14 Spots that Offer the Hottest and Freshest Pizza in Johor Bahru
The perfect slice of pizza is purely subjective, and I only learned this deep into my hunt for the best parlours in my hometown of Johor Bahru. There were times when a newly opened spot would outdo my current favourite, but there were also instances when I was disappointed.
Although I haven’t found the ultimate pizza slice, it did come with a silver lining! I discovered countless pizza spots in Johor Bahru that ranged from bakeries to Italian restaurants, bars, and everything in between.
These places are still my go-to whenever my friends and family want to meet for a pizza night, so I can personally vouch for them! Read our list below to know where to taste the cheesiest, sauciest, and hottest pizzas in town!
The Marco Polo Kitchen
– Media credit: themarcopolokitchen
Address: 35, Jalan Indah 15/2
Contact details: +60 12-788 4046
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM
Cost: $$
Italian restaurants always offer the best pizzas, and The Marco Polo Kitchen is no different! It provides an impressive assortment of flavours, ranging from classics such as Margherita and Hawaiian to new ones like crispy smoked beef and potato pizza.
One flavour that stood out to us was the chicken tandoori pizza, as we never thought of this classic Indian dish as a topping. We were immediately proven wrong, as the smoky flavour of the chicken paired perfectly with the sour cream, spinach, and onions.
The interior also doesn’t disappoint, as it replicates pizza parlours you’d find in Italy, complete with faux brick walls and an overall rustic interior.
Pro tip:
Consider signing up as a member on their official website. Members can enjoy up to 50% off on pasta, pizza, burgers, risotto, and more.
Vivo Pizza
– Media credit: myvivopizza and iranazhirah
Address: Aeon Tebrau City Shopping Centre, S29, Second Floor
Contact details: +60 16-213 7200
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $$
Vivo Pizza is one of the go-to pizza spots for locals due to its multiple locations across Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor Bahru, etc. Another reason why die-hard pizza fans like me love this restaurant is because of the variety of flavours they offer.
One of our go-to flavours is the four-cheese, which features mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and cream cheese to create the ultimate gooey and stretchy pizza. They can also cater to seafood lovers by offering flavours like tropical prawn and spicy seafood.
It’s also among the most Instaworthy pizza places on this list, as the interior looks more like a cafe as opposed to your typical Italian restaurant. It’s also filled with cosy and warm lights, which will immediately make you feel at home!
Pro tip:
If you’re famished after a day of travelling, we recommend ordering the Chef’s Favourite Pizza. It features overloaded toppings of chicken strips, sausages, pepperoni, and chicken chunks.
Coppola Family Pizzeria & Wine Bar
– Media credit: coppolapizzajohor
Address: 1, Jalan Hijauan 3, Horizon Hills
Contact details: +60 16-761 5824
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Friday: 1:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Cost: $$$
Coppola Family Pizzeria & Wine Bar may be a short drive from Johor Bahru’s central hub, but it’s worth the trip because of its authentic woodfire pizza. This cooking method lends to crisper crusts with just the right amount of flop—just the way we like it!
They offer various flavours, with our favourite being the Margherita buffalo. This pizza uses buffalo mozzarella to make the tomato-y sauce creamier. Of course, you can’t go wrong with the meat lover’s pizza as well, as it can quench any man’s hunger.
We also love dining here because of the welcoming ambience, courtesy of the homey interior decor and friendly customer service. However, we recommend dining here at nighttime, as the place transforms into a beautiful neon-lit bar.
Pro tip:
Add white truffle sauce to your chosen pizza to add some earthiness and nuttiness to the dish’s overall flavour. Likewise, you can add crispy bacon bits to your pizza to add some crunch and flavour.
Monnalisa Italian Restaurant
– Media credit: monnalisajohor
Address: No.34-1, Laman Niaga Sunway Iskandar
Contact details: +60 10-967 6936
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 4:30 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $$$
If you’re looking for homemade pizza done right, Monnalisa Italian Restaurant should be on your radar! This unassuming restaurant offers a small yet delectable selection of freshly baked pizza with authentic Italian flavours.
One of the prime examples of this is their Diavola, which features tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, salami, and basil leaves. What makes this, and all their tomato-based pizza, is the homemade sauce because it’s just the right amount of sweetness with a hint of acidity.
Remember when we said earlier that this place is unassuming? That’s because its low-key interior features minimalistic designs, brick walls, and wooden decor—but they’re what make the place charming!
Pro tip:
Consider coming here if you have vegetarian friends! They offer vegetarian-style pizza, as well as sides like the crocche de patata, which are deep-fried potato balls stuffed with mozzarella cheese.
Smokey-Pistons Charcoal Grill & Pizzeria
– Media credit: smokey.pistons
Address: 128-G, Jalan Permas Jaya 15/1
Contact details: +60 12-502 5611
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Cost: $
Smokey-Pistons is one of those places that will immediately catch your attention once you enter its doors, thanks to its cool rustic interior. You’ll be further enticed once you catch a whiff of the aroma from the authentic brick oven.
