A House on the Beach, Not Just a Restaurant

There’s no other restaurant in Australia quite like Donovans. Owners Kevin and Gail Donovan describe it as their “house on the beach,” and the name suits it perfectly. The atmosphere is warm, relaxed, and deeply personal—more like visiting a friend’s home than dining at a formal venue.

Personal Touches and Long-Time Hospitality

Guests often begin with a drink in the lounge before moving into one of the cosy dining rooms. These spaces are filled with family photos, keepsakes, and mismatched furniture. Since opening in 1995, the Donovans have remained hands-on, and their welcoming presence is a key reason so many regulars return.

Evolving Décor With a Story

The interior gets a light refresh every six months, with Gail teaming up with a friend to introduce a new theme. After a fire in 2015, the restaurant reopened with a cheeky “back on our bike” motif—complete with a Vespa and vintage cycling memorabilia.

A Menu Built on Trust and Tradition

Head chef Emma D’Alessandro, who began her career at Donovans in 2000, leads a menu that’s broad, familiar, and consistent. Long-standing favourites include the cold-smoked salmon, seafood linguine, classic chicken pie, T-bone steak, and fish and chips.

Service That Leans Into Comfort

Service is thoughtful and traditional—think bread at every table, wine poured in sequence, and meals served individually rather than shared. It may not be chasing trends, but Donovans delivers something rarer: enduring charm, hospitality, and reliably good food by the sea.