From Sunset to Midnight Friday Night Vibes in Ella
Tucked along the lively stretch of Ella’s main street, this café isn’t just a place to eat or drink – it’s a gathering point for travellers, locals, and music lovers alike. And if you happen to be in Ella on a Friday night, this is where the party begins.
The Warm Welcome
From the moment I stepped inside, I was enveloped in good vibes. The glow of fairy lights twinkled across rustic wooden interiors, while reggae tunes gently played in the background, setting a mood that was both laid-back and exciting. Staff greeted me with genuine smiles – not the polite kind, but the sort that makes you feel like you’ve just walked into a friend’s home.
Drinks That Spark the Night
Of course, no Friday night at Café One Love is complete without cocktails, and their drinks menu is nothing short of impressive. I started with a Mojito – fresh lime, mint, and rum blended into a refreshing burst of flavour. It was the perfect drink to ease into the evening.
But the real stars of the night were the playful, creative cocktails that seemed to carry the spirit of the café itself. The Arrack Attack, a local favourite, combined Sri Lankan arrack with lime, honey, and ginger beer – sweet, tangy, and with just the right kick. The Cosmopolitan, with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime, added a touch of elegance, while the Moscow Mule, served in its signature copper mug, was zesty and uplifting.
For those with a sweeter tooth, the Pina Colada – creamy coconut and pineapple with a splash of rum – tasted like a tropical holiday in a glass. And for adventurous souls, the Long Island Iced Tea, with its mix of vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and triple sec, promised that the night was only getting started.
Each cocktail arrived artfully presented, with fresh garnishes and a little flair from the bartenders. It wasn’t just about the drink – it was about the experience.
Dinner to Delight the Senses
As the music grew louder and the dance floor began to call, I decided to fuel up with dinner. Café One Love’s food menu is as diverse and colourful as its crowd, and I was spoiled for choice.
For starters, I couldn’t resist the Battered Prawns, golden and crispy, served with a tangy cocktail sauce. The Bruschetta, with juicy diced tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil, was light and refreshing – the kind of appetiser that teases your taste buds and makes you hungry for more.
When it came to mains, I was torn between traditional Sri Lankan flavours and international favourites. I finally settled on the Lamprais Chicken and Egg – a fragrant banana leaf parcel filled with rice, chicken curry, egg, seasonal vegetable curries, chutney, and sambol. The aroma alone was enough to make me fall in love, and every bite was rich with spices and local character.
My friend ordered the One Love Special Pizza, baked in a wood-fired oven, topped with wild mushrooms, fresh tomatoes, and mozzarella. The crust was thin and perfectly crisp, while the toppings were fresh and full of flavour.
And because Friday nights are made for indulgence, we also tried the Chicken Schnitzel – crispy breaded chicken breast served with creamy mushroom sauce and mashed potatoes. Comfort food at its finest.
Music, Dance, and Midnight Magic
As plates were cleared and glasses refilled, the real heart of the night came alive – the music. Café One Love is known for its live bands and DJs who keep the energy high and the crowd moving. On this particular Friday, the rhythms shifted from reggae beats to dance anthems, and soon the tables gave way to a lively dance floor.
There was something beautiful about the mix of people – travellers from around the globe, Ella locals, and groups of friends all moving together as if they had known each other forever. The music wasn’t just background noise; it was the pulse of the evening, carrying everyone into a state of carefree joy.
With a Whiskey Sour in hand, I found myself swept into the rhythm too. The hours passed in a blur of laughter, dance, and clinking glasses. From chilled conversations in quiet corners to bursts of energy on the dance floor, the café seemed to offer a little bit of everything.
Sweet Endings
No great night should end without dessert, and Café One Love doesn’t disappoint. We ordered the Chocolate Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream, rich, gooey, and utterly comforting. My friend opted for the Passionfruit Cheesecake, a tangy, creamy treat that perfectly balanced the evening’s indulgence.
As I took my last bite, I couldn’t help but smile. The combination of food, drinks, music, and people made the night feel like a celebration of life itself.
Why Café One Love is More Than a Café
By the time the clock struck midnight, I realised Café One Love isn’t just a place to eat or drink – it’s an experience. It’s where the vibrant spirit of Ella comes alive every Friday night. Whether you’re a foodie chasing bold flavours, a music lover seeking rhythm, or simply someone looking for a night to remember, this is the place where it all happens.
The cocktails are crafted with love, the dinner menu has something for everyone, and the atmosphere is impossible to replicate. It’s not just about what you taste or hear – it’s about how you feel when you’re there.
If you ever find yourself in Ella, make sure your Friday evening is reserved for Café One Love. Come for the cocktails, stay for the dinner, and lose yourself in the music that carries you from sunset to midnight.
For me, that night wasn’t just another stop on my journey – it was one of those rare travel moments where everything clicks. The food was memorable, the people unforgettable, and the energy contagious. Café One Love is a place where strangers become friends, and every Friday night turns into a story worth telling.