The restaurateur behind an iconic Melbourne venue has died in his sleep.

Kevin Donovan, the co-founder of St Kilda foreshore restaurant Donovans, died on Tuesday.

He was 68 years old.

Mr Donovan and his wife Gail sold the venue to Nick Parkhouse in August – almost 26 years after they opened in 1997.

He had been ill for some years with an undisclosed condition.

“Gail had cooked a wonderful dinner for him,” Mr Parkhouse told The Daily Mail.

“His last meal was sharing an incredible thing with Gail, which was a marvellous send-off for him.”

Donovan battled an undiagnosed condition for the last five years and suffered from aneurysms, Parkinson-like symptoms and reduced lung function.

The restaurant Donovans was one of three original bathing houses built in the 1920s, with the block refurbished in the 1980s and transformed into Jean Jacques By the Sea.

The restaurant was then purchased by Mr and Mrs Donovan a decade later.

It has since become an icon of Melbourne dining.

Mr Donovan told the Herald Sun in 2018 he met his wife 1986 upon moving to Australia to work in the new Grand Hyatt hotel.

The pair went on to manage Chinois, a restaurant in South Yarra restaurant Chinois before realising their dream of opening Donovans.

The popular St Kilda restaurant has a rich history.

Despite a massive fire that ripped through the building in 2014, patrons have travelled far and wide to enjoy the seafood delicacies on the menu.

It’s estimated the fire caused more than $400,000 worth of damage to the restaurant.

Tributes have for the restaurant great since news of his passing came to light.

“Sad to learn of the death of Kevin Donovan of Donovan’s Restaurant fame,” wine historian and writer Michael Hince wrote on Facebook.

“Together with his wife Gail he made Donovan’s into one of Melbourne’s most loved and popular restaurants from its inception in 1997 to the present day.”

“Wonderful people, wonderful restaurant!”

Musician Uone wrote: “Thank you for the years of good food, wine, laughter, guidance and especially for being an amazing / inspirational boss.”

“I’ll never forget our Bob Dylan discussions, golfing days with Andy Russell and those epic Christmas Parties,” his post continued.

Bookkeeping company, Hospo Books, also honoured the late restaurateur.

“Our deepest love, support and condolences go out to all of the Team at Donovan’s and to Gail,” the company posted on its Facebook page.

“It has been our pleasure to get to know you and Kevin. Much love to all the team (at) Donovan’s and to you Nick Parkhouse.”

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