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Restaurant

Donovans

40 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia

Recommended by 34 people

Updated

Find Donovans

40 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9534 8221
HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 10:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Donovans

Perched directly on the St Kilda foreshore, Donovans strips bayside dining of any pretension—more breezy beach house than formal dining shrine. Regulars target the 6 PM sitting for sunset light hitting Port Phillip Bay. On the floor, the hospo crew balances easy warmth with sharp pacing, juggling family milestones and dietary requests without missing a beat. The kitchen delivers on the classics: seared scallops, tender gnocchi, roasted lamb, and a seafood linguine rich with prawns, garlic, and chili.

  • Bayside Sunsets: Dining room tables overlook the St Kilda foreshore directly through panoramic glass, making 6 PM reservations prime for sunset over the bay.
  • Coastal Classics: The kitchen turns out precise coastal classics, ranging from delicate seared scallops and kingfish to house-made gnocchi and roasted lamb.
  • Celebration Dining: Accommodating staff handle dietary requests smoothly across large gatherings, with a dedicated private room looking out over the beach.
  • Deep Wine Cellar: An extensive cellar pairs regional vintages and European bottles with seafood and grilled meats under the guidance of sharp floor staff.
RestaurantRestaurant

What's On at Donovans

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Guests Choose Donovans

From front-row bayside sunsets to heartfelt milestone celebrations, book your table to experience Melbourne's coastal pinnacle.

  • Sunset Dining on the Foreshore

    Timing an early evening reservation captures spectacular golden hour vistas over Port Phillip Bay, elevating a coastal meal into an iconic Melbourne event.

    If you can, book for 6pm the sunset views are absolutely stunning and really elevate the whole dining experience.

    MJC

  • Panoramic Bayside Scenery

    Perched right on the St Kilda water, dining tables enjoy expansive coastal sightlines paired with attentive service and refined seafood.

    The evening was faultless, from the secluded table with 180° views and excellent service from Anna-Claire to the fantastic food.

    Mark Beardsley

  • Dedicated Beachfront Private Dining

    Hosts can tailor a dedicated private dining room right on the water, complete with individual event styling and thoughtful accommodation for group dietary requirements.

    I was able to set up and decorate the private room, (which overlooks the beach), to my tastes.

    livia chambers

  • Flawless Milestone Celebrations

    Milestone birthdays and key anniversaries receive consistent, high-standard execution across kitchen output and attentive front-of-house hospitality.

    The team at Donovan's consistently go over and beyond our expectation providing outstanding food and the service is always first class, we are never disappointed!!!

    Danielle Judde-Ryan

  • Heartfelt Multi-Generational Care

    Staff take genuine personal pride in welcoming multi-generational family parties, treating elderly guests and milestone honourees with exceptional dignity.

    He treated my 95-year-old mother with such kindness, dignity and genuine care that it honestly touched our hearts.

    Daniela A

  • Lounge Warmth That Feels Like Home

    The relaxed seaside lounge atmosphere delivers an inviting, residential comfort that lets diners unwind with a cocktail before their meal begins.

    You can have some drinks before in the lounge bar that makes you feel like home.

    Nicolas Medellin

Guest favourites and standout coastal dishes celebrated by diners at Donovans.

  • Scallops

    the scallops were the true highlight of the night. Perfectly cooked, delicate, and full of flavour they really stood out.

    MJC

  • Octopus

    Must try is the steak and octopus.

    Nicolas Medellin

  • Gnocchi

    gnocchi, a stand out for me, melts in your mouth.

    Irene Nichols

  • Seafood Linguine

    We had the seafood linguine, which was amazing, with many different types of seafood

    Maëlie Rivières

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful service details and milestone accommodations that elevate the dining experience.

  • Milestone Celebration Gestures

    Diners marking milestone celebrations note thoughtful spontaneous touches, with staff offering "something a little extra" to honor birthdays.

  • Extensive Dietary Adaptations

    The kitchen and floor staff proactively cater to restrictions, ensuring that "Nearly all of the food can be Gluten Free" alongside dedicated vegetarian care.

  • Personalised Private Room Styling

    Guests booking the dedicated beachfront space are invited to "set up and decorate the private room" to match their personal event aesthetic.

  • Multi-Generational Hospitality

    Floor teams demonstrate rare hospitality for multi-generational families, treating elderly diners with genuine "kindness, dignity and genuine care".

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I book a table in advance?

Reserving in advance is highly recommended as the dining room fills quickly. An early evening booking around 6:00 PM is especially popular for catching sunset views over St Kilda beach.

What parking options are available nearby?

Yes, ample off-street parking is available nearby, consisting mostly of paid parking spaces unless you find free options.

Can the kitchen accommodate dietary requirements like gluten-free or vegetarian dining?

The restaurant accommodates special diets smoothly, offering vegetarian selections and adapting nearly all dishes to be gluten-free upon request.

What dishes and desserts are highly recommended to order?

Signature seafood options like the seafood linguine, scallops, and Leader prawns are widely celebrated, alongside standouts like the sizzling ribeye fillet and desserts such as Parky's sticky date soufflé or Bombe Alaska.

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