Insider Pages Reviews for Donovan's Steakhouse

3 Stars: Quality Food for Mediocre Service (by Logan F.)

Logan F. — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 07:24:00 GMT

Donovan's steakhouse in La Jolla was an experience that I most definitely will not forget. Although the food, ambiance, as well as coursing was excellent the service had completely ruined the evening. Our server, when not busy looking at my dates revealing dress, had no consideration for me and the way that my meal had been. Oh did I forget that it was also a female waitress. I also had to deal with a rude staff which did not respond with a justified your welcome after thanking him for refilling my beverage. Although the service had been condescending and inconsiderate the meal was excellent.

1 Stars: Disappointed (by Dave C.)

Dave C. — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 21:53:00 GMT

The high prices don't equate to the quality of food or service delivered. There is a lack of quality ambiance. I think I can get a better steak, and better service, with a similar ambiance at Sizzler Steakhouse. Very disappointed.

5 Stars: Donovan's (by Melissa C.)

Melissa C. — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 10:25:00 GMT

I have only gone here for drinks and it is fabulous!! Their appetizers are hearty and the martinis are potent. Despite the super dark lighting I thoroughly enjoyed my happy hour and look forward to going there for dinner. A+

1 Stars: Donovan's - Very disappointing!! (by Erick O.)

Erick O. — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:08:00 GMT

Very disappointing!!

I was not impressed by Donovans at all.
The food and service were mediocre at best.
The booth was old and worn.
I do not recommend this place... not worth the money.

5 Stars: Expensive (by Tony P.)

Tony P. — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Toss up between Donovan and Ruth Chris. Both decent restaurants. Still think that outback steakhouse has better flavor. However, if you want to have a traditional steak experience Donvovan is a good place in SD

5 Stars: Amazing food, classy service (by Brandon K.)

Brandon K. — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 10:15:00 GMT

This is the quintessential fancy restaurant.

The food is impeccable, the wine list is nearly unrivaled, and the service is world-class.

I can't say anything bad about Donovan's. It's a great restaurant in every way.

Perfect for business dinners or romantic nights out.

5 Stars: One of the best steaks in San Diego (by Lauren M.)

Lauren M. — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 09:16:00 GMT

We love Donovans and wish it was in downtown La Jolla instead of La Jolla Village and we would go there more. If we're going out for steak it's worth paying a little more for the best. I highly recommend Donovans.

5 Stars: Fantastic Food (by Tina P.)

Tina P. — Tue, 01 Nov 2005 18:12:00 GMT

I have been to Donovan's quite a few times and it has never failed to disappoint. At other steakhouses, I usually suffer the horrified looks of waiters when I ask for my filet mignon cooked well done. At Donovan's they are always fine with my preference - at I have never had a dry steak! Our family favorites are the filet mignon, asparagus salad and the creme brulee.

PROS: Great waitstaff, excellent food
CONS: Lighting is too dark

5 Stars: Great food, period. (by Gary K.)

Gary K. — Fri, 14 Oct 2005 11:02:00 GMT

This place has the best steaks and prime rib I have tasted in a long time. They also have a wonderful atmosphere and awesome customer service (That is what you pay for!). I have been to other places such as Ruth's Chris, and this place is even better.

4 Stars: happy hour (by michelle h.)

michelle h. — Thu, 13 Oct 2005 18:14:00 GMT

the service is great and the drinks are made well. in addition, there are complimentary prime rib sandwiches. who could pass that deal up. it's monday through friday 4-6pm.

PROS: free prime rib sandwiches
CONS: expensive drinks

5 Stars: Great Steaks (by Diana N.)

Diana N. — Thu, 13 Oct 2005 17:30:00 GMT

A little on the pricey side but great food to make it worth it. Servers are nice and not uptight. Good atmosphere and great place for a date. You'll leave more than satisfied.

5 Stars: Perfect Steak (by Daryl S.)

Daryl S. — Thu, 13 Oct 2005 12:16:00 GMT

There are very few places in california that serve Prime beef and this is one of them. You will never be disappointed with any steaks from this restaurant, guaranteed. The mood is very intimate, so take someone special and have the best meal you've had in a long time.

2 Stars: Not worth it (by K. Y.)

K. Y. — Fri, 02 Sep 2005 20:47:00 GMT

Went on a special occassion with my significant other; the food was okay but definetely not worth the price. Would've been better off at Black Angus to be honest; the service was nothing to boast about either. We waited for at least fifteen minutes after the table was cleared in order to get the check. Not impressed; would not go back.

PROS: Big name
CONS: Bad service

5 Stars: Damn Good Food (by Justin B.)

Justin B. — Thu, 14 Jul 2005 14:14:00 GMT

Last June I went here for my birthday and wow the food here was amazing. I love steak and this restuarant definently knows how to make it. Donovans has the best steak in town and I will be comming back for my next birthday.

5 Stars: expensive and good (by Chevy J.)

Chevy J. — Thu, 30 Jun 2005 09:49:00 GMT

donovans probably makes the best steaks in all of san diego, but for those who are price concious, this might be a bad choice. steaks can go around 50 dollars a piece here, so unless you want to taste some real royalty, you can go elsewhere. but they do happen to do a good job with their food and you get what you pay for.

4 Stars: very good for singles and couples (by heather c.)

heather c. — Sat, 11 Jun 2005 13:56:00 GMT

Donovans is the best steakhouse to eat anywhere ive ever been. They will serve you the best steak you will ever eat. The tender, juicy steak is prepared just to your liking with excellent staff on hand to tend to you. the only drawback is for a family such as mine it seems it wasnt very kid friendly and was VERY expensive

PROS: food is amazing, staff is great
CONS: expensive and not kid friendly

5 Stars: Donovans (by Ryan O.)

Ryan O. — Tue, 07 Jun 2005 11:22:00 GMT

Donovans is the best steakhouse to eat at in San Diego. This restaurant is located in beautiful La Jolla, San Diego and serves the best steak you will ever eat. The tender, juicy steak is prepared just to your liking with excellent service.

5 Stars: Love it (by Sheena Y.)

Sheena Y. — Mon, 06 Jun 2005 19:52:00 GMT

Donovan's... a making in the rough. Never knew this place existed but when i went man was i suprised. There were many things that i never knew. The way that they cooked their steak, extremely well done and just right. Tender and comes off the bone!

5 Stars: Best Steaks Ever (by Max A.)

Max A. — Tue, 31 May 2005 14:51:00 GMT

Wow I never knew a place as good as Donovans exsisted! There steaks are exceptional and delicious. The waiters are there to make sure you have the best time possible.

5 Stars: The Best Food (by Macy T.)

Macy T. — Thu, 26 May 2005 15:55:00 GMT

Donovans has the best food. It's not a restaurant that you would go to everyday, because of the price, but it is definately something for special events. It has a wonderful atmosphere, and the service there is really good.

5 Stars: amazing (by Jordan H.)

Jordan H. — Mon, 23 May 2005 20:31:00 GMT

One of the best steaks I have ever had in my entire life, and by far the best in San Diego. I enjoyed my experience here and all of the employees were friendly.

5 Stars: Best steak house in San Diego. (by Cody J.)

Cody J. — Wed, 18 May 2005 09:44:00 GMT

There was no question. These steaks are juicy, prepared to your liking, and full of flavor. They are definitely the best steaks I have had and it is easy to say that they are the best in San Diego.