Andrea Larice Yap
Beautrice OhJohor Bahru’s gastronomic scene is filled with tons of exciting food options to explore — from aesthetically pleasing brunch spots to quaint hipster coffeehouses and local-fave eateries! Its coffee scene, in particular, has been flourishing over the years and has grown into an irresistible tourist attraction for foodies. So, what better time to visit these places than now? Here are some of the best hip and trendy Johor Bahru cafes worth visiting on your next trip across the border!
Also read: 15 Best Airbnbs in Johor for Your Next Weekend Getaway
Must-visit cafes in Johor Bahru coffee crawls and brunch
1. D’Cafe
Image credit: D’Cafe Official Facebook Page
On the hunt for a big hearty breakfast? You wouldn’t want to miss out on visiting D’Cafe! This all-day brunch spot makes for an exciting stop on your Johor Bahru adventure. What’s more, this popular Instagrammable cafe in JB will surely upgrade your feed with its beautiful interiors.
Image credit: D’Cafe Official Facebook Page
Here, you’ll be treated not only to mouthwatering and filling meals, but also to a relaxed dining atmosphere. Take your pick among their healthy pasta, salads, and toasts best paired with their fruit teas and fresh espresso-based coffee!
Address: No. 9, Jalan Kelewang, Taman Sri Tebrau, Johor Bahru
2. Ukiyo Cafe
Image credit: Ukiyo Cafe Official Facebook Page
For a dose of sweet serenity, step into French and Japanese-inspired dessert bakery Ukiyo Cafe, tucked away in Taman Mount Austin. While it’s often frequented for its dainty interiors, its decadent selection of desserts is the name of the game. This pretty pink dessert cafe in Johor Bahru serves up carefully crafted French pastries like macarons and crepes, perfect for afternoon coffee or tea.
For those with a more sophisticated palate, opt for their best-selling Ispahan-inspired dessert: a crispy mille feuille with a raspberry and pistachio filling. And for matcha lovers, their dark fudge matcha cube is absolutely worthy of your attention!
Address: 17-02, Jalan Austin Heights 8/3, Taman Mount Austin 81100 Johor Bahru
3. Caribbean Juice Bar
Image credit: Caribbean Juice Bar Official Facebook Page
Tropical lovers would know that you can never go wrong with healthy smoothie bowls and refreshing fruit juices. You can indulge in organic eats like these at Caribbean Juice Bar hidden in the Marina Walk Puteri Harbor. The best part? You’ll be treated to serene harbour views that’ll surely elevate your dining experience!
Caribbean Juice Bar is more than just a place for hearty meals. To add to its conscious food initiative, they also have a shop for eco-friendly home goods to encourage more people to lessen their plastic consumption!
Address: Sandy Beach, Puteri Harbour, 79100 Nusajaya, Johor
4. Soil
Image credit: Soil Official Facebook Page
Another charming addition to JB’s bustling coffee scene would be Soil, a cottage-style and garden-themed cafe. Here, they serve up the prettiest, most delicate sweet treats you might find too hard to devour. Their bestsellers include freshly baked French croissants, creamy Danishes, and mini cakes. As for beverages, their matcha espresso is a must-try! Once you’re stuffed and satisfied, free to roam the cafe’s grounds as there are tons of aesthetic corners for taking your selfies.
Address: Unit SL009, Spring Lab, Lot A (GF), Jalan Ekoflora Utama, Taman Ekoflora 81100
5. Plantherapy by Spazehaus
Image credit: Plantherapy by Spazehaus Official Facebook Page
Experience a new kind of therapy with plants, essential oils, and desserts at Plantheraphy by Spazehaus, a local interior design firm. This botanical garden-esque cafe is decked out in lush foliage which makes it a welcoming and calming space for snacks and tea time. Besides offering a unique dining setup for customers, they also host events like birthdays and anniversaries. Who wouldn’t want to celebrate their special day in such a charming place like this?
