Journey Insights

We’ve all been there, haven't we? It’s a Tuesday evening in a new town, and you’re faced with a choice. You can settle in for a quiet night, catching up on sleep after a week of travel, or you can venture out, hoping to find a bit of life. In Ella, a town famous for its misty mountains and peaceful hikes, a Tuesday might seem like the perfect time for the former. But I’m here to tell you, you’d be missing out on a truly fantastic experience. Because in Ella, Tuesdays are anything but quiet, and the party always starts at a brilliant, three-story gem called Cafe One Love.

The Vibe: A Multi-Level Oasis of Good Times

Walking into Cafe One Love is like stepping into a different world. The first thing that hits you is the vibe—it’s chilled-out, bohemian, and overflowing with good vibes. The place is built up the side of a hill, with three different open-space levels, each with its own character and charm. On the ground floor, the bar buzzes with activity, while the upper levels offer a brilliant view of the valley below. The decor is all bright, colourful artwork, intricate dreamcatchers, and comfy seating that just invites you to settle in. It’s a place that feels less like a cafe and more like a massive, friendly living room.

I made my way to one of the upper floors, found a cosy sofa, and took in the view. The air was cool and fresh, and the sight of Ella Rock in the distance was a reminder of the daytime adventures. What I really loved, though, was the no-shoes policy. Kicking off my trainers and feeling the smooth wooden floorboards under my feet was such a simple yet brilliant touch. It immediately makes you feel more at ease, like you’re truly at a home away from home.

A Culinary Journey: Pizza and Pasta to Fuel the Fun

You can’t have a great party without great food, and Cafe One Love takes its food very seriously. The menu is a fantastic mix of local Sri Lankan dishes, comforting Italian favourites, and classic Western cuisine. For our Tuesday night feast, my friend and I decided on a two-pronged attack: one pizza and one pasta dish.

The pizzas here are something else. They are all made with homemade Italian dough and a delicious tomato sauce, and are cooked in a proper wood-fired oven. We went for the

One Love Special Pizza, and it was amazing. The crust was thin and crispy, and it was loaded with dry sautéed wild mushrooms, fresh tomatoes, and melting mozzarella. The flavour was earthy and fresh, and it was a proper feast for the eyes and the taste buds.

To go with it, we also ordered a pasta. The menu had a great selection of Italian pasta dishes. I chose the Arrabbiata, with its classic tomato sauce made from garlic, tomato, and chilli. My friend opted for the Carbonara, with its rich and creamy sauce. Both dishes were perfectly cooked and tasted incredibly fresh. It was the kind of hearty, satisfying meal that gives you all the energy you need for a big night out.

A Drink in Hand: Cocktails, Wine, and Beer

As we finished our meal, the atmosphere started to change. The lighting got a little warmer, and the music grew a little louder. It was time for a drink. The bar at Cafe One Love is a brilliant sight, with a huge selection of drinks to choose from. They have a full cocktail menu with classics and some unique house creations. I couldn't resist trying the

One Love cocktail, a vibrant mix of Vodka, blueberry/cranberry juice, Sprite, lime, and sugar. It was so refreshing and zesty, a perfect drink for the warm night. My friend went for a Mojito, a classic made with rum, lime, mint, and sugar. The menu also offered variations like

Mango and Passionfruit Mojito, which sounded equally delicious. For those who prefer something else, the bar has you covered. They have a great beer selection, including local favourites like

Lion and Lion Ice, as well as international brands like Heineken and Carlsberg. If you're a cider fan, they have Somersby. You can also get wine by the glass or by the bottle, both red and white.

The Party Starts Here: Music and Dance

With a drink in hand, it was time to dive into the main event. We made our way down to the central dance floor, where the energy was electric. The DJ, perched in a corner, was a master of his craft. He wasn’t just playing a pre-made set; he was reading the crowd, weaving a seamless tapestry of sound that had everyone hooked. The music was a brilliant, infectious blend of reggae, dancehall, and house beats, genres that perfectly capture the sun-drenched, laid-back-yet-ready-to-party spirit of Sri Lanka. The bass was deep and the sound system was clear, the kind you feel in your chest, compelling you to move.

And everyone was moving. It was a beautiful, chaotic mix of people. Backpackers from all over Europe, surfers from Australia, couples from America, and a healthy contingent of locals who were clearly regulars, all united on that wooden floor. There were no inhibitions here. People were grinning, sweating, and losing themselves completely in the rhythm. I found myself dancing next to a couple from Germany, and we laughed as we tried to copy each other’s moves. It didn’t matter that we didn’t know each other’s names; we were all just part of this temporary, joyful community, brought together by a great tune in a magical place.

The People: A Global Gathering

For a place to truly live up to the name "One Love," it needs to have a great community. The staff here are some of the friendliest, most genuine people you’ll meet on your travels. They're not just serving you; they're welcoming you. Our waiter was so passionate about the food and the place, and his enthusiasm was infectious. That kind of passion is a credit to the place, and it just makes you feel like you’re part of the family.

The crowd itself was a brilliant mix of people. I saw backpackers from all corners of the globe, couples on a date night, and groups of locals enjoying a midweek night out. It felt like a true melting pot, a place where different languages and cultures came together, all united by the good food, great drinks, and the incredible music. Everyone was smiling, everyone was having a good time, and it was brilliant.

The Location: Ella's Central Hub

One of the best things about Cafe One Love is its fantastic location. It's right on the main street of Ella, just a short walk from the train station. This central spot makes it the perfect place to start or end your evening, a natural magnet for anyone exploring the town. Its convenience is a big plus, but as I quickly discovered, it's the incredible experience inside that makes it so hard to leave. The mix of a central location, amazing food and drink, and that unbeatable vibe makes it a must-visit spot on any Ella itinerary.

Why Tuesday is the New Friday

So, what's the formula for an epic Tuesday night in Ella? For me, it's simple: you head to Cafe One Love. You order a delicious wood-fired pizza or a pasta. You sip on a vibrant cocktail. You let the music and the wonderful people carry you away onto the dance floor. It’s an evening of unexpected joy, a brilliant way to break free from the midweek routine and create memories that will last a lifetime.

If you find yourself in Ella on a Tuesday, do yourself a favour and don’t let the night be quiet. Head straight to Cafe One Love and experience the magic for yourself. I promise you; you won't regret it. What’s the first cocktail you’d try? Let me know in the comments!