If you’ve somehow managed to cover all the new cafes and restaurants in Singapore, it’s time to cross the border to JB. While the exchange rate might make atas restaurants feel affordable, skip the same old chain restaurants in JB shopping malls and visit these new cafes in JB instead.
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When it comes to making payments in JB, it’s a good idea to bring a credit card and cash. Although cash is king and a universally accepted payment method, many cafes have gone completely cashless.
Transport-wise, ride-hailing apps in Malaysia are the way to go if you’re not driving to JB. Cafes in JB are located all over, with some even within residential estates. Unless you don’t mind waiting for public transport, point-to-point rides will save you a lot of time.
Salmon Genmai-zuke (left) & Signature Gyu-don (right).
Image adapted from: JV Lye & Shu Ning Yip via Google Maps
Date Cafe is a new paktor spot in JB that just opened its doors in January 2026. This cafe serves up Japanese-inspired dishes, such as their Salmon Genmai-zuke (RM38, ~S$12.30) and Signature Gyu-don (RM32, ~S$10.30).
Image adapted from: Ng Chek Ming & Esther Ho via Google Maps
Wash your meal down with a glass of Sparkling Muscat Grape (RM15, ~S$4.85) or the affogato-inspired Iced Dirty Matcha Soft Serve (RM24, ~S$7.75), which is a mix of iced matcha, matcha soft serve, and espresso.
The best part: it’s only a 5-minute car ride from KSL City Mall. Take note that the cafe only accepts walk-ins, so plan ahead if you’re coming with a large group of friends.
Image adapted from: Cindy gwee sin yee & Chris Yan via Google Maps
Fans of Shuu Patisserie will be glad to know that their cafe, Shuu Cafe, has relocated to Taman Abad last December – it’s now only a 3-minute car ride from KSL City Mall. This cottage-core, French-inspired cafe looks like something you’ll find in a small French town, and it serves house-made choux au craquelin, a French puff pastry.
Assorted choux au craquelin.
Image credit: @shuu.patisserie via Instagram
Some must-try flavours are their Creme Brulee Vanilla (RM15, ~S$4.85), Blueberry Crumble (RM15, ~S$4.85), and Pistachio (RM18, ~S$5.80). If you’re there for brunch, dig into a hearty meal of Shakshuka (RM26, ~S$8.40) or Prawn Toast (RM25, ~S$8.05).
Do note that the cafe only accepts walk-ins and cashless payment.
Image adapted from: Wei Xuan via Google Maps, @half.half_coffee.malaysia via Instagram
Opened in December 2025, Half Half Coffee is a cafe where you can order a plate of Chinese Tossed Noodles (RM28, ~S$9), Thai Half-Krapao (RM26, ~S$8.40), or Japanese Curry Rice (RM26, ~S$8.40) all under one roof.
Image credit: Pamela Chew via Google Maps
If you’re craving for something different, try their focaccia creations, including Premium Beef (RM26, ~S$8.40), Smoke Salmon (RM22, ~S$7.10), and Spiced Apple (RM19, ~S$6.10).
This cafe is only a 7-minute drive from Mid Valley Southkey, JB’s largest mall.
Image credit: @rosta_lab via Instagram
Calling all coffee lovers – head to Rosta Lab for experimental flavours, such as Orange Americano (RM14, ~S$4.50), Roasted Almond (RM12, ~S$3.85), and Hazelnut (RM12, ~S$3.85).
Image adapted from: @rosta_lab via Instagram
But you don’t have to enjoy coffee to visit this cafe. For adventurous matcha lovers, there’s the Emerald Spritz Matcha (RM18, ~S$5.80) and Yuzu Matcha (RM16, ~S$5.15). And just to balance it out, enjoy a sweet treat of croffle with vanilla ice cream (RM13.90, ~S$4.50).
Rosta Lab is a 7-minute drive from Mid Valley Southkey.
Image adapted from: KarWan Leong via Google Maps, @le.paincafe via Instagram
Le Pain Cafe serves up classic Korean-style dishes and French-inspired desserts. While they aren’t halal certified, they don’t use pork or lard.
