Tassis makes its Mediterranean mark on The Star Brisbane with opening of Dark Shepherd
The wait is over — ‘Dark Shepherd’ by Tassis Group is set to open its doors on The Terrace at The Star Brisbane on December 6 2024, just in time for Brisbane’s peak tourism season.
Image by Markus Ravik
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] will have 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 will be 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 will take to the flames, but so will 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.
2024 has been a remarkable year for the Tassis Group, with Dark Shepherd marking the third venue to have opened its doors in Brisbane’s dining scene. A fourth venue – Pompette Champagne Bar & Restaurant – is still to come this year too.Both venue joins Tassis Group’s extensive portfolio, which already includes: Longwang, Fatcow on James Street, Opa Bar + Mezze, Yamas Greek + Drink, Rich & Rare, Fosh Bar & Restaurant, Massimo Restaurant & Bar, plus Stilts and Mulga Bills coming to the Kangaroo Point Bridge in early 2025.
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 Shepherd 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, available Monday to Sunday from 11am until late. Learn more – darkshepherd.com.au.
DARK SHEPHERD
Dark Shepherd is owned by hospitality powerhouse and second generation restaurateur, Michael Tassis. Creators of moments that become memories, Tassis Group is the visionary force behind some of Brisbane’s most renowned and cutting-edge dining establishments. With a philosophy rooted in delivering impeccable service, sourcing the finest ingredients, and curating unforgettable culinary experiences, their restaurants are a true testament to innovation and excellence.
BRANDING Allo Creative
INTERIORS Clui Design
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Ella Moore (Allo Creative) — ella@allocreative.com.au | +61 491 102 142
The Star Brisbane (Resort)
Positioned at the heart of the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane precinct, The Star Brisbane will deliver four future world-class hotels, a myriad of new restaurants, bars and entertainment experiences, luxury retail, and a thrilling new era in events to Brisbane’s CBD. Not to mention The Star Brisbane’s striking showpiece Sky Deck, a 250m rooftop runway of restaurants and bars floating 100m above the Brisbane River and the resort’s Leisure Deck, a 12,000sqm open-air oasis which delivers two football fields of public space. From a selection of Brisbane’s grandest hotels to delectable dining, spectacular sky-high views and unique experiences for locals and tourists alike, The Star Brisbane promises to celebrate the best of our river city.
Queen’s Wharf Brisbane (Precinct)
The $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf Brisbane is one of the most significant tourism projects in Australia’s recent history. It blends extraordinary contemporary architecture with thoughtfully restored heritage buildings and beautifully landscaped riverside parklands across more than 12 hectares on Brisbane’s river edge. Commencing its multi-phased opening from 29 August 2024, Queen’s Wharf connects two of Brisbane’s largest cultural and lifestyle precincts via the Neville Bonner Bridge. When complete, Queen’s Wharf Brisbane will deliver an estimated 1,000 premium hotel rooms across four luxury hotels, more than 50 new food and beverage experiences, world-class entertainment, luxury retail, stunning public artworks, the restoration of nine heritage buildings, 1,500 residential apartments and 12 football fields of public space in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD.