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Donovan's Steak and Chop House
Category: Restaurants Steakhouses Steakhouses [Edit]
4340 La Jolla Village Dr(between Bus Access Rd & Executive Way)
La Jolla, CA 92122
(858) 450-6666
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 4 pm - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Valet
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Classy, Upscale
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
346 reviews for Donovan's Steak and Chop House
Review Highlights
"She had the creme brulee and loved it."
(in 52 reviews)
"filet mignon - my mom & I shared this one."
(in 55 reviews)
"The prime rib was beautiful, seasoned just right."
(in 25 reviews)
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346 reviews in English
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Review from Yi-Xin C.
San Diego, CA
1/28/2012
Best. Steak. I've. Ever. Had.
I'm not really a steak person, but this was just too good.
I got the 16 oz Prime Rib Eye, Medium Rare. The meat was so tender, that cutting it was just a polite act. (You could easily tear the meat apart with your teeth..so good)
And it was juicy. I'm a petite girl, but I left zero leftovers. It was a pretty big steak, about an 1-1.4 inches thick. I don't like a lot of seasoning, and this had very little. True steaky goodness, the best.
Of course, the price made me think twice. But then I thought again, "Yes, $51 is definitely worth the BEST STEAK IN THE WORLD."
The veggies were plain, but the bakes potato with sour cream, bacon bits and butter was also very good. -
Review from T. N.
Los Angeles, CA
2/6/2012
"Upscale yet never pretentious" is what I remember when I think of this place. My review here is for both the La Jolla and Gaslamp location, as they were exactly the same.
Reservations: I've always made reservations in the past. They get me seated fairly quick. I'm pretty sure they accept walk-ins as well but you may have to wait if on the weekend.
Food: I've never ordered the seafood here before but tried my friend's halibut dish. It was good but not spectacular. I come here for the steak, man! If I remember correctly, fresh veggies and a small side order is included with your meal. Phew! I feel guilty ordering if it's a la carte. I've ordered both filet and NY strip, and enjoyed chewing every second of it. Beats Ruth's Chris by farrrr. The garlic mashed potatoes are yummy, too. I can't help on their desserts or cocktails but can say their staff is very knowledgeable in helping you select the perfect wine with your meal, as most steakhouses would be.
Atmosphere: As I stated, it is upscale. Draws in the middle-aged and older crowd. You'll see some young folks here on either dates or celebrations, I presume. I feel it's dressier than Ruth's Chris, so come in dressed nicely.
Price: As any delicious, upscale steakhouse would be, it's on the pricier end. I believe the 10 oz filet was around $35? Well worth it for me to come here to celebrate an occasion.
Service: Great! Not pretentious at all. -
Review from Christine K.
San Diego, CA
1/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
HH review:
Came here with a girlfriend for Happy Hour. Pretty nice place, with a decent crowd for a Thursday night. It was a pleasant surprise when we found out that they passed arfood around the HH section every 15 minutes or so (basically as it came out of the kitchen). Over the course of an hour and a half, 1 sandwich was had every 15 minutes. Drinks were delicious and super strong. Bit on the pricey side, but worth it.
Don't come here thinking you can order a drink and get a free dinner though, unless you're okay waiting long periods between sandwiches :) -
Review from cat g.
San Diego, CA
2/4/2012
Best service I have ever had in San Diego. David, our server, was amazing! The food was perfect, best scalloped potatoes ever!
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Review from Liz K.
1/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
I LOVE Donovan's! The staff here is the BOMB! They have personality and are attentive and super friendly!
Been here multiple times and am NEVER disappointed. Food is perfection. And you actually get a good portion for your $$.
Happy Hours looks like a great deal too! The food is top notch. Love it here! -
Review from Rachel L.
San Diego, CA
1/12/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I've been here many times but never have I made it to their happy hour, and its true!... their free sliders and mini burritos is a must have! The sauce and seasoning was to die for, the service was great from our amazing waitress. Luckily we did have her because it gets crazy packed like we are at a night club, the demographics were interesting...
But, at least the mules were pretty much to the "T" with how we make it at home. Its pretty hard to please my posse of gals!
We will for sure be back!
luv luv! -
Review from Tony T.
San Diego, CA
1/31/2012
I have come here several times for work meetings and i honestly dont know why we keep having them here....aside from the drinks, the steaks (their specialty) have always dissapointed me...
