French restaurant Wunderbar to open on the corner of Barrack and Goulburn Streets

Former MONA head chef is behind a new restaurant seeking to fill an untapped market in Hobart — French cuisine.

Julian Volkmer and Mateo Ortiz. New restaurant WunderBar & Restaurant set to open in central Hobart by Mateo Ortiz and chef Julian Volkmer. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

If a German and Columbian decided to open a restaurant together, what type of food do you think they would serve?

If you answered French, then you are correct.

But the chances are that was not your answer.

New restaurant WunderBar & Restaurant set to open in central Hobart by Mateo Ortiz and chef Julian Volkmer. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Wunderbar is set to open on the corner of Barrack and Goulburn Streets in April and will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Julian Volkmer is the owner and head chef at the restaurant, having previously worked at MONA, Peacock and Jones, and Cascade Brewery.

“It will be a French-styled restaurant with Tasmanian produce,” Mr Volkmer said.

“We’ll have all the things that people don’t straight away think are French, like eggs Benedict.”

Mr Volkmer said the quality of restaurants in Hobart was impressive.

“There is literally something for everyone, from low-budget to top-notch.

“For a small town, in my eyes, there is a really nice spread of cultures and cuisines combined.

“Where we are located, it is perfectly fitting in there because — in terms of French food — I haven’t seen much down here.”

Wunderbar Restaurant Operations Manager Mateo Ortiz said he hoped the business would contribute to the betterment of Hobart.

“Something that’s really important for us is how the sense of community is really strong here as well, so we want to be very involved with local businesses,” Mr Ortiz said.

“Like we said, our dishes will have local ingredients and will feature Tasmanian wines.”

Originally published as French restaurant Wunderbar to open on the corner of Barrack and Goulburn Streets