We’re edging closer and closer to the grand opening of the $344 million Sydney Modern Project – the shiny new wing of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, due to open on December 3.

Last month we learned that its cavernous exhibition space, Tank, will be activated by Argentine-Peruvian sculptor Adrián Villar Rojas with a brand-new exhibition called The End of Imagination. Now we’re excited to learn there’ll be even more places to dine while we’re checking out the art.

Former head chef of Automata and A1 Canteen Clayton Wells will be opening an all-day diner inside the new space, spreading out over level one with views over the internal atrium and Woolloomooloo Bay – it will also feature outdoor seating. MOD. Dining by Clayton Wells will feature modern Australian dishes such as a fried prawn sandwich with old bay mayo; a wild rice bowl with red cabbage kimchi, tahini, pickles and pita; and a coconut sorbet with black sesame and freeze-dried plum.

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Outside the new building in the Welcome Plaza will be a new takeaway spot called Kiosk. It’ll focus on light bites using Indigenous ingredients, such as cinnamon morning buns with Daintree chocolate ganache and wattleseed praline; a white rice, chicken and lemon myrtle pie; Dunoon macadamia choc-tops; and Kensington Pride mango ice-cream sandwiches.

Kiosk’s menu has been developed by Gamilaroi Elder Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo, who has championed bush tucker-style food for half a century, including mentoring young chefs at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence. In fact, Kylie Kwong considers her a friend and mentor, especially for her Eveleigh eatery Lucky Kwong.

Inside the existing AGNSW building, visitors can enjoy Mediterranean-inspired dishes at Matt Moran’s all-day diner, the Art Gallery Restaurant. Plus, restaurateur-turned-farmer Palisa Anderson has been brought in to help curate special menus and pop-up events at the existing cafe on lower level one. Anderson will be joined by Masterchef alum Mindy Woods to bring fresh ideas to the cafe menu.

MOD. Dining by Clayton Wells and Kiosk will open on December 3. The Art Gallery Restaurant and The Gallery Cafe are open now.