Amanda LimWhether it’s a family gathering, anniversary, or just an excuse to indulge, Johor Bahru offers an enticing selection of restaurants perfect for special occasions.
With menus spanning French classics, smoky wagyu, spicy Indian curries and the freshest seafood by the sea, there’s something for every taste. Here’s a list of restaurants for special occasions without Singapore’s hefty price tags.
Also read: 6 Viral Johor Bahru (JB) Food Spots: Worth the Hype or Overrated?
Senibong Bay Seafood
Image credit: Senibong Bay Seafood Official Website
Location: Lot120714, Kampung Senibong, Permas Jaya, 81750 Masai, Johor
Average price: From RM10 per person for shared dishes; lobster ~RM208 each
Senibong Bay Seafood is a classic destination for seafood lovers, located on a breezy wooden deck overlooking the Straits of Johor. Live tanks display lobsters, crabs, and shellfish ready to be cooked to your liking, whether steamed, butter-fried or coated in rich chilli sauce.
The salted egg yolk squid and volcano chicken are house favourites, the latter known for its spicy-sweet punch. Dine at sunset and enjoy live music with the sea breeze, a truly festive setting for birthdays or family celebrations.
Grand Seafood Kempas
Image credit (L-R): Grand Seafood Official Facebook
Location: 275A, Jln Persiaran Kempas Baru, Kempas Banjaran, 81200 Johor Bahru
Average price: RM20–50 per dish; crab dishes RM100+
This halal-friendly seafood restaurant is popular with locals for good reason. Grand Seafood Kempas specialises in fresh sea bass served steamed or deep-fried with Thai-style sauces, salted egg crabs, and fragrant tom yam claypot dishes.
The spacious, lively atmosphere makes it ideal for extended family dinners, especially during holidays or special celebrations.
Chez Papa
Image credit (L-R): Chez Papa via Google Maps
Location: 38 and 40, 38 and 40, Jalan Jaya, Taman Maju Jaya, 80400 Johor Bahru
Average price: Mains RM45–70; set dinner RM90–120
This long-standing French-Italian bistro tucked in a Pelangi shoplot delivers comforting European dishes in a charming, rustic setting. Start with garlicky escargots or French onion soup before moving on to confit de canard or filet mignon cooked in peppercorn sauce.
The pasta menu is no afterthought; try classic favourites like carbonara with smoked duck or the seafood aglio olio. Warm service and intimate vibes make this ideal for couples or smaller groups.
Gianni’s Trattoria
Image credit (L-R): Gianni’s Trattoria Pelangi Official Facebook
Location: 110, Jalan Serampang, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru
Average price: Mains around RM40; desserts from RM18
Gianni’s is all about handmade pasta, traditional sauces and relaxed Italian hospitality. Start with fresh bruschetta or baked escargot, then tuck into house-made tagliatelle with wild mushroom cream or a comforting lasagna.
The lamb shank and grilled rib-eye are crowd-pleasers, and no visit is complete without their classic tiramisu or panna cotta. This warm, inviting spot is great for family dinners with a European twist.
Tosca Italian Trattoria
Image credit: Tosca Italian Trattoria via Google Maps
Location: 01-02, Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD, Menara Landmark, Level 13, DoubleTree by Hilton, 12, Jalan Ngee Heng, 80888 Johor Bahru
Average price: RM80–120 per person
Located in the Hilton, Tosca offers a chic setting for more formal occasions. Signature dishes include wood-fired pizzas topped with Parma ham and rocket, black ink seafood risotto, and grilled lamb racks.
Finish with panna cotta or their signature tiramisu. It’s a polished experience, ideal for marking a milestone or a treat-yourself meal.
Also read: 7 Best Hotels to Stay In on Your Next Johor Bahru (JB) Weekend Getaway
La Belle Vie Restaurant and Bar
Image credit (L-R): La Belle Vie JB Official Facebook
Location: 54, Jalan Molek 2/2, Taman Molek, 81100 Johor Bahru
Average price: Mains RM60–100; cocktails RM30–45
La Belle Vie lives up to its name with a stylish interior and French-Asian fusion menu. Think foie gras terrine with yuzu compote, truffle-infused risotto, or duck breast in raspberry jus.
