By Fathima Rukaiya
Hey there! Feeling the walls closing in at home while you work or study? Yeah, being stuck in the same spot can get pretty dull, even if it’s comfy. But hey, there are tons of cool, calm, and quiet places that are perfect for a change of scenery and a breath of fresh air. Let’s check them out.
1. Tea Avenue
As soon as you step into Tea Avenue, the comforting aroma of freshly brewed tea greets you. This aroma alone can lift your spirits. It’s an ideal spot for solo work or even for hosting meetings. And the best part? They serve a tasty range of food.
Open Hours: 7AM- 1AM (DAILY)
Locations:
- Jawatta
- Pepiliyana
- Kotte
- Kohuwala
Facilities:
- Free Wi-Fi (2-hour access per bill)
- Device charging ports available
- Meeting Rooms 06 – 15 pax (available ONLY in Jawatta branch)
- Outdoor seating (Jawatta branch)
*Use of laptops is NOT permitted at the outlet during weekends.
Rates:
- Rs. 5,000 – Rs. 15,000 and upwards on meeting rooms
- Food and beverages at Rs. 1,000/= and above
Contacts:
- Jawatta – 077 336 7879
- Pepiliyana – 0772317134
- Kotte – 0772317049
- Kohuwala – 0761269426
For more information check out their website www.tea-avenue.com
Or Facebook: Tea Avenue / Instagram: teaavenue1936 / / Email: marketing@tea-avenue.com
2. Java Longue
Having coffee while working is essential, and this place is perfect for it. They offer a variety of excellent coffee choices and delicious food.
Open hours:
- Monday – Wednesday & Sunday: 7 AM – 11:30 PM
- Thursday – Saturday: 7AM – 12AM
Locations:
- Jawatte
- Bamba
- Fort
- Barnes Place
- Nawala
- Nugegoda
- Weli park Nugegoda
Facilities:
- Free Wi – Fi (per bill 30 minutes access)
- Device charging ports
- Meeting room 10 – 12 pax
- Outdoor seating
Rates:
- Meeting room Rs. 10,000/= for 2-hours (charges includes food & beverages)
- Food and beverages at Rs. 1,000/= and above
Contacts:
- Jawatta: 0112 556 633
- Bamba: 0112 552 501
- Fort: 0112 333 051
- Barnes Place: 0112 695 861
- Nawala: 0112 885 890
- Nugegoda: 071 014 1263
- Weli park Nugegoda: 070 268 3371
For more information www.javalounge.lk / Email: info@javalounge.lk / Instagram: javaloungecolombo / Facebook: Java Lounge
3. Black Cat Café
The Black Cat Cafe is celebrated for its top-notch service and mouth-watering cuisine. It’s an ideal spot for work or study.
Open hours: 8 AM – 9 PM
Location: 11 Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 07
Facilities:
- Free Wi – Fi (access hours depends on the cost of bill)
- Device charging ports available
- Outdoor seating
- Rooms available for stay
*NO laptop restrictions on weekends.
Rates:
- Food & Beverages starting at Rs. 1,000/= and above
- Rooms starting at Rs. 18,000/= (rates can fluctuate)
Rooms can be booked on www.airbnb.com
Contact: 0112 675 111
For more information, Email: blackcatcolombo@gmail.com / Instagram: blackcatcolombo / Facebook: Black Cat Café + Stay
4. Monkeybean Café
MonkeyBean Cafe provides delicious food and drinks, complemented by a scenic beach view to brighten your day. It’s an ideal location for both work and study.
Open hours: 7AM – 9PM (DAILY)
Locations: 16 Sellamuttu Ave, Colombo 03
Facilities:
- Free Wi – Fi (unlimited access time per bill)
- Device charging ports available
- Outdoor seating
*Use of laptops is NOT permitted at the café during weekends.
Rates: Beverages starting at Rs. 500/= and above
Contact: 076 413 0060
For more information, Email: monkeybeancafe@gmail.com / Facebook: Monkeybean Cafe / Instagram: monkeybeanlk
5. London House Of Coffee
If you’re in search of a peaceful spot to enjoy a good read or get some work done while sipping on a cup of coffee, this less crowded place could be just what you’re looking for.
Open hours: 7AM – 12AM (DAILY)
Location: 2B R.G. Senanayake Mawatha, Colombo 07
Facilities:
- Free Wi – Fi (unlimited access time per bill)
- Device charging ports available
- Balcony seating
*NO laptop restrictions on weekends.
Rates: Beverages starting at Rs. 500/= and above
Contact: 0112 693 072
For more information, www.londonhouseofcoffee.com / Email: info@londonhouseofcoffee.com / Instagram: londonhouseofcoffee / Facebook: London House of Coffee
6. Caramel Pumpkin
This is a roomy place with tasty, well-priced food. The staff is quite friendly. Plus, there’s a peaceful outdoor spot where you can relax, read, or get some work done.
