Donovans, St Kilda for Sandra's birthday

Recently, my friend Sandra celebrated a milestone birthday.  She had always wanted to try Donovans in St Kilda, so that is where she invited a group of her friends to mark the milestone with her. 

Inside, Donovans has cosy couches for having drinks while waiting for your table, and is decorated with an eclectic collection of curios of all kinds:

While waiting for the rest of the group to arrive, we started off with cocktails.  I chose the Chop Chop Charlie ($19) - a passionfruit concoction that slid down the throat way too easily:

For a starter, most of us ordered the arancini ball ($5), with a crisp outer shell disguising the tasty risotto within, and a creamy sauce streaked across the plate:

For a shared entrée, two of the guests ordered the chicken liver parfait ($22), which came with a shallot and ginger compote and lovely sourdough to eat it on:

For main course, I selected the crispy skin barramundi with kipfler potatoes, sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes and capers ($48):

Although on the pricey side, I can say that my main meal was absolutely delicious, and the barramundi had a crispy skin as promised.

Sandra and Jana ordered the seafood linguine with Moreton Bay bug ($52):

Vanda ordered the 500g grilled snapper served with chips and salad (no idea of the price, market price on the day):

Andy went for an entrée size of the confit duck gnocchi ($27):

We also ordered cos leaves with parmesan to share ($12):

The grand finale was dessert.  The four chocolate lovers at the table shared the bombe Alaska, their signature dessert, with chocolate hazelnut icecream inside ($45):

Although the bombe Alaska is advertised on the menu as being for two, it is rather large, so I think dividing it among four people was just right.

Andy and Jana had also brought Sandra a chocolate mud cake:

Here is a peek inside the bombe Alaska:

And here are the happy diners before proceedings kicked off:

The service at Donovans was friendly and efficient.  When Sandra expressed an interest in the old photographs decorating the walls, the owner himself was happy to come out and discuss them with her.  Now that's old fashioned service.

While Donovan is definitely a special occasion restaurant, I really enjoyed my meal and would go back for another special occasion.

Donovans

40 Jacka Boulevard

St Kilda VIC 3182

Ph: (03) 9534 8221