Tom Hidden Garden by the Sea is an instagrammable restaurant in Johor Bahru. Located about 15km to the east of Johor Bahru City Centre, Hidden Garden by the Sea, as the name suggests, offer views across the Johor Strait where you not only can enjoy sea views but also views of Sembawang Park in Singapore as well. As we have read about several “restrictions” such as no photo-taking of the restaurant premise during certain hours, we came with an expectation of following these house-rules, which…we later found were not really true…
First Impressions of Hidden Garden by the Sea Johor Bahru
Getting to Hidden Garden by the Sea can be a little tricky towards the end. After passing some newly constructed and gated terraced house communities, you’ll enter into a narrow road. This narrow road is the only entry/exit point towards Hidden Garden by the Sea as well as the Dragon Fish Seafood Restaurant nearby. Hence, do slow down as you will see cars going in the opposite direction as you travel along this road. Also, closer to Hidden Garden by the Sea, follow the signs to enter (and not the GPS) because the restaurant has made it a “loop”, to enter via one entrance and exit via the other so that the traffic flow would be smoother. Park at the gravel parking lots and you can walk towards the turquoise coloured fence towards Hidden Garden by the Sea.
As you walk towards the restaurant, you’ll see a staff next to a stand. Just indicate the number of pax and whether you would want the air-conditioned seats or not….
As you walk through the restaurant, there are 3 areas that are air-conditioned. The first is the one right at the entrance, where the toilets are located (ladies are located inside this first air-conditioned area). The second is right opposite, where the cashier is and where most of the air-conditioned seats are located. Just outside this area is the main outdoor seating with sea views…
As we were still early, we were led to another sheltered outdoor seating towards the end of the restaurant. Within this small enclave, you’ll find a third air-conditioned area with the platform where the live band plays…
Hidden Garden by the Sea Johor Bahru – What’s On The Menu?
So what food does Hidden Garden by the Sea serve up? Well, according to the menu of Hidden Garden by the Sea, we see a Western selection such as burgers, pasta, rib-eye, lamb shoulder, breaded chicken along with mocktails, milk shakes and shaved ice desserts. So yep, we’re pretty sure that they serve up Western cuisine here at Hidden Garden by the Sea.
So what did we have at Hidden Garden by the Sea this time…
What We Had at Hidden Garden by the Sea Johor Bahru
After browsing through the menu, we decided to get one mains each, a drink and share a dessert. This time, we ordered the
1. Halibut Fish Fillet 44RM
(Crispy fried halibut fillet with mashed potato, roasted veggie and thai green curry sauce)
2. Aus Beef Burger 35RM
(Beef patty, tomato, cheese, mixed salad, curly fries, pink sauce)
3. Lychee Lemon Shave Ice 26RM
(Lime slice, lychee, lime jelly, yoghurt popping ball, water chestnut popping ball)
4. Tropical Shake (Pandan Coconut) 12RM
The total price came up to 135RM (inclusive of taxes), or about $40SGD.
Overall, we were not really impressed by the food. However, you’re really here for the views and instagrammable spots right? So we didnt’ have much expectation for the food. For instance, the mashed potato below the halibut fillet, was probably one of the worst versions we’ve had – not much thought placed into the seasoning (despite being made from the powdered form). The Aus Beef Burger really had a patty that resembled Ramly patties – not like a patty made of beef from scratch. Not to tell how bad the food is but to taper expectations. Nonetheless, there were also some bright spots. For instance, the green curry sauce was unique and went pretty well with everything. Also, the Lychee Lemon Shaved Ice was a hit for us – especially the jelly and the popping balls with chestnut and yoghurt within. Really good.
With the meals done, it was time to do some instagrammable shots of the heart-shaped “photo booth” by the end of the pier at Hidden Garden by the Sea Johor…
If you’re feeling adventurous, Hidden Garden by the Sea also has a package that allows for rides on their ATVs aka “Dine & Ride”…
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All in all, we had a great time at Hidden Garden by the Sea in Johor Bahru. The cool sea breeze, beautiful views and excellent decor (along with one of Kate’s favourite colours) does elevate the overall experience of entering a secret garden by the sea. Food quality should take a back seat if you’re coming here but be prepared for many instagrammable moments while you’re here. Just ask the staff and they’ll allow you to enter the various areas to take those great photos. Enjoy!
