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Mount Austin in JB is a favourite destination for both residents and visitors alike. It boasts numerous dining options and activities, such as enjoying the refreshing Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park or exploring various bubble tea outlets in the area.
With abundant dining options and diverse cuisines, choosing a single spot can be challenging. Luckily for you, we’ve compiled a list of the 12 best makan places in Mount Austin. Keep this list handy for your next visit to the area.
1. Principle Cafe by T.A.M
Principle Cafe by T.A.M has become something of a Johor Bahru institution, with branches both in the heart of Jalan Trus and right here in the ever-bustling neighbourhood of Mount Austin. While the city centre branch tends to draw the weekend crowd, the Mount Austin outlet is where you can linger a little longer.
Part of its charm lies in the balance it strikes — polished service that doesn’t feel fussy, a cosy interior that whispers rather than shouts, and a menu that delivers well-executed Western favourites without being predictable. Prices here lean a little higher than your average JB cafe, but the culinary payoff makes it a worthwhile indulgence.
Take, for instance, their showstopper — the Nyonya Laksa Tiger Prawn Linguine (RM39.90). The silky linguine comes cloaked in a creamy, spice-laden sauce that channels the rich tang of Nyonya laksa, while the tiger prawns add a touch of opulence.
If pasta isn’t your calling that day, the pizza menu makes an equally strong case. Their Four Cheese Pizza (RM45) is a perennial crowd-pleaser, built on a soft yet crisp base and layered with smoked cheese, camembert, mozzarella, and parmesan. Finished with a drizzle of truffle oil, it offers a sharp, garlicky bite with just the right amount of indulgence.
51, Jalan Austin Heights 3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
+6018 203 2803
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 8.30pm
Fri to Sun: 10.30am – 9pm
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2. Eden by Wizards
Step into Eden by Wizards and you’ll quickly see how it earned its name. More than just a cafe, this spot feels like a little sanctuary tucked into Mount Austin, complete with leafy greenery, glass-walled dining halls, and even the sound of birdsong.
And speaking of food, Eden doesn’t just rely on looks. Dishes here arrive with the sort of thoughtful plating that makes you pause for a moment before digging in — but once you do, the flavours seal the deal. The menu is broad enough to please most palates, with a few standouts that regulars swear by.
The Mentaiko Chicken Rice Bowl (RM30) is a comforting favourite, its creamy, umami-rich sauce bringing a Japanese touch to a humble base. For something more indulgent, the Tiger Prawn Risotto (RM35) offers a velvety balance of seafood sweetness and creamy rice, while the Foie Gras (RM68) is unapologetically rich and designed to impress. Even the classics like Cacio e Pepe get their moment here.
Desserts deserve their own mention. The Matcha Misu (RM28), Eden’s riff on tiramisu with a Japanese green tea twist, is earthy yet sweet in all the right ways, while the Pancake (RM30) arrives as a fluffy, golden stack that feels almost too pretty to touch.
19, Jln Tiong Emas, Kawasan Perindustrian Tiong Nam Tebrau 3, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
+6011 5428 2184
Daily: 10am – 10pm
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3. Hitoyoshi Ramen Dining
If comfort had a flavour, it would taste very much like a steaming bowl from Hitoyoshi Ramen Dining. Tucked in Mount Austin, this spot has earned a loyal following for its hearty bowls of Japanese ramen and well-executed sides, making it a go-to for anyone craving a taste of Tokyo without leaving Johor Bahru.
The star here is undoubtedly their Garlic Tonkotsu Ramen — a velvety pork bone broth enriched with garlic oil and pork lard, giving it a smoky-sweet depth with just enough spice to keep things lively. The classic bowl (RM27.90) is already satisfying, but you can upgrade to the version with Ajitama egg (RM30.90) or go all out with the Special (RM36.90), loaded with every topping in the house.
