A trip to the Art Gallery of NSW is always a feast for the eyes, but Sydney’s flagship gallery has also offered nourishment of the culinary kind, in the form of its partnership with restaurant group Solotel and chef-restaurateur Matt Moran. That collaboration, Chiswick at the Gallery, closed its doors in January 2021, but this cultured dining room and bar has not remained shuttered for long.
Its new incarnation, also helmed by Moran and operated by the Fresh Collective, is offering Mediterranean-inspired fare five days a week (Wed-Sun), heroing locally sourced produce. Crafted by Matt Moran will start the day with brunch options and light bites, such as buttermilk lemon scones, blueberry and almond crostata and crab sliders, as well as heartier dishes like corn fritters with poached eggs and chorizo, and a croque monsieur with Heidi Farms gruyere. You can wash that down with fresh juices, hot beverages – artisanal teas and single O coffee, naturally – and for those who really want to indulge, Australian sparkling wine.
The lunch menu is an antipasti affair – think grazing platters, Alto olive oil focaccia, La Stella burrata with autumn figs and Sydney rock oysters. If you’re in the mood for a more substantial feed, opt for beef carpaccio with rocket, fennel, radicchio and parmesan or grilled swordfish with sauteed Italian greens and olive dressing, or even a humble and delicious plate of fish and chips. Catering to a broad range of tastes is clearly front of mind in Moran's menu choices. Once the sun is over the yardarm, diners can enjoy a range of cocktails and Champagne, as well as beers, ciders, and non-alcoholic beverages.
The restaurant is also hirable as a function and wedding space, which will include catering options curated by Moran in his capacity as the gallery’s culinary advisor. Set within one of Sydney's most beautiful buildings, with views taking in Sydney Harbour and Wooloomooloo, it'd certainly be no party venue slouch.
