Journey Insights

A Thursday Like No Other

If you’ve ever found yourself in Ella on a Thursday night, you’ll know that the town has a heartbeat of its own. By day, Ella is all about misty mountain views, cascading waterfalls, and gentle hikes. But come Thursday evening, something shifts. The quiet hills seem to lean in, the air carries the promise of laughter, and if you listen closely, you’ll hear the music drifting through the town. That sound? It’s calling you straight to Cafe One Love.

Nestled in the heart of Ella, this café is more than just a place to eat. On Thursdays, it transforms into a lively hub of dance, music, and unforgettable flavours. I spent one such evening there, and let me tell you — it was a celebration I’ll never forget.

First Impressions: Warm Smiles and Positive Vibes

Walking into Cafe One Love is like stepping into a friend’s home — if that friend also happens to be a brilliant chef, a fantastic DJ, and a cocktail master all rolled into one. Strings of fairy lights glow against rustic wooden walls, reggae beats blend seamlessly with modern hits, and the staff welcome you with the kind of smiles that make you instantly relax.

The motto here is simple: good vibes only. And honestly, it radiates from every corner.

Cocktails that Steal the Show

No Thursday night celebration is complete without a good drink in hand, and Cafe One Love’s cocktail menu had me spoilt for choice. I started with their signature One Love cocktail — a vibrant blend of vodka, cranberry juice, Sprite, lime, and just the right touch of sugar. It was refreshing, zesty, and carried the perfect amount of sweetness to kick off the evening.

For something classic, I later tried the Mojito, muddled with fresh lime, mint, and rum. But if you’re feeling adventurous, don’t miss the Espresso Martini, where the bold kick of cold espresso meets smooth vodka — it’s both a drink and a wake-up call for the dance floor.

And for those who love a party starter, the Long Island Iced Tea here is legendary. Vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, lime, and Coke — it’s a cocktail that dares you to let loose.

If cocktails aren’t your thing, there’s still plenty to sip on. From a chilled glass of red or white wine, to a cold Heineken or Lion beer, or even a fruity Somersby cider, there’s something for every taste.

Dinner with a Twist of Ella

One of the reasons I adore Cafe One Love is that they don’t just serve dinner — they serve experiences on a plate. While the music set the rhythm of the night, I tucked into some of the best food I’ve had in Sri Lanka.

To start, I couldn’t resist the Battered Prawns — golden, crisp, and served with a tangy cocktail sauce that had just enough bite. A friend at my table went for the Bruschetta, topped with juicy tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil on crunchy bread, and I shamelessly stole a bite (or three).

For mains, I decided to go local with the Rice and Curry Chicken and Egg. It came with fragrant rice and a colourful spread of curries made from Ella’s seasonal vegetables. Every mouthful carried layers of flavour, from earthy lentils to spicy sambol that tingled on the tongue.

Across the table, someone ordered a One Love Special Pizza — a wood-fired beauty topped with sautéed wild mushrooms, fresh tomato, and mozzarella. It was indulgent, cheesy, and perfectly charred at the edges.

Other highlights on the menu included the Chicken Schnitzel with mushroom sauce, the aromatic Chicken Biryani, and for the vegetarians, the Paneer Masala that arrived with warm rotis. Trust me, no one leaves hungry here.

And let’s not forget dessert. To round off the meal, we shared a plate of Passionfruit Cheesecake. Creamy, tangy, and topped with fresh fruit, it was the sweet finale the night deserved.

Music, Dance, and That Thursday Energy

Dinner might keep you seated, but the music at Cafe One Love will have you on your feet. By 9 p.m., the café transforms into a lively dance floor. The DJ spun a mix of reggae, Afro beats, and crowd favourites, while live percussion added an earthy, irresistible rhythm.

There’s something magical about dancing in Ella — the cool mountain air mingles with the heat of the crowd, laughter bursts out between songs, and strangers quickly become friends. I found myself dancing with travellers from Germany, locals from Colombo, and even a honeymooning couple who admitted they’d only planned to “stop in for one drink.”

Drinks in hand, shoes kicked off, and hearts wide open — that’s the Thursday night spirit at Cafe One Love.

Why Thursday at Cafe One Love Feels Different

You might be wondering: why Thursday? Why not Friday or Saturday? And that’s exactly the beauty of it. Thursdays in Ella have a secret, almost conspiratorial charm. It’s the night that travellers and locals alike seem to come together before the weekend rush.

There’s no sense of formality, no need to dress up. Just music, food, and fun. It’s midweek enough to feel spontaneous, yet festive enough to rival any Saturday night out.

And honestly, I loved that balance. It felt like the perfect pocket of joy between adventure-packed days and sleepy mountain mornings.

A Toast to Good Times

As the night drew on, I ordered one last drink — the Pina Colada, creamy with coconut cream and pineapple, transporting me straight to a tropical beach even as I stood swaying in the mountain breeze. Around me, friends I’d met only hours earlier clinked glasses, laughing over plates of fries and sharing stories from their travels.

It struck me then: Cafe One Love isn’t just about the food or the music. It’s about connection. The name says it all — it’s about one love, shared in different forms.

Tips for Your Visit

• Arrive a bit early: It gets lively around 8–9 p.m., but it’s nice to grab a table and enjoy a relaxed dinner before the dancing begins.
• Try a signature cocktail: The “One Love” and the Mojitos are unmissable.
• Bring your dancing shoes (or don’t!): Many people end up dancing barefoot, and that’s half the fun.
• Stay open to meeting people: It’s one of the most social spots in Ella, so expect to make a new friend or two.

Why You Need to Be There

When I think back on my time in Ella, that Thursday night at Cafe One Love shines brightest. It wasn’t just the cocktails or the food — though both were absolutely top-notch. It was the atmosphere, the music, the laughter, and the simple joy of being part of something bigger than yourself.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka and Ella is on your list (and trust me, it should be), make sure your stay includes a Thursday night. Head to Cafe One Love, order a cocktail, share a pizza with friends, dance like nobody’s watching, and let yourself get swept up in the celebration.

Because Thursdays at Cafe One Love aren’t just evenings — they’re memories in the making.