Falling star of the Melbourne restaurant scene. Disappointed with the variable food quality we were served. Donovan’s has been an icon of the Melbourne restaurant scene for decades. Unfortunately we were not impressed on our last and now final visit. The steak was the most disappointing given it was the highest priced item on the menu. The quality of the meat is low, combined with inadequate seasoning made for a bland experience. This was across the table between both the fillet and t bone options. Seared Scallops would have been tastier if they were seared on both sides vs the side presented to the diner. The wait staff whilst very friendly was lacking particularly when the restaurant was half empty on the Friday night and we saw the wait stuff gathered by the kitchen door chatting to each other often. Maybe it was an off night all round, but there’s better experiences to be had. The final being the bomb Alaska almost saved it but the meringue was almost burnt. It’s a shame, gone are the good ones.

Beautiful food served in a gorgeous setting, like a Ralph Lauren store if Ralph Lauren had a beach chic vibe. Sam our waiter was absolutely perfect. We ordered oysters, the T Bone. crispy skin barramundi, crab ravioli, wedge salad and asparagus. The ravioli was to die for. Perfect balance of the sweetness of the crab and the lemony tartness of the sauce. T Bone and the fish was cooked perfectly. The T Bone was charcoal grilled and served with crispy wedge potatoes and baby lettuce. All of this was against the backdrop of the beach and the sea.

From the moment you enter this divinely exquisite restaurant you a treated like you are royalty. It something quite special. The food was delightfully delicious and presented like a piece of art. You pay for what you get and that is an experience that you will never forget. Love every moment of this beautiful restaurant.

Donovans is always a special treat, complemented by a glorious sunset over Port Philip Bay. The service is breezy, fun and informed. The atmosphere is always festive, filled with joy. And the food continues to be outstanding.

Donovan’s has been my favourite place to dine for many many years and tonight didn’t disappoint! Attentive service from our early arrival. Great to settle in on the couch with a drink whilst we wait for our table. Entrees and mains were delicious and delightful and so too were the accompanying wines. A treat at the end (says it all)! Thank you, we’ll be back!

It's not cutting edge in the fine dining arena however Donovans is very popular because of its somewhat rustic, homely feel and location overlooking Port Phillip Bay. Prices are over the top, for example, their chicken pie, a hefty $53 ... seriously! Standout dishes were the mussels and the spanner crab ravioli and a shout out to the staff .. efficient, yes, however at least look as though you enjoy doing what you do!

Used to be one of our favourite steakhouses in Melbourne but not anymore. While the steak was flavourfully seasoned, the quality of the meat was mediocre. The produce used to be of better grade where the lettuce was crisp and refreshing, now both its steak and vegetables are no more than regular supermarket quality. The potatoes were cooked in oil that is way too hot resulting in poor flavour, I personally would not serve that to a customer. Disappointing dinner seeing how the standards have gone down the drain and definitely overpriced for the quality of food served

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!

Setting and decor is amazing. It manages to be upscale yet super cosy at the same time. Just went for my wife's birthday. The staff were so helpful and polite. We were asked if we wanted pre drinks out side to enjoy the view before eating. The food , while expensive, was delicious. The chicken pie was great very theatrical and they served the contents into a pastry bowl!. Never felt rushed to leave at any time and they brought out a complimentary dessert with a candle for my wife. Deserves 5 stars without a doubt.

Donovans is an exquisite restaurant! It has the ability to make you feel like you are enjoying a cosy night at home with a 5 star silver service feel. I thoroughly enjoyed my dining experience, 5 course set menu and service I received. The warm atmosphere & vibe was amazing. Our waiter David was courteous, knowledgeable and professional. He is an asset to the establishment, and I will be returning again.

Good place with a few rough edges. Food solid across the board. Everyone at our table was pleased with it. The charred octopus is very charred so it might not be to everyone's taste. It's not cheap but it's also not a trying to be a cheap restaurant so that's fine. The main let down here was the service. A few small interactions that put me off. It started off when the maître d' asks me if "only 5 were coming now". "Yeah, I only booked for 5". "The booking was for 6". "You sure? I'm almost certain it was for 5." "It was for 6". I check my booking and sure enough - just 5. Even if I was wrong, it's not something to be peevish and push a customer on. The drinks were a bit strange. The waitress that poured mine clearly hadn't poured many. Heaps of froth and it overflowed on to the table (see pic). Cider came in a wine glass which was unusual. Something Donovans could consider in training. The weirdest thing was the fish & chips. It comes out in a traditional basket with paper. Then I get another plate and they spoon half of it there for me. Table exchanged confused glances for the 30 seconds or so while they did that.

Old school seafood restaurant with amazing views of St Kilda Beach and Port Philip Bay. Exceptional service with knowledgeable and professional team. Classic seafood dishes, pasta and selection of mains with an elegant wine list. Nothing too fancy just a comfortable seaside location to enjoy a delicious meal.

Donovans is absolutely sensational. If I could give Donovans 6 stars I would. The whole meal was wonderful from start to finish. The food was outstanding and the wine was absolutely excellent. If you are having a special occasion dinner, Donovans should be the place to go! I cannot wait to go there again!!!