Their cocktail bar mixes up everything from classic Old Fashioneds to yuzu martinis. Perfect for young adults or couples seeking an elegant evening.
Grill Bar Steakhouse
Image credit (L-R): Grill Bar SteakHouse Official Facebook
Location: 202, Jalan Sri Pelangi, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru
Average price: Steaks from RM80–150
For meat lovers, Grill Bar Steakhouse delivers hearty portions in a quirky, retro-style setting filled with memorabilia. Their grain-fed ribeye and New Zealand lamb racks are perfectly seared and come with your choice of house-made sauces.
If you’re not in the mood for beef, opt for their BBQ chicken chop or seafood aglio olio. Portions are generous, the vibe is casual, and prices are reasonable for the quality.
Also read: How to Spend 24 Hours in Kota Tinggi, Johor: A 1-Day Itinerary
Intricate Kuroma Dining
Image credit (L-R): KUROMA Buffet & Dining Official Facebook
Location: TD Central, 3, Jalan Sagu 21, Taman Daya, 81100 Johor Bahru
Average price: RM175 per person
Kuroma offers an elegant Japanese buffet experience with premium ingredients. Highlights include thick-cut sashimi, oysters grilled on demand, wagyu teppanyaki, and a noodle bar serving Penang laksa, tom yam soup and ramen.
Desserts include delicate Japanese cheesecakes and mochi. It’s a refined yet relaxed setting perfect for multi-generational gatherings.
Binchotan JB
Image credit (L-R): Binchotan JB Official Website
Location: 15, Jalan Kuning 2, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru
Average price: RM200–300 per person
This omakase-style restaurant specialises in binchotan charcoal grilling, giving dishes a subtle smokiness. Expect delicate skewers of wagyu, scallop, foie gras and unagi, often presented one by one in curated courses.
The ambience is moody and minimalist, ideal for a quiet celebration or romantic dinner.
Shin Mura Wagyu Robata
Image credit (L-R): Shin Mura Wagyu Robata Official Facebook
Location: Malaysia, 12, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak (Susur 4), Larkin, 80200 Johor Bahru
Average price: RM150–250 per person
A5-grade wagyu from Japan is the star at Shin Mura, whether lightly grilled, torched, or served raw as tataki.
Other highlights include Hokkaido oysters, miso cod and sake-marinated lamb ribs. It’s a must-visit for wagyu enthusiasts looking to splurge.
Sedap Corner
Image credit (L-R): Sedap Corner Official Facebook
Location: No 11, Jalan Abdul Samad, Kampung Bahru, 80100 Johor Bahru
Average price: RM10–20 per dish; platters from RM50
A true local gem, Sedap Corner dishes out Malay comfort food with consistent quality. Signature dishes include rendang daging, asam pedas ikan pari, sambal udang and mee rebus.
The kueh platter and cendol make for a satisfying end to a hearty meal. Great for relaxed lunches with family.
7 Spices JB
Image credit: 7 Spice Indian Cuisine Official Facebook
Location: G-01, Block 5, Lbh Skudai, Danga Bay, 80200 Johor Bahru
Average price: Mains RM40–80; thali sets RM60–100
One of JB’s best upscale Indian restaurants, 7 Spices offers North and South Indian dishes in an elegant setting. Must-tries include their tandoori lamb chops, fish head curry, butter chicken and paneer tikka.
Their thali sets offer variety, and the desserts, like kulfi and kesari, are delightful. A solid choice for celebratory meals with spice and soul.
Also read: Best Things to Do in JB Near The Causeway
Celebrate in style
Johor Bahru’s restaurants offer an appealing mix of atmosphere, flavour and value that is perfect for big occasions.
For Singaporeans, it’s a great getaway with quality meals, varied cuisines and special vibes. With so many standout spots just across the border, your next celebratory meal might be closer than you think.
