Journey Insights

Finding My Way to Cafe One Love

There are certain places that don’t just serve food, they serve experiences. On my recent trip to Arugam Bay, I stumbled upon one such gem – Cafe One Love. Hidden away near the lively surf stretch yet tucked just enough for a calm escape, this little cafe seemed to hum with its own rhythm. The name itself promised warmth and good vibes, and from the moment I stepped in, I knew I was in for more than just a meal.

The evening was golden. The sun had begun its descent, painting the sky in strokes of orange and pink. The sound of waves crashing on the shore just beyond the cafe felt like a natural soundtrack to what would become one of the most memorable dinners of my travels.

First Impressions: The Atmosphere

Cafe One Love is not polished in a five-star-hotel way, but that’s precisely what makes it special. It has this beautifully carefree, bohemian charm. Wooden tables, mismatched chairs, fairy lights dangling loosely from palm trees – everything felt casual yet intentional. It’s the kind of place where you can kick off your sandals, sink into a chair, and instantly feel at home.

There was laughter from a group of surfers at one table, a couple whispering at another, and travellers like me simply soaking in the moment. It struck me as a place that welcomes everyone – no pretence, no fuss, just good food and good company by the sea.

Kicking Things Off with Cocktails

Of course, no beachside dinner is complete without a drink in hand. The cocktail menu at Cafe One Love is playful, bold, and a little mischievous – just like the setting. I decided to start with a classic Mojito, and it arrived in a tall glass filled with crushed ice, lime wedges, and sprigs of mint that looked as if they had been plucked straight from a garden nearby.

The first sip was everything – refreshing, zesty, and just sweet enough to balance the sharpness of the lime. It felt like summer captured in liquid form. I could almost hear my taste buds sigh with happiness. Later, I couldn’t resist trying another, this time a Pina Colada. Creamy coconut, tangy pineapple, and just the right hit of rum – sipping it while watching the sky melt into shades of crimson was pure bliss.

The Humble Yet Perfect Sandwich

For a light starter, I went with the Cheese and Tomato Sandwich with Egg. It might sound simple, but trust me – this was no ordinary sandwich.

The bread was lightly toasted, giving it that satisfying crunch when you bite into it. Inside, the cheese was warm and gooey, oozing around the slices of fresh, juicy tomato. The fried egg in the middle-added richness and made it feel hearty without being too heavy. Each mouthful was a mix of textures – crisp bread, creamy yolk, and fresh tomato sweetness, with just the right touch of seasoning.

It reminded me of something you’d make at home on a lazy Sunday afternoon, except this one had an extra dose of seaside magic.

The Star of the Evening: Pasta Arrabbiata

Then came the dish I had been eagerly waiting for – the Pasta Arrabbiata. When the bowl arrived at my table, the aroma alone was enough to make me lean in closer. There’s something about the smell of garlic mingling with chilli and tomatoes that instantly wakes up every sense.

The pasta was cooked perfectly – al dente with just the right bite. The sauce, though, was the real star. Spicy, tangy, and bursting with flavour, it had that fiery kick you expect from an arrabbiata but without being overpowering. Each forkful was a delicious balance – the tomatoes were rich and slightly sweet, while the chilli gave it a lively punch that lingered.

I paired it with my Mojito, and the combination worked surprisingly well – the cool mint from the drink balancing out the fiery pasta in the most unexpected way.

Dining with the Sunset

What really elevated the whole meal, though, was the setting. Imagine twirling pasta on your fork while the sky slowly shifts from shades of pink to deep purple. The waves roll in and out, the salty breeze brushes against your face, and somewhere in the background, you catch the gentle strum of a guitar.

It wasn’t just dinner – it was a memory in the making. The kind that you’ll replay in your mind long after the trip is over.

Conversations and Connections

What I also loved about Cafe One Love was how easy it was to strike up conversations. A fellow traveller from Germany asked if I’d recommend the arrabbiata (my enthusiastic nod must have been enough to convince him). A surfer shared his tip about the best hidden spots to watch the sunrise. That’s the magic of a place like this – strangers become friends over food and cocktails, with the ocean tying everyone together.

Why This Meal Stands Out

I’ve eaten at plenty of restaurants during my travels, from polished fine-dining spots to tiny roadside stalls. But what makes Cafe One Love stand out is its combination of simplicity and soul.

The menu isn’t trying to impress with complexity; it’s about doing the basics really, really well. A cheese and tomato sandwich made with love. A bowl of pasta that brings heat and comfort in equal measure. Cocktails that remind you of summer even if you’re sipping them in December. And all of this served with a view that no luxury restaurant can replicate – the endless horizon of the Indian Ocean.

Wrapping Up the Night

As the last bit of daylight faded and the fairy lights around the cafe glowed brighter, I found myself reluctant to leave. There was something so grounding about being there – eating good food, sipping cocktails, and simply watching the world slow down.

Cafe One Love is more than just a spot to grab dinner. It’s a slice of Arugam Bay’s soul. It’s laughter carried in the sea breeze, it’s flavours that linger on your tongue, and it’s sunsets you’ll never forget.

If you ever find yourself in Arugam Bay, do yourself a favour – go to Cafe One Love. Order a cocktail (or two), start with the cheese and tomato sandwich with egg, and definitely try the pasta arrabbiata. But more than anything, take your time. Soak in the atmosphere, chat with strangers, and let the ocean set the pace for your evening.

Because sometimes, the best dinners are not about extravagant menus or Michelin stars. Sometimes, they’re about pasta, sandwiches, and sunsets – served with a touch of love, right by the beach.