Mexican-SoCal joint Don Pedros opens in Paddington

After a two-year run, The Stables in Paddington has joined the list of summer scratchings in Sydney.

With a highly touted chef and a seriously luxe fitout, The Stables exit was unexpectedly quick.

The retooling of the space is extreme – its designer light fittings, slick furniture and bar facade have made way for a casual cantina-style space.

Don Pedros opened there in recent days, with operations manager Emma Coutet-Morris explaining its owner is California restaurateur Juan Alvarez.

With some creative input from its owner, chef Aline de Freitas is pumping out Mexican-SoCal-style street food.

"The soft-shell crab tacos have had a great response," Coutet-Morris says.