Journey Insights

There are some places in the world that don’t just offer a meal – they give you an entire memory wrapped in laughter, flavours, and a salty ocean breeze. On my recent trip down Sri Lanka’s laid-back east coast, I discovered one such gem: Cafe One Love in Arugam Bay.

I had been told that Saturday nights here are special, but nothing quite prepared me for the atmosphere that unfolded as the sun dipped low, painting the horizon in soft golds and fiery reds. Dinner by the beach is always charming, but this was on another level. Between the soft crash of waves, the glow of lanterns strung through palm trees, and the clink of cocktail glasses, I knew I was in for something truly unforgettable.

Setting the Scene

The first thing that struck me as I walked towards Cafe One Love was the soundtrack of the sea. Waves tumbled just metres away, blending seamlessly with the soft hum of reggae music drifting from the speakers. There’s something about that rhythm that immediately slows you down, coaxing you into the relaxed tempo of beach life.

Tables were set right on the sand, candles flickering gently in the evening breeze. Barefoot diners laughed over chilled beers, while couples swayed quietly in hammocks tucked into the corners. The entire place seemed to hum with joy – not too loud, not too quiet, just the perfect Saturday night vibe.

The Charm of Cafe One Love

What makes this little cafe stand out is its effortless authenticity. It’s not trying too hard to impress; instead, it just is. Driftwood furniture, colourful murals, and friendly smiles from the staff make you feel instantly welcome.

The name One Love isn’t just painted on the signboard – it’s woven into the whole experience. Everyone here, whether local or traveller, seems united in the simple joy of good food, good drinks, and good company. You sit down as a stranger, and by the end of the night, you feel like part of a family.

Drinks with a View

Of course, no beach dinner is complete without something cool in hand. At One Love, the drinks list is just as vibrant as the setting.

I started with a passionfruit mojito, its citrusy zing lifted by fresh mint and a generous pour of local rum. The sweetness of the fruit was perfectly balanced with a tangy kick, and sipping it while gazing at the moonlit water felt like pure magic.

Later, I moved on to a chilled bottle of local beer – nothing fancy, but icy cold and refreshing after a warm day in the sun. Around me, I saw others enjoying colourful cocktails in tall glasses, each one like a little piece of art topped with fruit slices and paper straws.

And then, for those who wanted something stronger, the cafe’s small but thoughtful collection of spirits and mixers kept the night flowing smoothly. Every clink of a glass felt like a tiny celebration.

Dinner by the Waves

Now, let’s talk about the real star of the evening – the food.

Cafe One Love’s menu is simple, but it delivers big flavours. I started with a platter of grilled Sea food, fresh from the morning’s catch. They were smoky, juicy, and just kissed with spice – the kind of dish that makes you lick your fingers and grin like a child.

Next came a plate of rice and curry served with fluffy rice and warm roti. The curry was rich yet comforting, the creaminess of coconut melting into layers of spice that warmed rather than burned. Eating it by the ocean somehow made every bite more soulful, like the flavours were tied to the land and sea around me.

But the highlight for me was the grilled tuna fish, seasoned with lime, garlic, and chilli, cooked until the skin was crispy and the flesh melted in the mouth. It was the kind of dish that reminded me why coastal dining is so special – you can almost taste the sea in every bite.

The Atmosphere After Dark

As night settled fully, the cafe came alive in a different way. Soft fairy lights twinkled overhead, and the beach turned into a glowing social hub. Travellers swapped stories of their surf adventures in Arugam Bay, couples toasted under the stars, and a group of friends even started a spontaneous drumming session on the sand.

It wasn’t wild or overwhelming – just the right mix of energy and relaxation. You could lean back with a beer and watch the waves, or join in the laughter and music. That balance is hard to find, but One Love nails it.

Why Saturday Night Feels Different

You might be wondering – why Saturday? Truthfully, you could come here on any evening and have a wonderful time. But Saturdays have a certain magic.

It’s when locals and travellers alike gather for a proper beachside celebration. The cafe seems to sparkle with extra life – more music, more laughter, more clinking glasses. It’s the perfect way to round off a week, whether you’ve been surfing the bay or just soaking up the sun.

And there’s something timeless about raising a cocktail to the night sky while your toes sink into warm sand. It makes you feel both carefree and deeply grounded at the same time.

Conversations and Connections

One of my favourite parts of the evening wasn’t even the food or the drinks – it was the conversations. At my table, I chatted with a couple from Germany who had been travelling across Asia, and a solo backpacker from Australia who had just learned to surf.

We traded travel tips, laughed about cultural mishaps, and shared bites from our plates. That’s the magic of places like Cafe One Love – they bring together people from all over the world, creating connections that might only last for a night but feel unforgettable.

A Personal Reflection

As I walked back to my guesthouse that night, the sound of waves still in my ears, I felt a deep sense of contentment. Some meals are just about filling your stomach, but this one had filled my soul.

The combination of sea air, flavourful food, perfectly mixed drinks, and genuine human warmth had created something truly special. It wasn’t polished or pretentious; it was raw, real, and utterly beautiful.

Tips if You Go

If you’re planning to experience a Saturday night dinner at Cafe One Love yourself, here are a few tips:

• Arrive before sunset – the view is spectacular, and it’s worth snagging a table close to the beach.
• Try the seafood – it’s fresh, flavourful, and cooked with love.
• Come with an open heart – talk to strangers, join the laughter, and let the night carry you.

Cafe One Love isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a little slice of Arugam Bay’s soul – a place where waves meet flavours, and where strangers turn into friends over drinks and shared plates.

If you ever find yourself on Sri Lanka’s east coast, make sure to spend a Saturday night here. Let the salty air tangle your hair, let the cocktails loosen your smile, and let the laughter of the crowd remind you how good it feels to be alive.

Because sometimes, the most unforgettable nights are the ones that are simple: a beach, a plate of food, a glass in hand, and the feeling that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.