If you have already paid Johor Bahru’s famous Mount Austin or even the lesser-known Bukit Indah a visit, consider heading to JB Eco Botanic for your next cafe-hopping or foodie adventure! This part of town is slowly evolving into the next hip area, brimming with cute coffee cafes and old-school eateries serving great local food—so quickly visit and gatekeep this place while you can.
The current exchange rate is RM1 = ~S$0.31 as of 15 October 2025.
For affordable dim sum in JB, specifically in the Eco Botanic area, look no further than Tian Xin Lou. This popular restaurant offers quality dim sum in a comfortable, air-conditioned setting. BTW, the eatery opens till 1am daily!
The food menu is extensive, with must-order dim sum classics ranging from Lava Bao (RM9.90+), Fried Carrot Cake (RM8.90), and Classic Rice Noodle Rolls (RM6.90+) to lesser-seen items such as Rice Wine Chicken Bao (RM11.90+) and Honeycomb Taro Balls (RM6+). Don’t forget to order a basket of Classic Siu Mai (RM6.90+) and Fresh Shrimp Siu Mai (RM8.50+), too.
Address: 3, Jalan Eko Botani 3/7, Taman Eko Botanic, 79100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 7am to 1am
Website
Tian Xin Lou is not a halal-certified eatery.
Eco Botanic area is an up-and-coming area in JB, with a lot of new cafes springing up—one of them is Off Day Cafe. This minimalist and relatively spacious cafe is a great spot to study, do work or enjoy a casual brunch with friends.
Popular picks include the Classic French Toast (RM23+), Avocado Bagel (RM29+), and Salmon Egg Benedict (RM33+). The toast is said to be fluffy and light, pairing perfectly with the streaks of beef bacon and drizzle of maple syrup.
For dessert, consider their Basque Cheesecake (RM22+) or Strawberry Bubble Waffle (RM28+): house-made eggette waffle with Korean strawberries, banana, fresh cream, and maple syrup.
Address: 57 Jalan Eko Botani 3/7, 79100 Gelang Patah, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 10am to 6pm, Fri-Sun 9am to 7pm
Tel: +60 7-585 9539
Website
Off Day Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery.
For a solid cup of matcha or coffee and the most gorgeous cakes and pastries, head to Manzanita Patisserie & Boulangerie. If you’re feeling slightly more peckish, they also have several mains to choose from. Plus, there are several outlets dotted across the island with thousands of Google reviews, and a 4-star and above rating for each of them!
If you’re looking to share a slice of cake with your companion, the Earl Grey Red Velvet Mousse Cake (RM16++) or Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake (RM13.80++) are good choices. The former consists of an earthy and creamy Earl Grey mouse, while the latter consists of layers of bittersweet chocolate cream and dark chocolate sponge cake. Not only are these cakes delicious, but also pretty to look at!
Address: 1 Jalan Eco Botanic 3/4, Taman Eco Botanic, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm
Tel: +60 19-772 0754
Website
Manzanita Patisserie & Boulangerie is not a halal-certified eatery.
ICYMI: Padi Kopitiam now has an outlet at Eco Botanic! You’ll find their signature Nanyang offerings here: think Hainanese kopi, thick toasts, nasi lemak, and popular noodle dishes.
Their signature Padi Snowy Pop Bun (RM5.50++), the cafe’s rendition of polo bun, is a must-get. This bun stars a crispy exterior and fluffy middle, with a milky flavour. If you’re in the mood for savoury fare, consider the Black Kolo Mee with Wonton (RM13.90++): egg noodles tossed in a dark sauce, topped with minced chicken, mushrooms, fishballs, veggies, and crispy wonton skin.
Don’t leave without your caffeine fix; the Padi Kopi, well-priced at RM3.90++, features a strong and sweet brew, perfect for kickstarting your day in JB.
Check out our Padi Kopitiam review.
Address: 54, Jalan Eko Botani 3/6, Taman Eko Botani, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 10pm
Website
Padi Kopitiam is not a halal-certified eatery.
Gather Pizza is a relatively hidden joint, tucked on the second floor of an apartment building. They specialise in a variety of sourdough pizzas and handmade pastas, including some local-infused flavours.
If you are opting for a classic pizza flavour, order the Hawaiian Sunshine (RM50), the Classic Margherita (RM42), or the Four Cheese Pizza (RM55). Those in the mood for noodles can order their sourdough pasta dishes, in flavours such as Aus Beef Bolognese (RM40) and Wild Mushroom Pesto (RM38).
Address: G08-01, Eco Nest Apartments, Jalan Eko Botanic 3/5, Taman Persiaran Eko Botani, Johor Bahru, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Fri-Tue 12pm to 3pm, 5pm to 9:30pm, Wed 5pm to 9:30pm, Thurs 12pm to 3pm
Website
Gather Pizza is not a halal-certified eatery.