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Review from Mrs. J.
Carlsbad, CA
1/30/2012
Ok so we went there for my Birthday and all seemed ok except that we had to wait over an hour to get our appetizers and even longer to get our food!!! By the time we were done with our appetizers it already settled in our stomachs and we were already full by the time the main course got there! All they kept doing was refilling our waters! Like umm ok were hydrated now we just want our food! Ive NEVER waited so long to get my food in my life. For what we payed we expected way better service than that. Never going back and would not recommend it to anyone. ALthough i will say the steak was delicious but that was about it.
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Review from Jonathan W.
12/14/2011
So you have a special someone and you need a place to sweep them off their feet. This place is one of the best to get your swag on.
If you let the staff know its a special occasion, they will treat you right and also put you in the special "dates" area. Better ambiance and you're surrounded by happy folks.
Food is also a big plus. They serve a very traditional steak, cooked perfect to order. Standard sides done with detail. Creme brulee to top off was great.
The happy hour can be amazing. Free steak sandwichs. Valet is the front is efficient and effective.
Where else can you get such a combination of service, atmosphere and quality food? Few and far between.
No reservations about the quality of this place. -
Review from Anne B.
Escondido, CA
12/29/2011
I've enjoyed Donovan's a number of times over the years, the steaks are always excellent and the wine list good. We've had private dinners and also scheduled company parties there. But after my last visit I'm afraid I won't be back any time soon. I took my folks there for their 60th wedding anniversary. We had reservations but we had to wait about 15 minutes for our table in a bar where there was no good place to stand, where ever we stood we were in the way. It was awkward, uncomfortable and embarrassing to keep my elderly folks standing for an extended period when my intent was to take them out for an extraordinary dinner.
When they did seat us it was at a table sized for 2 but they managed to squeeze the 4 of us in... great! It was in the traffic zone, just outside the wait station. There wasn't enough space for our place settings let alone water glasses and wine glasses. Part way through the meal I found there there were table wings I could open to give us a little breathing room. I don't understand why our waiter couldn't have done that for us... BEFORE they seated us! I felt like I was at Denny's. The food was good, no complaints, and they were kind enough to bring my parents a creme brulee for dessert.
All in all I expect more from a high end restaurant. Food is important... but what you are paying considerably more for is the high end service- and it seems Donovan has become too busy to focus on that. I have other favorite places I can go that haven't yet lost sight of what their clients want. When I can't get reasonable accommodations for a momentous occasion like a 60th anniversary, what can I expect for an everyday meal? Sorry Donovan's, you lost us. -
Review from Lila Z.
San Diego, CA
12/27/2011
4.25 stars
Came here with a friend for happy hour/dinner tonight. On the outside, it looks kind of like a Denny's. Once inside, the decor is absolutely beautiful, with dark wooden walls and perfect lighting to make you feel like you are attending a classy dinner.
Happy hour is between 4-7pm. For happy hour, you may sit at the bar, the high tables behind the bar, or in the little room towards the back. The cocktails are $8 and there are a few options for meat/seafood based appetizers. The prices for the appetizers are not really "happy hour" standard, but not too pricey either. We ordered the crab cakes ($18), which were DELICIOUS. If I get married, I want to serve these crab cakes at my wedding. That's how damn good they are.
Major brownie points: they walk around with free steak appetizers, which my friend raved about. If you eat beef, you can easily fill up on these alone and just come for some classy drinks.
I also got the caprese salad, which was above average in taste. The portion was HUGE, so unless you are training for a marathon, don't eat the whole plate by yourself or you will balloon up. -
Review from Seamus C.
Bethesda, MD
1/29/2012
Always one of our favorite dress-up dining places in San Diego. The ambiance is clubby but elegant, and the steaks are out of this world. Yes, a bit pricey, but a great place to go when celebrating something special. Probably the most enjoyable steak house that I've been to in recent memory.
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Review from Keith G.
Manhattan, NY
1/7/2012
I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure there is no better steakhouse in San Diego. Nestled amidst a La Jolla business park, Donovan's is the real deal. As if the Bentley's and Aston Martin's parked outside on a typical night aren't enough, one is instantly left with the impression that they deserve a fancy cigar and a classy martini upon walking into Donovan's. On at least one occasion I have struggled not to pretend that I'm James Bond when I walk in.
