28 best cafes in JB that are worth travelling for in 2022

Singapore may have a burgeoning cafe scene, but it almost always comes with a hefty price tag, too. If you’re looking to get a good cup of coffee for under S$4, well, your hopes are better place elsewhere… or across the border, at least. Not all hope is lost, though — with an increasing number of quirky, innovative (and inexpensive) cafes popping up in Johor Bahru (JB), we have gone the distance (literally) and found the 28 best cafes in JB that are worth braving the impossible queues at customs for.

Get your passports ready, because we’re hitting the road!

1. Chaiwalla & Co. Container Cafe

best cafes in jb - chaiwalla & co container cafe

Known for their excellent (and generousjudging from the cup sizes) Thai milk tea, stop by to refuel at Chaiwalla & Co. Container Cafe upon your arrival at JB. They have amazing coffee brews and lattes as well as desserts — think brownies and blondies topped with scoops of ice cream — making it the perfect place to start your epic food tour, of course. Make sure to grab a few photos while you’re there, too: the shipping container and sticker plastered walls makes for a great backdrop for the ‘gram.

Price range: From RM10 (~S$3.15) for an original Thai iced milk tea
Address: 36, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 11am to 6pm (Sun – Thu) | 11am to 12am (Fri & Sat)
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2. Mok Mok Brunch & Bistro (Permanently closed)

best cafes in jb - mok mok brunch & bistro

With food as aesthetically pleasing as the interior of this cafe, Mok Mok Brunch & Bistro was a must-visit in JB especially if you were looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Unfortunately, this cafe has since closed down.

3. Bev C’afe

best cafes in jb - bev cafe

A clothing label slash cafe space, the general consensus is that Bev C’afe is one of the top contenders for the best cafes in JB. The clothes racks are up on the second floor, so you can go on over to browse as you wait for your food and beverages to arrive. Known for their scrumptious tarts and Instagram-worthy espresso ice cube drinks, this cafe makes for the perfect tea-time spot in between meals!

Price range: From RM16 (~S$5.05) for an espresso ice cube drink.
Address: 54, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am to 6pm (Mon, Tue, Thu – Sun)
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4. Faculty Of Caffeine (Permanently closed)

best cafes in jb - faculty of caffeine

Faculty Of Caffeine was a cafe with an extensive brunch menu featuring classic American breakfast food favourites such as waffles, hash browns, and the fluffiest scrambled eggs ever. They also served other mains too, such as pastas and Japanese rice dons.

According to the reviews we’ve seen, this was definitely among the best cafes in JB. Unfortunately, it has since closed down after six years of operations due to the pandemic.

5. Maco Cafe & Bakery

best cafes in jb - maco cafe & bakery

We all know that cake and coffee make an excellent combination, and no one does it better than Maco Cafe & Bakery, really.

Their millie crepes— in a variety of interesting flavours, such as rose and rum & raisin — are what propelled them onto our list of best cafes in JB. With a buttery soft and lightweight texture that simply melts in your mouth, they go perfectly with a cuppa.

Sweet treats not your thing? They have savoury pies, pastries, and mains on their menu too!

Price range: From RM11.50 (~S$3.65) for a slice of millie crepe
Address: 65, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/2, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10.30am to 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Website | Facebook | Instagram

6. 93 Bangkok Coffee (Permanently closed)

best cafes in jb - 93 bangkok coffee

93 Bangkok Coffee was a cafe that offered a staggering variety of Thai coffee. In fact, there was no doubt that this cafe was the equivalent of paradise to coffee junkies, also known as one of the best cafes in JB for them. Diners could purchase the beans used in their coffees to brew a cup for themselves at home!

Unfortunately, this cafe has closed down.

7. Pace Cafe (Permanently closed)

best cafes in jb - pace cafe

Painted a distinctive shade of robin’s egg blue, Pace Cafe was impossible to miss as people made their way from one cafe to another in JB. Soothing ambience aside, they also had an impressive selection of specialty coffees, teas, and coffee inspired deserts.

Unfortunately, this cafe has closed down.

