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Donovans: Restaurant Reviews

40 Jacka Blvd, Melbourne, Victoria 3182, Australia
(03) 9534 8221
Ranked #174 of 2,425 restaurants in Melbourne
4.0 of 5 stars 89 Reviews
Cuisines: Seafood
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Restaurant details
Good for: Romantic, Business, Special Occasion Dining, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Lunch Spot, Dinner, Reservations, After-hours
Neighbourhood: St. Kilda
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89 reviews from our community

76% Recommend
    35
    33
    14
    3
    4
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
“Christmas Eve regular”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 January 2012

My family and close friends have now gone to Donovans for our Christmas Eve dinner for several years, and we will continue to do so in the future, with us booking for the next year as we walk out the door.
As well as these Chrismas dinners my daughter had her 21st in the private dinning room which can cater for 32 persons and I have also used this room for company dinners when we need the privacy.
Consistency is the key here, and that goes for the service, the food and the atmosphere.
There is a good wine list and our daughters always recommend the "chop chop charlies"
There is plenty of good parking over the road with a pay and display and because it is so central to St Kilda there is very little waiting time for a taxi.
Well done

  • Visited December 2011
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Atmosphere
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 5 of 5 stars Food
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Australia
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
“Our Alternative Christmas Day Lunch Restaurant”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 January 2012

We have Christmas Lunch at Donovans on alternate years.
After trying many restaurants for Christmas Lunch over the last 30+ years and a lot of wasted $$$$, we rate Donovans as having the best menu for the money.
The view goes without saying..... the people enjoying the beach add to the festive feel.
We have celebrated many a birthday at this restaurant as well and always have a great time.

  • Visited December 2011
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Atmosphere
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 5 of 5 stars Food
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Melbourne, Australia
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
“Average”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 January 2012

We booked here on recommendations, every month we eat out somewhere "nice" with family and we ended with Donovans in December.
The food was average considering the prices we were paying, the staff really knew their stuff and that made the night. Meals were small portions (we are Europeans!) and the restaurant seemed crowded and everyone was squashed in. Maybe try here in the cooler months were the atmosphere is a little more relaxed.

  • Visited December 2011
    • 1 of 5 stars Value
    • 1 of 5 stars Atmosphere
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
    • 3 of 5 stars Food
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See 6 more reviews by travel_bugs_1975 for Melbourne
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Melbourne, Australia
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
“Great Views Restaurant”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 January 2012

Good food, very good service and brilliant location

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Melbourne, Australia
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“VB”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 January 2012

Location is brilliant right on the beachfront, food can always be relied on for quality and choice, staff are knowledgeable and atmosphere and menu (food and beverage) is interesting. Been many times over the years, and it never lets us down!

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