And then there's the food. The steak is suburb--I'm convinced they have no "bad" cuts of meat. Whereas many steakhouses provide a heavily marbled ribeye, with lots of useless fat chunks you reluctantly consume, Donovan's always provides a healthy cut, rife with flavor. And while I'm normally reluctant to have my steak "dressed up" too much with seasonings, I must say that the filet medallions with blue cheese and port-wine demi glaze are sinfully good. And let's just say I don't have enough words to describe how perfect the creme brulee is.
There are other good steakhouses in San Diego, but none leaves me as consistently satisfied as Donovan's. -
Review from Susan B.
Jamul, CA
1/3/2012
I was invited here for my birthday a few years ago and must say that for all the fame it has there really is no difference between the taste of a filet mignon here and one at a nice steak house, say the one at Barona Valley Ranch, which I have enjoyed. The price is too high for the quality of the food.
I have eaten in fine restaurants not only places like George's on the Cove, also in La Jolla, but in Italy and Spain. And I have been raised with great table manners. But to have a waiter picking my food and shuffling so much around me while I am enjoying a meal and trying to have a conversation is plain ridiculous.
To be classy does not mean that you require to be treated like an invalid. I don't need them to handle my silverware and dishes ever five minutes and interrupt the best parts of all our conversations every three minutes as well.
Rude.
Anyhow...if you love to play rich I suppose you can come here all dressed up and eat but you may just hit Carl's Jr. on your way home to get that "all over your face" meal that you can eat as you please. ;) I am being sarcastic. Not trying to offend anyone. I just understand what class is and it is not a show. The food doesn't justify the price.
Okay, the Creme de Brulée was pretty good...but I have even cooked a frozen one of those from Trader Joe's and it was just as good.
So here is the unexpected treat...back then, hope now too, you could go and get the valet parking for any price you want. It's like a donation. Enjoy that! Kids like THAT show and it's one you can definitely afford. So if you are gonna spiff out the bucks on that meal, get the valet parking...don't struggle parking. -
Review from KaLeigh R.
Colchester, IL
1/18/2012
Went to Donovans after my husband returned from Iraq and were treated amazingly. Private booth, a discount, and great service. Our favorite restaurant!
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Review from Joe F.
San Diego, CA
11/4/2011 Seated via OpenTable 1 Check-in Here
Very disappointed.
This place reminded me of some of the "upscale" restaurants in Vegas at the popular hotels. Quantity usually trumps quality at these places, because no matter what, they will always pack em in, regardless of the standards. Most of the patrons I noticed were the business type. And when the company pays for it, who gives a rats ass what it looks or tastes like, its a free meal, so it must be good.
Wine was ordered, bread was delivered. Bread was ok, I guess Jesus would have approved of something similar at the last supper.
My wedge salad was basically a hastily cut head of lettuce, with blue cheese dressing glopped on it. Absolutely no imagination to the dish. I really wish I had taken a picture. Here's a $10 wedge salad, so what, f*&k you is what I felt when it came to the table. My wife's chopped salad was more of the same.
So my entree came, which was a svelte (no sarcasm) 20oz porterhouse. Steak was cooked medium rare as requested, but for a $61 steak, I should have my mind blown, and it wasn't. Again, no imagination to the presentation (if you've been to Ruth's or Vic Stewarts, you'll know what I'm talking about). Potatoes Au Gratin were meh and so was the mac and cheese we got on the side. And to top it off, they do the 1980's cheesy dusting of parsley around the perimeter of the dish. The wife commented that her potatoes were just "plopped" on her plate, and I concurred that the scoop was dropped from orbit on to her plate.
And the last item (which was partially my fault as I should have asked for something else), it was our Anniversary and they brought out a nice silver platter that had Happy Anniversary written in caramel along with Creme Brulee.
My wife HATES Creme Brulee =[
So, lesson learned. Just because they say they're the best steak house....yea....
Should have gone to The Wellington. You wan't mac and cheese that will make you "jizz...in...your pants", let alone the steaks themselves, Its the only place. -
Review from Brandy C.
11/3/2011 4 photos
This is my scale on Yelp:
1 star- food and service are bad
2 stars- the food is delicious, but the service is bad
3 stars- service is very nice, but the food is meh....
4 stars- service is great, and the food is pretty good
5 stars- everything is PERFECT!
