10 new JB cafes to explore in 2025 for coffee, cakes, and vibes

If you’re looking for new Johor Bahru cafes to explore in 2025 on your next weekend trip, then you’re in the right place. The cafe scene there is buzzing with fresh energy with new spots popping-up across the city every few months, if not weeks, serving everything you could want in a cafe, from artisanal coffee to freshly baked pastries.  

We’ve done the legwork (and drank many coffees), rounding up 10 fairly new cafes in Johor Bahru (JB), worthy of your time across the causeway. 

Expect to find a mix of good-for-the-gram aesthetics, quaint cozy corners, and inventive dishes. Here’s 10 JB cafes you should explore your next trip there in 2025:

 1. Alley & Daisy 

15, Jalan Eko Botani 3/7, Taman Eko Botani, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor Bahru
Open: Monday to Sunday (9.30am to 9.30pm)

128, Jalan Trus, Johor Bahru Town, 80000, Johor Bahru
Open: Monday to Sunday (8.30am to 5.30pm)

Why visit? Quaint, charming, and a trip back in time is what you can expect when you step into the rustic-styled Alley & Daisy. Decked in dark brown furniture, vintage wall trimmings, with a touch of lace in the fabrics, this cafe is a vintage-lovers haven. The attention to detail here even extends to the tableware with lovely vintage-designed cups, plates and tableware. 

Aesthetics aside, Alley & Daisy’s menu is varied, ranging from signature croissants and tiramisu, to even pasta and green curry — ensuring there’s something for all palates and cravings. 

Crowd favourites: If you’re coming in thirsty, go straight for the matcha latte (RM14 or S$4.20), a beverage that is loved by many thanks to its strong flavour profile and well-balanced mix is — as us Asians will say — “not too sweet”. 

If you prefer something sweet however, the tiramisu (RM19) is a generously portioned dessert, with all the right components that make it both rich, yet light at the same time. 

2. Flame & Fern Cafe 

61, Jalan Chengai, Taman Melodies, 80250, Johor Bahru
Open: Monday to Thursday (10am to 9pm), Friday to Sunday (9am to 10pm)

Why visit? If you’re all about natural light and aesthetics, then this is the cafe for you — Flame & Fern Cafe may not be the newest if you’re a frequent JB cafe hopper, but is still relatively young in the cafe scene, having opened at the end of December 2023.

Nestled in a residential area, it seems unassuming from the outside, but you’ll change your mind once you’re inside after you take in its unfinished, industrial-style concept, complete with high ceilings, cement walls, and plenty of sunlight throughout. If you opt to sit inside, you’ll have an unobstructed view of its modern open-concept kitchen, while the al fresco seats are teeming with greenery.

Flame & Fern cafe takes its food seriously so choices are aplenty — there’s a choice of fresh breads from the bakehouse, hearty mains, as well as sauced-up brunch staples, and desserts. 

Crowd favourites: For a true marriage of breakfast and lunch, try the artisan beef bacon and scrambled eggs (RM45). Although slightly pricey, it’s a value-for-money dish, featuring lusciously creamy eggs on a bed of spinach, topped with a thick cut of beef bacon.

If you’re looking for the perfect snack to share and are a potato person, get the truffle fries (RM24) — thick-cut and absolutely indulgent. 

3. Haha Cafe Gelato

49, Jalan Sultanah Aminah, Taman Iskandar, 80050, Johor Bahru
Open: Tuesday and Wednesday (12pm to 9pm), Friday to Sunday (12pm to 9pm), Monday (12pm to 8pm)

Why visit? Still in its soft launch era, Haha Cafe Gelato is a hip new cafe in JB for those looking for a cool sweet treat on sunny days. Its interior is industrial-themed, complete with bare concrete walls, raw materials, and a chic sense of style throughout the cafe, but is interestingly juxtaposed bold-coloured furniture, wall pieces, and of course, gelato flavours.

Before you think it’s just another gelato shop, this one serves fun and inventive flavours, such as watermelon lychee, strawberry milk, and oolong osmanthus, among others. A regular single scoop starts at RM11, while selected premium flavours go for an additional RM2 or RM4. 

Crowd favourites: If you’re nuts for pistachio, the vibrant-green pistachio gelato (from RM15) is worth the price. For the matcha lover, you can find four matcha drinks on the menu with the pure matcha (RM12) — a straightforward, non-embellished matcha drink — being the general favourite. 