After years of coming to Donovans and despite the original owners having already left, the team is still going strong with their standard and offer. Their signature chicken pot pie, T-bone and bombe alaksa are still nostalgic to us. We are very happy to still see a familiar face in Bob, who is pretty much part of the backbone of the restaurant. Keep up the good work!

Quite simply our favourite restaurant in Melbourne, classy, helpful staff and food to die for. Been many times and will return many times more. This was for a special occasion and we were made to feel special.

Excellent service, friendly staff, great atmosphere and a wonderful vibe. Extraordinary great food and it has a awesome view of the bay. If you're a superhero fan, you will also enjoy the sense of humour someone has when you enter the male toilets. Certainly a must do restaurant for 5 star dining. 🌟

We enjoyed a lovely lunch here while on holidays in Melbourne. Probably a little more expensive than we would normally go but it was a special occasion and the views/vibe/atmosphere were just what we were after. The service was impeccable and the food was a taste sensation. Our favourites were the spanner crab ravioli, the rabbit gnocchi and the QLD leader prawns.

love the vibe and very friendly staff and perfect location for a beach day. The food is good but with the price they charge I expect better presentation. Just be aware that a glass of sparkling water will be $12.

Was a special birthday for a friend. Had a lunch booking for 2.30. We called to say we would arrive 10 mins late, we were told “well the bar closes at 4”. That was the prelude to being rushed and made to feel like we were a bother. After a considerable spend, we were seemingly pushed out onto the deck, in the hot sun due to “having to set up for dinner”, this was 5pm - then within 20 mins we were handed our bill. When we asked for sparkling water (as it was hot)! We were told, sorry no it’s not possible we’ve closed the bar. We were given water after having to challenge this. Then we were told to go to stokehouse for more drinks. Even though new people had arrived and were having drinks on the deck next to us and were offered drinks. Why offer a 2.30 sitting for lunch if you know that you will be rushing people out? Perhaps Donovan’s was “the place” but honestly the food was nothing special, we ordered the oysters (they were so so), snapper again it wasn’t amazing, we also had linguine - it was fine (nothing special). Overall the experience was poor overall and they seem to forget the small things. The waitress also squeezed my husbands arm and made an inappropriate comment while we were eating. It was embarrassing. When you compare Donovan’s and the price, to something like a Tedesca - there is no comparison. I think they need to think about how they look after patrons and not ride on their name. Very disappointed in how we were rushed out and the manner it was done. Honestly, if you’re after a special occasion to celebrate and enjoy, really think about whether Donovan’s is it.

If I could give Donovans more stars, I would. This restaurant is simply magnificent. The service is outstanding. They make everyone feel welcome and relaxed. The food is wonderful and the location is very special. I do recommend a lunch as the views over the bay are lovely, but at night it is warm and welcoming. You do have to book well in advance as it is so popular, but if you are visiting Melbourne, you must make time to visit Donovans.

This was the first visit and it was fantastic food 5/5, pretty diverse wine list led predominantly by Australian bottles but with some European options, a few solid cocktail options as a good start or end. To start the service was great - dropped off later in the Meal when it got busier which was a shame. It’s not cheap so be prepared but ultimately seemed worth it - crudo of the day was snapper with a ginger that was great, the pâté was exquisite. Watched an electrical storm for a great view - beef cheek main was to die for as was the caramelised pumpkin - will definitely be back.

Expected More The entire food is good but just lack of seasoning in my opinion. The concept of dish is creative but sadly just lack of seasoning. The service is amazing and the entire restaurant is cozy.

Spanner crab ravioli.... one of THE most unique dish I've ever had the pleasure of eating!! Perfection! Entire staff is so accommodating, friendly, and informative. Restaurant itself, so ambient... felt like home. Highly recommend 👌

The service was exceptional as was the food. Certainly a premium restaurant price wise, but so worth it. Would recommend the liver parfait and mascarpone cheesecake.

Very good Ambience and environment, friendly staff, good service, A perfect place to date your love one here. I would rate for full 5 star, if the prawn's texture doesn't taste gooey.

We bought the pandemic value pack 3 course meal for 2, takeaway. Porchetta was magnificent. Very generous serves. Could feed 4 if not super famished. Have enough leftovers for another meal tomorrow.

Simply superb! Our waiters were outstanding and couldn't have been more accommodating. The private dining room views over the bay were spectacular.

Great service, nice view, yummy food. Will definitely be back. The best chocolate truffle I had ever have.

Donovan's is our Go To for special family occasions and with my wife's birthday during lockdown we thought why not try their takeaway. We went for the pate entree and duck main. Just wonderful. They are true hospitality pros, such high quality, so consistent. Thank you to this institution, love your work!

Food served here with high quality,very good for special occasions or even a special date😍 Taste was super. The crab pasta was my favorite special thanks to chef and kitchen team for preparing such a wonderful dish Service was good with friendly servers. 5 ⭐️ not enough for sure and ,we would like to say thanks so much to outlet manager Oscar he been such a wonderful person and so sweet 🥹 he gives us good spot even though we didn’t making a booking with pram ,they look after us with so special care with my baby in pram..💕💕Highly recommend to my friends and family.Oscar is the best can’t forget your best service