Equally tempting is the Shoyu Ramen (RM23.90), where soy sauce-based broth meets springy noodles, aburi belly chashu, seaweed, and bonito flakes for a savoury punch. For those who lean toward richness, the Miso Ramen with Pork Belly Slice (RM33.90) delivers a comforting, nutty warmth, while the Miso Ramen with Spicy Mince (RM33.90) turns up the heat without overwhelming the palate.
51, Jalan Austin Heights 8/3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
+607 361 0172
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 3pm & 5.30pm – 10pm
Fri: 11.30am – 11pm
Sat: 11am – 11pm
Sun: 11am – 10pm
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4. Basilico Restaurant
Basilico Restaurant stands as a renowned Italian dining establishment in Mount Austin. This sophisticated eatery seamlessly blends delectable cuisine with a serene atmosphere. From its charming rustic interiors to the welcoming outdoor dining space, Basilico promises an ambience that’s both refined and cosy.
The restaurant offers a range of dishes like timeless pasta classics and inventive seafood creations. Many patrons particularly praise their handcrafted pasta varieties. Consider trying the Jumbo Prawns Squid Ink (RM39.90), featuring a blend of fresh basil tomato sauce, birds-eye chilli, and succulent ocean prawns. Alternatively, indulge in the Gorgonzola Cheese & Winter Blue Truffle (RM35.90) paired with gnocchi, blue cheese, truffle oil, and crispy bacon.
Basilico Restaurant is also celebrated for its assortment of charcoal-grilled pizzas. Treat your taste buds to Basilico’s Signature (RM49.90), adorned with Prosciutto Di Parma, arugula, parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Other pizza selections comprise Famous Fungi Trifolata (RM46.90), Italian Pork Sausage (RM36.90), Ocean Pesto Seafood (RM49.90), Buffalo Cheese Margherita (RM42.90), Napoli Salami (RM43.90), Honey & Goat Cheese (RM45.90), and Quattro Formaggi (RM44.90).
17, Jalan Austin Heights 8/1, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
+607 363 4902
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
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5. Meng Meng Roasted Duck Mount Austin
Quality roasted duck rice restaurants are few and far between in the heart of JB. Despite many of us only being familiar with traditional chicken rice, the unforgettable flavour of Meng Meng Roasted Duck will certainly stand to surprise you.
The standout dish here is the Roasted Duck with Chinese Herbs, priced at RM80 for whole duck, RM40 for half, and RM26.80 for a quarter. This dish is well known through word of mouth for crispy skin over rich, slightly gamey duck meat, laid over a harmonious blend of herbs that give it a juicy kick.
While indulging in the roasted duck, why not add more protein to your feast, with dishes such as Roasted Honey Pork (RM100 for 1kg, RM50 for ½kg) or Crispy Roasted Pork (RM100 for 1kg, RM50 for ½kg).
For those craving variety, Meng Meng Roasted Duck does offer a choice of dim sum. Sample delights such as Shrimp Dumplings (RM8.80), Mango and Shrimp Rolls (RM6.80), Creamy Salted Egg Yolk Buns (RM6.80 for a set of 3), Honey Roasted Pork Bun (RM6.80 for a pair), Red Bean Bun (RM3 each), and more.
5-1H, Jalan Austin Heights 3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
+6017 631 4922
Daily: 10am – 10pm
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6. Restoran Anisofea Asam Pedas Johor Asli
Malaysians with a liking for spicy food would appreciate an authentic asam pedas restaurant. Restoran Anisofea Asam Pedas Johor Asli is straightforward about their speciality because asam pedas is the dish that they do best.
Asam pedas is a dish that typically features fish (often mackerel), which is cooked in a rich and spicy tamarind-based gravy. The gravy gets its sourness from tamarind or asam gelugur (dried slices of the asam fruit) and its heat from a blend of various spices, including dried chillies, fresh chillies, ginger, garlic, and other aromatic ingredients.
At Restoran Anisofea Asam Pedas Johor Asli, you can enjoy freshly made Ikan Asam Pedas ranging from RM28 to RM40. There are also options for fried dishes like Ayam Goreng Berempah (RM5), Deep Fried Siakap Sambal Kicap (RM23 – RM30), Ikan Tenggiri Masin (RM5.50), and Tempe Goreng Berempah (RM4).
