[Johor Bahru] If you have been café hopping in Johor Bahru lately or scrolled enough on Instagram, you have probably seen photos of this one.
The terracotta walls, clean arches, and pixel-style sign that reads “OTTO” in big block letters.
It looks like someone airlifted a Bali café, gave it a soft JB accent, and dropped it neatly in Taman Melodies.
I had to check if it was as good as it looked, or just another pretty spot made for coffee and selfies.
Beyond the terracotta façade, the first thing you notice when you walk in is the aesthetics.
The walkway leads to a bright entrance framed by plants, soft light, and clean geometric lines.
Inside, the space feels warm but structured, with some parts looking like something from a design magazine.
The menu reads like someone tried to please both the brunch crowd and the lunch bunch.
There is OTTO’s Breakfast (RM39) with focaccia, chicken sausage, and mushrooms; Soft Shell Crab Toast (RM35) for those who like a touch of drama; Truffle Croque Madame (RM33) if you want something rich; and Steak and Eggs (RM85) for people who treat breakfast seriously.
The pasta list is equally tempting, featuring Mum’s Aglio Olio (RM38), Lamb Ragu (RM37), Kam Heong Spaghetti (RM37), and Al Funghi Cream (RM34).
I ordered the Mum’s Aglio Olio (RM38), also because the Kam Heong Spaghetti was out.
The Aglio Olio arrived with prawns plump and fresh, but the part that won me over was that fragrant garlic-chilli mix.
Small bites include Truffle Parmesan Fries (RM23), Loaded Tater Tots with Ranch and Chipotle (RM24), Cheese Sticks with Tomato Sauce and Basil (RM22), and Lamb Spring Rolls with Jalapeño Dip (RM24).
The Loaded Tater Tots were a guilty pleasure. Crisp, golden, and dressed in creamy ranch and smoky chipotle, they disappeared faster than I care to admit.
For something less guilty, the Tropical Acai Bowl (RM 24) was light. However, the acai part was served in small scoops, so it somehow didn’t have the same satisfying mouthfeel.
Nevertheless, the granola stayed crunchy, the peanut cream gave it weight, and the jackfruit added a fun local twist.
If you need a thirst quencher, drinks range from Espresso (RM9) to Caramel Sea Salt Latte (RM17), along with Matcha Milk (RM15–17), Roasted Brown Rice (RM16), Acai Banana Nut (RM22), Avocado Smoothie (RM22), and Berry Symphony Tea (RM17).
OTTO feels like the sort of café that tries to balance aesthetics, good food, and a calm café experience without overreaching.
OTTO Cafe
81 Jalan Chengai 80250 Taman Melodies, Johor Bahru, 80250 Johor, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – OTTO Cafe
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