Wilma

Step into Wilma, a vibrant and progressive Asian BBQ restaurant in the heart of Canberra's CBD where the ancient art of cooking over fire meets bold, modern flavors. From the moment you walk through the doors at 1 Genge St, the energy is palpable — a sleek, buzzing dining room filled with the aroma of coal-kissed meats, sizzling woks, and crafted cocktails. The team at Wilma is devoted to showcasing the absolute best of ethically sourced Australian produce, prepared with respect and elevated through the lens of Asian fusion cuisine. Every dish that leaves the open kitchen is a celebration of smoky, punchy, and shareable food designed to bring people together. Whether you're slipping into a leather banquette for a long, leisurely dinner or grabbing a quick snack and a Happy Hour cocktail in the Public Bar, the experience is always fun, approachable, and utterly delicious.

Wilma invites you on a journey that redefines what a modern Asian restaurant can be. The philosophy is simple: source the finest local ingredients — grass-fed beef, free-range poultry, sustainable seafood, and seasonal vegetables — then treat them with the transformative power of fire and coal. This is not your traditional barbecue joint; it's a refined, contemporary take that marries Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian techniques with the unmistakable smoky depth that only live-fire cooking can provide. The result is a menu that is both comforting and adventurous, with plates like kingfish sashimi, wood-grilled pork cutlet, and the legendary truffle and egg fried rice that has Canberrans returning again and again.

What We Offer

The dining experience at Wilma is built around sharing. The à la carte menu is packed with small and large plates designed to be mixed, matched, and passed around a table of friends. Begin with crispy snacks and fresh, raw preparations before moving on to larger format proteins pulled directly from the grill. For those who want to surrender all decisions to the kitchen, the 'Feed Me' menu is a parade of the restaurant's greatest hits — an eight-course spread curated by the chefs that perfectly captures the spirit of progressive Asian BBQ. This includes highlights like the combination truffle and egg fried rice and the tender wood-grilled pork cutlet, offering a complete journey through the menu's high points.

Beyond the main dining room, Wilma offers a multifaceted venue to suit any mood or occasion. The Public Bar is a lively, casual space with an outdoor terrace where you can enjoy an inventive list of Asian-inspired cocktails and a dedicated bar-snack menu during the daily 4 PM to 6 PM Happy Hour. For more exclusive gatherings, the restaurant features six distinct function spaces and private dining rooms. These areas provide a front-row seat to the kitchen's theatre and can be tailored for everything from corporate events and birthday parties to sophisticated private dinners, all backed by impeccable service and customized menus.

Progressive Asian BBQ

The heart of Wilma's kitchen is its custom-built grill and coal pit, which operates at intense temperatures to sear, smoke, and caramelize. Proteins like dry-aged ribeye, whole market fish, and free-range chicken are simply seasoned to let the quality of the produce and the smokiness from the fire take center stage. The technique is a blend of ancient principles and progressive thinking, resulting in dishes that are deeply primal yet elegantly presented. Paired with tangy, spicy, and umami-rich sauces and vibrant salads, the main-event meats become part of a perfectly balanced feast.

Late-Night Cocktails & The Public Bar

The bar program is just as innovative as the food. Skilled bartenders shake, stir, and build cocktails using house-made syrups, Asian spirits, and fresh juices. The Happy Hour from 4 PM to 6 PM daily makes it a prime destination for after-work drinks. The venue itself transforms as the night progresses, with dimmed lighting and a curated playlist creating a palpable buzz that extends late into the evening. The spacious outdoor terrace in the Public Bar offers a relaxed, alfresco option for enjoying a Watermelon Cooler or the aptly named 'Serious Business' cocktail.

