Tassis makes its Mediterranean mark on The Star Brisbane with opening of Dark Shepherd

The wait is over — ‘Dark Shepherd’ by Tassis Group is open on The Terrace at The Star Brisbane just in time for Brisbane’s peak tourism season.

In prime position along the thoroughfare between the Neville Bonner pedestrian bridge and public access to the Sky Deck, the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant is summoning flocks of foodies with a lamb-focussed menu and moody interior fit out.

Envisioned and executed by Brisbane creative teams, Allo Creative and Clui Design, Dark Shepherd is a stylish nexus of culinary mystique and slick seduction – designed to offer Brisbane diners an elevated escape from reality.

Curved entryway detailing resembling a Shepherd’s crook leads you to a 120-seater dining room fitted with marbled tables, sandy beige booths, mirrored ceilings and ambient mood lighting. The floorplan also features a sunken seating area set against a backdrop of live seafood tanks, adding visual contrast and an element of theatre to the dining experience. Other notable venue features include a double-doored dry-ageing lamb cabinet, 10-seater private dining room, as well as a live oyster tank.

With two highly successful Greek venues – Opa Bar + Mezze, and Yamas Greek + Drink – already under the Group’s wings, Dark Shepherd is undoubtedly destined for success. But owner and highflyer Michael Tassis says, ‘it has more of a Mediterranean influence’.

As a point of difference, the menu herds a keen focus on lamb – specifically of ’White Pyrenees’ (also referred as the wagyu of lamb) – and will be commandeered by Tassis’ iconic husband-wife chef duo, Dianna and Vangjel Jorgo (renowned for their legacy at Opa Bar + Mezze). No strangers to the dark art of preparing Mediterranean cuisine, Brisbane foodies can expect nothing short of highly-cultured excellence.

A large portion of the menu is prepared in an impressive 1.5-metre wide Marana Forni woodfire oven to achieve unparalleled textures and depths of flavour. This state-of-the-art oven reaches an internal temperature of over 280-degrees-celcius, with an internal rotating steel plate that guarantees flawlessly even cooking every single time.

Of course farm fresh meats and premium quality seafood take to the flames, but so does everything from house-made pillow bread to local seasonal produce, and even the signature Shepherd Cheesecake served with soft apple, cinnamon and icecream.

A range of banquets and lunch special options are also available, perfect for nearby corporate groups or diners looking for a fuss-free feast.

Running parallel to the menu is an equally impressive beverage menu, featuring over 140 drops, plus a generous selection of specialty cocktails, beer, cider and non-alcoholic options too. While the venue is primarily designed to savour a sit-down meal, Dark Shepherd also welcomes walk-ins for casual drinks and snacks in passing.

Tassis says, ‘It’s a privilege to introduce another restaurant into Brisbane’s dining scene, particularly within Queen’s Wharf Entertainment Precinct which represents an iconic part of Brisbane’s rapidly evolving identity,’. He continues, ‘I’m proud to unleash Dark Shepherd, which is a true expression of my passion to mix things up in the culinary world’.

The Star Brisbane Chief Executive Officer Daniel Finch said Tassis Group’s Mediterranean inspired venue on The Terrace has opened at the perfect time.

“With the festive season in full swing, we are thrilled to see Dark Shepard open on The Terrace and look forward to sharing another world-class venue with Brisbane locals and visitors”.

Reservations are now open for lunch and dinner, 7 days 11am ‘til late.