Affordable restaurants in JB
Johor Bahru has long been a favourite weekend escape for Singaporeans looking for good food without the hefty price tags. And with a growing number of stylish restaurants and bars delivering premium dining experiences at relatively wallet-friendly prices, it’s no wonder the city keeps pulling crowds across the Causeway.
From Edomae-style omakase to rustic Italian trattorias, here are some bougie yet affordable bars and restaurants in JB worth adding to your luxury JB itinerary.
Table of Contents
1. shui
Speakeasy-style cocktail bar with unique drinks
Image adapted from: ivan. & shui via Google Maps
For a chill spot, head to shui, a speakeasy-style bar that serves up cocktails great for date nights or casual drinks after dinner. The dimly lit interior and laid-back ambience make it an easy place to settle in for the night.
Their menu features a wide selection of cocktails, including creative seasonal flavours like Biscoff or pandan (from RM60, ~S$19.38). Drinks are often served with complimentary tapioca chips, which make for a nice snack while you sip and chat.
Nearest landmarks: Holiday Plaza, KSL City Mall
Sign Up with TSL Connect
2. Satoshi Sushi
Affordable Edomae-style omakase offering quality sashimi
Image credit: dominic ng via Google Maps
Considering how most omakase meals in Singapore start from around S$100, heading to JB can feel a lot easier on the wallet, and Satoshi Sushi is a solid option to try. The restaurant focuses on Edomae-style omakase, focusing on seasonal seafood and classic Japanese techniques.
One of the most popular options is the Yama lunch set (from RM188/pax, ~S$60.65). The meal includes an appetiser, egg dish, 7 types of sushi, a main course, and soup and dessert, making it a fairly comprehensive omakase experience for the price.
Reservations are recommended as seats tend to fill up quickly.
Nearest landmark: ECO Spring Labs
3. Musashi Sushi
Aesthetic Japanese restaurant with premium sashimi platters & donburis
Image adapted from: wuan ng & zijian cheng via Google Maps
If you can’t get enough of Japanese cuisine, pop by Musashi Sushi, a restaurant known for its aesthetically pleasing interior for IG-worthy photos. Rice bowls, such as the Salmon Don (RM39, ~S$12.60) and Unagi Don (RM39, ~S$12.60), are good options to start your meal with.
Image credit: oXRYSTALo Ong via Google Maps
You can also opt for lunch sets like the Tempura Mori Set (RM49, ~S$15.81) – choose either Miyashi Ramen or Yaki Soba as your main dish, served with complimentary sides including miso shiro, a mini salad, fruits, and gobachi.
Image credit: Kok Wan Ho via Google Maps
For those keen on sashimi, the restaurant offers premium imported selections – get the 3-kind sashimi platter (RM128, ~S$41.38) or the signature 7-kind sashimi platter (RM328, ~S$106.03) if you’re dining in a group and want to splurge a little.
Nearest landmarks: Holiday Plaza, KSL City Mall
4. Bottega
Authentic Italian eatery run by Italians
Image credit: Gees Tan
Bottega is a well-known spot run by Italian owners themselves. The restaurant features both indoor and alfresco dining options, and a relaxed, rustic ambience that almost feels like a neighbourhood trattoria.
Image credit: Galvin Lee via Google Maps
Pizza lovers can try the Marinalo Romano pizza (from RM30, ~S$9.68), and add on heartier options like the 48-hour slow-cooked pork ribs (from RM68, ~S$21.94). Sides such as roasted garlic mashed potato, sautéed Japanese spinach, and wild mushroom stew are available from RM14 (~S$4.52).
Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Nearest landmarks: KSL City Mall, Mid Valley Southkey
5. Fire Pitz
Charcoal grill restaurant
Image credit: Fire Pitz via Google Maps
Fire Pitz specialises in meats cooked over charcoal and open flames, giving dishes a signature smoky flavour. But the sleek, contemporary interior makes it feel more like a modern steakhouse than a casual grill spot.
Image credit: Ken C via Google Maps
One of the highlights is the charcoal-grilled Aus Black Angus Ribeye steak (from RM85/100g, ~S$27.46). They also serve specialty dishes like Duck Confit Risotto (RM98, ~S$31.66), and you can also request their catch of the day, sold at market price, if you’re feeling a little spontaneous.
