Matt Moran to helm Art Gallery of NSW venues

The Art Gallery of NSW has appointed chef Matt Moran to helm its restaurant, cafe, and function spaces.

Moran will bring his produce-driven food to all venues and event catering in the gallery from July 1. There are plans for a destination dining concept in the current restaurant to be announced later in the year.

The gallery joins Aria, Chiswick and North Bondi Fish in Moran’s portfolio at MorSul, the restaurant and catering group Moran co-owns with his long-time business partner, Peter Sullivan.

"Both Pete and I are really honoured to be taking our offering into one of the most beautiful public spaces in Australia," Moran says.

"We’ve been lucky to provide superb food and service with a beautiful backdrop at all of our venues, and this time it’s among great works of Australian and international art. We can’t wait to move in."

Sullivan says the restaurant site is "pretty spectacular".

"We have an exciting concept but given the timing and tight turnaround, we'll initially be doing a simple menu in the restaurant before relaunching with a big bang in October."

MorSul is keeping details of the concept close to its chest but Sullivan says it will be something that really connects with the patrons.

"It'll be accessible, have character and be very honest.”

In the cafe downstairs, Sullivan says they want to have some fun with the food. Expect rustic, homemade tarts and cakes, winter vegetable salads and retro jaffles with fillings like beef bourguignon.

"We want to make sure that if you are at The Archies or one of the many other exhibitions at The Gallery you can be served something you'd be likely to get from a really good cafe in Surry Hills."