Journey Insights

When you’re travelling through Sri Lanka’s hill country, there’s one little town that always seems to steal the spotlight—Ella. And tucked into the lively buzz of this mountain gem is Cafe One Love, the kind of place that makes you forget what time it is, laugh louder than you meant to, and wonder why every Friday night can’t feel this good.

I landed here on a Friday evening, almost by accident, but left feeling like I’d stumbled into Ella’s best-kept secret for starting the weekend.

First Impressions: A Vibe You Can’t Fake

Cafe One Love doesn’t just serve food and drinks—it creates a mood. The moment you walk in, the warm lights and reggae beats spill over you like a friendly hug. The décor is a quirky mix of rustic wood, murals, and little corners designed for lounging with friends or, if you’re anything like me, people-watching with a drink in hand.

There’s no stiff atmosphere here. It’s laid-back, messy in the best way, and effortlessly cool. The kind of place where conversations at one table blend with laughter from another, and before long, strangers start feeling like friends.

Mojitos That Steal the Show

I’ll admit it—I’m a sucker for a good mojito. And here, mojitos aren’t just drinks; they’re part of the party. The menu is a colourful lineup that makes you want to try them all, even though you know you probably shouldn’t.

• Classic Mojito – Rum, lime, mint, sugar. Simple. Refreshing. It’s the one that sets the tone. One sip and you know the night’s going in the right direction.
• Mango Mojito – Sweet, tropical, and just the right hint of zing. It felt like sipping sunshine.
• Passionfruit Mojito – Tangy, exotic, and slightly wild. If drinks had personalities, this one would be the life of the party.
• Pineapple Mojito – Smooth, fruity, with that playful edge pineapple always brings. A little cheeky, a little sweet.
• Watermelon Mojito – Crisp and cooling. Honestly, it tasted like summer had been muddled into a glass.

I started with passionfruit, switched to mango, and ended with watermelon. Each one came alive with fresh mint and the sharp kick of lime—refreshing enough to keep you dancing, bold enough to make you smile wider.

The Food: Small Bites, Big Comfort

If mojitos are the music, the food here is the rhythm that keeps everything flowing. It’s unfussy, comforting, and designed to be shared—or not, if you’re feeling greedy.

• Garlic Bread: Thin strips brushed with garlic olive oil and herbs. Crunchy edges, soft middle, and that unmistakable garlic hit that makes you reach for just one more piece.
• French Fries: Golden, salty, and unapologetically addictive. Served with tomato sauce and mayo, they disappeared faster than I’d like to admit.
• Potato Wedges: Thick, seasoned with cayenne chilli powder and herbs. The spice gave them a kick that worked beautifully with the cool mojitos.
• Spring Rolls: Rice paper filled with fresh vegetables, served with sweet chilli sauce. Crisp outside, light inside—the perfect little snack to balance the drinks.

Nothing on the menu tries to be overly complicated. It’s comfort food at its finest—familiar, flavourful, and made for nights like this.

The Friday Night Party

Now, here’s the thing: Cafe One Love isn’t just about eating and drinking. Friday night is when the place transforms into a full-on party. Music cranks up, the crowd thickens, and suddenly the café feels like it’s pulsing with energy.

I found myself tapping my foot to reggae tunes, clinking glasses with travellers from Germany, and laughing with a couple from Colombo who swore they came here every time they visited Ella. It wasn’t the kind of forced party where you feel out of place—it was the easy, contagious kind where you’re swept up without even trying.

Why This Place Feels Different

Plenty of cafés in Ella offer drinks and live music, but what makes One Love stand out is the mix of energy and intimacy. You’re surrounded by people, yet it still feels cosy. The staff aren’t just taking orders—they’re chatting, dancing along to the music, and making sure your glass is never empty for too long.

And the mojitos? They’re more than drinks. They’re part of the ritual. Pick your flavour, sip, laugh, repeat.

A Personal Moment

At one point, I stepped outside with my watermelon mojito in hand. The cool Ella breeze rolled in, carrying faint laughter and the hum of music from inside. The mountains loomed in the distance, dark and quiet, while just metres away, the café glowed like a lantern of joy.

It struck me then: this is why people fall in love with Ella. It’s not just the hikes or the waterfalls—it’s nights like this. Nights where the air smells of lime and mint, where the garlic bread comes hot from the oven, and where strangers gather in one little café and forget the world outside.

Tips If You’re Heading There

• Go on a Friday if you want the full party vibe. That’s when the place really comes alive.
• Try at least two mojitos. The classic is a must, but the passionfruit and mango will surprise you.
• Grab some potato wedges. Trust me, they’re the perfect sidekick for the drinks.
• Arrive early. By 7 pm, the place gets busy, and you’ll want a good spot.

A Weekend Worth Starting Early

Cafe One Love in Ella is more than just a stop for food and cocktails. It’s an experience, a mood, a Friday night tradition that’s impossible not to fall for.

As I left, the music still echoing behind me, I couldn’t help but think: this wasn’t just a meal or a night out—it was the perfect warm-up for the weekend. A little chaotic, a little magical, and absolutely unforgettable.

So if you ever find yourself in Ella on a Friday night, you know where to go. Grab a mojito, order the garlic bread, and let the night carry you away.