8. Flowers In The Window

best cafes in jb - flowers in the window

Surround yourself with beautiful blooms and greenery as you indulge in some delightful brunch favourites from Flowers In The Window. We’re talking Superfood Avocado Poached Eggs on Toast, Mexican Breakfast Chorizos, and Salmon Charcoal Burgers — some of which contain edible flowers, keeping in line with the botanical theme of the cafe.

One of the best cafes in JB, and one of the most inventive? No doubt about it.

Price range: From RM24 (~S$7.61) for Superfood Avocado Poached Eggs on Toast
Address: 9, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm (Mon, Wed – Sun)
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9. The Replacement — Lodge & Kitchen

best cafes in jb - the replacement

If the gorgeous, all-white decor doesn’t draw you in, the delectable eats sure will. The Replacement – Lodge & Kitchen is one of the best cafes in JB. It is inspired by the cafe culture in Melbourne, and it shows through all aspects of the establishment: from the specialty coffee selections to the unique blend of flavours in their dishes, such as the Minty Lamb Bao (braised lamb mince coated in minty mayo and served in a Chinese style bao bun).

If anything, drop by to snap a few shots by the impeccable white storefront; we guarantee that your #ootd will look stunning against it.

Price range: From RM9 (~S$2.85) for their signature Chicken Breast Rice
Address: 33, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am to 6pm (Mon, Wed – Sun)
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10. Urban Artisan Cafe (Permanently closed)

best cafes in jb - urban artisan cafe

Urban Artisan Cafe Johor Bahru Mount Austin was a cafe that served up delightfully colourful cones in over 50 diverse flavours such as Hokkaido Lavender, Coal Black Thai Coconut and Taro Yam amongst others. This was one of the best cafes in JB, but it has since closed down.

Nevertheless, you can still enjoy these cones at the cafe’s other two outlets in Penang and Kuala Lumpur!

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11. Coffee Valley (Permanently closed)

best cafes in jb - coffee valley

Inventive fusion meals, breakfast foods, and cute latte art? Coffee Valley ticked all of the boxes when it came to an ideal brunch spot. With a provocative signature dish known as the Egg Slut, you could bet on enjoying some unique dishes that you couldn’t experience anywhere else in JB – it’s one of the reasons why it was one of the best cafes in JB!

Unfortunately, this cafe has closed down.

12. Bloom By Mok Mok

best cafes in jb - bloom by mok mok

If you’re thinking— wait, doesn’t Mok Mok sound a little familiar? Well, that’s because Bloom is run by the same people behind Mok Mok Brunch & Bistro that was mentioned earlier on the list! Sure, while the menu might be almost entirely alike, the key difference is the garden theme behind Bloom. With hanging dried flowers, porch swings and adorable potted plants everywhere, there is no better place to take some great holiday shots before digging in to a satisfying meal.

The cafe is also just a 15-minute drive away from the checkpoint, offering a variety of healthy and sinful dishes you can bury your face in. The rice bowls and the burgers are a pretty big hit amongst patrons; try it for yourself and you’ll know exactly what we mean!

Price range: From RM23 (~S$7.26) for Curry Katsu Don
Address: 87, Jalan Mutiara Emas 2A, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 12pm to 11.30pm (Mon – Sun)
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13. The Ice Cream Project

best cafes in jb - the ice cream project

Rich, creamy, and available in a range of unique flavours, The Ice Cream Project is the place to head to if you’re looking to indulge in some perfectly sweet fare in JB.

Each scoop is hand-made and measured before your eyes, with customers loving the commitment to quality control and craftsmanship. There are the classic chocolates and matcha flavours to go for, but we recommend trying something a little out of your comfort zone, like butterscotch or brownie and cream!

Price range: From RM14 (~S$4.44) for a scoop
Address: 31 Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 12pm to 8pm (Mon – Sun)
Website | Facebook | Instagram

14. Good Morning Food Truck

best cafes in jb - good morning food truck

Just crossed the checkpoint and looking for a quick breakfast to tide you over before an entire day of cafe-hopping? Head to the Good Morning Food Truck to get your fix of Taiwanese-style breakfast sandwiches. Considering how food trucks are pretty much scarce to none in Singapore, you’ll get to enjoy the full experience over at JB!

