[Johor Bahru] Johor Bahru is a magnet for café enthusiasts seeking a blend of innovative dishes, serene atmospheres, and aesthetics.
From bustling street corners to quieter neighbourhoods, this Malaysian city across the causeway offers a diverse array of café experiences that Singaporeans are willing to brave the heavy jam for.
Notably, many of the featured cafes in this article are nestled in Taman Melodies, an area conveniently close to the Causeway, making it an ideal first stop for visitors from Singapore.
Each café in Johor Bahru brings its own unique flair, whether through specialty coffee brews, fusion menus, or the enchanting settings they offer.
Join DFD as we explore these culinary havens, where each establishment promises a memorable dining adventure right at the heart of Johor Bahru.
The Portal Cafe
84, Jalan Meranti, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm (Mon, Tues, Thurs – Sun), Closed Wed
Google Maps – The Portal Cafe
A Tranquil Oasis of Natural Design and Local Flavours
The Portal Cafe in Johor Bahru is an inviting new destination for cafe enthusiasts, blending natural design with a wide-ranging menu inspired by local and Asian flavours.
Found in the Taman Melodies area, this cafe is housed within four interconnected private residences, now remodelled into a singular, spacious compound that can accommodate up to 50 guests.
Its interior boasts an eco-centric decor, featuring large plant walls, potted plants, and a striking hanging tree centrepiece, complemented by granite and marble tabletops and comfortably cushioned wooden armchairs.
The menu offers a diverse selection from starters and snacks to full meals and desserts, with prices ranging from RM 22 to RM 44 (approximately SGD 6.30 to SGD 12.60).
Signature dishes include the Laksa Soft Shell Crab served on buttered brioche with a house-made spicy coconut laksa gravy and the Crab Loaded Fries topped with crab meat and spicy seasoned fries.
The dessert options, though limited, are enticing, featuring items like Nutella Panna Cotta and Ba-Tella Toast – a grilled brioche topped with Nutella sauce, maple syrup, caramelized banana, and berries.
Read more at: The Portal Café (Johor Bahru)
Space Cafe
Shop 11, Ground Floor Holiday Villa Hotel, No. 260 Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Johor Bahru 80250, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 8am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – Space Cafe
Spacious Elegance Meets Interesting Coffee Creations Near KSL Mall
It stands out for its clean, spacious layout, accentuated by simple decorations and tables placed far apart. This created an airy and relaxed atmosphere.
Apart from standard espresso-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes, Space Cafe also offers several unique coffee creations using a speciality blend of Costa Rica, Brazil, and Indonesia beans.
They have a number of coffees with fanciful names, including Taste in Vienna (RM20), Caramel Cinnamon Cafe Latte (RM18), Caramel Biscotti Coffee (RM18), Orange Americano (RM18), Prugna Cold Brew (RM20), Mocha Fantasy (RM23), to Holy Grape (RM22).
The Caramel Cinnamon Cafe Latte (RM18) is topped with a torched cinnamon roll and a slice of dried apple. Holy Grape (RM22) is a cold brew coffee fusion with green grapes and jasmine green tea.
The pastries are displayed on a glass shelf next to the bar counter, inviting customers to select their preferred accompaniment. Not bad, decent, though nothing really to shout about.
There were Garlic Confit (RM7.50), Pepperoni Cheese (RM7.50), Truffle Roll (RM6), Chocolate Roll (RM6), Pain Au Chocolate (RM10), and Peach Danish (RM16.00).
Read more at: Space Cafe (Johor Bahru, Johor Bahru)
Vamos Coffee Roastery
155 Jln Beringin, Taman Melodies, 80050 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 9am – 12am (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – Vamos Coffee Roastery
Surf-Inspired Vibes and Signature Brews
Upon entering, you would be greeted with a laid-back beach vibe accentuated by a surf-inspired theme that created a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
As for the coffee at Vamos, they specialise in both single-origin and blends of Guatemala and Colombia Huila beans, along with other drinks such as Matcha (RM14) and Chocolate (RM12).
The Gula Melaka Latte (RM12) strikes the balance of sweetness and fragrance, or have a Latte top-up with honeycomb. Yes, you would find a honeycomb tray right next to the counter.
The Classic Grill Ham & Cheese Sandwich (RM26) presents a gooey and comforting melted cheese. The side of straight-cut parmesan fries is addictive when dipped in the tangy-sweet creamy sauce.
Get a side of Crispy Buffalo Wings (RM25) which are crispy on the outside and succulent inside, and the accompanying sour cream dip the cooling complement to the spicy kick.