Nearest landmarks: LEGOLAND Malaysia, ECO Galleria
6. Awagyu Restaurant
Japanese Wagyu & premium beef cuts
Image credit: Flo Yeow via Google Maps
If you can’t resist good Wagyu, Awagyu Restaurant is worth adding to your JB food list. The minimalist interior gives the space a modern steakhouse vibe, keeping the spotlight on its high-quality Japanese beef.
Image credit: Sibyl Tate via Google Maps
Indulge in A5 Wagyu yakiniku platters (from RM418, ~S$135.05) for 3 to 4 pax. Premium Wagyu steaks are also available from RM96 (~S$31.02), though the restaurant also offers smaller cuts so you can enjoy quality beef without overspending.
Nearest landmark: Holiday Plaza
7. NOMNOM JB
Thai restaurant run by a native chef
Located in Mount Austin, NOMNOM JB serves up authentic Thai dishes prepared by a native Thai chef, so you can expect bold flavours and comforting classics done right.
I
mage adapted from: lim sialing & Xi Min Ong via Google Maps
The menu features familiar Thai favourites such as Som Tum (RM30, ~S$9.70), Thai Basil Chicken Rice Bowl (RM28, ~S$9.05), and Green Curry Chicken (RM48, ~S$15.51).
Image credit: Da John via Google Maps
Don’t forget to order the Mango Sticky Rice (RM28, ~S$9.05) for a classic way to end the meal.
Nearest landmark: 38°C Onsen Spa
8. 936 Kitchen
Waterfront dining spot at Danga Bay
Image credit: Littlebrownie via Google Maps
At 936 Kitchen, you’ll get stunning views of the sunset by the sea at the waterfront of Danga Bay. And if you enjoy seafood, you’ll be glad to know they offer a wide selection of fresh seafood dishes to pair with the breezy coastal vibes.
Image adapted from: Michael Watt & T H Voo via Google Maps
Try their Prawn Coconut Ceviche (RM36, ~S$11.63), Ocean Trout (RM36, ~S$12.28), Smoked Scallops (RM36, ~S$10.66), or Nanyang Sambal Clam (RM28, ~S$9.05) for something with a little spicy kick.
Nearest landmark: Danga Bay
9. LaForesta Restaurant
Private dining smokehouse concept
Located on the 2nd floor of Eco Palladium is LaForesta Restaurant, a restaurant hidden within a modern commercial area, which features a smokehouse concept.
Image credit: Fiona Saran Satu via Google Maps
There are private dining rooms here if you’re coming in a small group or looking to celebrate a special occasion. Smoked meats are the highlight here, including 22-Hour Smoked Angus Beef Brisket (RM58, ~S$18.74) and 8-Hour Smoked Pork Belly (RM42, ~S$13.57). Other options include Smoky Glazed BBQ Chicken (RM28, ~S$9.05).
Nearest landmark: Eco Palladium
10. Rosmarino Italian Restaurant
Classic pasta & steak dishes
Image credit: Gideon Low via Google Maps
Located in Taman Pelangi, Rosmarino Italian Restaurant serves classic Italian fare in a space full of rustic wood, brick accents, and cosy lighting, making it feel just like a trattoria in Italy.
Image credit: 涴之Grace & boonhong wong via Google Maps
The menu includes hearty dishes like Costata Alla Griglia (RM118, ~S$38.12), a grilled T-bone steak with herbs and black pepper sauce. There are also over 10 pasta options from RM28 (~S$9.05). Seafood lovers can try raw oysters (RM10/pc, ~S$3.23) before ending the meal with the Classic Tiramisu (RM18, ~S$5.81).
Nearest landmarks: Holiday Plaza, Johor Bahru City Square
Plan your next bougie JB food trip
There you have it – some bougie restaurants in JB where you can enjoy a good meal with loved ones without blowing a fortune. If you’re planning your next JB food trip, adding a few of these spots to your itinerary might just make the journey even more worthwhile.
For more things to do in JB:
Cover image adapted from: Bobby Ong & Galvin Lee via Google Maps