Wow – what an unexpected surprise this place is! From the highway it looks like a painted black shed, but when you walk inside, everything has been done in a really cool way. And the food is awesome – I had the duck leg confit cigar with duck breast, and my friend had the braised & rolled pigs head which was sensational! We had some mushrooms and a beetroot & green bean salad to share which was really delicious. I had to have the churros con chocolate for dessert (doughnut sticks with warm chocolate dipping sauce) and my friend had the citrus & cinnamon rice pudding which was so yummy! Had some great Spanish Rioja wine too. Can’t say enough about this place – we’ll be back!

My wife and I popped into the tasting shed a few Sunday’s back when the jazz was on next door at cooper’s creek. We walked into the shed where there were less than 4 other diner ‘s and were told by the hostess she was not sure where she could seat us! After some persuading on our part we were given a seat outside and things improved somewhat after that . We were dumbfounded by her attitude!

Another amazing meal from Chef Sara Simpson! WOW!
I’ve had Sara’s food before at a different venue and she has always been innovative with ingredients and flavour combination.
Just when I thought she couldn’t possibly outdo herself, she did!
My friend and I had dinner at The Tasting Shed Easter Sunday and were pleasantly surprised with unexpected treats: specials for the day not listed in their on-line menu.
We indulged in pig’s head and sweetbreads, salt cod and tongue and cheek. The flavours were absolutely sublime: the tongue literally just melted in my mouth.
Dishes are perfect size, so we tried a little bit of everything and still have room for dessert. That was another treat: delicious beyond description Creme Caramel.

We went to the tasting shed for lunch today and had rolled pig head dish, snapper dish and chicken wings, wow it was really good and we will be going back.

The food really suits the environment and the service was outstanding.

Would definitely recommend.

Went for Sunday lunch after I read a review in canvas on sat 19. Tasteful ambiance,nice setting and to match that a nice bright day. Very inattentive service……… Had three waiters serve at different point of time but no coordination between themselves. Second order of beer never came from the bar.had to wait for almost 30 minutes for food order to be taken. Another 40 Min’s for the food to arrive at the table. Food was bland…. Pigs head was overlooked n chewy with the fat providing some taste.chicken legs stuffed…. Cooked well but lacked in seasoning.snapper cooked well but the gratin salty.garlic bread was good.Parmesan on arrival was a nice touch.all in all not an experience worth remembering at all.

Awesome awesome awesome!
Last weekend I held my 30th birthday lunch at the tasting shed – in the grotto area! Not only was the wine amazing, the food amazing, the setting amazing but the staff were EXTRA amazing! They made the whole day so easy… I had corresponded with Jo before the event to sort out a set menu… she was so helpful!
We had a group of 19 adults, 5 toddlers & 3 babies – everyone enjoyed themselves… the kids had a great time playing on the lawn!
I cannot recommend this place highly enough!!! We defiantly will be back!
One of our friends is already going to book it for a hens party lunch!
Thank you so much!
Glenn & Stacey

Had our first visit to the shed today for Fathers Day lunch and we weren’t disappointed! We have eagerly awaited its opening as we drive past most days, so thought we’d give it a go. Great atmosphere and setting – it’ll definately be a regular haunt in the summer! Food was fab – perfect sized portions to share and excellent quality. We had bread & oil and spicy almonds to start, then the Duck and the Meatballs and some gorgeous veggies followed by the best rice pud in the world (I’m not kidding!!), a cheese plate and an ice-cream for the munchkin. Beers and coffees went down well too. Said munchkin was pretty happy (& entertained) by his goody bag and the staff were lovely with him. The best news is that they have a courtesy shuttle bus for us locals – stunning idea! Look out, we’re coming back soon. Well done guys!

Everything single thing The Tasting Shed does is magic. It is real. Soulful. Authentic. Loving. Quality. Genuine. What an asset to the growing gastronomic NZ experience. We stayed for 4 hours on a Saturday afternoon with a long-lost friend…and were treated the same way by our gorgeous hosts, Ganesh and Jo. It is the quintessential olfactory day spa. I feel loved and completely satiated. Thank you.

What an outstanding place.

A brilliant location right beside Coopers Creek winery, excellent seating indoors and outdoors (can’t wait for summer!), and wonderful hosts.

Oh yes, and the food!
The food is excellent. I went with a group of 12 so instead of ordering individual dishes they suggested we had a bit of everything. So we did, and what a great idea. My favourites were the pork belly, and the meatballs, and the marinated chicken, and the cauliflower fritters, and the triple cooked potatoes, and the mushrooms, and the fish, and and and…

And of course the rolled pig’s head. Oh yes indeed, the rolled pig’s head. No really, don’t be put off, it’s sooo good.

And I haven’t even mentioned the desserts (which were outstanding, particularly the rice pudding and the churros).

The wine was gorgeous, especially a sweet one they recommended for dessert, which was just beautiful. I have no idea what it was, but it was perfect. They certainly know what they’re talking about.

And they even have a complementary shuttle service if you live within 10km. What service!

I’m definitely going back. Not sure what I’ll eat this time, maybe a bit of everything again?