The Vamos Signature Apple Pie (RM18) is Vamo’s recommended a must-try. Warm, spiced apple filling and flaky crust made that shiok hot-cold contrast with vanilla ice cream and crumbs.
Read more at: Vamos Coffee Roastery (Johor Bahru, Malaysia)
Flame & Fern Cafe
61, Jalan Chengai, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, 80250 Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm (Mon, Wed – Fri), 9am – 9pm (Sat – Sun)
Google Maps – Flame & Fern Cafe
Rustic Charm with a Middle Eastern Twist
Tucked away in Taman Melodies, a short distance from central Johor Bahru, Flame & Fern Cafe is a blend of style and relaxation.
With its industrial loft design and expansive windows, the cafe offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a casual hangout or lively meetings with friends.
The interior is complemented by a spacious outdoor area, though the indoor seating also offers a view of the grill action, albeit with a hint of smokiness.
Flame & Fern Cafe stands out for its fresh, homemade food offerings that feature an intriguing Middle Eastern twist.
Highlights from the menu include Lamb Chorizo Shakshuka, the Ultimate Big Breakfast, and a mix of brunch staples like Waffles & Chicken Tikka and French Toast.
I opted for the Salmon & Scrambled Eggs, served on a homemade brioche that was a real standout, accompanied by creamy avocado mash and tangy sun-dried tomatoes.
Read more at: Flame & Fern Cafe (Taman Melodies, Johor Bahru)
Hiritsu Coffee Roastery
89 Jalan Beringin, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 9am – 7pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – Hiritsu Coffee Roastery
Cosy Rustic Charm with Artisan Coffee in Taman Melodies
Upon entering Hiritsu, be greeted by an inviting ambience that paired rustic charm with modern minimalism, making it a cosy environment to unwind.
The food menu, though not extensive, includes brunch items such as Big Boy Breakfast (RM39), Truffle Mushroom Toasty (RM30), Mr Krab Pasta (RM30), Salmon Hash (RM38), Egg Benedict with Juicy Steak (RM38), and Berry Ricotta Hotcake (RM36).
I had the warm and crispy Beret Croffle (RM18) with a buttery and flaky base. The smooth vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast, and the caramel crumble brings a sweet, slightly salty crunch.
The café takes pride in its rich and aromatic coffee, as the beans are meticulously selected and roasted to highlight their unique profiles.
The Running Peach (RM18) offers a deep flavour with a subtle bitter taste, balanced by the sweet and slightly acidic tone of the white peach. A ginger flower provides a mild floral and spicy aroma.
Hiritsu also serves up the Shaddock Gathered Cold Brew Coffee (RM18), blending coffee with pomelo syrup and savoury cheese foam — an adventurous choice for those looking to try something new.
Read more at: Hiritsu Coffee Roastery (Johor Bahru)
Nimmies Pastry Cafe
171, Jln Beringin, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 8am – 11pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – Nimmies Pastry Cafe
Nimmies Pastry Cafe: Artistic Flairs and Exquisite Pastries
Located strategically between KSL Mall and Taman Sentosa — two spots favored by Singaporeans — Nimmies Pastry Cafe has become a new favorite in Johor Bahru.
Housed in a standalone mansion that provides both alfresco and indoor dining options, the cafe boasts an atmosphere that combines industrial chic with artistic touches, reminiscent of a mini museum.
The cafe’s comprehensive menu is free of pork and lard, with a pricing that’s slightly premium by local standards.
The offerings range from breakfast items priced between RM 25 and RM 39 (approximately SGD 8 to SGD 13), to mains, salads, pastries, and beverages, with pastries being a standout with about 30 different varieties on display.
A highlight from my visit was the Hoe Lemak Croissant, which creatively tops a flaky croissant with traditional Nasi Lemak ingredients including a sunny side up egg, cucumber, peanuts, ikan bilis, and a dollop of sambal chilli.
Read more at: Nimmies Pastry Café (Johor Bahru)
Nanamax Patisserie
C-1-10 Block C, The Lakefront, Persiaran Southkey 1, 80150, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 12pm – 7pm (Mon – Tues, Thurs – Sun), Closed Wed
Google Maps – Nanamax Patisserie
Nanamax Patisserie: Delicate French Desserts
Singaporeans’ fondness for café hopping finds a delightful spot in Nanamax Patisserie, a quaint cafe originally founded as Nanamax Cafe by a couple, Max and Nana.
Situated opposite The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey, this cafe, with seating for 20, offers a cozy ambiance highlighted by warm lighting, plush sofas, and wooden furnishings.
