If ‘winning’ 2024 was a thing that was possible, Michael Tassis might be in the running for the top gong. The restaurateur has had a phenomenal year already, having opened two well-regarded restaurants in Longwang and Fatcow on James St, and soon his group will open Stilts and Mulga Bill’s on the Brisbane City end of Kangaroo Point Green Bridge. It’s a blistering run by any measure, but Michael’s not done.

In September, Tassis Group will open Mediterranean-inspired restaurant Dark Shepherd at The Star Brisbane, the centrepiece of Queen’s Wharf. Slotting in along The Terrace – The Star Brisbane’s restaurant precinct – Dark Shepherd will join the likes of Ghanem Group’s Lúc Lắc, Potentia Solutions Leisure’s Azteca and Gambaro Group’s Black Hide Steak & Seafood by Gambaro. Boasting interiors envisioned by long-time collaborators Clui Design, Dark Shepherd will cut a chic figure with a largely monochromatic colour scheme applied across a sunken dining room and private-dining space.

Dark Shepherd’s kitchen will be helmed by husband-and-wife team Vangjel and Dianna Jorgo, a talented tandem boasting experience at the likes of Brisbane’s Greek Club and Tassis Group’s riverside favourite, Opa Bar & Mezze. As Dark Shepherd’s head chef and sous chef, respectively, Vangjel and Dianna will oversee a menu featuring a broad Mediterranean focus, but with distinct Greek inflections. Lamb will be the prominent protein, with classic and modern dishes cooked over a woodfired grill. Like at Tassis Group’s other venues, seafood will continue to be a major area of focus, with a live oyster-shucking station expected to be an eye-catching fixture of the space.

“The Brisbane dining scene has entered a new and exciting time,” says Michael Tassis in a statement. “With new precincts and big names opening in Brisbane, especially at The Star Brisbane, we are so excited to be a part of it.”

Dark Shepherd will be opening in September – stay tuned for an up-close look inside in the coming weeks.