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Donovans

3.8 (27 reviews)
Ultra High-EndMediterranean
Closed 12:00 pm - 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Donovans Photos

DONOVANS ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Intimate
Upscale
Classy
Moderate noise

Recommended Reviews - Donovans

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Reviews With Photos

Romaine salad, typical but good.
Frank R.

A friend of mine, who used to live in Melbourne suggested we go here. Food is good Fish portion tiny Pasta dish was ok Food prices?, on par for a beach front property Booze selection good and reasonably priced Cool interior Really nice staff I live 4 blocks from the Pacific Ocean in CA, so beach front not such a big deal but that's one of the two elements that are key; beach front sunset and their version of baked Alaska, sick. Eat it!

Now these are proper-sized prawns!
David M.

Our 2nd time back to Melbourne and we'd heard about Donovan's from tripadvisor and decided to give it a try. What an absolutely cute place! It feels like you're in someone's house, especially in the "living room" area. The cocktails are strong (probably my favorite place to get a mojito in Melbourne) and the food is excellent. It was so good, in fact, that in the week we were back in Melbourne we dined there twice. I had a huge prawn main that didn't need to come with any side dishes; there was plenty of food with just four butterflied prawns. This place is at the top of my list of restaurants in Melbourne and I'll definitely dine there again.

Shara S.

Donovans gets three stars for its location and ambience. You can't get better than right on the beach, sweeping views over the bay and a glorious alfresco dining area complete with massive comfy chairs, shading and heating. The inside is elegance and sophistication personified, with comfort of the customer first and foremost in the minds of Gail and Kevin, the proprietors. The interior is accentuated by natural timbers, rich fabrics and sandstone fireplaces. Donovans caters for a variety of functions and includes an outside terrace and enclosed verandah, dining room, library and private dining room. But my fave inside space at Donovans has to be the lounge and bar area. Massive, plush red couches, and plenty of them, topped off by a beautiful central timber bar. The best way to describe it is that it feels as if you're in some beautiful alpine resort or chalet - it's delicious and comfy and gives you the feeling that you never wanna leave!! As nice as it is and as great as the scenery is, I'm never gonna be the sort of person who spends up to $100 on one meal, and that is seriously how expensive some of the mains are. I mean, they charge $10 for some cos tossed with a vinaigrette and parmasan - puleeze!! Great place to enjoy a balmy afternoon drink and relax the day away by the beach, but I don't think the food is worth the prices.

Simon H.

What a perfectly situated restaurant for both locals and tourists alike, with panoramic views of both sea and sand. Despite the very mixed reviews, we had a lovely experience at Donovans. The staff were welcoming and attentive without being over the top; the dining room was welcoming and cool (perfect for a summers lunch); and the food was fresh and tasty. I won't lie...I was shocked at how small the oysters we ordered were...but the size of the salmon I ordered more than made up for the initial disappointment. For those that like a wine, the list is extensive, catering to most budgets. The only downside are the food prices - expensive, even by Melbourne standards. I wouldn't describe Donovans as fine dining, but it is a perfect casual environment for family and friends to while away a hot summers day.

Oyster assortment. (Left to right): Baked oyster w/ jalapeno,manchego, capsicum; South Austrailian; Sydney rock; and Tasmanian.
Euoni J.

The wicker chairs in this place are not the most comfortable. However the seafood is fantastic and worth the price.

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7 months ago

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10 years ago

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12 years ago

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8 years ago

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7 years ago

Loved the ambiance, the food and the service. A great place for sharing good time and good food with good friends.

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10 years ago

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14 years ago

Great restaurant, good views, nice food and awesome service.

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14 years ago

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9 years ago

I ordered the T-bone. Under cooker, over priced, worst cut of steak I've ever had. Service was very good.

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Review Highlights - Donovans

I had the chicken pie which is my favourite and to die for.

Mentioned in 2 reviews

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Zenith Bar & Restaurant

Zenith Bar & Restaurant

4.0(4 reviews)
0.4 kmSt Kilda
$$

Quite a swanky, upper class looking restaurant with a beautiful big fireplace as the centerpiece of…read morethe interior. I love the black, modern decor and sophisticated look so I decided to give them a go. They also have a diverse menu offering Mediterranean and International cuisine which added to the appeal. Unfortunately I just didn't feel very comfortable here, unwelcome almost. Granted I went in for lunch on a week day and it looked as though it was frequented by regular clientele, plus I have two young kids, but I did feel quite intimidated. Because of this I didn't bother looking through the menu too much, a quick glance and I saw a Carbonara so I ordered it for myself and a kids meal for my daughter. The meals were nice, served quickly and the decor is very elegant - I could imagine that fireplace would be perfect on a chilly evening. However the service was uninviting, dismissive and irked me to the point that I probably wouldn't go back, unless I was out voted by a group!!

Super cute place with surprisingly good food. Good choice to get out of the downtown pretentious…read moretrendy places of Melbourne. The locally cured Olives were amazing. I couldn't get the Paella as I was in town alone and it serves two. But the table next to me got it and it looked great. I got the fettuchini de mare and it was lite, fresh, and the pasta was cooked perfectly. Cocktails quite tasty if a bit weak. As for the grumpy goth waitress from the other reviews .... Common guys. She isn't goth. Actually she is pretty nice. You just need to engage her a bit if you want more than cold efficiency. All in all a good experience.

Photos
Zenith Bar & Restaurant - Inside on a Friday

Inside on a Friday

Zenith Bar & Restaurant - Menu p3

Menu p3

Zenith Bar & Restaurant - Menu p1

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Menu p1

Blue Room Restaurant Bar Cafe - Blue Room interior

Blue Room Restaurant Bar Cafe

3.4(5 reviews)
4.1 km
$$

Walked down Clarendon St last night, looking for somewhere to indulge. We walked past a few…read morerestaurants and found it hard to make a decision. We walked passed Blue Room, and we were greeted by the waiter, who was super friendly and didn't pressure us and gave my group a rundown of the restaurant. Based on this, we decided to continue to eat here. We were seated in the front section of the restaurant, of which was on a beautiful night. The service continued to be amazing, and was just overwhelmed by the effort taken to ensure that we were comfortable and happy with our selections. The waiter was happy to help us out with suggestions and ensure that we ordered food that would satisfy us. My overall favorite of the night was the Prawn and Salmon Risotto. It was cook to perfection and the flavors just exploded in your mouth. This was also the tables favorite dish. We also had a pizza of "the Blue Room" their award winning pizza. This was delicious. Then we shared the claypot of the pork belly. Which was also nice. All this accompanied with a moijto made this experience all much more. We then "of course" had dessert. Yum Yum Yum, this was amazing, from the ricotta cheesecake, chocolate mud cake and well displayed affogato these where all a winner. This whole experience was beyond amazing and expectations. Service was really friendly and felt so welcomed here. Nice atmosphere, clean and well presented restaurant. I will definitely be returning here.

This is my favorite cafe on Clarendon St for either a lazy coffee or a meal with friends…read more The menu has a reasonable variety and Wood Fired pizzas and clay pots are their specialty. The dessert and cake range is not as extensive as some of the other places nearby, but what they do have is excellent.

Photos
Blue Room Restaurant Bar Cafe - Blue Room interior

Blue Room interior

Blue Room Restaurant Bar Cafe - Blue Room interior

Blue Room interior

Blue Room Restaurant Bar Cafe - Blue Room on Clarendon Street, South Melbourne. (blue car out front merely a coincidence. I think.)

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Blue Room on Clarendon Street, South Melbourne. (blue car out front merely a coincidence. I think.)

Donovans - mediterranean - Updated May 2026

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