Don’s

The Verdict

Curated as a solo endeavour by Brisbane-raised hospo mastermind Alex Gavioli, Don’s is Prahran's top-notch wine bar exuding the ultimate homely atmosphere,  state-of-the-art bites and high-quality drops of vino. 

"I had the idea of creating a space where everyone is united," says Gavioli, breaking the walls between the front and back of the house to connect everyone, from staff to customers, together. 

The result? A comforting, casual, and ever-so-relaxed dining experience in a candlelit ambience complimented by a backdrop of masterfully selected records on a turntable. There are no complications; what you see is what you get 

With a strong emphasis on reducing food waste, Gavioli and Don’s head chef Josh Norris, collaborate on the seasonal menu using premium ingredients sourced from Prahran market producers across the road. 

The sharing-style plates are constantly changing, with current menu items consisting of Tuna Tartare drowned in Kafflime coconut cream, pan-fried Kefalograviera cheese loaded with fermented garlic honey and lemon, and a decadent Milo Tiramisu. 

Of course, there are menu staples that stay week-in-week-out, such as the fluffiest house-made focaccia with fresh ricotta, the cutest pasta on a spoon, and chippies with jalapeño jam mayo. The renowned Chicken Sandwich is the star of the show, filled with buttermilk-dressed cabbage and cucumber, with an eggplant variant available for vegetarian-based diners. 

Vino is key here, with the Don’s team frequently tailoring the natural selection so visitors can try different things each time they dine. Pushed by the glass, it's approachable and affordable, making it a total win-win sitch. 

Given the heavy emphasis on wine, only a few cocktails are available, including a good-old G&T, a crisp Aperol spritz, a classic Negroni, and an occasional special. And if you're feeling brave, order a soju shot.

Don’s is open Tuesday to Sunday solely on a walk-in basis.

Image credit: Don's (supplied)