now our new favourite Melbourne restaurant. So so yummy and the whole experience from start to finish felt special.
  35. JW

    JaneW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    An outstanding evening! Gorgeous food and a wonderful ambience. Thank you Donovans for being a place to create life’s memories
  36. PS

    PeterS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always good to come back and dine here. Its a place that welcomes you and makes you feel instantly at ease. Great food and good hospitality.
  37. WC

    WayneC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It’s just amazing restaurant and love it for special occasions.
  38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Donovan’s is one of my all time favourite restaurants (perhaps even number 1!). Yes it’s on the higher end price-wise but it is well worth it. The ambience is relaxed, the service is personal and prompt and the food is amazing. Can’t go past the seafood linguine. Keep up the fantastic work team. Can’t wait to come back!
  39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Family dinner with our kids. Absolutely amazing! Felt like you walked into a warm big hug. Would totally recommend this place. Food was generous and so tasty and atmosphere and service first class. Thanks for a wonderful night Donovan’s!
  40. F

    Feeber

    Melbourne

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    So great to be back at Donovan’s! The food is fantastic as is the service. Highly recommended!

FAQs

Donovans is rated 4.7 stars by 782 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
11:30 PM
Booked 28 times today
Google Map for Donovans

40 Jacka Boulevard St Kilda, AU-VIC 3182

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Shakespeare Grove

  • Neighborhood

    St Kilda

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Wed–Sun 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Dinner Wed–Sun 6:00 pm–11:45 pm

  • Cuisines

    Modern Australian, Mediterranean

  • Dining style

    Fine Dining

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    Paid metered parking available opposite Donovans on Jacka Boulevard, adjacent to the Palais Theatre

  • Public transit

    Tram No.16 and 96 Stop 138 (outside Luna Park)

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Stephanie Graham

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Website

    http://www.donovans.com.au/

  • Phone number

    (03) 9534 8221

  • Private party facilities

    For all Private Dining Room enquiries and availability please contact our Function Coordinators at Donovans on (03) 9534 8221 or send an email to privatedining@donovans.com.au

  • Private party contact

    privatedining@donovans.com.au: (03) 9534 8221

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