Nanamax Patisserie specializes in desserts crafted using traditional French techniques, ensuring each treat is not only handmade but also freshly prepared daily.
The café features a glass display housing 9 meticulously crafted desserts, each presenting a unique, dainty design that underscores the creativity and effort put into their creation.
Among the notable desserts is the “Dinosaur,” a matcha mousse cake with layers of jasmine ganache, almond praline, sponge cake, and sable, each piece delightfully unique in expression.
The “Piggy,” another standout, combines cream cheese mousse, lemon custard, and mango jam atop an almond butter cake encased in a tart shell.
Read more at: Nanamax Patisserie (Johor Bahru)
Xuan Cafe 轩•女皇烘焙
187, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10am – 7pm (Mon – Tues, Thurs – Sun), Closed Wed
Google Maps – Xuan Cafe 轩•女皇烘焙
Xuan Cafe 轩•女皇烘焙: Ancient Chinese Elegance Meets Modern Cuisine
Xuan Cafe offers a different dining experience that transports visitors into an enchanting oriental teahouse setting, resonating with ancient Chinese “gu feng” vibes.
Located in Taman Sentosa, close to the city center, this cafe captivates with its meticulously designed decor that includes a picturesque classical Chinese courtyard, making every corner of the cafe a perfect spot for photography.
The cafe’s menu is an intriguing fusion of Western and Chinese culinary traditions.
For instance, the brunch selection includes dishes like Kou Shui Ji Eggs Benedict and Smoked Duck Broccoli, while more filling options feature Shrimp Lao Gan Ma Spaghetti and Sichuan Style Fish Ochazuke.
I tried the Kou Shui Ji Sandwich, a delightful rendition of the Sichuan “Mouthwatering Chicken,” served with tender chicken in a flavorful sauce, fresh vegetables, and a half-oozy egg, creating a blend of textures and flavors.
Desserts at Xuan Cafe are also a highlight, particularly the Tiramisu served in a Chinese tea cup, which offers a whimsical twist to the Italian classic with a noticeable kick of alcohol.
Read more at: Xuan Cafe 轩•女皇烘焙 (Jalan Sutera, Johor Bahru)
The Lightwood by MUES
18k Basement, Jalan Abdul Samad, Kampung Bahru, 80100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 6pm (Mon), 8:30am – 10pm (Wed – Sun), Closed Tues
Google Maps – The Lightwood by MUES
The Lightwood by MUES: Scandinavian Simplicity with a Sourdough Specialty
Walking past the small gate at the entrance which will only open at 8:30am, customers will be greeted by a long flight of stairs leading to the basement storey, with a stone-paved garden.
Inside, the interior is designed with a Scandinavian style, with natural sunlight shining through the glass sunroof, potted plants for a touch of nature and comforting muted colours.
Using mainly sourdough on their menu, a comprehensive selection of Brunch (RM 16 – 35, SGD 5 – 12.50), Mains (RM 22 – 39, SGD 7 – 13), Desserts and Pastries (RM 18 – 25, SGD 6 – 8).
The Shakshuka with Sourdough Focaccia (RM 22, SGD 7) has a well-balanced and decent combination. Yet, the tomato sauce lacked a punch and tangy taste to make it appetising and refreshing.
Get the Sourdough French Toast (RM 21, SGD 7) which has a pleasant texture contrast of crispy edges with a moist and chewy bite. It also has a nice citrusy sour touch to balance the sweetness of the honey.
Coffee starts from RM 8 (SGD 2.50) a cup. In Dirty Latte (RM 14, SGD 4.50), the first mouthful would be the full flavour of the robust espresso shot, followed by a mix of milk and espresso.
Read more at: The Lightwood by MUES (Johor Bahru)
Eden by Wizards
19, Jln Tiong Emas, Kawasan Perindustrian Tiong Nam Tebrau 3, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm (Mon – Thurs), 10am – 10pm (Fri – Sun)
Google Maps – Eden by Wizards
Eden by Wizards: A Botanical Dining Experience With Fusion Flavours
Eden by Wizards, an extension of the popular Kuala Lumpur café Wizards, brings a fresh dining concept to Johor Bahru’s Austin Heights.
Known for its stylish interiors filled with natural greens and a fusion dining approach, Eden transforms a 20-minute journey from the immigration checkpoint into a botanical sanctuary perfect for a brunch getaway.
The café is situated in an industrial business area, providing a unique contrast with its garden-like ambiance.
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into an outdoor garden holding area, leading through a foliage-adorned corridor to a dining space bathed in natural light, with full-length glass mirrors offering views of a curated botany landscape.