Restoran Hua Mui has been serving old-school local favourites since 1946, and has several outlets dotted around JB. If there’s one thing you must get here, which also happens to be what they are known for, it has to be their Hainanese Fried Chicken Chop (RM21.90)
Their fried chicken is battered with crushed biscuits the traditional way, sure to earn you the perfect crisp you are looking for. This dish also comes with a serving of potato wedges and coleslaw, as well as a gravy to douse everything in.
If local Western food isn’t your thing, you can also expect the likes of other local dishes such as Nasi Lemak with Chicken Chop (RM16.90) and Signature Laksa (RM14.80).
Check out our Restoran Hua Mui JB feature!
Address: 131 Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 9pm
Tel: +60 7-224 7364
Website
Restoran Hua Mui is not a halal-certified eatery.
Stepping into Sek Bao will make you feel like you stepped into an old-school Hong Kong teahouse, with vintage movie posters plastered all over the walls and an old-timey jukebox sitting on the ground. Aside from the super cool setting, Sek Bao also happens to be a spot where you can get a good dim sum spread.
Some of their most popular offerings include: Black Truffle Char Siew Bun (RM13.80 for two), Emerald Salted Egg Lava Bun (RM12 for two), Siu Mai (RM12.20), Braised Chicken Feet (RM11). Then, you can further substantiate your meal with dishes such as Wanton Mee (RM16.90) and Lemon Pork Chop Rice (RM23).
Address: 14A Jalan Eko Botani 3/2, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 5pm
Tel: +60 10-905 7660
Website
Sek Bao is not a halal-certified eatery.
If you are a strong believer that bread is the superior carb, you might want to bookmark Little Bun Cafe for the next time you visit JB. The cosy cafe specialises in the steamed brioche bread famous in Korea and Thailand. FYI, their Steam Brioches are said to be much softer and fluffier than your typical oven-baked bread.
There are five flavours of brioche here, including Original (RM22+), Pandan Milk (RM23+), and Walnut & Raisin (RM26+). We recommend going for their Original as it pairs best with the variety of sauces and spreads they offer. During our team’s visit, we tried their Original brioche paired with Yuzu Sauce and Honey Kaya, which made for a super delicious combination!
Check out our Little Bun Cafe feature.
Address: G-08 , Eco Nest Apartment Jalan Eko Botanic 3/5, Taman, Persiaran Eko Botani, 79100, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 9:30am to 6pm, Fri-Sun 9:30am to 8:30pm
Website
Little Bun Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
MokMok is a popular JB cafe that boasts over 900 reviews and a 4.8-star rating on Google. They have an extensive Japanese-Western menu, which includes the likes of pasta, sando, and donburi. Whether you’re leaning towards the Western items on the menu or the Japanese stuff, the fare here is said to be pretty solid all around. Highlights include Aburi Salmon Mentaiko Don (RM36), Unagi Fried Rice (RM38) and Ebi Pumpkin Risotto (RM32), which comes with juicy prawns.
Don’t leave without trying their plated desserts, including the crowd favourite Kumo Ultimo (RM25): souffle pancake with house-made lemon curd, mascarpone cheese mousse, and fresh fruits.
Address: 23, Jalan Eko Botani 3/7, taman eko botani, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm
Website
MokMok is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
If your idea of a perfect brunch includes pretty and flaky pastries or loaded and hearty breakfast platters, consider paying Seven Oaks Bakery Cafe a visit—their offerings are just as delicious as they are pleasing to the eye. While you’re there, check out their new food menu, which includes fusion mains: Creamy Tomyum Pasta (RM30), Truffle Braised Lamb (RM45) and more. Alternatively, the Hot & Sour Chazuke (RM39) is a lighter option that sees pan-seared barramundi, salted vegetables, and rice sitting in a fish-infused broth seasoned with ginger and Sichuan peppercorns.
There’s also an impressive selection of fresh pastries for you to indulge in, including the Matcha Lava Croissant (price TBD), which sports a gooey matcha centre.
Address: 134, Jalan Serampang, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 10:30am to 10pm
Website
Seven Oaks Bakery Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
If you’re a coffee enthusiast looking for a more elevated cuppa than what most of the other cafes have to offer, consider visiting Tom & Danny! The chain is quickly evolving into one of the most popular specialty coffee chains in Johor Bahru, with several outlets across the town, including one in the famous Eco Botanic area.
Aside from the typical Americano (RM11) and Latte (RM14) they have here, there are also things like the Lychee Americano (RM17.50) and the Cookies Cup (RM16.50). The former is a concoction of bitter coffee and sweet lychee juice, while the latter is essentially a piccolo latte served in a crunchy cookie-shaped cup with a chocolate rim. Else, their Signature Iced Coffee (RM 17.50) also hits the spot: the iced latte is topped with a cream foam and is dusted with plenty of cocoa powder!
Address: 72A & 72B, Jalan Eko Botani 3/6, Taman Eko Botani, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 10pm
Website
Tom & Danny is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
If you haven’t, check out our updated list of the best Johor Bahru cafes—there are 40 places in the list to cater to every craving under the sun from sweet to savoury. Otherwise, if you are big on matcha and have already tried every good matcha latte in Singapore, check out our list of the best JB matcha cafes!