Tony Johor Kaki Travels for Food · Heritage · Culture · History

Food Explorer Storyteller with 63 million+ reads 📧 johorkaki@gmail.com

Grill Bar Steakhouse in Taman Pelangi, Johor Bahru

Grill-Bar-Steakhouse-Johor-Bahru

I was at Grill Bar Steakhouse last night at the invitation of Gary, the boss. Meeting Gary for the first time, I can't help but be captivated by his infectious passion for biking and cooking - I can feel Gary's positive energy everywhere in his restaurant and in his food.

Grill-Bar-Steakhouse-Johor-Bahru

The biker theme is all over the restaurant. Gary is an avid biker who makes numerous trips, including at least one 2,500 plus kilometre bike trip a year. For food, Grill Bar is in my opinion, one of the best Western food restaurants that I know of in Johor.

Bar-Steakhouse-Johor-Bahru

I found Grill Bar Steakhouse and Gary really fascinating. I think I am going to spend a lot more time in Grill Bar Steakhouse.

Grill-Bar-Steakhouse-Johor-Bahru

Walking along the familiar streets of Johor Bahru, you will be surprised (I was delighted, actually) when you step into Grill Bar Steakhouse. Push pass the door and you may think that you have suddenly arrived in San Francisco or New York City.

Gary pays a lot of attention to create the perfect ambiance for a nice dinner date at Grill Bar :) The mood lighting makes food photography extremely challenging - I assure you that Grill Bar's food is way better than what I could capture in my photos.

Lobster-Bisque-Soup-Johor-Bahru

This picture of Grill Bar's Baby Lobster Bisque (RM16) is a huge understatement. One spoonful of this smooth creamy soup made me sat up - it thrilled and primed my taste buds for the dishes that were to come. Grill Bar's lobster bisque was full bodied and had that distinct umami (savoury) flavour extracted through prolong boiling of lobster shells and heads.

Grilled-Prawns-Johor-Bahru

The Paprika Grilled Sea Prawns (RM28) were meaty and sweet, and the slightly charred outer layer was smokey. The tasty prawns were well complemented by the lemon cream sauce.

Onion-Bloom-Johor-Bahru

This Onion Blossom (RM17) is a Grill Bar signature dish. The deep fried onions "fries" were crispy outside and inside they were moist and sweet.

Onion-Bloom-Johor-Bahru

The crunchy Onion Blossom is eaten with Grill Bar's house blended Tartar sauce which is creamy, savoury and sweet.

Steak-Johor-Bahru

Grill Bar's famous Black Angus Ribeye Steak (RM12 per oz).

Ribeye-Steak-Johor-Bahru

Our 8 Oz Australian steak was done medium rear. It was so tender and the flavourful juices, so delightful - I was like being reawakened to my meat eating instincts, rediscovering the primeval pleasure of devouring quality flesh.

Rack-of-Lamb-Johor-Bahru

The Rosemary Rack of Lamb (RM59) made with chilled New Zealand lamb roasted in a broiler.

Rack-of-Lamb-Johor-Bahru

We asked for our lamb to be cooked medium to savour the tender, juicy rosy pink meat.

Burrito-Johor-Bahru

I am not a fan of burritos as I associate it with American franchised fast food. Grill Bar's Mushroom and Cheddar Beef Burrito (RM39) changed my mind about burritos.

Burrito-Johor-Bahru

The tortilla wrap was firm while the moist and savoury filling made with mushroom, cheddar and tender pulled beef was so... delicious. The pulled beef softened by hours of slow cooking was so tender, it felt as if it melted in my mouth into a smokey, creamy puree with just a little chewing.

Burrito-Johor-Bahru

Grill Bar's burritos are totally different from their fast food cousins. This is a Must Try. 

Lava-Cake-Johor-Bahru

For dessert, we shared a Chocolate Lava Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream coated crushed peanuts. Oozing, warm, not-overly sweet chocolate, it was a nice way to cap our happy overindulgence.

Grill Bar Steakhouse and Gary are so fascinating, I hadn't had enough when it was time to go. I must mention that the service staff at Grill Bar was part of our delightful experience -  always cheerful, always helpful. My stomach had no more room while the restaurant was full house when we left. Our three hours at Grill Bar passed in the blink of an eye and I didn't really have a chance to chat with Gary - hence, no customary picture of the Chef in action :( I can't wait to be back for more of Grill Bar's delicious delights and to hear Gary's stories.

->> JB people's favourite steak house. The food is always good at Grill Bar.

Grill-Bar-Steakhouse-Johor-Bahru

Restaurant name: Grill Bar Steakhouse
Address: 202, Jalan Sri Pelangi, Taman Pelangi, Johor Bahru
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/WUYzl
GPS: 1.480602,103.773548
HoursMon: 12:00 noon - 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm | Wed - Fri: 12:00 noon - 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm | Sat - Sun: 12:00 noon - 10:30 pm
No pork, no lard, alcohol (beer only) served

Date visited: 2 May 2013

11 comments:

  1. Damn I'm hungry. This gonna be my list when I come over jb next week.

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  2. tried the onion blossom this week. I must say this is really nice!

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  3. medium rear ... hehe..

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  4. "..primeval pleasure of devouring quality flesh" .... Tony, you sound like Hannibal Lecter! Not sure I want to dine with you, LOL! Nevertheless, must visit when I'm in town - AU.

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    Replies
    1. LOL please pardon the poetic licence. I am actually gentle and friendly.

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  5. Replies
    1. It's no pork, no lard, no Halal cert, beer served.

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  6. Does this restaurant serve steak during brunch hour, 12pm on weekday?

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  7. Termendous performance by Chef Gary! Good taste, good services and great place to be. Congrats to all the staff too!

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