G07 Block, 4, Jalan Mutiara Emas 9/3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
+6012 717 3477
Sat to Thu: 10am – 6pm
Closed on Fri
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7. Warakuya Japanese Restaurant
Leave it to Mount Austin to hide only the tastiest oriental cuisine, as Warakuya Japanese Restaurant stands to deliver some of the best Japanese cuisine in JB. With a favourable reputation for larger-than-usual Japanese dish portions, alongside free dessert, the price of the dishes is worth the money for many.
How about dishes being served in an awesome presentation? Try the Akagai Sashimi (RM48) in a holding plate with dragon symbols etched in the bowl, or an elegant bamboo-decorated bowl of Salmon Don (RM32.90), packed to the brim. This is only amplified by the large food choices, with seasoned customers having to scan through 3 menu booklets: one for sashimi, one for maki, and one for every other dish.
Warakuya’s Signature Dishes include the Gyoza Pizza (RM14) and the Nasu Tuna Tempura (RM14.90), a cool attempt at modernising traditional Japanese dishes. Should you crave dessert, the Green Tea Cheesecake and Ice Cream combo (RM13.90) is a staple, ordered after almost every meal.
Expect a wait during peak periods, so book a table beforehand!
BahruI’mI, 9, Jln Austin Heights 8/2, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
+6010 953 0000
Daily: 11.30am – 11pm
8. Fortune Pot
For the urban foodie, Mount Austin’s Fortune Pot has got you covered when it comes to quality simple Chinese dishes. Almost entirely specialising in wanton noodles, expect every flavour to come with the familiar springy noodles that so many Johoreans know and love dearly.
Try some signature flavours from only RM15.90, such as JB’s signature Wanton Noodle, Hokkien Mee, Tomato, and Tom Yam. For those craving more eccentricity, Fortune Pot also brings in tastes such as Sauerkraut Braised Pork Belly Wanton Noodles (RM17.80) and Fried Prawn Wanton Noodles (RM28.90), which boasts 3 large tiger prawns.
For rice lovers, Fortune Pot switches up the flavours and transfers them into rice sets, such as the Tartar Sauce Fried Chicken Omelette Rice (RM22.90), Teriyaki Pork Patty Rice Bowl (RM25.90), and even classics such as the Char Siew Rice Bowl (RM19.20).
Side dishes include Fried Dumplings with Shrimp or Leek (RM15.90), Pickled Choy Sum (RM10.20), or the Fortune Pot’s famous Shrimp and Meat Wanton, which comes up to RM14.20 either in a bowl of hearty soup or fried.
8, Jalan Austin Heights 8/4, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
+6010 404 1616
Daily: 8am – 2am
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9. Restaurant Uncle Pou Wok Mount Austin
For those who need a simple Chinese meal, Restaurant Uncle Pou Wok has set up and served thousands of loyal Johoreans since 1999. Many praise the establishment for keeping the ‘old school’ style, with circular tables and plastic chairs reminiscent of many Chinese families’ reunion dinners.
For those eating with their families, one could get the ball rolling with Fu Rong-Style Fried Egg (RM10 for small, RM15 for big), alongside a helping of Hong Kong Choy Sum (RM13.80 for small, RM23.80 for big). Meat portions include Sweet and Sour Pork (RM16 for small, RM27 for big), Curry Fish Head (RM40), and even Pan Fried Prawn (RM35 for small, RM60 for big).
Single servings of noodles and rice are also available and reasonably priced, with flavours such as Hokkien Mihun, Yong Zhou Fried Rice, and Kwong-style Kuey Teow going for RM11 for a small portion, and RM21 for a big portion.