4. The Early Bird

86, Jalan Beringin, Taman Melodies, 80250, Johor Bahru
Open: Monday to Sunday (9am to 10pm)

Why visit?  Initially a Japanese restaurant, The Early Bird has undergone a refresh and revamp, and now operates as a cafe. If minimalist, industrial chic is your vibe, you’ll love its exposed brick walls, textured finishings, and an overall ‘gram-worthy aesthetic. 

You can find all the usual cafe staples, such as a big breakfast platter or a healthy rice bowl, complete with little twists to elevate each dish. It’s worth mentioning that there’s still a heavy Japanese influence in the menu (a nod to its previous identity), making it just the spot for anyone who loves a good dose of fusion fare. 

Crowd favourites: The desserts are a big selling point here and the souffle pancakes (RM29) is a clear standout — it comes with three soft, jiggly pancakes, with toppings of your choice.

For something hearty, try the salmon curry (RM38), which comes with a generously portioned slab of salmon in a rich Japanese-style curry over rice. 

5. The Jiran Cafe

11, Jalan Beringin, Taman Melodies, 80250, Johor Bahru
Open: Monday to Thursday (9am to 6pm), Friday to Sunday (9am to 9.30pm)

Why visit? Located a short 10-minute drive away from the Johor checkpoint, The Jiran Cafe is a warm and inviting space that draws you right in. Its name means “neighbour” in Malay and the cafe wants to be just like your next door neighbour — chill and friendly, perfect for quality catch-ups and slow mornings. 

Its menu comprises regular cafe eats ranging from western and Asian dishes but what stands out are the Japanese-inspired rice bowls, which are not only incredibly hearty and value-for-money but also meticulously plated for that perfect ‘gram shot. 

Crowd favourites: Beef eaters, the yakiniku beef don (RM35.60) hits the spot with a generous heaping of yakiniku sliced brisket and a perfect egg yolk on top of fluffy Japanese rice.

If chicken is what you’re after, then the butter cream chicken don (RM29.90) is a favorite. It comes with an omelette, fried chicken cutlet and a generous serving of a creamy butter sauce that’ll leave you wanting more. 

6. Palates & Bagels by TAM — Melodies of Thai

46, Jalan Beringin, Taman Melodies, 80250, Johor Bahru
Open: Monday to Sunday (8am to 10pm)

Why visit? A spin-off of the popular bagel brand Palates & Bagels, Melodies of Thai is a fun and Thai-themed take on the original concept. The cafe is located in a beautiful double-storey bungalow and has a rustic feel with a spacious interior. Boasting raw textured walls, teak coloured furnishing, and rattan accents in its decor, it’s warm, inviting and a great place for pictures!

Palates & Bagels has put tremendous effort into ensuring its Thai-inspired menu is unique and flavourful. Think perfectly fluffy bagels stuffed with an assortment of Thai and Asian inspired fillings, such as sambal bawang (a spicy chilli-onion condiment), Thai green chilli, orange duck confit, and other quirky treats. As with all respectable cafes, Melodies’ menu also includes a good variety of beverages for coffee and tea enthusiasts, too. 

Crowd favourite: The best part of ordering here is that you can not only customise your bagel filling, but you can also choose from an assortment of bagel flavours, too, like what you’d do at Subway. 

A popular filling choice is the Clooney (RM32.90), a classic option featuring herbed cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, eggs, cucumber, cheese and a bit of salad. This is best served with the truffle bagel, which is also available ala carte for only RM8. 

To wash it all down, the Dirty Pillow (RM15.90) is a must-try — it’s an espresso-based drink, topped with cold milk and a lush foam, decadent and so satisfying. 

7. Rapi Coffee

33, Jalan Pekaka 5, Taman Perling, 81200, Johor Bahru
Open: Wednesday to Sunday (12am to 6am, 6pm to 12am), Monday to Tuesday (12am to 6am, 8pm to 12am)

Why visit? It might be relatively new to the JB cafe scene, having opened in August 2024, but Rapi Coffee is slowly but surely gaining fans thanks to its late night hours, making it the perfect spot for conversations over coffee till late. There are indoor and outdoor seating options, and regardless of where you sit, you’re bound to catch a glimpse of the cafe’s resident cat. 

The menu is small but sufficient, with a good range of coffees, chocolate drinks, matcha, and kombucha, too! When it comes to food, there are a few bites including fries and chicken tenders but if your stomach craves something more, there’s even char kway teow! 

Crowd favourites: If you prefer not having coffee especially if you’re there late, its matcha latte (RM12) is the next best thing. The flavour comes through well and the bold tea flavours are balanced with the milk, giving it a velvety finish. 

