“We love to entertain. Our style is exceptional fun dining, all the while showcasing the best produce and livestock New Zealand has to offer. We are most passionate about demonstrating a new way of dining – eating and appreciating food and the story behind it.”

Grilled pumpkin with coconut yoghurt, green apple, lime pickle, and seeds; venison tataki with kohlrabi, honey truffle dressing, kimchi aïoli, and greens; and seared fish with preserved lemon, chipotle, yoghurt, rye berries, greens, mandarin, and sesame.

You will walk into Shepherd and immediately know that here’s a place that adds to the fabric of your life. It’s buzzy, friendly, and colourful, with a to-die-for listing of boutique beers (very Wellington) and an equally good selection of well-chosen quirky wines.

But it’s the fresh, scrumptious food to love that’s important. Shepherd Elliott has moved up several notches from his much-loved café Ti Kouka, and his tight menu of carefully thought-out easy dishes showcase the best of produce available from growers in the region. There might be fresh oysters, and if you get lucky he will serve his savoury custard with blue cheese and bacon vinaigrette – a sort of chawanmushi-meets-bacon-and-eggs.

“The kitsch and Kiwi decor of the large open plan room creates a quirky casual bar and dining space, with a menu that is as intriguing as the idiosyncratic setting.”

Cuisine Good Food Guide