Donovan’s St Kilda Melbourne: A Culinary Gem by the Bay

Nestled directly on the pristine sands of St Kilda Beach, Donovan’s offers an unparalleled dining experience that perfectly blends sophisticated elegance with relaxed coastal charm. This iconic Melbourne restaurant, a local favourite for decades, provides breathtaking panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay, making every meal a memorable occasion. The air is always fresh, imbued with a gentle sea breeze, and the atmosphere strikes a delightful balance between vibrant energy and tranquil serenity.

Donovan’s is conveniently located at 40 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda, Melbourne VIC 3182, just a stone’s throw from the iconic St Kilda Pier. Their welcoming doors are open for both leisurely lunches and enchanting dinners, operating from Wednesday to Sunday. Lunch service runs from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, offering a sun-drenched midday escape, while dinner commences from 6:00 PM until late, perfect for enjoying a stunning sunset over the water. Please note, Donovan’s is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. For reservations or inquiries, you can reach their dedicated team at (03) 9534 8221, or send an email to reservations@donovans.com.au. Further details and online bookings are available on their official website, donovans.com.au. Prepare to be enchanted by an experience that captures the very essence of Melbourne’s seaside luxury.

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Menu Highlights: A Taste of Coastal Elegance

Donovan’s menu is a carefully curated symphony of flavours, celebrating the freshest seasonal produce and premium ingredients with a distinct Mediterranean influence. Each dish is crafted with passion and precision, promising a culinary journey that delights the senses. From innovative entrées to robust main courses and decadent desserts, every item reflects a commitment to quality and a deep understanding of refined taste.

Starters & Entrées

Seared Scallops with Cauliflower Puree: Plump scallops, perfectly seared, resting on velvety cauliflower puree.
Tuna Tartare with Avocado & Chilli: Fresh sashimi-grade tuna, finely diced, vibrant with avocado and a hint of chilli.
House-Smoked Salmon with Dill Cream: Delicately smoked salmon, rich flavour, served with refreshing dill-infused cream.
Chargrilled Octopus with Romesco: Tender octopus, expertly chargrilled, complemented by a smoky, nutty romesco sauce.
Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes: Creamy burrata cheese, bursting forth, paired with sweet, colourful heirloom tomatoes.
Duck Liver Parfait with Brioche: Smooth, rich duck liver parfait, a decadent spread on toasted brioche.
Saganaki with Lemon & Oregano: Golden, pan-fried saganaki cheese, crisped edges, brightened with lemon.
Kingfish Crudo with Citrus & Herbs: Delicate slices of kingfish, raw and fresh, zesty with citrus notes.
Zucchini Flowers with Ricotta: Lightly battered zucchini flowers, stuffed with creamy ricotta, fried golden.
Prawn Cocktail, Classic Style: Succulent prawns, crisp lettuce, smothered in a tangy, nostalgic Marie Rose sauce.
Calamari Fritti with Aioli: Crispy fried calamari, perfectly tender, served with a creamy garlic aioli.
Whitebait Fritters with Tartare: Tiny fried fish, delightfully crispy, accompanied by a zesty tartare sauce.
Soup of the Day, Seasonal Inspiration: A warming, freshly prepared soup reflecting the finest seasonal produce available.
Heirloom Beetroot Salad with Goats Cheese: Earthy beetroot, vibrant colours, crumbly goat’s cheese, light vinaigrette dressing.

Main Courses – Seafood

Pan-Fried Barramundi with Asparagus: Crispy-skinned barramundi, flaky white flesh, served with tender green asparagus.
Grilled Swordfish with Caponata: Firm, meaty swordfish steak, grilled to perfection, alongside a sweet-sour Sicilian caponata.
Whole Snapper Baked in Salt Crust: Impressive whole snapper, moist and flavourful, baked in a dramatic salt crust.
Spaghetti Vongole with Chilli & Garlic: Al dente spaghetti, fresh clams, tossed with garlic, chilli, and white wine.
Lobster Linguine with Cherry Tomatoes: Luxurious lobster meat, sweet and tender, entwined with linguine and ripe tomatoes.
Mussels Steamed with White Wine: Plump mussels, fragrant broth, steamed to perfection with garlic and herbs.
King Prawn Risotto with Saffron: Creamy risotto, vibrant saffron hue, studded with juicy, sweet king prawns.
Tuna Loin Seared with Olives: Premium tuna loin, quickly seared, served with salty olives and fresh herbs.