They also opened a physical store, with their sandwich and coffee offerings quickly propelling them onto the list of best cafes in JB.

Price range: From RM7.90 (~S$2.50) for chicken egg toast
Address: LOT I, Jalan Ekoflora Utama, Taman Ekoflora, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 7am to 3pm (Tue – Sun)

15. August Drip Coffee

best cafes in jb - august drip coffee

Coffee fans have to pay a visit to August Drip Coffee, one of the best cafes in JB that serves up aromatic coffee with your choice of coffee bean. Customers who have been there have only compliments for the cafe, with many saying that they would certainly recommend this place to their friends for its nice environment and coffee.

The staff at the cafe are also very knowledgeable about coffee beans, and they would be more than happy to share their knowledge with you!

Pair the coffee with one of the pastries they have available and this would make for the perfect stop in between meals.

Price range: From RM9.90 (~S$3.14) for a cup of iced long black
Address: 2, Jalan Kancil, Taman Century, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am to 6pm (Mon – Sun)
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16. The Atlas Maison (Formerly known as Atlas Coffee Embassy)

best cafes in jb - the atlas maison

Nothing beats a hearty brunch in a homely setting, and The Atlas Maison ticks all the right boxes when it comes to giving you a great start to the day. You must get The Big Breakfast (which, by the way, is fully customisable!) and if you are up for dessert, order a plate of Atlas French Toast to share with your friends.

Price range: From RM11 (~S$3.49) for a hot black coffee
Address: 32, Jalan Austin Heights 8/7, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm (Mon – Sun)
Website | Facebook

17. gCafe (Permanently closed)

best cafes in jb - gcafe

gCafe was known for their wide variety of Western food, such as their Soft Shell Crab Pasta, Lemon Cheesecake, Banana Crepe, and Rosa Cafe Latte. Many people also loved the cafe for their ambience because it offered the perfect cosy spot for intimate conversations with your loved ones.

Unfortunately, this cafe has closed down.

18. Just Want Coffee, The Factory 30

best cafes in jb - jwc the factory 30

JWC has a few concept cafes in JB, and this one is, as the name implies, a popular choice for those within the industrial area to chill and relax before getting back to work.

They are famous for their pastries, with delights including Croissant, Cinnamon Roll, Pain Au Chocolate, Burnt Cheese Cake, and Choux Cream Puff.

Price range: From RM16 (~S$5.07) for a slice of Caramel Burnt Cheese Cake
Address: 30, Jalan Mutiara Emas 5/3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 11am to 11pm (Mon – Sun)
Website | Facebook

19. La’Farine

best cafes in jb - lafarine

You’ll be tempted to order a little too much of everything at this cafe in JB, but be sure to leave some space in your stomach for their sinful, French-inspired desserts and freshly baked pastries! You’ve been warned!

Indulge in their hearty Rendang Nasi Lemak and Ayam Penyet Rice before concluding the meal with a La’Farine Classic Dessert of souffle pancakes with layers of almond dacquoise, fruits, and nuts!

Price range: From RM14.90 (~S$4.72) for Ayam Penyet Rice
Address: Jalan Austin Heights 8/1, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 8am to 8pm (Mon – Sun)

20. Lamuse Coffee (Permanently closed)

best cafes in jb - lamuse coffee

Lamuse Coffee was one of the best cafes in JB that served up affordable local Chinese or Malaysian food including Nasi Lemak and Satay Chicken With Rice. They also served some Western classics and a Japanese menu.

Unfortunately, this cafe has closed down.

21. Let’s Get Cereal (Permanently closed)

best cafes in jb - lets get cereal

Let’s Get Cereal was Malaysia’s first ever cereal cafe, and being a novelty, it quickly became one of the best cafes in JB to visit. They served over 20 local and imported cereal brands as well as a variety of flavoured milk to choose from, which was why crowds flocked to the place to try it out themselves.

Unfortunately, this cafe has closed down.