For the seasoned foodies in Mount Austin, surely the special items deluxe menu will be of no surprise to them. The KL Hokkien Mee (RM11 for small, RM21 for big), Kampung Chicken (RM35 for small, RM70 for big), and Braised Yong Tau Foo (RM13 for small, Rm26 for big) is a staple on almost every table in the establishment, with many splurging on the Grouper Fish Steamboat (RM45 for small, RM70 for big) for celebratory occasions.
103, Jalan Austin Heights 3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
+6019 857 6900
Daily: 12pm – 11pm
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10. Bloom by Mokmok
Possibly one of the most creative attempts at contemporary Japanese cafe cuisine, Bloom by Mokmok has some of the most highly rated interiors around the area, for good reason. The cafe is perfect for dates and dinners, with many noting that there is no pungent flowery smell amidst the floral decor, so fear no allergens, my fellow hay-fever patrons!
With a variety of cafe dishes, such as the Curry Katsu Chicken Burger (RM30), Gyutan Don (RM32), and the Salmon Mentaiko Donburi (RM36), this serves to remind patrons that the cafe still retains its unique Japanese flavours in every bite. For many, cafes bring about the idea of cakes and coffees, but most cafe hoppers would surely be pleasantly surprised to be served dishes such as the Unagi Yaki (RM10) and Salmon Yaki (RM12) here.
To end your meal on a high note, try the Kumo Ultimo Souffle Pancake (RM25), Bloom’s signature dessert. Wash it down with a Fizzy Matcha Latte (RM16) or a selection of teas for just RM11, including Earl Grey, Roasted Oolong, or Jasmine Green Tea.
87, Jalan Mutiara Emas 2A, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
Daily: 11am – 11.30pm
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11. High School Kopitiam
High School Kopitiam is a cafe infused with Taiwanese influences, featuring interiors that mimic a classroom setting. Beyond its Instagrammable appeal, locals often recommend trying out their diverse range of toast options.
The High School Pork Chop Sandwich (RM10.90 à la carte, RM12.90 set) which is served with Charcoal Toast undoubtedly a photo opportunity. The rich hue of the charcoal toast beautifully contrasts with the vibrant yellow yolk and the deep brown of the crispy pork chop. Complementing the sandwich are shredded vegetables, mayonnaise, and cheese.
Don’t miss out on the Taiwanese-style Pancake series. Choose from the Bacon Cheese Egg Pancake (RM7.90), Cheese Ham Egg Pancake (RM7.90), Chicken Floss Egg Pancake (RM7.90), or the Egg Mayo Pancake (RM7.90).
When it comes to beverages, the High School Special (RM5.40 for hot, RM6.40 for cold) reigns supreme. This concoction blends Nescafe, Milo, chocolate, and coffee, offering a sweet, milky, and caffeinated delight. For those with a sweet tooth, this beverage serves as a perfect finale to your culinary journey.
57, Jalan Austin Heights 8/5, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
+607 359 5412
Daily: 8am – 6pm
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12. Local House JB
Local House JB takes a twist on the typical kopitiam by providing a fuss-free service, comfortable air-conditioned interiors, and plenty of local grub to choose from.
For a classic Malaysian breakfast, consider indulging in the Toasted Hainan Bread with Butter and Kaya (RM3.90), paired perfectly with Half Boiled Eggs (RM3.90 for 2 eggs). Grilled over charcoal, the toast arrives adorned with a generous spread of butter and kaya. Be sure to dip it into the eggs for an enhanced taste experience.
If you prefer a bigger meal, indulge in the KL Hokkien Fried Mee (RM10.90 for 1 pax, RM19.90 for 2 pax) which is laced with plenty of wok hei and served with fresh cabbage and prawns bursting with flavours.
Other menu items include Nasi Lemak with Curry Chicken (RM9.90), Kampung Fried Rice with Fried Chicken Wing (RM9.90), Steamed Hainanese Chicken Rice Set (RM11.50), and Chicken Chop with Curry Sauce (RM16.90).
91 Jalan Mutiara Emas 2A Taman Mount Austin Johor Bahru, 81100 Johor
+607 364 8338
Daily: 8am – 8pm
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