Their traditional way of baking lends to the development of blisters in the pizza’s crust, which adds another layer of texture. This, paired with their fresh ingredients, makes for a mouthwatering slice, not to mention the flavours they come in.
One of their best pizza is the chicken Margherita, which adds a smoky flavour to the traditional pizza by featuring freshly grilled chicken as toppings. They also offer capriccioso pizza, an Italian staple that consists of ham, olives, mozzarella cheese, and mushrooms.
Pro tip:
If you’re dining with a group, we recommend ordering one of their pasta to share. You can get their macaroni and cheese if you have kids with you, while aglio olio seafood spaghetti is the best option if you’re with people who love spicy food.
Pizz@
– Media credit: kk.lew
Address: Lot 1-02 First Floor Citrine Hub
Contact details: +60 7-585 7114
Operating hours: Daily from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $
If you’re looking for high-quality homemade pizza that won’t break the bank, Pizz@ should be right up your alley. It offers 15 different flavours, some of which we’ve never even had before, like the kimchi pizza—yes, it’s exactly what you’d expect.
They don’t fall short of the classics as well, like pepperoni, Hawaiian, four cheese, and margarita. However, our favourite thing about this restaurant is its inclusivity, as it has a wide selection of vegetarian-friendly flavours.
As traditional as their cooking methods are, we do appreciate that they decided to feature a more modernised interior decor. With warm lighting and an overall industrial design, this pizzeria veers away from the brick-walled Italian restaurants we know all too well.
Pro tip:
Add a hint of Tex-Mex to your order by getting their tacos for your starters! You can either get prawns, chicken, beef, or mushrooms as your filling.
Bottega JB
– Media credit: bottegajb
Address: 8, Jalan Meranti, Taman Melodies
Contact details: +60 11-2567 2473
Operating hours: Daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Cost: $$
Bottega is a great pizza place that doubles as a chill and Instaworthy hangout spot. It features a cosy ambience and a great al-fresco area that never feels humid, regardless of how jampacked it gets throughout the day.
Our favourite thing about eating here is seeing how seamlessly their kitchen staff works, from the moment they top the pizza with different ingredients to sliding it into the oven. They use a traditional brick oven that uses a wood fire, ensuring perfect crusts for every pie.
Their selection of flavours is something to praise as well, as they’re all tantalising and presented beautifully, akin to those found in fine-dining restaurants. If you’re having a hard time choosing, take a chance with the anchovies—you won’t regret it!
Pro tip:
If you want to wash away the savoury flavours of your pizza after eating, we recommend ending your meal with their homemade tiramisu! They use a recipe that has been passed on from multiple generations, so you know you’re in for a treat.
Da Napoli Cafe
– Media credit: da.napolicafe
Address: 26, Jln Austin Height 7/10
Contact details: +60 18-262 2235
Operating hours:
Cost: $$
Da Napoli Cafe offers various artisan pizzas that not only taste amazing but also look fantastic! For instance, one characteristic that stands out about their pizza is that their crusts aren’t your typical circular shape but are irregular and bumpy—a tell-tale sign that they’re handmade.
Their crusts also have several blisters and charred sides, which could be attributed to the fermented dough they use. However, the main star of the show is the flavours, and even though they’re not as varied, they still consist of classics like pepperoni and Hawaiian.
Our favourite thing about this place is its cute and compact interior. Its chalkboard menu, wooden furniture, and warm spotlights are proof that less is more!
Pro tip:
If their selection of pizza flavours didn’t satisfy your meat cravings, you could also add their wood-grilled Australian striploin to your order! They’re great for sharing and come with salad and potatoes.
Basilico Restaurant
– Media credit: atbasilico
Address: 17, Jalan Austin Heights 8/1
Contact details: +60 7-363 4902
Operating hours:
Cost: $$$
Basilico Restaurant is a fancy Italian spot that offers a wide variety of authentic dishes crafted with love—or at least that’s what we thought when we saw their food presentation. Also, as soon as we saw their classy dim-lit interior, we knew that they were next level!
Their flavours are divided into three categories: premium, tomato base, and cream base. The premium section features Basilico’s Signature, featuring a festival of flavours and textures thanks to its combination of prosciutto, Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic vinegar, and arugula.
Meanwhile, their tomato-based pizza consists of Hawaiian, roasted BBQ chicken, and buffalo cheese margarita. Our favorite can be found under the cream base, which is the pork bacon and pumpkin pizza.
Pro tip:
If you’re ordering a cream-based pizza, get their homemade beef lasagna so you’ll still get to try the special tomato base!
