Donovans, Melbourne

Family-run Donovans restaurant on the St Kilda foreshore has been in business for the past 21 years but it never feels old, thanks to owner Gail Donovan’s obsession with fresh, new interiors which she overhauls every six months.

With its location in a popular part of Melbourne and set against gleaming white sands and sparkling blue sea, the restaurant makes a lovely, relaxing spot for lunch during a post-conference city tour around the area.

Concept Donovans restaurant feels like a beach house touched by Martha Stewart and inhabited by a loving couple that have travelled the world and collected plenty of souvenirs along the way. Furniture is large and plush, and the sandstone fireplace is enticing. The walls are adorned with happy photos of Gail and her family which includes her beloved dogs.

During my visit in February, the interior was a warm palette of orange and beige. The gents took on a baseball theme, complete with bats and baseball cards, while the ladies went all industrial with cogs and metal boxes. Gail intends to go with chocolate and navy hues for the second half of the year, and to give a new design theme to the bathrooms.
Food-wise, Donovans serves comfort food and the menu changes daily according to the freshest produce available in the market that day. However, 10 signature dishes loved by regular diners stay put on the menu. They include the old-fashioned chicken pie with mushrooms and vegetables in a milky gravy and a crispy pastry lid on top.

MICE application While full venue hire is not allowed – Gail insists on being able to welcome her regular diners always – there are two beautiful rooms set aside for private functions.

The sea-facing room with a small sandstone fireplace is the larger of the two, accommodating up to 20 guests seated. A smaller, more contemporary styled room on the other side can seat up to 12 guests. Room layout can be altered to suit the objective of the gathering. Menus can be customised.

Service Service staff are attentive and friendly, and Gail is always around to make diners feel at home. When it isn’t too busy, Gail might even take you on a private tour of the restaurant bathrooms!

Contact
Website: www.donovanshouse.com.au
Tel: (61 3) 9534-8221
Email: eat@donovanshouse.com.au

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