Odeon awaits
New Regent’s undeniable magic is spreading with the impending arrival of Odeon – a new dining establishment by Shafeeq Ismail, the creative force behind the restaurant Story. Odeon will open on the New Regent end of Gloucester Street in the coming weeks.
Shafeeq says Odeon is named in homage to an establishment he worked at in India, famous for its slow-cooked meats. Shafeeq also acknowledges Tuam Street’s Odeon Theatre – the oldest masonry theatre in New Zealand as an influential namesake.
The Spanish-inspired menu ranges from small to very large plates, all designed to be shared around the table. As an all-day eatery, coffee will be served, as well as weekend brunches. Evenings will focus on larger dishes with plenty of game meat – things like wild goat venison, which Shafeeq says is abundant here.
“Think Ottolenghi-inspired; simple, casual, and tasty.”
The Andalusian food focuses on the south of Spain, with touches of the Mediterranean on the lunch menu and even dishes inspired by the Ottoman empire. Look out for the classic take on a chickpea dish with a sweet and sour twist and octopus as the permanent star of the menu. Other menu items will change every month.
Odeon’s general manager Loren Mitchell-Moore is a sommelier with national and local experience. She has focused the wine list on meaningful wines that express their origin.
“They are made by passionate people who care greatly for what they do and the land they work on. The majority of these are organic or biodynamic; they focus on indigenous grape varietals and some on rebuilding old vineyards that have previously been abandoned. These are not wines that you will find on every wine list, and we are incredibly fortunate to be able to list them.”
Loren suggests guests stop by with an open mind, ready for a new experience.
Odeon has a focus on considerate and sustainable local produce.
Shafeeq says diners should “come in, relax, be with the people they care about, and let Odeon take them on a journey.”