Giovanni’s NY Style Restaurant
– Media credit: wanderland_journal
Address: 169, Jalan Rawa, Taman Amira
Contact details: +60 7-217 9533
Operating hours:
- Sunday, Tuesday to Thursday: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Cost: $
Giovanni’s NY Style Restaurant offers a slice of New York by serving a wide array of woodfire pizzas. It’s among the city’s most affordable pizza spots that don’t skimp out on fresh ingredients and cooking methods, as they use traditional woodfire to cook them.
One thing that we love about their pizzas is the crust, as they can hold the weight of their toppings and don’t get soggy. Plus, they’re perfectly airy, soft, and fluffy, making them light on the tummy while serving as a great vessel for their toppings.
We also love how their running theme of being an authentic pizzeria from Italy, complete with a woodfire oven! Also, in true Italian pizzeria fashion, their tables feature bright red checkered mats
Pro tip:
Don’t leave without trying their dessert cannoli! More specifically, we recommend the pistachio filling, as it’s not too sweet and blends perfectly with the crispy pastry shell.
Aglios
– Media credit: theaglios
Address: 63B, Jalan Yahya Awal
Contact details: +60 17-409 8338
Operating hours: Wednesday to Monday: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $$
Aglios offers some of the best thin-crust pizzas in town, and the best part is that they won’t burn a hole in your pocket! They offer 10-inch pizzas, ranging from traditional to innovative flavours, all of which we’re huge fans of.
It’s also one of the few places where we love Hawaiian the most out of all their flavours—and that’s saying a lot! It’s hugely because of the mozzarella cheese they use, which not only pairs well with the bite of the pineapple but also makes for a satisfying cheese pull.
The place also has this chill overall vibe thanks to the dim lighting and blackout walls, which makes the place seem more expensive. They also offer an al-fresco dining area dotted with twinkling fairy lights.
Pro tip:
Follow their official Instagram page to stay updated with their ongoing promos. They’ll sometimes feature buy-one-get-one promos for their pizzas at specific times of the day, so keep your eyes peeled!
La Familia Restaurant
– Media credit: lafamiliajb
Address: 61, Jalan Glasiar, Taman Tasek
Contact details: +60 19-895 5564
Operating hours:
- Saturday to Thursday: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Friday: 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Cost: $
La Familia seamlessly blends Mexico and Italy by offering prominent dishes from both cuisines. They also showcase this hybrid of cuisines through their interior decor by featuring Mexican-inspired tiles, colourful flaglets, sombreros, and vibrant chairs and tables.
They offer over 20 pizza variations, divided into red and white sauces. Either way, you’ll get the best value for your money, as each flavour comes with a boatload of toppings and a crispy crust filled with air pockets and charred bits.
They also tap into their Mexican roots with the Mexicano pizza, which is flavoured with sweet corn, marinated chicken, and a drizzle of chilli hot sauce. Meanwhile, their white sauce selection will spoil you with its richness, especially the Alfredo and the four-cheese pizzas.
Pro tip:
You can easily commute here by taking the bus and getting off at the Taman Tasek bus station, which is located directly in front of the restaurant.
Principle Cafe by T.A.M.
– Media credit: principle_cafe
Address: Ibrahim Internation Business District, 82-B
Contact details: +60 18-328 0118
Operating hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Cost: $$$
Principle Cafe by T.A.M. is proof that you don’t need an overwhelming amount of flavours to satisfy one’s cravings. Their pizza selection features hints of traditional flavours with a twist—case in point, the chicken and pineapple pizza.
Usually, Hawaiian comes with ham as its main meat, but we were surprised that chicken goes perfectly well with the tangy fruit as well. We also fell in love with their gochujang pizza, as it offered us a taste of Korean cuisine combined with mozzarella cheese and chicken cutlets.
If you’re looking for something more traditional, however, we recommend getting their classic Neapolitan pizza with truffle oil. These simple pizza flavours go along with their minimalistic yet elegant interior as well!
Pro tip:
Add a hint of Malay food to your order by getting their Nyonya laksa as your pasta! Apart from using linguini as the noodles, this variation stays true to Malay cookbooks with its curry sauce and massive tiger prawns.
US PIZZA
– Media credit: uspizzamalaysia
Address: 3, Jalan Austin Perdana 3/8
Contact details: +60 7-359 5529
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM
- Friday to Sunday: 10:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Cost: $$
From its name, US PIZZA aims to provide its diners with pizzas that look and taste like they’re from the state. The iconic and lively diners from the States also inspire the design of this restaurant, featuring bright red couches, brick walls, and giant TVs.
Their menu mostly consists of familiar flavours like your typical pepperoni, chicken, and Hawaiian. However, what makes their pizza special is their hand-tossed dough, which serves as the perfect blank canvas for their flavourful toppings.
They also feature a “Chef’s Best” section, where you’ll find unconventional flavours. Among these is the Alaska fish and chip pizza, which comes complete with homemade tartare sauce!
Pro tip:
If you’re dining alone, we recommend checking out their X-Solo Meal. It comes with a regular-sized pizza, garlic bread, and a glass of iced tea.