Monroe Noir

26 Wharf St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
+61 401 496 171
$$$ Cafe
(49 Reviews)
Price Range $1–20

Monroe Noir sits comfortably on Wharf Street as a café tailored for busy Brisbane CBD locals who want quality coffee and a casual lunch spot without the fuss. Its location near the river and office blocks makes it a natural pit stop for a mid-morning pick-me-up or a relaxed lunch away from the typical city hustle.

The interior favors a cozy, dimly lit atmosphere that invites lingering with a good cup rather than rushing through. The lighting softens the space, creating a low-key vibe that works well for solo breaks or informal work meetings. Seating is a mix of benches and small tables, and while it can get a bit busy during peak lunch hours, weekday visits have shown it remains reasonably easy to find a spot.

Coffee is clearly a strong focus here, with specialty beans and professional baristas delivering on drinks like the flat white and long black. Locals appreciate the consistency and thoughtfulness in their brews, and there’s even a convenient text-and-order option for those short on time during the lunch rush.

The food menu leans into hearty café classics, with omelettes named Spanish, Monroe’s, and Good Farmer offering generous, flavourful options. Toasties and crepes are also on offer, with a few standout sweet treats like Nutella Lover and Caramel Scotch to round out the choices. Portions are satisfying, though some find the omelettes a touch salty. Still, the overall reputation for fresh and tasty dishes holds strong.

Monroe Noir works well for a range of visitors — office workers grabbing a steady caffeine fix, friends catching up over lunch, or anyone needing a quiet nook for a bit of focused downtime within the CBD buzz. The vibe is approachable rather than trendy, prioritizing comfort and good service over spectacle.

Best times to come are weekday mornings and early afternoons when the space hits its stride with a steady but manageable crowd. For a quick caffeine jolt before the day starts or a simple but satisfying lunch, it fits seamlessly into the daily routines of city workers and locals alike.

  • Specialty coffee with flat white and batch brew highlights
  • Comfortable, softly lit interior ideal for casual meetings or solo breaks
  • Food options focused on omelettes, toasties, and light sweet fare
  • Convenient order ahead system for busy lunch hours
  • Friendly staff who contribute to a relaxed but upbeat atmosphere
Highlights
Great coffee
Popular for
Breakfast
Solo dining
What they serve
Coffee
Quick bite
Best for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dessert
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

07:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Tuesday

07:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Wednesday

07:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Thursday

07:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Friday

07:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

49 Reviews
Paul Francis

03 Jan 2026

Food and service is amazing. My daily for coffee and lunch now! Great spot for a work meeting, coffee or lunch with friends. Plus, you can text them and order ahead if you are tight for time on lunch. I got the crepe today. So good.

Dan Z

23 Dec 2025

What a lovely coffee shop in the heart of the city! Amazing customer service, lovely staff, amazing food and coffee! ¡Thank you so much guys!You really made my day! So…….If you don't know where to go next time, keep this tip in mind, you won't be disappointed! 100/10

Maryna Kovalenko

17 Dec 2025

Good place to get a bite and a coffee on weekdays

SOS

16 Dec 2025

I got attracted by the "Specialty Coffee" sign outside the shop when I passed by. It was a surprise to find this "social coffee shop" hires professional baristas. And they use Specialty coffee beans. During lunch time this shop always has available seats. It can take quite a while to wait for food. But the dishes are generally delicious especially the omelettes (although it's a bit on the salty side). Coffee is consistently good especially flat white especially for the ones made by barista Lemon. Unfortunately they don't offer hot batch brew. Their batch brew is always from the fridge and served with ice.

Paige Wilcox

08 Dec 2025

On a recent stroll through the Brisbane CBD, a witty sign at Monroe Noir caught my eye: “we love to make coffee for the city that loves to drink it.” Intrigued, I stepped inside. Despite being a cozy, reasonably busy space, I found a comfortable spot on a bench by the window. The cafe had a wonderfully relaxing vibe, thanks to its soft, dim lighting. I ordered a flat white, and it was exceptional—rich, smooth, and exactly what I needed. If you’re looking for a top-notch coffee experience in the city, I’d highly recommend making a stop at Monroe Noir. It’s the perfect spot to take a quick break and enjoy a truly great cup of coffee.

Julien Levy

03 Dec 2025

I recently visited this cafe and I have to say, it was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The food was absolutely delicious, and full of flavour. But what really stood out to me was the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff - they were incredibly welcoming and made me feel right at home. The atmosphere in the cafe was also great, with a cozy and inviting ambiance that made it the perfect spot for a relaxing meal. Whether you're looking for a quick coffee and snack or a full meal, Monroe Noir has something for everyone.

Alexa Janoschka

23 Sep 2025

Monroe Noir: Vibe Check Passed—My New Favorite Brisbane Haunt! Monroe Noir is, without a doubt, the cutest little café I've stumbled upon in Brisbane. This place is totally my vibe, and from the stunning, thematic decor—which genuinely had me "oooohing and awwwing"—it felt like the perfect, cozy escape on a rainy day. What truly seals the deal here is the quality, starting with the coffee. While I accidentally ordered a large flat white instead of a small (and happily paid for it!), I knew I was in good hands because they proudly serve Tim Adams roasters. Tim Adams is always reliable, delivering a lovely, smooth roast that provides the perfect extra boost before a workout. The pairing of the bitter coffee with the warmth and sweetness of the milk was absolutely perfect for the damp weather. Plus, the surprise addition of a super sweet, delightful little brownie on top was the ideal pre-caffeine treat. Beyond the perfect cup, the food is equally sensational. I was in the mood for crêpes—a family special since my family is from France—and the Monroe Crêpe absolutely stunned me. The dish was wow, wow, wow! Let me tell you, these crêpes are très très bon (absolutely amazing) and truly reminded me of home. To top it all off, the ladies at the counter were incredibly sweet. Located conveniently at 26 Wharf Street, right around the corner from my work, I've already checked out the menu and can confirm I will be 100% making this stop my new local haunt. All I need is a good book and my noise-canceling headphones, and I could easily spend the entire day here. If you're looking for fantastic coffee, authentic French-inspired treats, and an atmosphere that feels like a warm hug, run, don't walk, to Monroe Noir.

Robert Wilkinson

20 Sep 2025

I spend a huge amount of time in the city drinking coffee for work. This place is awesome. The food can’t be beaten, the coffee is great and the little brownie bites you get with your coffee are tasty as. Do yourself a favour and try them out. You wont be disappointed.

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