An African gang attacked a group of chefs outside an exclusive restaurant, who fought their way to safety with a shovel.

A 23-year-old man was assaulted by a group of up to 15 men outside Donovans in St Kilda, Melbourne on Thursday night.

A witness said he saw the brawl scenes spill out onto the road as he drove past the Donovans restaurant at about 10pm.

An African gang (pictured) that allegedly attacked a group of chefs outside an exclusive restaurant have been captured on CCTV

Pictured: Injuries suffered by one of the chefs at Donovans after he was attacked by the gang

Speaking to 3AW Mornings on Friday, the witness called John said he thought he was watching a Halloween stunt and was forced to swerve to avoid hitting those involved.

He said: 'I saw a man wearing chef's gear and he was swinging this shovel around trying to protect himself from around 10 to 15 black Africans.'

John added he saw another group of about 10 Africans standing in the car park as he looked back, half of which were girls.

The wife of a Donovan's worker told The Herald Sun six of the African youths attacked chefs who had just finished their shifts with metal poles they had hidden inside their clothing.

She said one worker was so badly beaten his skull could be seen.

She added the shovel was used by other chefs to fight the gang off and drag their colleagues to safety.

The incident occurred outside Donovans restaurant in St Kilda about 10pm on Thursday night

A Donovans worker said the tensions began after a group of girls allegedly refused to move from a seating area reserved for customers

The Donovans worker said the tensions began after a group of girls refused to move from a seating area reserved for customers.

Victoria Police said the victim suffered minor injuries and had his mobile phone stolen.

Donovans declined to comment on the incident when approached by Daily Mail Australia.

Officers are also investigating whether the attack is linked to another incident in the same area around half-an-hour later.

A 25-year-old man was assaulted by a group of youths in that incident, who was left with minor head injuries.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.