I usually don't dine in the place like Donovan. Probably only when my mom came or for some really really special occasion such as my bff's birthday.
Today is one of my bff's birthday. We came here at 7pm. Thanks Open Table. You did a great job this time. We didn't wait for long, probably around 1~2 minutes to wait for our server to get us. All right, I will skin all the details, but food because it's the main reason why I give this place 3 stars only.
My bff and I got Prix Fixe. The deal is great because I don't need to struggle on what I want to eat after my overloaded work and class. However, this place is seriously overrated! The soup according to my bff, it's just like regular corn chowder like everyone can make it. But, I really like Chop House Salad. Main course... very disappointed! I expect really delicious steak, but it's not standout anymore. I thought this is a steakhouse that make the steak uh..ma...zing, but I was totally wrong. Dessert is okay! I have nothing to say about the dessert since Donovan is a steakhouse, not a sweet store.
BUT... I really have to say that they have super great service that I cannot give them 2 or below. (Always love great service like this place.)
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If you are too lazy to read everything on the top, go ahead. But you have to remember 2 things:
1. Do you really have to come here?
2. Does it worthy to come here?
Have fun! :) -
Review from Barbara T.
San Diego, CA
12/8/2011
I came here once about 2 years ago. I was actually excited about dining here because I've heard so many great things about this restaurant. (No idea what others were thinking..)
Like any nice restaurant, the atmosphere of the restaurant looked like the typical high end restaurant. Nice and elegant setting..(I was disappointed that they didn't have any sitting area and we had to stand when we waited).
I ordered the prime filet. The entree came with sides, mashed potatos and green beans. The food was not extraordinary. I have definitely had better steak elsewhere and the price for what you get is totally not worth it. I don't know about everyone else, but I like my steak to be non chewy. I remember the steak to be chewy and it was hard for me to get a piece down my throat.
The thing with steakhouses is that I will usually remember eating a GREAT steak but with this restaurant, I don't recall anything at all. I just remember that, with the high cost of each entree, I would most likely choose another high end steak restaurant over Donovans. It's one thing to be pricey and have great tasting steak but it's another thing to be pricey and have a bleh steak. -
Review from Theresa N.
San Diego, CA
11/17/2011
First time here, I was taken here for a birthday dinner. I ordered the giant shrimp cocktail, caprese salad and for the entree: filet mignon medallion and bacon-wrapped scallops. All were delicious...what else would you expect from such a top-shelf steak house?? We brought two bottles of wine...there is a two bottle limit and they charge you a corking fee no matter how many bottles they open for you. The interior looks more like "old money"...dark stained wood tables, bars, booths. In attendance was more of the affluent crowd, so a good place to go if you are not wanting to deal with kids ages 0-21 ;)
There is also complimentary valet. -
Review from Lusha J.
Imperial Beach, CA
11/3/2011
I haven't been here since March, but I'm sure everything is the same. I brought my boyfriend here for his birthday. We had made attempts to come here before but just always talked ourselves out of it. I made the executive decision to treat him, since I hear nothing but nice things.
We were seated almost right away, which was nice because it was raining outside, and it was pretty busy. It's kind of too dark, but I get the mood they are trying to set, and it worked. Very beautiful establishment. We were served immediately. I had the salmon and he had the biggest, best steak on the menu, as well as a few drinks. Overall, I was impressed. One of the nicest places I've been to, and definitely the most expensive. For just the two of us, our bill was about $150. No regrets though and I would come again. -
Review from Maria F.
San Diego, CA
1/27/2012
Had dinner here last night. Service was impecable per usual but food this time was just eh.... however one person at our table did get the special which looked amazing.... will still go back just hope it's not going downhill.
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Review from Shane S.
Encinitas, CA
1/27/2012
We had our company year end meeting at the La Jolla location. Everything was done with world class customer service. From the moment we began the process with Stephanie to when we finished our deserts, we felt very special and well taken care of. Even with a few last minute party size adjustments, which I am sure can be frustrating for the staff, they made every adjustment in stride with flawless ease and a smile. Adele was a fantastic server and cared for us like we were her only table. I haven't even mentioned the food!!! Every bite of my steak was so delicious and was complimented perfectly with their pairings and wine reccomendations. If you would like to treat your team or just your date to a perfect night with wonderful food, look no further. Thank you so much Donovans staff for making our important night important to you. We will definitly be back for more.
