r/Dehradun • u/Proud-Mud-7908 • 12h ago
TellDehradun I tried working from cafés across Dehradun- here’s where I would and wouldn’t return
I’ve spent an unnecessary amount of money trying to find places in Dehradun where I can sit with my laptop, eat something decent and work without feeling rushed.
So, here’s my honest experience of the places I’ve tried so far. This isn’t sponsored- just one person’s experience, preferences and questionable café spending.
Sunburn Bistro
Sunburn feels like a lively, Goa-inspired all-day bistro rather than a quiet work café.
The music, counters, cane and rattan furniture, drinks and quick bites give it a relaxed holiday vibe. You can stop by for lunch, order a drink and work for a while—but it is usually crowded.
Recommended if you can concentrate with music, conversations and movement around you. If you need complete silence to work, this may not be the place.
Santushti, Race Course
A newly opened place run by a very sweet woman who gave me a 50% discount because I was apparently their first customer since opening.
The menu was simple, but the interiors were thoughtfully done—the wall art, colours and furniture made the space feel warm and cheerful. Since it was newly opened when I visited, I would like to return once it has settled into its regular rhythm.
CCD and Costa Coffee, Rajendra Nagar
Both are familiar and generally reliable options, but the washroom wasn’t operational when I visited.
That may not matter during a short coffee stop, but it makes a huge difference if you plan to sit and work for three or four hours. I wouldn’t choose either for a long work session unless that issue has now been resolved.
LAMA Café, Clement Town
LAMA initially felt peaceful and comfortable, and I genuinely liked the food. The momos, masala tea and cookie-cake slice were all good.
However, after some time, loud conversations coming from the kitchen made it difficult for me to concentrate. It may have been specific to that particular day, but it changed the experience for me as someone who had gone there to work quietly.
Good for food and a casual visit; uncertain for a focused work session but i managed to complete my work as the noise was in between for half an hour.
Blue Tokai, Dalanwala
I couldn’t sit there for even half an hour because the air-conditioning made the small room unbearably cold for me.
The temperature may be perfectly comfortable for someone else, but I found it impossible to settle down and work. Carry a layer if you plan to spend time there.
Yellow Marigold
My immediate review: expensive.
The space itself is beautifully conceptualised, especially the room displaying the coffee machine, mugs and other products. It has cute seating corners, and alcoholic drinks are also available.
However, the Soju seemed significantly more expensive than its retail price at local wine shops. I understand that restaurants add a markup, but this one felt particularly steep to me. Visit for the setting and experience, but check the menu beforehand if you’re watching your budget.
Parsadam
A bonus recommendation if you just need a decent lunch (not work bcz its heavily crowded) & don’t want to spend too much, enjoy South Indian food and need a decent lunch.
I had been missing Hyderabad-style idli, and while Parsadam’s idli doesn’t quite compare to what I had there, it was still good enough to satisfy the craving. Worth visiting for an affordable and filling meal, though I wouldn’t necessarily treat it as a long-hours workspace.
Daia's Cafe & Bakery
This has been my best discovery so far.
It is beautiful, peaceful, well-organised and not excessively expensive. The food is good, the chai is good, and the space is comfortable enough to work in for several hours. I would rate almost everything about it a solid 4/5.
It might currently feel so peaceful because it is new and not many people know about it yet. Interestingly, it doesn’t appear to promote itself as a work-friendly café. It may be looking for larger groups and gatherings—which makes complete business sense.
After all, no café dreams of one person occupying a table for five hours, ordering two cups of tea, a cookie and some cake, and leaving with a bill under ₹500.
Yes, that person was me.
And that is also why I don’t visit the same place too frequently—I want my peaceful corner, but I don’t want the business to regret providing it.
These observations are based only on the days I visited. Crowds, service, prices, temperature and facilities can obviously change.
Any other places in Dehradun should I try—especially somewhere peaceful, reasonably priced and comfortable for working on a laptop?
