10 Best cafes and restaurants to visit in Johor for Instagram-worthy interiors
Jazzy joints
There’s plenty to do in Johor Bahru, from visiting the family-friendly Legoland to shopping at the Johor Premium Outlets. Whether you’re exploring the city over a staycation, visiting relatives in your hometown, or simply passing by en route to Singapore, we know just what you can do for a break in between: stop by one of JB’s most aesthetically pleasing cafes!
Among them include an industrial-inspired cafe with bare concrete walls, an artisan bakery cafe with lush foliage, and a double-storey Texas-style smokehouse…
1. Keijometo
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One of the latest additions to Johor Bahru’s growing cafe scene is Keijometo, which started welcoming visitors in March 2022. The industrial-themed cafe is Insta-famous for its brutalist exteriors, with a charming pathway leading up to a building made of bare concrete. Inside, the space features eclectic furniture and decor such as an old school TV, vintage-style sofas, acrylic tables and chairs, and concrete benches. The menu comprises Japanese-inspired dishes, including sando, udon, and donburi (rice bowl) options, as well as speciality matcha drinks made with Niko Neko matcha.
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Address: 3, Jalan Chengai, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: 11.30am to 9pm, Tuesdays to Sundays
Contact: 07 331 1825 / 011 33138687
2. Merah Kitchen and Bar (AKA Merah Project)
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Merah Project is a restaurant with a hidden bar located near Johor Bahru’s Bazaar Karat with a unique concept inspired by the team’s memorable trips around Asia. Patrons will find popular dishes from Malaysia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, India, and also Australia on the menu, spanning brunch favourites, tapas, mains, and desserts. Interior-wise, the space exudes a retro-style design akin to an old convenience store or kopitiam (coffee shop), which transforms into a hip bar complete with trendy neon lights at night.
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Address: 17, Jalan Ibrahim, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: 12pm to 10pm (Tuesdays to Thursdays & Sundays) | 12pm to 12am (Fridays & Saturdays)
Contact: +6016 962 8126 | +6011 51359434 (WhatsApp)
Website | Facebook | Instagram
3. Space Cafe
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Another recent entry to JB’s list of hotspots is Space Cafe, which opened its doors last year. This modern, minimalist artisan bakery specialises in handcrafted coffee and French pastries that look almost too pretty to eat and drink. The space is characterised by a neutral colour palette, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows on the facade allowing natural sunlight to spill in during the day.
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Address: Holiday Villa, G-11, 260, Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: 10am to 10pm, Mondays to Thursdays | 10am to 12am, Fridays to Sundays
Contact: 010 718 6508
4. The Replacement Lodge
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Those acquainted with Melbourne brunch culture will find a sense of familiarity at The Replacement Lodge & Kitchen, with its wide range of brunch dishes, fusion delights, and multi-roaster specialty coffee. Housed in a heritage shop lot, the cafe is distinguished by its all-white facade and Kinfolk-inspired interiors that offer a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere to catch up with friends.
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Address: 33, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: 10am to 6pm daily
Contact: 012 547 78885
5. Rowan & Parsley Food Atelier
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Although Rowan & Parsley is located about 40 minutes away from the heart of JB, the enchanting double-storey restaurant has been steadily drawing foodies and the social media crowd with its aesthetic interiors and lush greenery. Tucked away from the bustling city, the spacious property boasts a scenic outdoor garden and rustic interiors that offer a serene escape from the city. In fact, the venue is also popular for wedding shoots and events! It was formerly a factory before it was converted into a Texas-style smokehouse, serving brunch classics, smoked meats, mains, and a decent selection of beverages.
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Address: 17, Jalan Cenderai 20, Taman Perindustrian Kota Puteri, 81750, Masai, Johor
Opening hours: 11am to 10pm daily
Contact: 011 1005 4747
Website | Facebook | Instagram
6. Soil JB
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Bread and pastry lovers should not miss this popular bakery cafe in JB, known for its coffee and French pastries. Set in a quaint cottage-style building covered in thick foliage, the cafe is established by the same team behind The Atlas Bakery in Mount Austin, which is responsible for replenishing its fresh baked goods daily. Aside from its verdant exteriors, there are several Instagram-worthy nooks inside and around the property, including the manicured lawn and garden area.
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Address: Unit SL009, Spring Lab, Jalan Ekoflora Utama, Taman Ekoflora, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: 10am to 6pm, weekdays | 9am to 7.30pm, weekends
Contact: 012 392 1148
7. Bev C
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Fashion and food collide at Bev C Cafe, welcoming shoppers for a quick break in between shopping from a range of local designer clothing and accessories. A designer boutique occupies the lower floor, whilst a cosy cafe takes up the first floor of the double-storey space. As for the menu, expect a humble selection of croissant sandwiches with a local twist, in addition to cakes and a variety of coffee, cold brew, and crafted beverages.
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Address: 54 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: 10am to 6pm | Closed on Wednesdays
Contact: 016 725 3530
Website | Facebook | Instagram
8. The Founder’s Cafe
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Nestled in Tiong Nam Tebrau, The Founders Cafe is a wildly popular cafe that instantly shot to fame after opening in late 2020. Its popularity may be attributed to its stunning design and interiors—from the tall window frame entrance to its expansive, industrial dining space. The menu is also relatively extensive, influenced by Melbourne’s brunch scene with eye-catching options such as quesadilla, shakshouka pizza, and pasta dishes, to name a few.
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Address: 45, Jln Tiong Emas, Kawasan Perindustrian Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: 10am to 10pm daily
Contact: 07 360 9101
Website | Facebook | Instagram
9. Flowers in the Window
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Situated adjacent to The Replacement Lodge and Kitchen is Flowers in the Window, and the two could not be more different design-wise. Distinguished by the verdant creepers that frame its iconic round window next to the entrance, the cafe invites curious cafe hoppers to explore its maximalist interiors—or what some may consider a “beautiful mess”. It has a distinctive garden-themed setting with unique decor items, including a bath tub filled with plants and vintage, mismatched furniture. The menu offers a myriad of fusion dishes, including burgers, pastas, and mains, as well as an assortment of cakes and beverages.
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Address: 9 Jalan Dhoby, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm | Closed on Tuesdays
Contact: 07 2227489
10. Mrs. Who
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While the persona behind Mrs. Who is still a mystery, this charming cafe is far from a secret. The clean and contemporary space has an understated aesthetic, featuring white brick walls and warm, wooden furniture. Patrons can choose from a plethora of local and fusion dishes, including small plates for sharing, mains, and desserts. Brunch options are also available on the weekends.
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Address: SKS Pavillion Residences, Jalan Storey, Bukit Senyum, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: 11am to 8pm, Tuesdays to Thursdays | 2pm to 8pm, Fridays | 9am to 8pm, weekends
Contact: 012 774 6349
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