Tequila Mockingbird transforms into a South American restaurant led by a Michelin-rated chef

• Michael Fegent mysteriously closed Tequila Mockingbird during the Easter break after 10 years of service.
• The venue will reopen as tqm. a South American restaurant led by Jose Garcia, previously of Buenos Aires restaurant Fogón Asado.
• A punchy food menu, brand-new cocktails and strong interiors await at the new restaurant opening in Sydney next month.
• READ MORE: Our review of Neil Perry’s Song Bird in Double Bay

For almost a decade, Paddington’s Tequila Mockingbird has served Latin American share plates and innovative cocktails to Sydney’s masses. Whether building your own marg or sharing ceviche tacos and that succulent lamb shoulder, it was a neighbourhood favourite and a Sydney institution of sorts. So when it mysteriously closed a couple of weeks ago, there was a chorus of concern from its loyal diners.

But there won’t be a long wait to discover its fate, as the next chapter for the Atticus Hospitality venue has been revealed.

What’s next for Tequila Mockingbird?

Owner and director of Atticus Hospitality, Michael Fegent, has given the space a breath of fresh air while sticking to the ethos of ‘fine food made fun’. Opening next week, on Thursday, May 8, the new venture will be called tqm.

The menu will be another South American-inspired selection, curated by Jose Garcia, an acclaimed Venezuelan chef who arrived in Sydney earlier this month to start his new role. Previous to his Aussie adventure, he was executive chef at Buenos Aires restaurant Fogón Asado, a Michelin-rated restaurant that was ranked 36th best steak restaurant in the world.

READ MORE: These two steak restaurants in Sydney are among the world’s best.

In Argentina, Fogón Asado delivered a theatrical experience founded on the art of asado, a traditional Argentinian grilling technique over a wood fire and its embers. Jose will recreate the magic of this, putting Venezuelan food on the map. Some of his signature dishes includes XO prawn baked rice with lemon aioli, which is a paella-inspired dish that’s an ode to his mum, and morcilla sausage croquettes with a tamarind chutney, which are inspired by his childhood road trips with his dad. They would often stop road-side to eat cachapas with cheese, blood sausage and chicharrones.

My inspiration comes from multiple past experiences, from my favourite chefs, and from my Latin and family roots. Every time I have the chance to highlight something my mom or grandmother taught me; I try to do it. Since I was kid, I’ve loved cooking, eating, and being in the kitchen. From the age of 13 years, I knew I wanted to be a chef. And when I started studying, one of my goals was to be part of the group of chefs who have worked to showcase and elevate Venezuelan cuisine and flavours around the world.

— Jose Garcia

Alongside his signature dishes is a selection of small plates that artfully combine textures—crunchy and creamy—and flavours, gracefully dancing from citrusy to spicy to sweet. The sweet potato purée with nut dukkah and chilli oil, and elegant pavé potatoes with romesco sauce are just two of the dishes that Jose has always wanted to have on his menu.

Rounding things off, desserts include roasted pineapple served with white chocolate and crispy meringue, dulche de leche flan with whipped cream, and a bitter cocoa crumble with mascarpone, creme anglaise and salted hazelnut praline. We’ll be making sure to leave room, that’s for sure.

Dietary requirements are more than catered for, as every dish on the menu is either gluten free, dairy free or vegetarian, or a combination of the three. Only four of the 20 dishes contains nuts too.

READ MORE: Two of London’s best Michelin-starred chefs are coming to Vivid Sydney.

Cocktails and culture

Those who adored Tequila Mockingbird’s infinite drinks menu won’t be disappointed, as Mark Crawford, who was part of the original Tequila Mockingbird team when it first opened, has spearheaded the cocktail menu at tqm. The long-standing crowd pleaser and legendary Tequila Mockingbird Margarita is staying.

Lovers of pineapple-based cocktails will be overjoyed: the grande chartreuse colada combines green chartreuse with piña colada classics, Bacardi, pineapple and coconut, while the Caribbean Queen contains pineapple rum, Rhubi, Averna, strawberry and pineapple for a fruity concoction that packs a punch. The Mist, meanwhile, combines tequila and mezcal with a floral vermouth made in Uruguay, agave and mint for a refreshing blend.

Atticus Hospitality has also just released their first collection of house wines. All three are the result of months of collaboration with two winemakers in the Hunter Valley and McLaren Vale, who created affordable but delicious red, white and rosé varieties.

As for the venue itself, the entire façade of the 1898 terrace is now a bright a bold yellow, a key colour on the Venezuelan flag that represents harmony, abundance and the warmth of the sun. Just what Sydney needs with all these sudden downpours. Inside, there is the bar and a long dining room that extends outside into a greenery-fringed courtyard, as well as more dining space upstairs. There’s a nod to Paddington’s thriving art scene too, as the walls—painted in the same golden hue seen outside—are adorned with retro artworks.

Looking at the sneak preview pics, it sounds like exactly what Sydney needs as we head into autumn/winter. Check back next month to find out what the new restaurant really delivers…

tqm.

Opening date: Thursday, May 8 2025.
Address: 6 Heeley st, Paddington NSW 2021.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday from 4:30pm, Friday to Sunday from 12pm ’til late.

Keep an eye on tequila-mockingbird.com.au for updates and bookings.