Here, you’ll get to indulge in the Stone Bibimbap with Beef Set (RM34, ~S$10.95), Cold Noodle Soup (RM25, ~S$8.05), or Korean fried chicken (from RM30, ~S$9.65). For something more Western, there’s also a variety of pasta (from RM30, ~S$9.65) to choose from.
Spicy Cold Noodle Soup (left) & assorted drinks (right).
Image adapted from: Michele Lim & bumble via Google Maps
Some popular drinks that you can’t miss include the Purple Sweet Latte (RM18, ~S$5.80), made with sweet purple potatoes, and the Black Sand Latte (RM18, ~S$5.80), made from nutty black sesame. You can’t leave without dessert either; try the Pistachio Raspberry financier (RM18, ~S$5.80) to end your meal on a sweet note.
Image adapted from: @ottocafejb via Instagram
Otto Cafe is a new Instagrammable cafe in JB – the perfect backdrop for your fit pics. Enjoy Western dishes like Steak & Eggs (RM95, ~S$30.60), Golden Salmon Fillet (RM38, ~S$12.25), or a refreshing Tropical Acai Bowl (RM24, ~S$7.75) if you’re feeling something healthier.
Image credit: @ottocafejb via Instagram
The cafe also serves dishes with Asian influence, such as the Kam Heong pasta (RM37, ~S$11.90), which boasts flavours of lemongrass and coconut cream. Wash it all down with a cup of Caramel Sea Salt Latte (RM17, ~S$5.50) or Roasted Brown Rice (RM18, ~S$5.80).
Otto Cafe is a 6-minute drive from Mid Valley Southkey.
Image adapted from: @thisisdayah via Instagram
Unlike the many minimalist spots in JB, Kirin Coffee is a 2-storey whimsical cafe that’s covered with bright colours and funky furniture. It only serves drinks and desserts – so no lunches or dinners here. And similar to their decor, their menu doesn’t shy away from bold flavours.
Image credit: @kirin.coffee.austin18 via Instagram
Enjoy their signature Coffee Brush Crush (RM20.90, ~S$6.75), Banana Rainfall Coffee (RM20.90, ~S$6.75), or Ginseng & Goji Americano (RM20.90, ~S$6.75). For desserts, get their Banana Cake (RM21.90, ~S$7.05), inspired by the viral duct-taped banana artwork, and their fluffy Matcha Snow Mountain Cake (RM21.90, ~S$7.05).
This colourful cafe is just a 6-minute drive from AEON Mall Tebrau City.
Image adapted from: Cindy Ong & Apple Oh via Google Maps
Chinchilla Trading has turned into a Studio Ghibli-inspired animal cafe. While you can eat there, many visitors aren’t there for the food. As its name suggests, there are cute chinchillas – and animals such as cats, meerkats, and wallabies – that you can pet. There isn’t an admission fee to interact with the animals, but you’ll need to purchase at least 1 item from the cafe.
Image adapted from: Sshhtt 1015 via Google Maps
Currently, you can get the Lunch Set (RM19.90, ~S$6.40), where you’ll get to order a main of Aglio Olio, Tomato Pasta, or Carbonara, with a glass of orange juice. If you just want a dessert, get the Matcha Lava Cake (RM28, ~S$9), Oreo Mousse (RM25, ~S$8.05), or Caramel Cake (RM17, ~S$5.50). Don’t forget to snap pics at the Spirited Away train or Totoro mural, and visit the merchandise corner before you leave.
Image adapted from: Sshhtt 1015 via Google Maps
There’s a new dessert cafe near the CIQ. Tucked in JB Old Town, Mollie Makes is a cafe that specialises in modern-traditional Chinese desserts and shio pans. There’s the Original Shio Pan (RM4.90, ~S$1.60), Mentaiko Shio Pan (RM6.90, ~S$2.20), and Garlic Cream Cheese (RM6.90, ~S$2.20) to choose from.
Oh Yeah Mollie! with Black Sesame & Peanut Paste.
