Gianni's Trattoria — Restaurant in Johor

With a sudden flight delay out of JB, I found myself with an unexpected lunch window—and what better way to spend it than at my favourite Italian spot in town, Gianni’s Trattoria. I headed to the Permas branch, where the service has always been exceptional, especially under the warm and attentive care of manager Mary Anne.

From the moment I was seated, the experience was a comforting embrace of familiarity and quality. The meal began with their signature focaccia bread—pillowy soft, gently warm, and delightfully aromatic. Dipped in fragrant olive oil and a touch of tangy balsamic vinegar, each bite was an irresistible prelude to the meal.

I opted for the 2-course lunch set, and once again, Gianni’s delivered beyond expectations. The asparagus soup was velvety smooth, with an earthy depth and a subtle creaminess that made each spoonful a pleasure. For the main, the steak was cooked to perfection—tender, flavourful, and paired beautifully with its sides. The meal came with a drink, all for around RM50—truly one of the best-value gourmet lunches you’ll find in JB.

I was tempted to complete the experience with their legendary tiramisu—arguably the best in Johor Bahru—but I was far too full. That said, I’ve had it before, and it’s the kind of dessert that leaves a lasting impression: luscious layers, just the right touch of espresso, and a melt-in-your-mouth finish.

Gianni’s never fails to deliver a delicious and memorable meal, and this visit was no exception. If you're looking for authentic Italian fare with heart, flavour, and warmth, this...

Service by the waitress was obnoxious and quite invasive. Water cost RM18. (The water did not come from Italy either, and was wholly unremarkable.) Just a poor start to an evening. Bread wasn’t great - stale, crumbly, a dry and weak rendition of the typical elastic Italian bread. (Some might argue that the table bread is Tuscan bread, it’s meant to be that way). The olive oil was hardly generous, barely a tablespoon. The colour of the oil looked straw coloured, not the deep green EVOO one typically expects ...

Many dishes we had looked forward to trying were unavailable.

But for these faults, the meat dishes that arrived were authentic and well cooked, like any honest restaurant in the heart of Italy. The sauces were rich and the flavours were clearly from recipes that have withstood the test of time. The bread’s true purpose was then revealed. It is there for you to mop up the sauce, because you will find that you simply can’t get enough of it.

Keep the Italian chef, maybe lose the Malaysian upsell... the water left a bad taste and detracts from the honesty of the flavours. Also, pop music is quite incompatible with the elegant and careful...

Opened by an Italian Chef from Germany who had resided in Johor Bahru for decades, Gianni’s Trattoria has two outlets, one in Taman Pelangi and the other one here in Jalan Permas.

Located behind McDonalds and opposite AEON Permas Shopping Centre, this restaurant is easily accessible by walk if you are staying at the nearby Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel.

It is a nice place to spend time, with a European feel here. On the wall, there are pictures of the different scenes of Italy. There is a large oven in the kitchen revealing a roaring fire for baking pizzas and toasting bread.

I ordered the following ala-carte dishes for my lunch on a weekday:

🍝 Fettu Carbonara - RM65 🍕 Gianni’s Pizza - RM48 💲Total cost including taxes: RM131.10

I would say the dishes seemed underwhelming attributed to my high expectations and the slightly high prices here.

If you are looking for European cuisine in Jalan Permas, which is comprised of mainly local and Asian eateries, Gianni’s Trattoria makes an ideal choice for a fine dining experience here.

💡 Plan your lunch on a weekday as the restaurant offers some value-for-money...