Looking for substantial cafe nosh? The prawn char kuey teow (RM9) is flavourful and there’s even an option to add more protein (egg, chicken, or prawns) for just RM2. 

8. 365 Bakery 

38, Jalan Jaya Putra 7/2, Bandar Jaya Putra, 81100, Johor Bahru
Open: Monday to Sunday (10am to 9pm)

Why visit? Newly opened at Austin Crest, an enclave with many vibey cafes, 365 Bakery is a takeaway-only bakery that churns out over a hundred types of baked goods every day. Even for a bread lover, a visit there can be overwhelming, simply of the sheer choice of items available — there are rows and rows of fresh bread, pastries, bagels, cakes, toasts and so much more. 

365 Bakery’s specialty lies in its Swiss rolls and they offer a wide range of flavour choices including  taro seaweed chicken floss and Japanese yuzu cream cheese. 

While customers are not able to enjoy their bakes in-store, the bakery’s interior is spacious enough for you to linger for a bit and watch the skilful bakers at work, bringing delicious creations to life. Caffeine addicts will also be glad to know that it has a coffee menu to go with its bakes.

Crowd favourites: Its well-known for its Swiss rolls, so you must try the 70% Nama chocolate Swiss roll (RM38.90). The centre is filled with the finest Belgian chocolate, covered with a thick layer of French chantilly cream and finally encased in a soft, fluffy exterior made with only the most premium Japanese cake flour. 

The freshly baked breads are also well worth the wait, especially if you enjoy a good sourdough. The orange walnut sourdough (RM11.90) is a popular choice, and you’ll want to grab some as soon as they’re available, while you’re there. If we were you, we’d also come early as they sell out fast! 

9. The Bagel Factory

28, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, 80000, Johor Bahru
Open: Tuesday to Sunday (9am to 6pm)

Why visit? A freshly baked cafe, The Bagel Factory is the latest bagel joint in Johor Bahru, having just opened in January 2025. This brunch spot mixes modern minimalism with a touch of rustic cottage charm with a red brick exterior and a soft white interior paired with wood trays and furnishings, making for a cosy place to unwind after a long week. 

The menu has a nice touch of personality, with a few playful quips thrown into the names of dishes — there’s a bananananana drink (RM20) that turns a banana cake into a drinkable dessert, and a “little bit spicy fried chicken”, a spicy Sichuan-inspired take on fried chicken.

Fun names aside, you’ll find a decent variety of choices in food and a well-rounded drinks menu. Given that it’s a bagel-focused spot, you’ll find all sorts of bagels available — both sweet and savory. But if bagels aren’t enough, there are a handful of hearty mains such as nasi lemak, tacos, and pastas, too. 

Crowd favourites: If you’re looking for a filling bagel choice, the pistachio cheesecake (RM25) is a good one to gun for — the bagel is soft and chewy, filled with creamy cheese and topped with crushed pistachios.

Pair your bite with the tiramisu latte (RM18) for a fun twist to a standard latte. It even comes with a mini bagel on top, dusted with cocoa powder! 

10. As Clouds Cafe

32, Jalan Nakhoda 2, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, 81300 Skudai, Johor Bahru
Open: Tuesday to Sunday (11am to 9.30pm)

Why visit? We’ve heard of dog cafes and cat hangouts but As Clouds Cafe, located a 30-minute drive from the causeway, takes it a step further by providing the company of alpacas! There are a few friendly and fluffy alpacas walking around the cafe’s indoor area welcoming pats, pictures, and treats from customers. Entry is free as long as you purchase an item off the menu, and every table is given a bucket of carrots or hay, so diners can feed the alpacas while enjoying their meal. 

Even though the fluffy beauties are the main reason why most customers flock to As Clouds Cafe, the food fares well, too. The menu features a fusion of Japanese and Western cuisine, with dishes such as burgers, pizzas, teriyaki rice bowls, chicken chop, pastas, and more. If you don’t have space for that much food, we recommend going straight for the desserts — there’s one that’s even in the shape of an alpaca! 

Crowd favourites: There’s an alpaca named Coco at the cafe, and in honour of this the fluffy cutie, As Clouds serves up a dessert called the Coco cake (RM27.90)! It’s a fluffy cake (of course!) covered in a thick layer of chocolate cream, carefully piped to look like the wool of its namesake. 

If you’re just looking for drinks, the lychee oolong (RM15.80) is popular, especially if you prefer something light and refreshing.

For more things to do around JB, check out our all-inclusive JB cafes guide, or explore food spots around the city. 

You can also book a ride to get around these new JB cafes in 2025.