Brian Kennett
Amateur Chef and Boozy Traveling Foodie Extraordinaire
Attic by Raw Restaurant Review Johor Bahru: Amazing Halal Bistro and Bakery
Attic by Raw Restaurant Review: The Lofty Ambitions (did you see what I did there?) of Attic by Raw, Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru, for those who know, is the answer to escape-the-Red-Dot-island for budget saving delicious foodie cravings, and Attic by Raw perches above the fray like a local culinary superhero with halal powers. Forget those predictable JB haunts where good food claims stretch thinner than a prata in Little India; here, they have Chefs with skill and style with a menu that every hungry mouth on both sides of the causeway can rally behind.
Step into Attic by Raw and you’ll find an industrial chic New York loft experience, all exposed beams, red brick and moody lighting: well despite the interior fountain. This is a place that makes every Instagram shot of the food look at least 50% more expensive than reality. Weekend crowds pack this place, but it’s a mix of headscarved foodies, latte dads, and tourists trying to work out if they wandered into a Brooklyn speakeasy by mistake. Spoiler: you didn’t. The music is lively, the service is brisk but friendly, and the tantalising scent of smoked meats, baking breads and criossants says you’re in for a good ride. Buckle up foodie buddies.
Attic by Raw Review: Table of Contents
Attic by Raw in JB: Halal Dining That’s Anything But Ordinary
You should visit Attic by Raw in Johor Bahru because it’s the rare breed of halal restaurant that balances soul and style—serving up plate after plate that’s every bit photogenic as it is downright delicious. There’s a contagious “buzz” in the air, from the sizzle of the kitchen to the laughter bouncing off industrial brick walls, and that infectious energy sets the stage for everything from family feasts to weekend date nights.
If you’re deseprate for smoky grilled meats, saucy burgers, or simply want a top-notch mocktail in an atmosphere that feels effortlessly urban yet genuinely welcoming, this loft has got you sorted—no passport drama or wallet agony required. Islifearecipe is highly recommending this place, folks. She’s a beauty.
Attic by Raw Menu: Halal Delights and Modern Touches
The star here is the kitchen’s unapologetic halal food menu—no mystery substitutes, no sad cubes of bland tofu, just bold, meaty plates given TLC by a team who could teach lessons to Michelin Star Chefs. The pulled brisket savoury croissant comes out smoky and tender, the sort of thing you’ll end up picking at with fingers when dignity fails. The signature buffalo chicken wings: crispy with a zingy glaze, and globs of blue cheese sauce that turns your napkin into a Jackson Pollock painting.
Even the burgers flirt with gourmet, built tall and loaded with house sauces that you’ll want to bottle and sneak home. The menu isn’t afraid of fusion, either. Go for the Korean Gochujang Chicken Burger, with Spicy Korean Sauce, Cheddar Cheese, and pickled cucumber: all spice and crunch—says “JB can do better,” and then does.
The Seafood Aglio Olio is the kind that could win over carb-loving Italians stuck in JB traffic—or spicy sriracha crab cakes that play nicely with roti buns. The highlight for many are the most wonderful selection of pizzas, all worthy of late-night cravings and apologies to your ever-fattening stomach.
Attic by Raw Savoury Croissant with Smashed Beef @ RM34.00
Spicy Garlic Aioli | Cheddar Cheese | Gherkin | Fries. We were in the wait queue for about 40-minutes, and Jude Jude was starving so we grabbed a croissant from the bakery to tide him over. He let us all have a bite, and I tell you in that moment I was lifted to the buttery croissant heavens – never before have I tried one so damned delicious and decadent all in one go.
So then, when I espy on the menu, that the smash burger “bun” is one of those croissants. Job done!!! The burger too was incredible, lovely char, perfact seasoning, delish melted cheese and pickle and then combine with the croissant – KABOOM!!! Oh yeah, and the fries are killer, too. One of the best burgers I have ever had – without a doubt.
Islifearecipe v's McClown: recipe showdown...
Attic by Raw Buffalo Wings With Blue Cheese Dressing @ RM24.00
I would’t say I am a massive buffalo wings fan, but for these bad boys I truly don’t mind the dry cleaning bill and stained beard. Man alive. Super-moist inside, but with a crunch / crust, with this zingy sour spicy sauce. It was a WOW moment on that first bite. But then, whack a wing in that blue cheese sauce and take a bite: suffice it to say, I nearly fell of my chair as I was so giddy. Cracking wings Attic, the best I have ever had. Stunners.
Attic by Raw Savoury Croissant with BBQ Pulled Beef Brisket @ RM34.00
6hrs BBQ Braised Brisket | Mang Guang Coleslaw | Pickle Onions. The same description as above for the smash burger. This is also stuff of legend in the sphere of burgers. Slow braised brisket, soft and tender and juicy, with melty cheese, tangy slaw and then crunch and hit of the buttery croissant. It’s an explosion of textures: this is umami burger baby…
Nasi Lemak Royale with Ayam Goreng Rempah @ RM30.00
Ayam Goreng Rempah | Nyonya Acar | Kangkung | Sambal. The Malay iconic and classic dish. How beautiful does that look plated up. She’s just beautiful. I watched this get served, I took a quick picture, turned away, and when I looked back it was gone – the plate was clean. Yeah, I think BeBe really liked this.