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Review from Steph P.
San Diego, CA
12/21/2011
The food here is very good. The best i have ever had. The prices are very high. Sometimes the waiters can be rude if you don't look like you will spend a ton of money. Make reservations in advance. However, be aware that a reservation doesn't guarantee you'll be seated any sooner (unfortunately). Ive had to wait 15-20 minutes even with one. Guess i wasnt important/ rich looking enough? I love going here for very special occasions but the snobby atmosphere is a turn off.
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Review from Michael N.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 9/24/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Finally got a chance to eat here for dinner! I'll keep it short and sweet.
For apps had some oysters which weren't as fresh as I expected. Caesar salad was very average and nothing to write home about. I wouldn't get it again
I got the steak and scampi which was amazing! Steak was perfectly cooked. Shrimp were large and sweet. The sauce that was over the shrimp was great.
Got a slice of the cheesecake for home and had it the next day. Excellent!
It took a long time for our oysters and salad to come out but service was otherwise excellent. I'd probably give this place 4 1/2 stars but the average oysters and salad prevented them from getting 5 stars. I'm definitely looking forward to coming back soon!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/25/2011
Happy Hour review, woot
I've always heard that Donovan's was the best steak house in San Diego but… Read more »
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Review from Lisa W.
9/25/2011 4 photos
Restaurant week-between a 3.5-4.0 stars.
Our party was pretty big, we had 7 people but had reservations. Place was fine dining but loud. Service was good, drinks were really pricey, I guess the happy hour drink menu doesn't apply if you are sitting down at regular dinning. I think we could have just gotten the drinks at the bar and drank it there or bring it to the table. Would have saved us like over $50.
Food: Appetizers were either salad or soup, not a very good selection, but portions were generous. Entree, steaks of course! Who would go to a steak restaurant and order fish or chicken?! I got the fillet mignon and shrimp scampi, shrimp was okay, but steak was pretty good. I definitely had my shares of good steaks, I would put Donovan's near the end of my fine steak list, just because I travel the US for good steaks and Donovan's was good, but not great. Still a must try in the area though.
I would want to come back for their regular menu, many get a ribeye! Dessert, the cheesecake was really rich and creamy, it was a really good cheesecake I had in awhile. Ate it all so fast... -
Review from Giovanni V.
San Diego, CA
9/21/2011
3.5 stars.
My girlfriend and I had a beautiful date here on Monday since it's restaurant week. We've never do fine dining because it simply doesn't agree with our wallets but it's a prix fixe menu and we have wanted to try the food here for a long time. Plus, she just got herself a full-time job out of college so a bit of celebration was in order.
For starters we had the Caesar salad and the Chop salad. It was a consensus, the salads were the worst part of the meal. They were soggy and over-saturated with dressing. They tasted like they had been sitting in a huge batch all afternoon and frankly, they were too big. The Chop was described as having fresh bacon but no bacon on my girlfriend's salad! I understand that people are paying a lot of money but wouldn't it make more sense to make a smaller, fresher salad? We both only ate about a quarter of them.
Now, before I continue I will say that our server was incredibly patient and helpful especially regarding my girlfriend's gluten allergy.
We both ordered the Prime Filet Medallions. Hers had to be without the bleu cheese and port demi-glace because of gluten. The steak, as good as it gets. I've never had better steak in my life. As others have described it, it melts in your mouth. It's so tender and so juicy! Even without the bleu cheese and glace the steak was awesome so imagine it being ten times better with the topping! The sides were merely ok. The smashed potatoes were nothing to rave about and though the seasonal vegetables were really good, there were about three bites to be had there. Her smashed potatoes were substituted with a baked potato without hassle due to gluten.
Desert was also incredible. The chocolate mousse cake was definitely something to rave about and I really don't like chocolate. It was just so soft and moist, not too much icing and just the right portion of cake. She had the creme brulee and loved it. So, even though their menu said no substitutions they were not hesitant to accomodate my girlfriend all night which was just delightful because we've been in places where they have never even heard the term gluten. And complimentary coffee with desert was a nice little bonus.
Also notable, with our dinner the waiter recommended a glass of La Follette 2009 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast. Very, very good wine. Pinot is my favorite and this was so smooth and so flavorful.
Overall, we had one of the best nights together that we've ever had. Thanks to our server and the kitchen for the accommodations and the recommendations and overall friendly service.