22. Our Toast Our Times (High School Kopitiam)

best cafes in jb - our toast our times

Although we don’t use chalkboards and wooden tables in school these days, the older generation will surely love this themed cafe’s nostalgic vibes. The toasts here are highly recommended for their reasonable prices and addictive taste.

Experience what it’s like to go to school in the olden days when you visit Our Toast Our Times, one of the best cafes in JB!

Price range: From RM2.80 (~S$0.89) for Kaya Toast
Address: 57, Jalan Austin Heights 8/5, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Mon – Sun)

23. Shakespeare Milkshakes (Permanently closed)

best cafes in jb - shakespeare milkshakes

As you might have guessed from its name, Shakespeare Milkshakes served amazing milkshakes – lots of them. Customers could take their pick from sweet, decadent milkshakes, savoury croffles (croissants pressed between a waffle iron) and beverages (both hot and iced).

Unfortunately, this cafe has closed down.

24. Vanilla Bean Diner

best cafes in jb - vanilla bean diner

If you’re looking for a cosy cafe to chill at after having a meal, you should definitely check out Vanilla Bean Diner and what they have to offer.

Crowned one of the best cafes in JB, this cafe serves up desserts that will instantly make your day better. Try any of the waffles, puff pastries, or the cheesecakes – you won’t go wrong with your choice when you dine here, because everything’s too good!

Price range: From RM22 (~S$6.97) for a Fruit Waffle
Address: G-09, Block B, Pangsapuri Pinggiran Air, No.2 Persiaran Senibong, 81750 Masai, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 9am to 9pm (Mon – Thu) | 9am to 11pm (Fri – Sun)
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25. Commune by the Creators

best cafes in jb - commune by the creators

One of the best cafes in JB, Commune by the Creators is a must-visit when you cross the border. This cafe is popular for its delicious brunch menus that classics such as Eggs Benedict Croissant and Avocado Toast. There are also other main dishes available if you’re looking to have something a little heartier to prepare you for the long day of shopping ahead!

Price range: From RM11 (~S$3.49) for Eggs on Toast
Address: 228 & 230, Jalan Adda 7, Taman Adda Heights, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 9.30am to 6pm (Mon – Sun)
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26. Space Cafe

best cafes in jb - space cafe

If you’re looking for a cafe that has Instagram-worthy interior and food, Space Cafe is the place for you. This cosy, minimalistic cafe is so aesthetically pleasing that you’ll feel relaxed the moment you step foot into it.

Take a seat by the floor-to-ceiling glass windows and people-watch as you sip on an aromatic cup of coffee and savour some bakes.

Looking for something a little more filling? Go for their pastas instead!

Price range: From RM10 (~S$3.17) for a cup of espresso
Address: 
Holiday Villa, G-11, 260, Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 8am to 10pm (Sun – Thu) | 8am to 12am (Fri & Sat)
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27. The Brew Orchestra

best cafes in jb - the brew orchestra

Another paradise for coffee lovers, The Brew Orchestra is a cafe where you can head to for speciality coffee, quality food, and desserts. It has a wide selection of speciality coffee beans that you can choose from, including ones from award-winning roasters. Accompany your coffee with some fresh bakes from the cafe, such as croissants, pain au chocolate, and panettone.

This has been said to be one of the best cafes in JB and you’ll know why as soon as you give it a try yourself!

Price range: From RM2.80 (~S$0.89) for a pretzel
Address: 19, Jalan Molek 1/5C, Taman Molek, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am to 10pm (Mon – Sat) | 9am to 7pm (Sun)
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28. Haru Coffee

best cafes in jb - haru coffee

Love all things Korean? Drop by Haru Coffee and be transported to South Korea with its Korean-inspired menu and decor. We’re talking about Shin Ramyun served in those golden pots that you always see in K-dramas, Rice Ball, and Dalgona coffee!

This cosy cafe is a great place to hang out and eat some Korean food, especially if you’re craving it after having your fill of local food.

Price range: From RM25 (~S$7.93) for the Haru Breakfast
Address: 48, Jalan Adda 7, Taman Adda Heights, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Mon – Wed, Fri – Sun)
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