Attic by Raw Seafood Aglio Olio Linguine @ RM 38.00
Attic by Raw Restaurant Photos
Attic by Raw Vibes, Crowd, and Halal Credentials
What sets Attic by Raw apart from the halal pack in Johor Bahru is the “raw” honesty of its Muslim friendly approach. The drinks list keeps things above board too: no alcohol, but the mocktails here could start a war against any cocktail. Try the “Passion Bomb” or “Blackcurrant Mint Smash”—fresh, zingy, and worthy of a cheers with every table in sight.
Service deserves a shoutout. The Wait, Snap, Deliver rhythm is quick but not rushed, with staff that can recommend quirks of the menu to suit every indecisive diner. Tables are wiped down faster than you can say “lagi satu teh tarik,” and, nobody gets left hanging. The interior is all exposed brick, greenery, and open spaces even with an indoor fountain—enough to make a family gathering feel stylish. Music hops from soft jazz to Asian pop—good background noise for the world’s loudest Instagram influencer who was at the next table.
One thing. Wrap up warm. They pump the aircon up here, folks. Like dining in a fridge, and I can’t explain why, unless they’re trying to force you to eat quick and get you out to reduce that long line at the front of house?
Attic by Raw JB Restaurant Menu
Voice of the Restaurant: Attic by Raw
“Attic by Raw is a captivating event space, restaurant, and bakery nestled in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Our unique concept blends French, Italian, and Western influences to create a harmonious fusion of flavors. With eye-catching orange brick walls, our venue can accommodate up to 150 guests, making it ideal for memorable occasions like weddings and birthday celebrations.
Our in-house kitchen specializes in creating exquisite dishes that complement the diverse culinary offerings at our venue. With attention to detail and a passion for gastronomy, they curate and customize dishes to enhance the overall dining experience for our guests.
Our Bakery and Pizzeria uses top quality ingredients baked fresh daily! We ensure the customizable pastries. We’re dedicated to providing you with a delightful experience every time you visit. Come and taste the flavors that make us your spot!“
I love an open kitchen, and boy these two are big. One is more for the baking side, as below, which includes breads and pastries for the retail bakery at the front. They also do the pizza bases and croissants for the burgers and such.
Then above is my new BFF for the day, Chef and pass owner. I bumped into him after lunch and had a chat, and I seriously praised him, his crew and the food. It’s exceptional, folks.
Final Thoughts: Halal Magic in a Johor Bahru Loft
Every city has its “it” restaurant—right now, Attic by Raw is wearing JB’s crown: evident by the continuous 40-50 minute wait time. For halal enthusiasts it’s paradise, for everyone else it’s just a spot with fantastic meat, snappy service, and prices so sane they could double as therapy. The chefs and crew have found the trick: halal isn’t about restrictions, it’s an invitation, and we took that invitation with open arms.
Flavours are big, the plates are generous, and the loft crowd has genuinely good taste. They do comfort food with swagger, and bake with such incredible skill, giving Malaysian classics and Western-syles their due with a fresh coat of urban polish and buttery crunchy croissant goodness.
Don’t expect Attic by Raw to rest on its smoky laurels. Menus change, specials appear, and the whole place buzzes with JB’s “city-within-a-city” energy. Chefs here are fearless; they’ll switch up the sauce or the spice mix and send you home with a new favourite every visit. If you popped in with friends, you’ll return with your entire Instagram group again and again – of that I am confident. The only advice? Bring a jacket or. hoodie, as man it is cold cold cold in the dining area. Despite that, this beauty in Johor Bahru might just be Singaporean food envy’s new home. And at $100 for five pax, we saved $2-300 by not eating in Singapore – gets my vote!!!
So, Attic by Raw, Johor Bahru, deserves every rave and 5* review it gets. Halal restaurant standards have been raised—lofted, in fact—and each visit will leave you looking for a reason to return (I have to go back for the croissant burgers again). For hungry Singaporeans, Malaysian regulars, and JB newbies, this is the taste that hits above its weight. If you leave without a doggy bag or three new menu favourites, you’re officially doing it wrong: ENJOY!!!
Other Johor Bahru Favourite Restaurants:
Attic by Raw Opening Hours
| Saturday | 9 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am–10 pm |
| Monday | 10 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 10 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 10 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 10 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 10 am–10 pm |
Attic by Raw Restaurant Address
Is Attic by Raw Restaurant Halal?
What is the Attic by Raw Dress Code?
It’s a family bistro and bakery in the middle of an industrial estate – yeah, weird locale, but don’t let that put you off. This is must-try food in JB. We had lunch and I rocked up in shirt, shorts and flip flops. Pretty much all around were dressed the same. No speedos: budgies are not allowed to be smuggled at Attic by Raw.
Attic by Raw Restaurant Reservation
Attic by Raw Contact Details
- Attic by Raw Phone: +60 11-6303 9898
- Attic by Raw eMail: hello@attic-raw.com