Eden’s menu features a blend of Western and Asian elements, drawing some dishes from its parent café in KL.
Signature dishes include the Chili Roasted Cauliflower, Porto & Avo Burger, and the innovative Green Curry Soft Shell Crab Pasta.
Read more at: Eden by Wizards (Johor Bahru)
CHAMPS x RUEYS
2, Jalan Yahya Awal, Gertak Merah, 80100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 11am – 9.15pm (Mon – Wed, Fri – Sun), Closed Thurs
Google Maps – CHAMPS x RUEYS
CHAMPS x RUEYS: Historical Charm with Local and International Flavours
CHAMPS x RUEYS is foung within Y Space, a bungalow built more than 100 years ago as a gift by Sultan Abu Bakar for his wife.
With both indoor dining and outdoors sheltered seats on a campsite, CHAMPS x RUEYS offers a comprehensive dine-in menu ranging from Mains (RM 18 – 29, SGD 6 – 9.50), Desserts (RM 12.90 – 14.90, SGD 4.30 – 8.30), Bubble Tea (RM 11, SGD 3.50), Fruit Tea (RM 11 – 13, SGD 3.50 – 4.30) and Coffee (RM 7 – 14, SGD 2.30 – 4.50).
Their mains have a more local twist, including Lontong Curry Rendang Daging (RM 29, SGD 9.50), Lontong Curry Rendang Ayam (RM 25, SGD 8.30), Curry Rendang Daging with French Bread (RM 22, SGD 7.30) and Curry Rendang Ayam with French Bread (RM 18, SGD 6).
Desserts-wise, their focus is on their Mille Crepe (RM 17.90, SGD 6). My favourite was Osmanthus Genmaicha Mille Crepe, which has 2 distinctive layers (flavours) of cream.
It was aromatic and fragrant, adding a herbaceous taste, while the genmaicha was earthly with tea notes. The overall texture was soft and moist. The cream was light and not cloyingly “jelak”.
The Sea Salt Mille Crepe (RM 17.90, SGD 6) is interesting and worth a mention. The level of saltiness was just right, well balanced by the sweetness of the cream used.
Read more at: CHAMPS x RUEYS (Johor Bahru)
The FOUNDERS Cafe
Tiong Nam Tebrau, 45, Jln Tiong Emas, Kawasan Perindustrian Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 9am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – The FOUNDERS Café
This space is much more spacious compared to its predecessor and furnished with industrial-chic elements, such as grey unfinished cement walls and neutral colour-themed furniture.
With a revamped menu, there is a new category featuring their speciality hand-rolled bagel with flavours such as Grilled Beef Tenderloins (RM21.50, SGD6.70), Roasted Pumpkin & Beef Bacon (RM18.50, SGD5.75) and Wholegrain Mustard Chicken with Fried Egg (RM18.50, SGD5.75).
I dived straight for their most decadent-looking Aussie Beef Bagel (RM34.90, SGD10.80). So sinful, but so savoury good with how various components gelled together to create this calorie bomb.
Their Smoked Salmon Bagel (RM18.90, SGD5.85) is a go-to classic which never fails to satisfy with umami saltiness cured fish flavour complimented with a lemony tang of capers and cream cheese.
Some old favourites are still on the menu, such as English Big Breakfast (RM32.90, SGD10.20), Tom Yum Quesadilla (RM27.50, SGD8.55) and Kampong Eggs Anyway (RM12.50, SGD3.90).
I also had a vegan-friendly bowl, Mess of Plants (RM23.50, SGD7.30), a colourful mix of vegetables and fruits; roasted pumpkin, cauliflower, and pomegranate doused in beetroot yoghurt.
Read more at: The FOUNDERS Café (Johor Bahru)
Sorella Café
48, Jalan Indah 28/1, Taman Bukit Indah 2, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – Sorella Café
A Sweet Escape in Johor Bahru’s Taman Bukit Indah
Discover the charm of Sorella Cafe found in the Taman Bukit Indah area. Known for its delightful array of sweet treats and desserts.
This cafe has earned praise for its inviting atmosphere and ‘old-school’ European town vibes.
Highlights of their menu include the refreshing Kori Lemon dessert, featuring layers of rich lemon curd and a crunchy almond crumble base, as well as the indulgent Ondeh Ondeh Cake, infused with pandan leaf extract and premium gula melaka.
Pair these treats with innovative beverages like the GoldenBuzz and Sunlit Citrus Espresso, or explore their savory options such as Aglio Olio and Teriyaki Salmon.
While prices may be slightly higher than average, the quality and flavors make Sorella Cafe a must-visit for those seeking a sweet treat.
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