Image credit: Karen Liu via Google Maps
Try pairing it with their Oh Yeah Mollie! (RM14.90, ~S$4.80) – a dessert with coconut jelly, coconut milk, rose pearl, mango, and coconut ice cream – with a side of hot Black Sesame & Peanut Paste (RM8.90, ~S$2.90). Don’t miss their speciality drinks (from RM12.90, ~S$4.20) that mix tea with paste, and sometimes mochi.
Image adapted from: @teasyu.fnb via Instagram, Boon Kee Chow via Google Maps
Siblings Gelato Lab recently opened a new outlet at Mount Austin. While this cafe mainly serves dessert, it also offers mains such as pasta (from RM25.90, ~S$8.35), donburi (from RM26.90, ~S$8.70), and burgers (RM32.90, ~S$10.60). As for waffles, there are sweet options like Mango Pomelo Bliss waffles (RM24, ~S$7.75), and savoury ones like the K-Pop Chicken waffles (RM30, ~S$9.70) and Thai Sweet Chicken waffles (RM30, ~S$9.70).
Gelato starts from RM12 (~S$3.90) for 1 flavour, RM18 (~S$5.80) for 2 flavours, and RM20 (~S$6.45) for 3 flavours. It’s an additional RM3/scoop (~S$1) for premium flavours.
If Mount Austin is out of the way for you, fret not, Siblings Gelato Lab has 2 other outlets in JB Old Town and Sutera Mall.
Image adapted from: Ahmad Kamarul Nazim via Google Maps
Break Room Cafe is located in a warehouse near KIPMall Tampoi. They serve everything from sandwiches (from RM30, ~S$9.70), to burgers (from RM25, ~S$8.10), rice sets (RM20, ~S$6.45), and foam drinks (RM19, ~S$6.15).
Image adapted from: @breakroomjb via Instagram
Some of the popular mains include the Fried Chicken and Mash (RM28, ~S$9.03), Honey Chilli Scallops pasta (from RM35, ~S$11.30), and Pan Seared Salmon Plate (RM38, ~S$12.25). Enjoy dessert drinks such as their Birthday Cake foam drink (RM19, ~S$6.15) or the Chocolate Matcha foam drink (RM19, ~S$6.15).
The cafe also has boardgames such as Jenga, UNO, and Monopoly, which you can play for free if you want to chill there for the afternoon.
Image adapted from: Corelia via Google Maps, @eatwithsalmon via Instagram
If you’re looking for a cafe that looks and feels like a well-furnished vintage home with warm lighting and many trinkets, check out Rowan & Betty Cafe. Pop by for brunch and enjoy the Pulled Chicken Cornedict (RM30, ~S$9.70), Salmon Donburi (RM38, ~S$12.25), or French Toast (RM20, ~S$6.45).
Image credit: @eatwithsalmon via Instagram
Large groups can opt to order sharing snacks such as the Truffle Fries (RM16, ~S$5.15) or Chicken Karaage (RM18, ~S$5.80). Of course, you have to try their rich and flavourful Matcha (RM15, ~S$4.85) or the Black Orange (RM15, ~S$4.85).
Do note that this cafe is on the 2nd floor, so don’t miss the sign that leads you up.
Image adapted from: Myn via Google Maps, @bnglolima via Instagram
bangloLima, or bungalow 5, is a full-time cafe and part-time event space. Located within Taman Nong Chik, a residential area, it almost feels like someone opened their home for strangers to gather and eat. There are both indoor and outdoor seating areas, so this is the place to lepak.
Image adapted from: siti nadia & Myn via Google Maps
Enjoy drinks from coffee and matcha to cocktails and milkshakes. Some unique options include the Spanish Latte (from RM13, ~S$4.20), which uses steamed milk and condensed milk, Vanilla Blue Latte (RM15, ~S$4.85), which got its blue tinge from the butterfly pea flower, and Awan (from RM12, ~S$3.90), a hot chocolate rimmed with torched marshmallow and whipped cream.
There’s always something happening across the border. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a 3D2N stay in JB, get your foodie craving fix at these new cafes in JB.
Read on for more JB-related content:
Cover image adapted from: @wxinlin_____ via Instagram, Corelia & Apple Oh via Google Maps
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