Johor Bahru, just a quick hop across the border from Singapore, has blossomed into a café haven in recent years. Once known mainly for budget shopping and late-night suppers, JB is now filled with stylish, well-designed coffee spots offering everything from slow brews and soufflé pancakes to moody industrial aesthetics and beautifully plated brunch.
Whether you’re planning a weekend café-hopping itinerary or just want a good cup before your next shopping spree, this guide rounds up the best cafes in Johor Bahru—complete with great coffee, good vibes, and unforgettable food.
1. Keijometo
Keijometo has one of the most distinctive looks in all of JB’s café scene—a raw, concrete-heavy design that feels like a blend of Kyoto minimalism and brutalist architecture. But the aesthetics are only part of the story.
What really brings people back is their Japanese-inspired menu and deep appreciation for detail. From matcha lattes to slow-drip coffee, everything is crafted with care. Their sandos, especially the tamago and chicken katsu options, are local legends. Pair it with a cold brew and you’ve got yourself an afternoon well spent.
Address: 9, Jalan Ekoperniagaan 2/3, Taman Ekoperniagaan, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
2. The Replacement – Lodge & Kitchen
A café that’s been part of the JB coffee scene since the early wave of specialty shops, The Replacement combines rustic charm with a solid brunch menu and beautifully balanced coffee.
Inspired by Melbourne-style brunch culture, the café is known for its clean white walls, sunny vibes, and great hospitality. Try their signature churros with salted egg yolk sauce. It sounds unusual, but it’s addictive. Their white coffee, pulled from a rotating selection of beans, is always silky smooth and expertly textured.
Address: 33, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
3. Off Day Café
Off Day Café is one of those places that feels like a warm hug—minimalist, cozy, and filled with thoughtful touches. It’s small, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in personality. The design leans heavily into Korean-Japanese influences: think soft earth tones, wooden furniture, and hand-drawn signage.
Coffee-wise, they focus on quality over quantity. Try their iced white or their dirty matcha for something different. Their pastries, sourced from local bakers, sell out fast—especially the sea salt chocolate chip cookies.
Address: 4, Jalan Mutiara Emas 10/2, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
4. Flowers in the Window
Step inside Flowers in the Window and you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a secret garden. Located on the ever-popular Jalan Dhoby, this café is overflowing with greenery, vintage furniture, and soft natural light. It’s part café, part florist, and all charm.
Their food menu is seasonal and vegetable-forward, featuring dishes like beetroot hummus toast and baked eggs with sourdough. Coffee is brewed with beans from local roasters, and their lavender lattes and floral sodas are refreshing alternatives if you’re skipping espresso. A must-visit for plant lovers and brunchers alike.
Address: 9, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
5. Just Want Coffee, The Factory 30
This iconic café is located in a refurbished factory and offers a raw, industrial vibe that sets the tone for serious coffee drinking. Spacious and open, it’s perfect for remote work or group hangouts. They serve specialty coffee in all forms, from French press to siphon brews, and their baristas are always happy to chat beans and brewing methods.
Food here is hearty and generous. Their big breakfast plates, creamy carbonara, and grilled cheese are crowd-pleasers, especially when paired with a robust cup of long black or a velvety flat white.
Address: 30, Jalan Mutiara Emas 5/3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
6. Principle Café by T.A.M.
This sleek, design-forward café is part of the T.A.M. (The Art Market) creative space and is popular among JB’s creative crowd. It’s got a muted colour palette, lots of concrete and wood, and huge windows that let in streams of natural light. In other words, it’s the dream spot for a quiet, contemplative coffee.
Their coffee is top-tier, brewed with single-origin beans and dialed in by baristas who clearly know their stuff. You’ll also find a small but curated menu of pastries and light bites. If you’re the kind who likes to sip slow, read, or people-watch, Principle is worth the stop.
Address: 19, Jalan Ponderosa 2/1, Taman Ponderosa, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
7. Space Café JB
Space Café may be small in size, but its clean aesthetics and smooth coffee offerings pack a punch. This café leans into the Japanese minimalist look. Think muted tones, wooden counters, and clean espresso shots.
The menu is tight and focused. Their iced lattes are a popular choice for the tropical weather, and they offer both dairy and plant-based options. Pair it with a slice of burnt cheesecake or their signature yuzu tart for a refreshing contrast. Quiet, aesthetic, and well-brewed—what more could you want?
Address: 1, Jalan Eko Botani 3/7A, Taman Eko Botani, 79100 Nusajaya, Johor
8. People & Places
This Aussie-inspired café could easily hold its own in Melbourne’s Fitzroy or Sydney’s Surry Hills. The space is open, vibrant, and filled with greenery—and their menu reads like a brunch dream.
They’re known for their Latin Chicken Quesadilla and signature Dirty Latte (a cold milk base with hot espresso poured over). The coffee program uses beans from top Malaysian roasters, and the presentation is always on point. It’s the kind of café where you go for the food, but stay for the coffee and vibes.
Address: Jalan Kencana Emas 2/3, Taman Kencana Emas, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor
Final Thoughts: JB’s Café Scene Deserves More Love
Johor Bahru might not get the same coffee cred as Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, but that’s changing—and fast. These cafés are proof that great coffee and creative spaces are thriving across the border. Whether you’re into matcha, pour-over, or a good old-fashioned kopi, JB has something to offer.
From industrial factories turned third-wave cafés to charming garden hideaways, this city has a diverse and growing café culture that’s well worth exploring. So plan your next JB café hop, and don’t forget your passport!
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