Services & Facilities

• Lunch & Dinner: A la carte dinner served seven nights a week from 4:00 PM, with lunch available Friday through Sunday from 12:00 PM.
• Feed Me Menu: An eight-course chef's selection featuring signature dishes, priced per person for a complete dining experience.
• Public Bar & Happy Hour: Daily drink specials and a bar-snack menu from 4 PM to 6 PM in a casual, walk-in-friendly setting.
• Private Dining & Functions: Six unique spaces for hosting events, from intimate private rooms to spaces for grand soirées and corporate functions, with bespoke set menus.
• Outdoor Terrace: An open-air dining and drinking area that captures the Canberra evening atmosphere.
• Online Reservations & Gift Cards: Easy booking through the website and the option to purchase digital gift cards for the perfect present.
• Contemporary Asian Fusion: A menu that skillfully combines elements of Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and modern Australian cuisine.

Why Customers Love Wilma

With over 10,000 reviews and a stellar rating, the Canberra community has made Wilma one of the city's most cherished dining spots. Guests consistently rave about the attentive, friendly service, singling out team members who go above and beyond to make every visit memorable. The atmosphere is repeatedly described as lively, modern, and perfect for a night out with friends or a special celebration. Reviews highlight the seamless flow of the 'Feed Me' menu, with each course landing at the table perfectly timed, allowing diners to sample the breadth of the kitchen's capabilities without having to choose. The complimentary small treats from the kitchen and celebratory touches for special occasions leave a lasting impression that keeps locals and visitors alike coming back.

Beyond the service and atmosphere, it is the food that captures the imagination. The truffle fried rice is a cult favorite, frequently cited as a must-order, while the kingfish sashimi and pork cutlet are heralded as standout dishes that exemplify the refined-yet-hearty style of the cuisine. The balance between fresh, bright flavors and deep, smoky notes creates a symphony on the palate that few other Canberra restaurants achieve. Whether you're a dedicated foodie or simply looking for a place where the vibe is as good as the food, Wilma delivers an experience that feels both special and unpretentious.

Serving Canberra & Australian Capital Territory

Conveniently located at 1 Genge St in the bustling Canberra CBD, Wilma is easily accessible for residents across the ACT and visitors exploring the nation's capital. The restaurant sits at the crossroads of the city's cultural and business districts, making it a natural choice for a sophisticated lunch, an after-work gathering, a pre-theater meal, or a late-night dinner destination. Its central location is well-serviced by public transport, surrounding public parking, and is a comfortable stroll from major hotels and landmarks, ensuring that a world-class progressive Asian BBQ feast is never far away.

The restaurant is deeply embedded in the local community as part of the Harvac Group, which counts other top-rated Canberra establishments among its family. This local expertise translates into a deep understanding of what ACT diners want: quality, consistency, and a welcoming atmosphere. Wilma showcases the region's incredible produce, building relationships with local farmers and ethical suppliers to ensure the menu reflects the best of Australian Capital Territory's bounty.

Hours, Location & Directions

Location: 1 Genge St, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia. You can find us directly in the city center, with easy access from Northbourne Avenue and the City Interchange.

Contact: For reservations and inquiries, call +61 2 6171 2092 or visit our website at wilmabbq.com.au. Walk-ins are always welcome in the Public Bar, but dinner reservations are highly recommended.

Hours of Operation:

• Dinner: Open 7 Days, 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM
• Lunch: Friday – Sunday, 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
• Happy Hour: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Daily in the Public Bar

Questions Visitors Ask

To help you plan the perfect visit, here are some of the most common questions we receive from first-time and returning guests. If you have a query that isn't covered, please don't hesitate to give us a call or send an enquiry through our website.

Can I just come for drinks, or do I have to book a dinner table?

Absolutely. Our Public Bar is designed for walk-ins and is the perfect spot for drinking and snacking, especially during our daily 4-6pm Happy Hour. No reservation is needed for the bar area. If you wish to stay for a full à la carte dinner and prefer a table in the main dining room, we strongly recommend a reservation to avoid disappointment, especially on weekends.

What is the 'Feed Me' menu and is it suitable for vegetarians?

The 'Feed Me' menu is an eight-course tasting experience curated by our chefs that showcases our most popular and seasonal dishes, served family-style for the whole table. As it is designed around a shared eating experience and our progressive barbecue specialties, it is predominantly a meat- and seafood-focused menu. We can easily accommodate dietary requirements for individual guests with our à la carte menu, which includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.