Open hours: 8AM – 10PM (DAILY)
Location: 38 Ward Pl, Colombo 07
Facilities:
- Free Wi-Fi (unlimited access time per bill)
- Device charging ports available
- Outdoor seating
*NO laptop restrictions on weekends.
Rates: Food & Beverages starting at Rs. 900/= and above
Contact: 0112 677 966
Check out their Instagram caramelpumpkin.lk for daily updates.
7. E – Café
E-Cafe is a spacious establishment, with private cabins and a meeting room. It’s filled with comfortable chairs, perfect for settling in and focusing on work. And each seating area is conveniently equipped with a plug point.
Open hours:
Colpetty: 9AM – 12AM (CLOSED on Sundays)
Kirulapone: 8AM – 9PM (DAILY)
Locations:
- Colpetty (in Juliana Hotel Colombo)
- Kirulapone
Facilities:
- Free Wi-Fi (unlimited access time per bill)
- Device charging ports available
- Meeting room max 6 pax (available ONLY in Kirulapone branch)
*NO laptop restrictions on weekends.
Rates:
- Food & Beverages starting at Rs. 1,000/= and above
- Meeting room, per person minimum spend Rs. 2,500/= (4-hour access)
Contacts:
- Colpetty: 0113 428 350
- Kirulapone: 0112 507 525
Instagram: ecafecoffeeandbread / Facebook: E CAFE – Coffee & Bread / Email: ecafe.lk@outlook.com
8. Barista Lavazza
Barista is the biggest coffee chain in Colombo, with many outlets in busy spots around the city. I think Café Mocha by Barista is the best place to buckle down and get some work done. It’s quiet and roomy with comfy seats. Their other outlets are pretty good too. The prices are what you’d expect at a coffee shop, and they’re known for their awesome cheesecakes.
Opening hours for most outlets in Colombo typically range from 7AM to 10PM, although these can vary. It’s recommended to reach out to them directly or visit their website to confirm the timings before your visit.
Locations:
- World Trade Center
- Bambalapitiya
- Mount Lavinia
- Café Mocha by Barista (Wellawatte, Pamankada)
- Nawam Mawatha
- Staple Street Lakarcade (Slave Island)
- Nawala
- Orion City (Dematagoda)
- Nugegoda Diner
- Barista Double XL (Cinnamon Gardens)
- Athurugiriya – Express
- Thimbirigasyaya – Express
- Thalwathugoda
- Laksala Thummulla
- Rajagiriya
Opening hours, locations and contact numbers here: https://barista.lk/locations/
Facilities:
-Free Wi-Fi (unlimited access time per bill)
– Device charging ports available
*NO laptop restrictions on weekends.
Rates: Beverages from Rs. 500/= and above
Contacts: +94 11 255 2180 / +94 11 255 2181 / +94 11 255 2182 (above link is recommended to get exact location contact)
Website: https://barista.lk/ / Email: info@barista.lk / Facebook: Barista Sri Lanka / Instagram: baristasl
9. Coco Varenda
The stylish atmosphere at Coco Veranda is top-notch, and its veranda section is particularly suited for work, especially when it’s not too busy. They also serve some really good food.
Open hours:
Monday – Thursday: 9AM – 9PM
Friday – Sunday: 9AM – 10PM
Location: 67 Dr C W W Kannangara Mawatha Colombo 07
Facilities:
- Free Wi-Fi (unlimited access time per bill)
- Device charging ports available
*NO laptop restrictions on weekends.
Rates: Food and Beverages at Rs. 1,000/= and above
Contact: +94 11 2 662 678
Website: https://www.cocoveranda.co/ / Email: hello@cocoveranda.com / Instagram: cocoveranda / Facebook: Coco Veranda
10. Department of Coffee
Pleasant ambience, with soothing music and attractive plants, complemented by a breathtaking roadside view. They provide window seating, serve excellent coffee and food, making it an ideal location for work or study.
Open hours: 7AM – 11PM
Location: 10A Philip Gunawardena Mawatha, Colombo 07
Facilities:
- Free Wi-Fi (unlimited access time per bill for meetings and document work. However, there can be download restrictions)
- Device charging ports available (window seating area)
- Coworking space available from 7AM – 5PM
*Use of laptops is NOT permitted at the café during weekends.
Rates:
- Coworking space Rs. 1,500/= per person
Contact: 0113 430 808
Website: https://deptofcoffee.lk/ / Email: info@deptofcoffee.lk / Facebook: Department Of Coffee / Instagram: deptofcoffee.lk
Colombo is filled with great cafes and spots perfect for work. We’ve only scratched the surface with this list. If you’re working remotely, studying, or just in need of a change, these places offer tasty food, great coffee, and a comfortable setting. Keep in mind, a new environment can stimulate creativity and enhance productivity. So, we hope this article guides you to your next productive workspace. Happy exploring!
