If you frequent Johor Bahru (JB), you’ll want in on this guide. We’ve gathered 10 new cafes to check out in JB in 2026, whether you’re a coffee snob or just love exploring cool new hangouts. From trendy brunch cafes to hidden gems, this list has you covered for your next cafe-hopping trip across the Causeway.
The current exchange rate is RM1 = ~S$0.32 as of 4 March 2026.
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If you’re looking for a cafe to visit near KSL City Mall, visit OTTO Cafe. Just a seven-minute drive from the popular shopping centre in JB, this cool new spot ticks all the right boxes. The space is bright and inviting, featuring beautiful terracotta tones, while the menu is packed with brunch favourites and hearty mains.
Popular picks from the brunch page include Pink Avocado Toast (RM34+), starring beetroot-infused hummus, and Soft Shell Crab Toast (RM35+): sourdough toast stacked with crispy soft shell crab, nori cracker, and curry egg mayo. If you want something more filling, consider the Wagyu Beef Burger (RM65+) or the Lamb Ragu (RM37+) pasta instead! Drinks-wise, you can enjoy cafe staples including Strawberry Matcha (RM20+) and espresso-based coffee.
Address: 81 Jalan Chengai 80250 Taman Melodies, Johor Bahru, 80250 Johor, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am to 6pm, Sat-Sun 9am to 6pm
Website
OTTO Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
NGL, the minimalist cafe aesthetic can get a little boring. If you’re ready to embrace your maximalist side, head over to Kirin Coffee, a vibrant new spot near Mount Austin, JB! The whimsical two-storey cafe is decked in bold colours and quirky decor, every corner a photo-worthy one.
You’ll find a small range of drinks and desserts from RM7.90, each of them usually with an interesting twist. Highlights include the Banana Cake (RM21.90), inspired by the viral duct-taped banana artwork, and Ginseng & Goji Americano (RM20.90).
Read our Kirin Coffee feature.
Address: Unit #G-03, Austin 18, Jalan Austin Perdana 3, Taman Austin Perdana, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 11pm
Tel: +60 16-912 8287
Website
Kirin Coffee is not a halal-certified eatery.
Popular Muslim-friendly cafe Siblings Gelato recently opened a new outlet at Mount Austin, called Siblings Gelato Lab. Dessert fans will be happy to know that their signature gelato is available here, in flavours such as Honey Jasmine, Blueberry Cheesecake, and Earl Grey Sea Salt Hazelnut. Prices start at RM12 for a small cup (single flavour), RM18 for medium (two flavours), and RM20 for large (three flavours), with a RM3 top-up for premium flavours. Pair your gelato with their house-made Waffle (RM10) or Brioche (RM10)!
Besides the sweets, diners can look forward to a savoury lineup starring hearty pasta mains and rice bowls: think Smoked Salmon Creamy Pasta (RM35.90), Mentaiko Fried Chicken Donburi (RM26.90) and more.
Address: 17-02, Jalan Austin Heights 8/3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 12pm to 8pm
Website
Siblings Gelato is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
Dachshund & Friends is a new sausage dog cafe in JB, located just a 20-minute drive from the CIQ. The Mount Austin dog cafe is home to six adorable dachshunds that you can cuddle and play with. Entry starts at RM28 per hour on weekdays and RM32 on weekends, with a free drink of your choice included. Beverages on the menu include Ginger Rooibos and Yuzu Honey Cooler.
Before you leave, don’t forget to check out the merch corner, where you’ll find T-shirts, bandanas and more, all featuring sausage dog-inspired designs!
Address: 1-01, 5, Jalan Austin Heights 7, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Sun-Tue 12:30pm to 6pm
Website
Dachshund & Friends is not a halal-certified eatery.
Date Cafe is another new cafe near KSL City Mall, just a 10-minute walk away! Here you’ll find Japanese mains such as the Salmon Genmai – Zuke (RM38): raw salmon katsu atop pearl rice, furikake, marinated radish, and toasted genmaicha tea broth on the side. Other don options include Ebi Tempura Curry Don (RM28) and Signature Gyu Don (RM32), featuring Australian beef brisket, caramelised onions, and an onsen egg.
Matcha fans will be happy to know that the cafe uses premium Niko Neko powder in their beverages: Strawberry Matcha (RM21), Matcha Yuzu (RM21) and more.