Address: 8, Jalan Ekoperniagaan 2/7, Taman Ekoperniagaan, Johor Bahru
6. Keijometo Cafe
Image credit: Keijometo Official Facebook Page
At first glance, Keijometo looks like a sophisticated contemporary art gallery. Step into its concrete, industrial-style building and you’ll actually be treated to a different kind of art: food. Because of its distinctive facade and uniquely unfinished interiors, it has been regarded as one of the most popular cafes in Johor Bahru. Here, customers can try their selection of delicious Japanese dishes and handcrafted matcha drinks perfect for any time of the day.
Image credit: Keijometo Official Facebook Page
Address: 3, Jalan Chengai, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru
7. Merah Kitchen and Bar
Image credit: Merah Project Official Instagram Page
While there exists a copious amount of minimalist Johor Bahru cafes, expect a fair number of food spots with an eclectic, maximalist aesthetic. One of these is the neon-lit cafe in JB called Merah Kitchen & Bar. It houses an eccentric mix of knick-knacks, fun neon signages, vintage film posters, and colourful furniture which collectively add appeal to the place.
Of course, aesthetics isn’t all there is in Merah. Their menu comprises honest comfort food like mozzarella sticks to unique dishes like lychee duck quinoa. For refreshments, they serve up caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks, as well as alcoholic beverages for when you want to get a little buzzed!
Address: 17, Jalan Ibrahim, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
8. The Founders Cafe
Image credit: The Founders Cafe Official Facebook Page
For your all-day breakfast cravings, head to industrial-chic brunch spot The Founders Cafe. It has gained popularity because it is run by the same team behind the famous People and Places cafe. Their speciality, however, lies in its freshly handmade bagels and 72-hour fermented pizza dough. But, I must admit, its interiors alone are enough to pull crowds! Its high ceilings, funky art deco, and lush greenery definitely make it the best cafe in JB for coffee and conversations. Heads up though, the cafe gets packed during peak hours of the day!
Image credit: The Founders Cafe Official Facebook Page
Address: 45, Jalan Tiong Emas Kawasan Perindustrian Tiong Nam Tebrau, Johor Bahru
9. Bev C’afe
Image credit: Bev C’afe Official Facebook Page
Nestled atop multi-lable fashion store Bev C is the quaint and homey Bev C’afe. With its muted aesthetics and industrial-style interiors, it is often reminiscent of the classic hipster vibe. At this cosy coffee shop in Johor Bahru, patrons return for its extensive selection of coffee creations and pretty desserts. Some must-tries include their iced charcoal latte and for tea lovers, the sparkling cascara tea infused with dehydrated coffee cherries. For those looking for more quiet Johor Bahru cafes to visit, its small yet charming space welcomes you!
Address: 54, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru
10. Brooos & Co. by JWC
Image credit: Brooos & Co. by JWC Official Facebook Page
Broos & Co. by JWC stands out amongst the long list of cafes in Johor Bahru for its one-of-a-kind interior design. This themed cafe is reminiscent of an old-school office, with dark wood panelled walls and desk lamps on each table. The whole space is highly Instagram-worthy. So, expect to see many visitors in different spots of this cafe (even outside) getting their OOTDs!
This cafe is not just all about the aesthetic; it also serves up interesting drinks and cakes for a delectable afternoon treat! Coffee lovers will be excited to try their special coffee concoctions, such as the Pistachio Latte and the Why Dirty. To pair with your coffee, why not get one of their many sweet treats? From cheesecakes to croissants, there’s definitely a treat that will catch your eye!
Address: 18, Jln Sri Pelangi 4, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
11. Nimmies Pastry Cafe
Image credit: Nimmies Pastry Cafe Official Facebook Page
Opened in January 2023, this fairly new cafe near KSL City mall is quickly becoming one of the most popular cafes in Johor Bahru. Nimmies Pastry Cafe first attracts cafe-hoppers for its European-esque decor; tall ceilings, greek sculptures and beautiful art pieces — each corner of this space can be a great photo spot!
