Crafted By Matt Moran

At the end of 2020, hospitality group Solotel and chef-restaurateur Matt Moran quietly announced their Art Gallery of NSW diner, Chiswick at the Gallery, would close in the new year. The following March, Crafted by Matt Moran opened in its place.

Overseen by Moran, Crafted is an all-day diner in collaboration with catering company the Fresh Collective and its executive chef Keith Higginson. As at Moran’s other venues, including Chiswick and Aria, the focus is on local produce and top-quality Australian meat and seafood.

The Mediterranean-style menu includes lighter fare for mid-week brunches, such as buttermilk lemon scones, crab sliders and bowls of fruit, served alongside Single O coffee, fresh juice and sparkling wine. Come the weekend, it might be Sydney rock oysters, corn fritters or croque monsieur.

The dining room, with its views across Sydney Harbour and Woolloomooloo, lends itself to long lunches of beef carpaccio with rocket, fennel and parmesan; potato gnocchi with zucchini, chilli and lemon; Jack’s Creek sirloin with anchovy butter; and Valencia orange and Campari granita for dessert. Lighter options might include aperitivo-friendly charcuterie plates; burrata with figs; and focaccia with taramasalata.

The drinks menu favours Australian drops with a couple of champagnes thrown in for good measure. There’s also a range of cocktails (including non-alcoholic options), plus several beers and a couple of ciders.