Planning a trip across the border? Don't forget to stop by the coolest cafes in JB that are perfect for brunch and coffee.
Great cafes are one of our many weaknesses. We’ll readily admit we’re frequent cafe hoppers – we’ve been to most of Singapore’s awesome coffee roasters. Now that we can finally cross the Causeway after a long pandemic wait, you can bet we’ll hit up all the best cafes in Johor Bahru we can find. If you’re planning a trip to JB and need some recommendations for where to get good food and your daily caffeine fix, check out this list of the coolest coffee haunts to stop by.
First things first…
Before you pack your bags and get into that car, you might want to take note of a few things so you don’t make a wasted trip. Ensure you’re fully vaccinated, and have a passport that’s valid for at least six months. You’ll need to download and register for the MySejahtera app on your phone (it’s the Malaysian version of TraceTogether) so you can enter shops, malls and F&B establishments. And don’t forget to fill in your arrival card within three days before you return to Singapore – this will be presented at the checkpoint on your way home!
Also, remember that the world has changed since Covid-19 hit two years ago. This means the JB from your memories is probably going to be a little different than what it is today. Many shops, malls and places you used to frequent might have closed, so do a quick search online before including them in your itinerary.
The best cafes in Johor Bahru
1. Commune by the Creators
The clean, aesthetic interior of this cafe makes it the perfect spot to take respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. Tuck into warm, perfectly poured cups of coffee alongside a hot meal. We recommend the freshly baked bagels, or eggs benedict on toast for that classic Instagrammable brunch. You can also go for one of the pasta dishes if you need something a little more filling.
Commune by the Creators, 228, 230 Jalan Adda 7, Taman Adda, 81100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
2. The Replacement – Lodge & Kitchen
Taking up a spot on the cool list is this spiffy bed-and-breakfast, an off-shoot of the popular Faculty of Caffeine. Head here early for breakfast or bunch and have the indulgent English breakfast platter.
The Replacement – Lodge & Kitchen, 33, 34, Jalan Dhoby, 80000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
3. Space Cafe
Savour delicious French pastries while enjoying vibrant downtown views at Space Cafe. You’ll be basking in the aroma of its rich, house-blended coffee while reclining at dreamy-looking window seats. We recommend trying the Coco Jumbo, a tropical-tasting cuppa that’ll put you in a holiday mood.
Space Cafe, Shop 11, Ground Floor Holiday Villa Hotel, No.260 Jalan Dato Sulaiman, 80250 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
4. Atlas Coffee Embassy
Designed with pine and muted grey touches, Atlas Coffee Embassy looks like it’s jumped right out of the pages of a Kinfolk magazine. While the main focus is, of course, the coffee, it also doles out delicious homely breakfasts including the usual scrambled eggs and ham affair.
Atlas Coffee Embassy, No 32, Jalan Austin Heights 8/7, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
5. Haru Coffee
This cafe will whisk you away to the land of K-dramas with its Korean-inspired menu and interiors. Think light and fluffy tofu cheesecakes, and hot bibimbap or Shin ramyun served alongside sweet dalgona coffee. Grab your close chingus and make some new memories of Johor Bahru at this cosy little cafe!
Haru Coffee, 48, Jalan Adda 7, Taman Adda Heights, 81100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
6. Bev C
A fashion boutique as well as a contemporary cafe, Bev C feels like something you’d find in Soho, New York. There’s even a bed for customers to rest on! If you’re feeling warm from all the good-lookers flooding in the store, chill out with a glass of iced coffee that’s served with espresso ice cubes.
Bev C, 54 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, 80000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
7. Just Want Coffee, The Factory 30
This JWC chain is housed in a massive factory building. We love how the chic industrial-style cafe is nicely furnished with brass pipes, brick walls and coffee bags hanging on the ceilings. Order its freshly baked, buttery croissants, and pair ’em with its signature ice coffee served in an amber glass bottle.
The Factory by Just Want Coffee, No 30, Jln Mutiara Emas 5/3, Tmn Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
8. The Brew Orchestra
This cafe brews amazing cuppas that will impress even the biggest coffee snobs. Check out its wide selection of speciality coffee beans from award-winning roasters (such as beans from Seoul’s beloved 180 Coffee Roasters). Aside from coffee, Brew Orchestra also serves scrumptious brunches and thickly-packed sandwiches that’ll keep you full as you venture around JB.
The Brew Orchestra, 19 Jalan Molek 1/5c Taman Molek, 81100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
9. Chaiwalla and Co. Container Cafe
Housed in a sleek shipping container, Chaiwalla and Co. is the epitome of hip. With a tagline like “Honest Tea”, we’d recommend switching up your regular cuppa with a delicious cup of tea instead. Customise your drink by experimenting with different flavours and toppings – just like how you would at bubble tea stores.
Chaiwalla and Co. Container Café, Lot 2180, Tan Hiok Nee Street, 80000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
10. Sea & Saw
Temporarily closed.
A gardening specialist, furniture store, and cafe all rolled into one, Sea & Saw certainly makes itself known as a one-of-a-kind cafe. It’s no surprise, seeing how the owners are the interior designers of Bev C, and the brains behind this sweet coffee house!
Sea & Saw, Jln Ismail Sultan, Straits View, 80200 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
We can’t wait for more adventures across the Causeway! Don’t forget to bookmark this list for the best cafes to explore in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
