Marvie & Wolfe

Marvie & Wolfe is a specialty cafe in Canberra's CBD, known for its simple yet elevated approach to rolls, salads, and quality coffee. Since opening in 2018 at Shop 6 on Moore Street, this inviting spot has built a strong regular following through its commitment to making good ingredients the star of the plate. Onsite smoked meats, house-made sauces and pickles, and a rotating seasonal menu distinguish Marvie & Wolfe from standard lunch counters and coffee shops in the city center.

The kitchen is led by Chef Grant, whose background includes time at two-hatted fine dining establishments and the cult-favorite Chur Burger in Sydney. That depth of culinary experience translates into a concise menu where every element is considered. Meats are smoked in-house, condiments are prepared from scratch, and the produce-driven specials highlight what's fresh each week. Paired with coffee from Sydney roaster Little Marionette, Marvie & Wolfe offers a refined yet approachable cafe experience in the heart of Canberra.

Menu Highlights at Marvie & Wolfe

The Marvie & Wolfe menu is deliberately compact, focusing on a handful of categories done exceptionally well. Lunch centers on signature rolls and salads, with the option to turn any roll into a salad on request. The bread is fresh, the fillings generous, and the balance of flavors reflects a chef's touch. Weekly specials keep the offering interesting for regulars, with seasonal produce driving new combinations. Popular items noted by customers range from hearty meatball subs to chicken sandwiches, all built on the foundation of those house-made sauces and smoked proteins.

During the morning, the focus shifts to breakfast with a selection of well-executed English muffins alongside classic cafe pastries. The brekkie menu complements the coffee program perfectly, providing a quick and satisfying start to the day without the long waits sometimes found at larger brunch spots. The philosophy is built around treating simple things with care: quality bread, well-prepared eggs, and top-tier coffee.

Coffee Program

Marvie & Wolfe holds the distinction of being the first cafe in Canberra to serve coffee from Little Marionette, a boutique Sydney roaster. The coffee is a consistent point of praise in customer feedback and serves as a key differentiator for the cafe. Whether guests order an espresso, a well-balanced piccolo, or a creamy mocha, the baristas maintain a high standard of extraction and milk texturing. The partnership with Little Marionette reflects the cafe's broader approach of seeking out quality partners rather than defaulting to mainstream suppliers.

The Dining Experience

The atmosphere at Marvie & Wolfe is relaxed and efficient, designed to serve the city crowd without long queues. While the cafe is located within a building that some first-time visitors mention can be slightly tricky to spot, the interior greets guests with a clean, modern aesthetic. Service is frequently described as friendly and welcoming, with the owner actively engaging with feedback online. The space suits solo diners grabbing a quick coffee, colleagues meeting for a casual lunch, and takeaway customers who want restaurant-quality food on the go.

Dining options include dine-in, takeaway, and the convenience of online ordering for pickup. The cafe does not operate a delivery service. Seating is available for those who choose to eat in, creating a pleasant mid-day escape from the office. The efficient service model ensures that high-quality food arrives quickly, aligning with the cafe's stated goal of not wasting customers' time in line.

Customer Reviews & Ratings

Marvie & Wolfe holds a 4.8-star rating on Google Maps based on 173 reviews, placing it among the top-rated cafes in central Canberra. This strong performance is driven by consistent feedback on food quality, coffee, and service. One reviewer called the coffee and food "first-class," while another described their stop as a "perfect afternoon snack" thanks to a ham, cheese, and tomato toastie paired with a delicious mocha. The friendly staff and thoughtful touches, like a side of pickles and chips, are recurring themes in positive reviews.

However, the reviews also offer a balanced picture. A small number of customers have reported less successful visits, with one detailed review describing a Reuben sandwich as "dry and tasteless," although the same reviewer praised the coffee. Such feedback is infrequent but demonstrates that the overwhelmingly positive reputation is earned day by day. The management actively replies to reviews, showing a commitment to customer care that may reassure first-time visitors.

Marvie & Wolfe in Canberra's CBD

The cafe is situated at Shop 6, 12 Moore Street in the Canberra CBD. Being a ten-minute walk from many government and corporate offices positions Marvie & Wolfe as a convenient option for the weekday breakfast and lunch rush. Moore Street is a mixed-use strip in the city center, and the cafe forms part of a broader food and retail offering in the area. Public transport access is straightforward, and the walkability of the location makes it an easy stop for anyone moving through the city.

Hours, Reservations & Contact

Marvie & Wolfe operates on a standard weekday schedule, opening at 6:30 AM and closing at 2:30 PM. This timeframe caters to the morning coffee crowd and the lunchtime rush, seeing the cafe through the busiest parts of the working day before closing in the early afternoon. As a casual cafe, reservations are not a primary part of the model, though customers can use the online ordering system to place orders ahead of time and skip any wait. The cafe is contactable by phone at +61 2 6174 1726 or via email at info@marvieandwolfe.com.au for any inquiries.

Common Questions

What are the most popular menu items at Marvie & Wolfe?

Signature rolls like the meatball sub and chicken sandwich are customer favorites mentioned in reviews. The weekly specials and the option to turn any roll into a salad are also popular with regulars.

What coffee roaster does Marvie & Wolfe use?

Marvie & Wolfe exclusively uses coffee from Little Marionette, a boutique Sydney-based roaster. It was the first cafe in Canberra to feature this roaster's beans.

Does Marvie & Wolfe offer delivery?

No, Marvie & Wolfe does not provide a delivery service. It offers dine-in, takeaway, and online ordering for pickup.

Where is Marvie & Wolfe located in Canberra?

The cafe is at Shop 6, 12 Moore Street, in the Canberra CBD. Some first-time visitors note it is inside a building, so it may not be immediately visible from the street.

What are the opening hours of Marvie & Wolfe?

The cafe is open from 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM, Monday through Friday, serving breakfast and lunch.

Who is the chef at Marvie & Wolfe?

The chef-owner is Grant, whose background includes Sous Chef at two-hatted Restaurant Assiette and Head Chef at hatted District Dining, both in Sydney, before launching the cafe in Canberra in 2018.