Dehradun has many great places to eat from cozy cafés to full-service fine dining. I picked ten places that repeatedly appear on trusted listings and review sites and that people say are worth visiting. For each place you’ll get: what it is, what to try, who it’s best for, and a short tip.
1) Café De Piccolo
A small, popular Italian-style café known for pizza, pasta and desserts. Many visitors give it top marks for taste and a calm sit-down feel. It’s great for families and for people who like Italian food. Tip: try a wood-fired pizza or their tiramisu.
Why go: relaxed café vibe + good desserts.
Best for: families, students, date outs.
2) Loulou
Loulou is often listed as one of the highest-rated small restaurants/cafés in Dehradun. It’s known for a neat menu and friendly service. If you want a quiet place with good food and good reviews, Loulou is a safe bet.
Why go: excellent reviews and consistent quality.
Best for: people who want a calm, top-rated café experience.
3) Sosoru — The Pan Asian Restaurant & Bar
If you like Chinese, sushi, noodles or pan-Asian food, Sosoru is a well-reviewed option in Dehradun. It’s popular for its flavors and plating. Great for group dinners or when you want something different from local north-Indian food.
Why go: strong pan-Asian menu and good presentation.
Best for: groups, Asian food lovers.
4) Countdown Restaurant (Since 1984)
A long-running and trusted name for Dehradun dinners. It appears often in lists of best dinner places and has steady local popularity. If you want a tried-and-tested place with a long history, Countdown is a choice.
Why go: classic, reliable restaurant with years of service.
Best for: family dinners, people who prefer familiar spots.
5) Range — Cosmopolitan Food Gallery
Range is a fine-dining style restaurant known for international dishes and a polished dining experience. Reviewers point to good service and creative menus. It’s good when you want a slightly fancy meal.
Why go: upscale feel and varied menu.
Best for: special occasions, food explorers.
6) Kalsang (Tibetan/North-east style)
Kalsang is a chain that brings Tibetan and Himalayan flavors — momos, thukpa and hearty soups. Locals and visitors like Kalsang for authentic Himalayan-style comfort food. If you want hot momos or Tibetan soups, try this.
Why go: tasty momos and Himalayan dishes.
Best for: cold days, quick comfort meals.
7) Black Pepper
Black Pepper is a popular option on Rajpur Road and similar areas — people recommend it for good Indian and Chinese dishes and a lively indoor space. It’s often on lists of recommended restaurants for visitors. Good for simple, tasty plates.
Why go: reliable Indian & Chinese dishes.
Best for: families, groups.
8) Smoke House Deli (and similar branded cafés)
Smoke House Deli is a known café brand that serves European/Italian food — burgers, pastas, salads and desserts. Branded cafés like this are popular for consistent food and good ambiance. Many people like them for brunch or hangouts.
Why go: consistent menu, good for brunch.
Best for: friends meetups and casual meals.
9) Bungalow (Crossroads Mall / Karanpur)
Bungalow outlets are known for large menus — pizzas, desserts and family-friendly offerings. Many diners choose it for weekend brunches and music nights. It’s a comfortable spot for groups and families.
Why go: big menu and family-friendly vibe.
Best for: weekend outings, pizza lovers.
10) Monsoon / Beyul / The Terrace (rooftop options)
There are several well-regarded places that offer rooftop or fine-dining experiences (Monsoon and Beyul appear in fine dining lists; rooftop buffets like The Terrace are also mentioned in visitor guides). These places are good for views, buffets, and an elevated dining experience. If you want to dine with a view, try a rooftop or terrace place.
Why go: rooftop views and buffet choices.
Best for: special meals and group celebrations.
Quick tips for visitors (short & useful)
- Check hours before you go. Small cafés often open late morning and close mid-afternoon, then open again in evening. Larger restaurants usually stay open all day. (Listings like Zomato and Tripadvisor show hours.)
- Book a table on weekends. Popular places get full on Friday–Sunday evenings.
- Ask locals for the best dish. Staff or nearby people often tell you what’s fresh that day.
- Try local sweets and bakeries. Dehradun also has good bakeries and sweet shops for small treats.