But what keeps people coming is their food. Their main speciality is their unique selection of pastries such as cube pies and croissants of all sorts of flavours. There’s even a nasi lemak-inspired croissant, a must-try at this cafe. And if you’re looking for more substantial dishes, Nimmies’ savoury local dishes and seafood will definitely satisfy your cravings. While the price of the food here might be on the higher end, we all deserve to treat ourselves once in a while, am I right?
Address: 171, Jln Beringin, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
12. Nikkō Yōryō
Image credit: Nikkō Yōryō Sutera Official Facebook Page
Wait, there’s a Japanese, industrial-themed cafe in JB other than Keijiometo Cafe? Nikkō Yōryō is another cafe offering familiar Japanese dishes like Wagyu don, salmon bowl, and curry udon. But if you’re not feeling up for a whole meal when you visit, you can order from their selection of cakes and drinks. (P.S. — Their matcha latte is a must-try here!).
Apart from their scrumptious food, this cafe is widely popular for its eye-catching interior. Grey and exposed brick walls juxtaposed with chairs of different styles, colours, and materials that give the place a pop of colour! Plus, it’s located just opposite Nimmies Pastry Cafe and a short walk from Keijiometo Cafe. So, this is the perfect addition to your JB cafe-hopping itinerary!
Address: 86, Jln Beringin, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
13. Rowan & Parsley
Image credit: ROWAN & PARSLEY food atelier Official Facebook Page
If you’ve been doing your research for your next cafe-hopping adventure to JB, you probably have seen Rowan & Parsley popping up all over your social media feed. This two-storey cafe boasts industrial architecture with hints of vintage elements through its decorations; creating a clean, yet cosy atmosphere. Plus, you can explore their large lush outdoor garden while waiting for your food to arrive. It’s no wonder this is a highly sought-after venue for birthday parties and weddings!
As JB’s first authentic Texan barbeque smokehouse, you just know that their meats won’t disappoint. The cafe has been praised for its wide selection of quality meats that are cooked to perfection. So, if you’re looking for a cafe with heartier meal options, this cafe will definitely satisfy!
Address: No.17, Jalan Cenderai 20, Kawasan Perindustrial Kota Putri 81750 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
14. Grind JB
Image credit: grind.jb Official Instagram Page
Amongst the numerous industrial-themed cafes in JB, Grind JB easily stands out from the pack. It has been praised for its Instagram-worthiness — from the manmade tree in the centre of the cafe to the retro-themed decorations. Moreover, the cafe’s open skylight allows natural light to engulf the space, a much-needed element for a little photo shoot with your buddies!
Since the cafe mainly serves drinks and a small selection of cakes, do make a stop by for a mid-morning snack or afternoon tea. And before we forget to mention: The cafe is located near Mid Valley Mall, making it a convenient location to rest at after a tiring shopping spree.
Address: 222, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
15. Morihana Pastry
Image credit (L-R): Morihana Official Website; Morihana Pastry Official Facebook Page
Morihana Pastry is a cafe in JB that appeals to the sweet tooth in all of us! This aesthetically minimalist cafe at Eco Spring Labs serves deliciously handcrafted desserts and drinks. Their flower and fruit-inspired treats are edible works of art that will entice you to take a photo of two of them.
The cafe serves seasonal pastries that are offered for limited periods of time, so you’ll be able to try something different each time you visit! Tea lovers would also be pleased with their interesting selection of flower teas, which pleasantly perfume the air in the clean, bright cafe space. As this cafe is super popular amongst locals and travellers, do come right when they open to have your choice of fresh pastries! The cafe closes once they sell out all of their desserts, which often happens around late afternoon.
Address: Morihana. Lot B, Jalan Ekoflora Utama, Taman Ekoflora, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Also read: 5 Things That Are Cheaper in Johor Bahru Than in Singapore
Are you already eyeing which coffee shop in Johor Bahru to visit first? Or perhaps you have other suggestions worthy of our attention? Be sure to share them with us on our Facebook page and Instagram page. Happy cafe hopping!
