“JB cafe” scene has grown beyond just coffee—it’s now a vibrant tapestry of glasshouse retreats, garden brunch spots, and curated design spaces. Whether you’re a weekend explorer, a creative freelancer, or simply looking for an aesthetic brunch, this list captures five standout cafés across the city. All personally visited or highly rated by JB locals, each one offers a unique ambience with hearty menus and unforgettable charm.
Grumpy Goat & Friends Forest Feast Cafe｜“JB cafe” Most Magical Glasshouse
Stepping into Grumpy Goat & Friends feels like entering a modern forest sanctuary. Its glasshouse design, surrounded by lush greenery, is ideal for nature-loving café hoppers and brunch photographers. Signature dishes include pesto chicken pasta, tom yum spaghetti, and creamy mushroom soup—simple yet satisfying. The vibe is relaxed yet lively, making it a hit for weekend dates and birthday gatherings. Bring exact change or use QR pay, as they don’t offer physical change.
📍 GL1, Jalan Suria, Gravity Green, Bandar Baru Seri Alam, 81750 Masai, Johor Bahru
🕒 Daily: 10:30 am–10:45 pm
📞 017‑891 1366
Semicolon｜“JB cafe” Heritage Café Meets Cocktail Charm
Located along Jalan Yahya Awal, Semicolon offers a nostalgic-meets-modern café-bar experience. Expect a refined brunch menu by day and house cocktails by night. Their scrambled eggs on toast, espresso drinks, and mushroom risotto are consistent favourites among locals. The interior features whitewashed walls, raw brick accents and soft lighting—perfect for work catchups or romantic evenings. It’s quiet on weekdays and buzzier on weekends, making it versatile for all café moods.
📍 60 Jalan Yahya Awal, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80100 JB
🕒 11:00 am–10:00 pm (Closed Thursdays)
📞 07‑338 4150
Principle Reserve by T.A.M｜“JB cafe” Colonial Brunch Café in Taman Melodies
As the newest café under the TAM brand, Principle Reserve brings British colonial flair into JB’s brunch landscape. Their menu highlights include soft scrambled croissant platters, kombu sea-salt lattes, and Japanese-style baked rice. Designed with dark wood tones, hanging plants, and retro tilework, it evokes calm elegance. Perfect for solo readers or friend catchups, especially in the bright morning hours. The café also has a unique self-serve pastry corner worth browsing.
📍 23 Jalan Balau, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru
🕒 Daily: 8:00 am–10:00 pm
📞 016‑869 0023
Fifty Trees｜Top Garden Café for Brunch Near KSL
For café-goers who love plants and comfort food, Fifty Trees is a long-time local favourite in Taman Melodies. Its lush garden setting pairs beautifully with Western-style dishes like mac & cheese, ham and egg benedict, and loaded croissants. Most items are priced under RM30, making it a value-for-money choice. The glasshouse and semi-outdoor areas are popular for weekend brunches, especially among families and lifestyle influencers looking for an IG-worthy shot.
📍 53 Jalan Beringin, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru
🕒 9:00 am–10:00 pm (Closed Tuesdays)
📞 07‑338 4150
The Founders Café｜High-Ceiling Café with Industrial Charm
Though not part of the initial four, The Founders Café is worth a mention for its industrial-loft aesthetic and all-day breakfast menu. Signature dishes include their fluffy Japanese pancakes and loaded toasties, with artisan coffee on the side. The high ceilings, polished concrete floors, and open kitchen add to its photogenic appeal. It’s especially suited for digital nomads and those looking for a café that doubles as a workspace.
📍 Tiong Nam Tebrau, 45, Jln Tiong Emas, Kawasan Perindustrian Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
🕒 9:00 am–6:00 pm
📞 012‑772 1880
From lush greenhouses to heritage-rich corners and modern minimalism, Johor Bahru’s café scene is nothing short of diverse and delightful. Whether you’re hunting for a photo-worthy flat white or a soulful risotto in a design-forward space, these five cafés promise a memorable stop. Keep this guide handy for your next brunch date or solo recharge session—and if you find your own hidden gem, tag us in your discovery. Good cafés deserve to be shared.
