Cecelia ChangAside from being a great spot for shopping and leisure activities, Johor Bahru is also a foodie heaven, with many food options available. Whether you’re a Malaysian having a weekend getaway or someone travelling across the border from Singapore for a culinary trip, here is a list of the best places to eat in JB. From locals-favourite old food stalls to aesthetically pleasing cafes, these Johor Bahru restaurants are definitely worth a visit!
Also read: 15 Best Airbnbs in Johor for Your Next Weekend Getaway
Best places to eat in JB for weekend foodie adventures
1. Fat Fish Jb
Image credit: Fat Fish Jb Official Facebook Page
When searching for where to eat in Johor Bahru, Fat Fish Jb is probably listed as one of the top restaurants. A Chinese fusion-style restaurant, this place is where you should head to when craving seafood in Johor Bahru, as they serve seafood like fish, crab, lobster, clams, and squid. The seafood here comes in various soup flavours such as mala, pork bone with white pepper, and pork intestine soup. Not to mention the interior of the place which looks like a modern, industrial-style cafe instead of a traditional Chinese dining spot.
2. Restaurant Sang Heng
Image credit: Sang Heng Official Facebook Page
Sang Heng restaurant is located on Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, and has been operating for more than half a century. Its teochew mee pok, kuey teow, fish balls, and braised duck and pork are most loved by the locals. Although this restaurant was refurbished, the food still retains the traditional, early flavours, thanks to the recipes passed down through generations. It is definitely one of the best Johor Bahru restaurants to go to if you’re looking for a more localised and classic meal.
3. Tan Kee Cathay Laksa
Image credit: Tan Kee Cathay Laksa Official Facebook Page
Tan Kee Cathay Laksa is a food stall located at Restaurant Shang Ji in JB. With more than 70 years of history, it is best-known for its curry soup base laksa that has a simple, classical flavour, as well as its handmade saury fish balls. Come to this place and have a bowl of laksa noodles served with fish balls, fried bean curd, and fresh cockles when you’re longing for truly local Johor Bahru food.
4. 7 Spice Indian Cuisine
Image credit: 7 Spice Indian Cuisine Official Facebook Page
One of the best places to eat in JB, 7 Spice Indian Cuisine serves dishes that are different from the normal mamak stalls in Malaysia. Their menu items, such as curry and masala, are often praised for their rich and authentic flavour. Beyond standard dishes like banana leaf rice and briyani, there are also other options such as butter chicken, lobster, curry fish head, and tandoori platter.
7 Spice also has a graceful ambience and pristine environment comparable to a fine dining spot. Not to mention, the good service that makes it undoubtedly one of the best Johor Bahru restaurants.
5. Kayuapi by Naughty Bali
Image credit: Kayuapi by Naughty Bali Official Facebook Page
No need to worry about what to eat in Johor Bahru while you’re at Kayuapi by Naughty Bali! This fusion-style grill-bar-restaurant offers a plethora of mouth-watering options that will leave you wanting more. Some of the best meals here include the sate lilit, beef tomahawk, squid ink pasta, burger, pork ribs, butter salmon, and many more.
Accompanying the classy bougie ambience is the wide range of cocktail and mocktail choices to complement your dish of choice. This is not only one of the best places to eat in JB, but also a great place to hang out with friends… and perhaps get a little tipsy at night.
Also read: 10 Cafes in Johor Bahru to Check Out on Your Next Trip Across the Border
6. Wah Cai 3-in-1 Chinese Cake
Image credit: 华仔招牌三合一炸年糕 Official Facebook Page
Head to Wah Cai 3-in-1 Chinese Cake for the tastiest fried snacks in JB. Another food stall that has been open for a long time, Wah Cai’s signature item is the fried Chinese cakes (aka nian gao), durian fritters, banana fritters, and cempedak fritters — all freshly made in the stall.
The Chinese cakes even come in yam and sweet potato flavours. There are also curry puffs if you’re looking for something savoury. Either way, it’s a great food spot to stop by when you need to refuel with something light.
7. Tan Kee Ice Kacang Joo Yee
Image credit: Tan Kee Ice Kacang Joo Yee Official Facebook Page
Among the stalls in Pelangi City food court is Tan Kee Ice Kacang Joo Yee: another place to drop by if you’re wondering where to eat in Johor Bahru. The sweet ice kacang or cendol and the savoury, crunchy rojak (aka the unique fruit and prawn cracker mix) are some of the best Johor Bahru food combinations you have to try. Here, you get both at a reasonable price of less than RM20 (~S$6). The stall also sells rice, noodles, vegetables, and other traditional desserts.
8. Kiang Kee Bak Kut Teh
Image credit: Kiang Kee Bak Kut Teh Official Facebook Page
Located on the side of Jalan Mawai road in Kota Tinggi, Kiang Kee Bak Kut Teh is a must-go place if you love this Malaysian dish made of pork ribs simmered in tea broth. The bak kut teh and braised pork leg here are flavourful with a rich herbal taste. People often travel two hours from JB by car just to get a taste of the goodness. Moreover, the dishes here are cooked traditionally using charcoal.
It’s no wonder it’s often regarded as the best restaurant near JB for pork dishes! However, you might have to queue for a while if you come during lunch hours on weekends or public holidays.
9. Zaituna Restaurant
Image credit: Zaituna Restaurant Official Facebook Page
Head to Zaituna Restaurant, one of the best Johor Bahru restaurants that serve authentic Arabian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Its options range from classic Arabic and Mediterranean food like shawarma, mandhi, hummus, and kunafa; to Western food like pasta, pizza, and burger. There is also grilled seafood available, making it another place to go whenever you want to eat seafood in Johor Bahru.
What’s more, the vibrant mosaic-like decorations and music of this restaurant make you feel like you’re truly dining in the Arab world.
10. Tosca Italian Trattoria
Image credit: Hilton Official Website
Tosca Italian Trattoria is undoubtedly one of the most premium Johor Bahru restaurants. Located on the 13th floor of DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru, this is the perfect place to go for a gastronomical journey along with a stunning view of the city. Here, you can enjoy wood-fired Italian cuisines like pasta, pizza, and rustic Italian desserts together with your loved ones, while embracing the exquisite ambience.
11. Firepitz
Image credit: Firepitz Official Facebook Page
Another dining spot in JB specialising in woodfire grilled dishes is Firepitz. It features quite the modern and extraordinary environment, with an open-concept kitchen that hooks you in. This restaurant is also known for its delicious steak, lamb rack, fish, and desserts. When you’re here, don’t miss out on other quirkily named dishes like Gift From Earth (grilled mushroom) and Squid Game (grilled squid)!
12. Principle Café by T.A.M
Image credit: Principle Cafe by T.A.M Official Facebook Page
Come to Principle Café by T.A.M if you’re searching for a place that fulfils both your tummy and your Instagram feed. This vegan-friendly and Muslim-friendly Western cafe with an Asian flair is home to good coffee and several scrumptious dishes like the Duck Rillette on Brioche, Slow-cooked Lamb Shank, Truffle Mash, and more.
If you’re seeking something light, don’t miss out on the desserts like Houjicha Terrine Tart and Orange Mousse. Don’t forget to get your camera ready because the cafe has many photogenic spots as well!
Also read: Johor Bahru Walking Tour: 9 Best Attractions to Immerse in Its Culture
So, there you have it — the best places to eat in JB. Do you already have an idea of where to eat in Johor Bahru the next time you’re here? From affordable food spots to higher-end restaurants, I’m sure you would find somewhere you like in this foodie paradise!