Last thing I have to say is that... ahem... romance is expensive. -
Review from Erik S.
9/22/2011
-Very good service
-Great steak
-Traditional steakhouse called for a Caymus Cabernet.
Would go somewhere else for crab cakes & Creme Brulee is better at Ruth's Chris.
:) -
Review from Chun P.
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Ladies, 18 and over, please answer YES or NO to the following questions:
1) Are you a high school drop out and incapable of getting your GED?
2) Are you working some crappy paying job with absolutely no desire to get an actual career?
3) Are you fairly attractive?
4) Do you think that Paris Hilton, Lindsey Lohan, and/or Snooki are "intelligent"?
5) Do you feel Envy, Jealousy, and Admiration when you see a stereotypical "Trophy Wife"?
6) Are you distracted easily by shiny objects?
7) Is it your life long goal to marry a Sugar Daddy and spend the rest of your life shopping, getting peddis/manis, driving a big luxury SUV, and produce Trust-Fund babies for your Sugar Daddy? (I know I dream of this...)
If you answered "YES" to at least 4 out 7 of the above questions, then you need to come to Donovan's 400-700PM on weekdays. Yuppy attired Middle Aged Men, Old Men, and Really Old men are crammed like sardines in the bar area...dress shirt to dress shirt...loafer to loafer. Ladies, with a bit of perfume and a revealing dress thats generous with the "girls", you easily can snare yourself a nice sugar daddy and be the next Anna Nicole Smith with your very own Hugh Hefner clone.
For the rest of us people with brains, Donovan's serves THEE best mini steak sandwiches from 4-6PM. Oh!...and...*drumroll*... they're FREE!!! They sort of melt in your mouth...its a mouthgasmical ribeye, onion, peppers, & mushroom orgy. They also hand out free mini steak burritos....nom! nom! nom! But they don't serve enough for a full meal... $8 Cocktails are delish, but theres also $5 beers too for Cheapasses like Chun P.
Great service from the bar waitreses in a very fancy, schmancy, classy American atmosphere. I absolutely loved the bathrooms equipped with cloth towels and mouth wash...and why don't more places have black urinals? So cool! -
Review from Maria A.
La Mesa, CA
9/22/2011
When you have "The Captain" at the helm waiting on you, you are in Primo heaven! Victor was one of the best waiters I've ever come across. He knows his stuff. He indulges you with his knowledge of fine wine, food, and overall customer service.
The filet mignon was to die for. It melted in my mouth as it should. The sides that we ordered were overkill. Both Victor and us knew that we had ordered too much, but that's why leftovers are even better the next day.
I am going back and can only think of being waited on by Victor. He's a man of good taste and has a great personality beyond compare. :O) -
Review from Lloyd W.
San Diego, CA
12/3/2011
well, it's Good Food.. this you should already know
and its good food with a Great Atmosphere
this you should probably already know too!
the Bass fillet was juicy, the Steak was tender
and Creme Brulee was Yum..! delicious
Classy Bar, Great Variety
the Servers were Pro, I think that's enough said
But I don't make a Bizillion Tons of Money to afford the best thing in the house
Though some people do order that 6ounce Alaskan Crab with the 1lb Ice Decor
.. it looked great
all in all, I wouldn't come here for casual dinning
not even for Important Occasions
it's not a place for a dinning experience
it's for people to meet & greet, to socialize
5 stars for being a high-end restaurant
but I'm not a Fan~ -
Review from Cyi K.
San Mateo, CA
1/13/2012
This place was so disappointing. Any known steak house that cooks my filet mignon well done when I asked for medium rare gets a low rating. It's not like it cost me only a few dollars. I had better luck at Ruth Chris.
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Review from David L.
Los Gatos, CA
9/5/2011
Wow...definitely not worth the money and not worth going back to ever again. The seafood tower was pretty good and solid, but then again how hard is it to screw something like that up?
I had the beet salad, wow was it overly acidic. It was like eating straight pickled beets. No subtle beet flavors could overcome all the acid they put on there. What a waste.
I also had the halibut which was a beautiful cut of prime fish, unfortunately they overcooked it and under seasoned it, so it wasn't that good at all. It was just tough enough that it made it harder to eat. It was a beautiful piece of fish and truly sad that they didn't cook it right.