Address: 117, Jln Beringin, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 12pm to 7pm, Fri-Sun 12pm to 9pm
Website
Date Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
If you’re looking for a cute cafe near JB CIQ, we’ve got you. Shuu Cafe is a new brunch cafe that’s a 10-minute drive from the customs, making it the perfect pitstop after crossing the Checkpoint.
Previously located at Dato Onn, the cafe isn’t exactly new, previously specialising in pastries and desserts. Now housed in a cottage-like property, Shuu Cafe has expanded their menu to offer mains, including brunch favourites and house-made noodles. We’re excited to try their Beef Butter Noodles (RM28) and Prawn Toast (RM25), starring shokupan stuffed with prawn and drizzled with strawberry ketchup. There’s also a beautiful lineup of bakes to choose from, including their popular choux pastries and cookies.
Address: 203, Jln Wijaya, Taman Abad, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Thurs-Tue 10am to 6pm
Website
Shuu Cafe is a Muslim-owned eatery.
Rowan & Betty, the sister brand of Rowan & Parsley, is a cosy, retro spot that’s recently opened in Taman Pelangi. Located on the second floor of a shophouse, the new brunch spot has been gaining popularity for its rustic decor and vintage charm.
If you’re here for brunch, you’ll find innovative offerings such as the Chopped Beef Cornedict (RM39++), a twist on the classic eggs benedict, and Chicken Tikka Masala with Roti Canai (RM22++). There’s also a small selection of donburi bowls and pasta mains to try. Coffee starts at RM9++ for Black and RM12++ for White.
Address: 27-02, Jln Sri Pelangi 3, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 6pm
Website
Rowan & Betty is not a halal-certified eatery.
Interestingly, Le Pain Cafe is not a French bakery but a Korean cafe, despite its name. Diners can tuck into comforting Korean classics ranging from Kimchi Pancake (RM23++) and Rose Tteokbokki (RM26++) to Stone Beef Bibimbap with Beef Set (RM34++) and Soy Garlic Boneless Chicken (RM33++).
There’s also an extensive beverage selection, with highlights including the Purple Sweet Latte (RM18++), infused with purple sweet potato, and the Black Sand Latte (RM18++), featuring creamy milk coffee spiked with black sesame. Don’t miss out on their Matcha too, which starts at RM15++!
Address: 13, Jalan Beringin, Taman Kebun Teh, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9am to 10pm
Website
Le Pain is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
It’s not every day you find a cafe serving pad krapao, so Half Half Coffee definitely caught our attention. This new cafe, just a 15-minute drive from JB Customs, offers a zhnged-up version of the classic Thai basil rice dish. Their Half-Krapao (RM26++) features Japanese rice topped with two Omega eggs and served alongside chicken basil. There are other hearty Asian fusion mains to try, ranging from Spicy Penne (RM23++), infused with gochujang, to Sichuan Mala Udon (RM26++).
The cafe stands out for its unique coffee concoctions, too. There are 20 drinks on the menu, including Dirty Matcha (RM18++), Honeydew Pop (RM18++), and Blooming Yuzu (RM16++).
Address: 104, Jalan Keris, Taman Sri Tebrau, 80050 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 7pm
Website
Half Half Coffee is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
Cha Haus is a recent addition to the bustling Taman Pelangi neighbourhood, having opened in September 2025. Touted as a modern tea sanctuary, the cafe offers a spacious setting with cosy corners perfect for a zen moment or a quiet respite from the city.
The menu features a wide variety of teas, from fresh milk teas to tea-based cocktails. Cool off from the sweltering heat with a fizzy tea beer or enjoy a refreshingly cold tea in flavours such as Chilled Jade Dew (Green) (RM17.80) and Dark Pu-Er Fresh Milk (RM18.80).
Address: Block B , #05-02, Pusat Komersial Pelangi, Pelangi Avenue, Jln Sri Pelangi 4, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm
Website
Cha Haus is not a halal-certified eatery.
With so many exciting new brunch spots and coffee cafes to explore in JB, you’ll be spoiled for choice! Be sure to check back as we continue to update this guide with the latest cafe openings in the city.
For more Johor Bahru food recommendations, read our guide to the best JB cafes, tried and approved by the team! You can also read our comprehensive JB food guide, where we compile the top 60 eateries worth trying.
Feature image adapted from @half.half_coffee.malaysia, Yuqi Koh via Google Maps, and Kirin Coffee via Google Maps
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