Main Courses – Meat & Poultry

Grass-Fed Eye Fillet with Red Wine Jus: Tender beef eye fillet, cooked to perfection, rich red wine reduction.
Slow-Cooked Lamb Shoulder with Gremolata: Meltingly tender lamb shoulder, fragrant gremolata providing a fresh counterpoint.
Roasted Duck Breast with Cherry Sauce: Crispy-skinned duck breast, succulent meat, sweet and tart cherry sauce.
Free-Range Chicken with Lemon & Thyme: Juicy roasted chicken, infused with aromatic lemon and earthy thyme.
Pork Belly with Apple Compote: Crispy crackling, tender pork belly, balanced by sweet and tangy apple.
Veal Cotoletta alla Milanese: Crispy breaded veal cutlet, golden brown, a classic Italian comfort dish.

Vegetarian & Pasta Mains

Ricotta Gnocchi with Sage Butter: Soft, delicate ricotta gnocchi, tossed in a fragrant, golden sage butter.
Wild Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Oil: Earthy wild mushrooms, creamy arborio rice, elevated with aromatic truffle oil.
Chargrilled Vegetable Platter with Haloumi: Seasonal vegetables, perfectly charred, served with squeaky grilled haloumi cheese.
Eggplant Parmigiana, Layers of Flavour: Classic Italian layers of baked eggplant, rich tomato, and melted cheese.

Sides

Donovan’s Chips with Aioli: Crispy, golden chips, perfectly seasoned, served with a creamy garlic aioli.
Green Beans with Almonds: Fresh green beans, lightly blanched, tossed with toasted, crunchy almonds.
Rocket & Parmesan Salad: Peppery rocket leaves, shaved parmesan, drizzled with a light vinaigrette.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Velvety smooth, rich mashed potatoes, a comforting and classic accompaniment.
Broccolini with Chilli & Garlic: Tender broccolini florets, vibrant green, lightly sautéed with chilli and garlic.

Desserts

Donovan’s Signature Pavlova: Light, crisp meringue, soft centre, piled high with fresh seasonal fruits.
Tiramisu, Classic Italian Dessert: Layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, rich mascarpone cream, dusted with cocoa.
Chocolate Fondant with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Warm, gooey chocolate centre, rich and indulgent, paired with cold vanilla ice cream.
Panna Cotta with Berry Compote: Silky smooth panna cotta, wobbly texture, topped with a vibrant berry compote.
Selection of Artisan Cheeses: Curated selection of local and international cheeses, served with crackers and fruit.
Affogato with Frangelico: Scoop of vanilla ice cream, drowned in hot espresso, with a shot of Frangelico.

Beyond the Plate: Ambiance, Service & Experience

Donovan’s is more than just a restaurant; it’s an institution, renowned for its warm, inviting interiors that perfectly complement the stunning views. The décor exudes a relaxed coastal luxury, featuring natural materials, comfortable furnishings, and subtle nautical touches that create a sophisticated yet unpretentious atmosphere. Sunlight streams through expansive windows during the day, while evenings are bathed in a soft, ambient glow, enhancing the romantic seaside setting. The service is impeccable—attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely friendly, ensuring every guest feels pampered and at home. Pricing reflects the premium quality of ingredients and the exceptional dining experience, positioning Donovan’s as a high-end destination perfect for special occasions or a luxurious treat. The overall vibe is one of sophisticated relaxation, a perfect escape from the city’s hustle.

Your Unforgettable Donovan’s Experience Awaits

Donovan’s truly stands out as a beacon of culinary excellence in Melbourne. While every dish is a testament to their culinary prowess, some perennial favourites that consistently draw rave reviews include the perfectly seared Scallops, the exquisitely tender Pan-Fried Barramundi, and the iconic Donovan’s Signature Pavlova, a must-try for any dessert enthusiast. This establishment is ideally suited for a diverse range of diners: couples seeking a romantic sunset dinner, families celebrating a special milestone, or groups of friends looking for a sophisticated yet relaxed long lunch by the sea. It’s also perfect for those visiting Melbourne who wish to experience the city’s vibrant dining scene coupled with its stunning coastal beauty. In essence, Donovan’s offers a harmonious blend of exquisite food, breathtaking views, and warm, professional service, culminating in an unforgettable dining experience that will leave you eager to return. It’s a genuine Melbourne gem, consistently delivering on its promise of relaxed luxury and culinary delight.

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