Desserts were average. Nothing too special, but not bad. The bananas foster was quite disappointing as it was more like a banana sundae than a real banana fosters which i'd expect at a place like this.
Net net...for the kind of money they charge, it's not worth it, don't go. I'm sure you can find some place better... -
Review from Everson K.
San Diego, CA
12/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Went there this past Sat with a few friends. Very nice dinner, good company and cocktails. We sat at the bar, after a few vodka tonics, decided to eat at the bar as well. Had the filet mignon, melts in your mouth. Vince, one of bartenders was quoting lines from different movies, add a nice friendly atmosphere, nice time had by all. Didn't get the impression of stuffy, snobby patrons...valet is a nice compliment as well.
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Review from Anri T.
San Diego, CA
5/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I should start off by saying that this review is NOT for their steak but for their happy hour which is 4 to 7 PM Monday - Saturday. (The kitchen won't open until 5 even tho the happy hour starts at 4.)
PARKING: Complimentary valet.
ATTIRE: Preferably dressy but as long as you're not in shorts and flip flops you're fine.
DRINKS: Try their signature cocktail. They are pretty strong especially Donovan's Manhattan, oh my lord! My favorite was The Fresh Pear.
APPETIZER: Decent potion with decent price.
COMPLIMENTARY FOOD: Their steak sandwiches are the bomb!!! The waitresses keep bringing you fresh sandwiches to your table so just say yes :) Also their burrito was good too.
Our waitress brought a creme brulee bcz I told her it was an anniversary dinner. It was one of the best creme brulee I've ever had!! -
Review from Jennifer G.
San Diego, CA
9/18/2011
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.
I brought my hubby for his birthday last weekend. The food and service were top-notch, and we even got a free birthday dessert! -
Review from tim n.
San Jose, CA
7/27/2011 Seated via OpenTable
I took my gf here for dinner to celebrate. It was our first time and I must say the service here is excellent. Both the host and server were helpful and kind. I ordered the Prie Fixe meal which was $45 for appetizer, entree, and dessert.
I started off with the Caesar Salad which was fresh and included your choice of dressing. I decided to go with the 6 oz Prime Filet & Shrimp Scampi. The prime filet was tender and delicious. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. I would come back just to get this dish. I ordered the cheesecake for dessert. There was nothing special about the dessert.
Overall this place is wonderful for a date or special occasion. The serving portions are fair and the service is excellent. -
Review from Lynn M.
Los Angeles, CA
7/12/2011 Seated via OpenTable
Aw, thanks Donovan's : )
The hubby and I celebrated our 3 year anniversary there last weekend. We had our first date there in 2005.
Logistics: Both times at this restaurant, we have had phenomenal service - the waiters are so nice and friendly, very knowledgeable, and just all around good at what they do. On open table, I requested a more intimate table, away from the kitchen....and they put us at a perfect little 2 person table right next to where we had our first date. It was really sweet : )
Food: Really great! Just what you would ask for in a filet, garlic mashed potatoes and veggies. The filet was perfectly crispy and flavored on the outside, juicy and cooked exactly how we asked for inside. We finished the entire loaf of bread they brought us before our meal - it was soooo good!! We got the portabello mushroom - awesome!
As we were contemplating whether or not we could fit dessert into our bellies - they brought us out the best creme brulee we've had! "Complements of the chef for your anniversary" - awww, thanks Donovan's!! It had a little candle on it, and you could see the vanilla beans in the custard - my oh my it was tasty!
Atmosphere: Totally intimate, romantic and just nice. You definitely feel like you are in a place that justifies the cost. We live in LA, so we are used to really good restaurant atmospheres, and we really enjoyed the "smoke a cigar with a glass of brandy" feel of this place.
The reason I didn't give them 5 stars is because....well, the menu says, "100% USDA Pure Corn Fed Beef". Watch "King Corn" and "Food Inc.", and you will know why we cringed when we read this. As soon as this place goes grass fed cattle - I'll give them 5 stars. I'm sure this is the case with most steakhouses in the U.S., but its funny that they are proud of this (hopefully that mentality is on its way out).
We were debating between Donovan's and the Market in Del Mar (http://www.marketdelma...). Next time, we'll try the Market for a new experience (plus, we have some really awesome steak houses in LA that we can get our fill of). We went to Donovan's for the sentimentality, and did enjoy it a lot!
Thanks for a great anniversary dinner :) -
Review from Wei C.
