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Subscribe Say Hello to tqm.: Sydney’s New Must-Try South American Diner
The in-house Michelin-rated Executive Chef is bringing asado mastery and soul to the table.
It’s always a bold move to close a beloved local institution — especially one that’s held its ground for nearly a decade. But for Michael Fegent, the hospitality visionary behind Tequila Mockingbird, this wasn’t about closing the book, it was about starting a thrilling new chapter.
After a mysterious Easter weekend shutdown that had loyal locals whispering, the much-loved Paddington favourite has returned — reimagined, reinvigorated and ready to impress.
Meet tqm.: a fresh new take on Latin American dining, tucked inside the same iconic 19th-century terrace on Paddington’s Five Ways. While the name might be lower case, the ambition is anything but. With a bold splash of golden yellow now lighting up the façade (a tribute to Venezuelan warmth and optimism), the venue’s rebirth is complete — from the interiors and cocktail list to the soul of the kitchen itself.
Helming the kitchen is Venezuelan chef José Garcia, who’s landed in Sydney fresh from Buenos Aires’ Michelin-rated Fogón Asado — ranked among the top 50 steak restaurants in the world. Known for its theatrical, fire-fuelled dining experience, Fogón left a lasting impression on Michael during his South American travels, and now, José brings that same culinary drama to Sydney.
At tqm., José’s menu offers an elevated love letter to Venezuelan and South American flavours, peppered with nods to his childhood, family traditions, and global experience. Think fried green plantain with smoked fish (a coastal homage reimagined with curing and embers), indulgent XO prawn rice inspired by his mother’s paella, and blood sausage croquettes that trace back to roadside stops with his father. These aren’t just dishes; they’re stories — told through fire, flavour and finesse.
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There’s theatre, too — just like Fogón, José’s approach is immersive and expressive. From perfectly grilled meats with roasted veg to delicate pave potatoes with romesco, every plate is built to surprise, delight, and leave a little warmth behind. And yes, for the Tequila Mockingbird diehards, the cult margarita has survived the shake-up.
Behind the bar, Group Bar Executive Mark Crawford (a familiar face from TM’s early days) shakes up a new cocktail offering with flair. Expect bright and tropical creations like the Grande Chartreuse Colada and the Caribbean Queen, alongside the signature margarita we all know and love. To complement it all, Atticus Hospitality has just launched its first house wine collection: The Tramuntana Mountain Series — think quality, accessible vino with design-led labels inspired by the sun-drenched Spanish coastline.
With a fresh look, a vibrant new culinary direction, and serious firepower in the kitchen, tqm. isn’t just a rebrand — it’s a rebirth. And if José’s past accolades are anything to go by, it’s about to become one of the most talked-about restaurants in Sydney.
tqm. can be found at 6 Heeley St, Paddington NSW 2021
Open Tuesday–Thursday from 4.30pm–late and Friday–Saturday from 12pm–late
Loving this edit of Venezuelan-inspired eats in Sydney and keen to explore the food scene further? Be sure to check our edits of the best new bars and restaurants in the city, too!
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