Following the reopening of Malaysia’s land borders sometime back, I admit that I’ve been visiting Johor Bahru (JB) for (too) many day trips together with friends … But I believe that it might be the same for some of you guys too! If you’re in need of a change in scenery from the usual hawker food or coffeeshops, how about allowing me to introduce to you a day’s worth of IG-worthy cafes and restaurants to head to? Without further ado, let’s jump right into the good food and picture spots awaiting you!
Start your day at Bev C Cafe

Image credits to JB City Guide (https://jbcityguide.com/place/bev-c-cafe/)
A fashion label doubling up as a cafe, Bev C’s architecture and interior give off vintage, industrial vibes. Head here for a morning cup of coffee to keep you awake and refreshed throughout the day in preparation to eat more food. And nope, you don’t have to get your usual order. How about trying their Ruby Grape Honey Cold Brew (RM14), or their Sparkling Cascara Espresso (RM15)? If you’re not a fan of coffee, you can also get drinks like Hot Matcha (RM12), a simple Hot Black Tea (RM10), or the Sparkling Matcha Lemon (RM16) if you’re more adventurous.
My friends and I tried their Sparkling Cascara Tea (RM16), and it was a very interesting combination of soda and the acidity of caffeine. Personally, I couldn’t really appreciate the taste as I’m not that into coffee, but my friend thought it was good.

Image credits to JB City Guide (https://jbcityguide.com/place/bev-c-cafe/)
Along with a drink, perhaps you’d also be interested in getting ‘Oh Mama!’ (RM18), a tasteful fusion of chicken rendang in a croissant, or even cake for breakfast. Bev C offers so many creative options, they will leave you wondering, “what should I choose?”
Address: 54, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm, closed Wednesdays
Price range: RM10-30
Halal? Not certified, but food has no pork no lard no alcohol. Cafe serves beer though.
Head to Korean Cafe Yeon for lunch

Image credits to Yeon Cafe
Here, let your phone eat first with drool-inducing and colourful photos of Rainbow Bibimbap (RM18) or Kimbap (RM18) (not pictured above)! Though the kimbap here was not as crunchy as I thought it’ll be, their Creamy Spicy Seafood Ramen (RM24) was so good last I visited. Besides mains, Yeon also offers many other cakes and donuts.

Image credits to JB City Guide (https://www.facebook.com/jbcityguide/photos/pcb.3738830589470918/3743861722301138)
The interior of Yeon is decorated in a bohemian style. You’ll find many botanicals inside the cafe and even a mini garden before the entrance. The patterned cushions, wooden furniture, macrame wall hanging, translucent drapes, and the dim, hanging, lamps all give the cafe a very homey and relaxed feel.
After lunch, you can also enjoy bowling at Pelangi Leisure Mall, just a 5-minute walk from Yeon!
Address: 12, Jalan Perang, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 12pm - 10pm, closed Tuesdays
Price range: RM10-30
Halal? Not certified, but no pork no lard
Time for tea break at Soil

Image credits to JB City Guide (https://jbcityguide.com/place/soil-jb/)
If you’re into forest-garden themed cafes, then Soil JB is right up your alley. I'd be rich if I had a dollar every time I saw someone posting a photo of themselves posing in front of the cafe on Instagram …

Image credits to JB City Guide (https://jbcityguide.com/place/soil-jb/)
Soil offers a wide range of pastries, desserts and drinks. My friends and I absolutely loved their Lemon Meringue Tart (RM18)! The Iced Mint Chocolate (RM16) I got was not bad as well.
Address: Unit SL009, Spring Lab, Lot A (GF, Jalan Ekoflora Utama, Taman Ekoflora, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am to 6pm, Sat-Sun 9am to 7:30pm
Price range: RM5-30
Halal? Not certified
Chow down on burgers for dinner at Lazy Monday

Image credits to Lazy Monday HQ
When I chanced upon Lazy Monday on Instagram, I was immediately sold. The burgers looked so juicy that I had to go. As I prefer not to eat beef, I settled for one out of two burger options with chicken: Wisconsin Burger (around RM21). Their burgers were a mouthful, and had my friends and I going ‘mMm’ after the first bite. We also bought their Chilli Cheese Fries (around RM19) and it came loaded with a lot of sauce.

Image credits to JOHOR NOW (https://www.facebook.com/johornow/photos/pcb.4917432998312018/4917423368312981)
With fairy lights strung across the open roof, coming here to eat in the evening is not only vibey, but you’ll also get to score some good-looking photos with your friends. Posting the food and atmosphere on IG is bound to get you replies of “where’s this?”.
Address: 71A, Jalan Abdul Samad 1, Sri Gelam, 80100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 3pm - 12am daily, Thurs-Fri open additionally from 12am-12pm, closed on Tuesdays
Price range: RM20-40
Halal? Not certified, but seems to be
Overall, I’m pretty stoked to visit these cafes and restaurants again on my next trip to JB. I can’t wait to try different menu items with other friends, as well as enjoy the aesthetically pleasing atmosphere of these places!
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