San Diego, CA
5/31/2011 4 photos
Who the heck is Donovan anyways? Well, I don't really care, but I know Donovan's meat is superb. It's too bad I don't have the luxury of eating here everyday, but maybe that's better for those poor cows who end up on my plate, in the form of filet medallions. Or rib eye. Worse yet, the 24 oz rib eye.
You also have the choice of seafood (shrimp scampi and salmon) if you don't feel like a carnivore. If you're like me though, you can also choose the meat and seafood: filet medallion with scallops wrapped in bacon! It's the best thing since sliced bread. Speaking of which, their bread is delicious too. However the exterior is hard enough to use as a weapon, and might cause some abrasions inside your mouth.
The entrees come with your choice of potatoes (au gratin, mashed, etc.) and veggies (carrots, snow peas, green beans), to balance out the heavy meats. Make sure to ask for red wine recommendations, because we all know eating steak without red wine is like Voldemort without his horcruxes.
Parking is complimentary, and so is the Creme brulee ($10 value), if it's your birthday or anniversary. -
Review from Mina K.
5/1/2011
Let me get this straight: I do not dine at places like Donovan often. I am a struggling college student, preferring to spend her part-time earnings on cheap eats and clubbing dresses instead. HOWEVER, I warranted my boyfriend's birthday a very special occasion and wanted to take him somewhere special. Fine dining + steakhouse = Donovan's! I made reservations via Open Table, careful to include "it is my boyfriend's birthday!" on the special notes section. On the special day, I took him to Donovan's.
His mouth literally dropped when I parked outside the restaurant. It dropped further when we stepped up to the door and discovered a door leading into a room --- with just another door! (Yes, I know the rest of you may not find this very fascinating, but this is our first fine dining experience other than House of Prime Rib in San Francisco! Give us a break.)
Once inside, we were greeted by a friendly hostess who assured us our seats would be ready in a few minutes, and also wished my boyfriend a happy birthday. It did indeed only take a few minutes, and soon we were lead into a small, intimate part of the room.
I'll cut down to the chase: our server Bobby was conversational, friendly, and very helpful. I ordered the Prie Fixe meal ($45 for appetizer, entree, and dessert), and my boyfriend ordered the 16 oz. NY Steak ($61). I changed my order to the Prie Fixe Meal after hearing the Soup du Jour -- some carrot ginger soup with crab meat, avocado, and won ton strips.
1. Soup du Jour - (as described above): simply the best soup I have ever consumed in my entire life. I've had lobster bisque at other restaurants and the flavor was always too overwhelming for me to finish. Not here! The soup was absolutely delicious, especially accompanied by the crab meat and won ton strips. I scraped every last piece off my bowl.
2. Twin Prime Rib Medallions: as steak should be. Tender, juicy, and flavorful with every bite. Cooked just how i want it -- medium rare.
3. Cheesecake - fluffy and delicious, not too sweet. Best cheesecake I've had aside from the Cheesecake Factory.
4. Boyfriend's NY Steak: the thing certainly LOOKED like 16 oz. Not bad, but I liked my steak better. :)
All the servers/staff we encountered also made a note to wish my boyfriend a happy birthday. :)
They also gave us creme brulee as it was my boyfriend's birthday! Not the mini, bite-sized bowl of creme brulee either -- the thing was humongous. Even though I was breathing heavilly and struggling to chew, I put every last spoonful in my mouth. Hands down the best creme brulee I have ever eaten in my life. A thick, caramel top..I am salivating as I type this.
The check came out to be $140 including tax and tip. Worth every penny for a meal like this, on top of excellent service! The staff will certainly cater to their guests and ensure a delightful meal. If only I was a big baller and had the opportunity to come more often...*sigh. -
Review from Valerie L.
San Diego, CA
5/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
My bf and I are obsessed with Donovon's!
The interior reminds me of a cigar club. I can't decide if I prefer Donovan's or Ruth Chris because both places have their unique flavors. But I definitely been here more times than RC. The service here is excellent, and they have amazing happy hour deals!
Recommendations:
Twin 4 oz Prime Filet Medallions - my favorite!!
Crème Brulée- for a dessert item, it's big. Two people can share it.
Cherry Glazed Pork Chop
Garlic Smashed Potatoes- if you read my other reviews you know how much I love garlic! yumm!
