Tequila Mockingbird — Restaurant in Sydney

(4.5 stars) It’s hard to know where to begin with Tequila Mockingbird, because this spot does a lot of things well. The restaurant is named, not for the fabulous figurine Maxwell Smart and Agent 99 set off to Mexico to recover, but, in an apparent moment of synchronicity, when owner Michael Fegent drew his own inspiration directly from Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird. Fegent also drew inspiration from his travels across South America and Mexico to come up with a menu & setting that takes you on an epic road trip, all without leaving Paddington.

Now, if we’re going to embark upon an adventure, we’re going to need some lubrication. The ground-floor bar, headed up by Bar Manager Mark Crawford, do a great line in cocktails. Gengibre Y Romero ($21) teams Ocho Reposado with Canton ginger liqueur, yuzu juice, lime juice, rosemary and cracked pepper, with a salt and rosemary rim, all without burying the tequila. Smoke On, Smoke Off ($21) is, if anything, even more impressive, with smoky Del Maguey Vida mezcal and Ardbeg 10-year-old both poking their heads through the green apple liqueur, lemon juice and mint.

However, if you really want to get to know the spirit in question, neat is definitely the way to drink it. Rather than get intimidated by the nearly 50-strong tequila & mezcal list, we decided to limit our drinking to mezcal only. With our waiter’s help, we worked our way through four different mezcals to arrive at a favourite: Lagrimas De Dolores Anejo Mezcal ($19).

With the menu divided into street, side, flame and raw, knowing how many dishes to order is made simpler with the create your own Tasting Menu ($75/head) option. This steers you into choosing a pair of raw dishes, followed by 2 street dishes, a shared flame dish, a couple of sides & a shared dessert. We kick off with Hiramasa Kingfish Tiradito ($20) a Peruvian raw fish dish similar to ceviche or carpaccio, that’s teamed with a spicy sauce; in this case fresh rings of green jalapeno tamed with miso mayo. and yuzu soy. Golden egg jam crowns the Wagyu Beef Tartare ($22) studded with blue corn totopos (tortilla-like chips).

For a Peruvian take on Chinese Cantonese dumplings, the Chifa Shrimp Dumplings ($21) team elegantly shaped thin-skinned prawn dumplings with soy, lime and rocoto (a Peruvian chilli pepper). Our waiter encourages us to order them explaining the waves of Peruvian immigration in his sell, neatly situating an element of culture into the meal we’re enjoying.

Working within the modest width of a historic terrace means tables here, even spread across three different seating areas, are quite close together. The Cast Iron Provolone ($21) will help you summon your inner tranquillity. Presenting melted cheese with a crisp jalapeno and onion topper and a drizzle of Pedro Ximenez, along with soft, pliable tortillas to wrap it in, this dish will take you to your special place.

With a little at-table Tetris, we get our mezcals and our main and sides arranged so they fit onto our tiny table. Topped with tangy, lightly blistered guindillas (Spanish peppers) the Wagyu Picanha ($42) is the centrepiece. The rump cap has been beautifully cooked and rested, with its pink interior poking through the charry crust. Topped with a pat of garlic jalapeno butter, it’s a highbrow rendition of a common dish that Brazilians go crazy over. Punctuated with forays into crisp Grilled Broccolini ($10) dragged through pea mole with tequila dressing, the slices of wagyu are rich and well worth savouring. Crisp Brussels Sprouts ($10) dusted in pecorino that’s glued on with lemon garlic dressing should help fill out any corners you didn’t already stuff with cheese-laden tortillas.

By the time you’ve taken a booze-related bathroom break up the stairs to coo over the colourful sinks and La Catrina doll, your dessert should have arrived. The Yuzu Suspiro Limeno ($15) is basically a deconstructed lemon meringue pie, presented in a glass with frozen meringue and yuzu granita. It’s nice without being outstanding, so don’t be afraid of giving it a miss in favour of...

Flavours of South America in Paddington's Hideaway!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Location: Tucked away in Paddington's culinary hub, Tequila Mockingbird offers a captivating culinary journey. Amid the plethora of dining choices in the area, this restaurant stands out, harmonising delicious flavours that sing out loud.

Flavors: Combining South American influences, it is very contemporary yet the authenticity of flavours is very evident. As a lover of Mexican cuisine, I found myself embracing their fusion wholeheartedly.

Price: It strikes the right chord when it comes to pricing. While Sydney's cocktails tend to lean towards the expensive side, the drinks here are worth every sip. The delightful libations complement the dishes and contribute to an all-encompassing dining experience.

Ambiance: Stepping into Tequila Mockingbird is akin to entering a Parisian cafe, complete with charming character and a touch of French finesse. The ambiance exudes a certain sophistication. The restaurant's location in the quarter of Paddington, amidst preserved heritage buildings, adds to its unique charm.

Seating Experience: During my visit, I was fortunate to be seated on a mini balcony, despite the unconventional view of neighboring rooftops. The additional vantage point elevated the experience, and the quirky view somehow added to the charm of the locale.

Verdict: It is a treasure trove for those seeking a culinary adventure. Its fusion of South American and contemporary influences creates a symphony of flavors that is sure to resonate with food aficionados. The Parisian-inspired ambiance, combined with the restaurant's commitment to preserving the heritage of Paddington, adds a layer of allure to the overall experience.

With an ever-changing menu, Tequila Mockingbird invites repeat visits, promising something new and exciting on each occasion. For a memorable culinary escapade that harmonizes authenticity, innovation, and ambiance, this restaurant is a definite must-visit. Whether for special occasions or regular indulgence, Tequila Mockingbird has secured a spot in my list...

I share the disappointment of the others on here who have complained about the appalling service recently. I went to this restaurant twice within the first month after it opened and it was a wonderful experience. We decided to go again last night and it was honestly the worst service I have ever experienced in a restaurant. We were taken to our table by the Extremely unfriendly manager (I believe his name was Chris?) who abruptly reminded us that we have 1.5 hours before we need to leave the venue as it’s their policy. He sat us at our table, tossed the drink menus and told us, “I will start bringing out the starters since there is a seating time limit”... I politely asked if it was possible to perhaps order some drinks first and then move to food. To this he replied, no, we will just go ahead and bring out the starters while you decide on drinks. So within the first 3 minutes of being at the venue, our party was reminded three times that we had to leave in “1.5 hours”. Not a smile, not a friendly gesture in site...Chris and his staff really did their best to make us feel like they did not want us there (or any staff for that matter).

Needless to say, 1 hr and 10 minutes later, our mains were taken away (my friend hadn’t even finished) and the waitress brought over our check and explained that they have a time limit for guests (yet again). We thanked the waitress, paid and politely walked out knowing we will never return to that establishment.

Food is ok, nothing to write home about and certainly doesn’t justify having to deal with an arrogant manager, unfriendly staff and the extremely poor effort when it comes to hospitality. A terrible excuse of...