Tequila Mockingbird has pulled the ultimate Sydney move – dramatic closure causing neighborhood panic, then rising with a striking new identity that makes you instantly forget you were ever worried.

Meet tqm. – the yellow-drenched reincarnation that’s not just a rebrand but a complete reinvention. Owner Michael Fegent has taken on Michelin-rated Venezuelan chef Jose Garcia from Buenos Aires’ acclaimed Fogón Asado, transforming this Paddington institution into Sydney’s most exciting Latin American destination.

On a recent rainy evening, the golden-lit dining room felt like a secret South American enclave. The heritage terrace’s sunny façade isn’t just eye-catching, it’s a statement that this isn’t your familiar Tequila Mockingbird anymore.

The menu bridges familiar favourites with Garcia’s bold direction. The ceviche taco with aji amarillo proves some classics deserve to survive revolution, while the kingfish aguachile signals the kitchen’s new ambitions – bright, fresh, and unapologetically authentic.

The mains showcase why Fegent pursued Garcia across continents. The MB6+ wagyu with its subtle sticky demi-glace is cooked to perfection, but the true star is the XO prawns on baked rice – Garcia’s homage to his mother’s beloved prawn paella that had us scraping the plate clean long after we were more than full!

On the cocktail front, the classic Tequila Mockingbird Margarita remains, while new creations like “How Kiwi Be Lovers” adds a touch of fun to the cocktail line-up. 

What makes tqm. so compelling isn’t just Garcia’s credentials or the dramatic transformation. It’s how everything – from deeply personal Venezuelan-inspired dishes to the sunny décor – emerges from genuine passion rather than trend-chasing.

Paddington didn’t just get its beloved institution back, it gained something far more exciting. 

tqm. is open Tuesday to Thursday from 4:30pm and Friday to Sunday from 12pm till late at its iconic Five Ways location in Paddington.