Journey Insights

Setting the Scene in Arugam Bay

There are some places that leave a mark on you, not just for their food but for the way they make you feel. Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka is one of those destinations. Known for its surfing culture, golden beaches, and free-spirited energy, it’s the kind of place where time slows down. The salty breeze carries a rhythm of its own, and even the waves seem to move in harmony with the people who gather here.

Tucked right into this coastal wonder is a gem called Cafe One Love. I had heard about it from other travellers— “Go there at sunset,” they said, “you’ll understand.” They weren’t exaggerating. By the time I walked into the café, I realised I was stepping into something far more than a restaurant. It felt like stepping into a community, a celebration, and most importantly, a memory waiting to be made.

The moment I arrived, I was greeted with warm smiles and the kind of welcome that instantly puts you at ease. The café itself is a vision of laid-back charm. Wooden tables and mismatched chairs create a rustic setting, while fairy lights draped along the ceiling give it that magical glow as dusk begins to settle.

But what really got me was the atmosphere. You could feel the buzz of excitement in the air, as though everyone there had secretly agreed that tonight was going to be special. The music was already playing—a mix of reggae, island beats, and the kind of tunes that make your shoulders sway before you even realise you’re moving.

The Perfect Dinner Spot

I had come with one simple plan: to enjoy a dinner made for two. Whether it’s with your partner, a close friend, or even someone you’ve just met on your travels, Café One Love sets the stage perfectly. There’s something undeniably romantic about dining in a place where the sea breeze plays with your hair, the tables glow softly in the candlelight, and the scent of wood smoke lingers in the air.

Wood-Fired Pizza: The Star of the Evening

Let’s talk about the pizza, because if you come here, you cannot leave without trying one. Watching the chefs at work is an experience in itself. The wood-fired oven glows in the corner, flames licking the edges as each pizza slides in. You can smell the dough crisping up, mingling with the aroma of melting cheese and fresh herbs.

I ordered a classic Margherita to start with. Simple, yes, but sometimes the simplest things reveal the most. The crust was thin yet chewy, kissed with just the right amount of char from the flames. The tomato base was rich and tangy, and the fresh basil leaves on top made it burst with flavour. It was the kind of pizza you pause for—a little sigh after the first bite because you know you’ve struck gold.

For the second, we went with something a little more adventurous: a seafood pizza topped with prawns, calamari, and a drizzle of garlic oil. It was indulgent, with each bite carrying that fresh ocean taste that only a seaside café could pull off so effortlessly.

Pairing with Wine

Now, pizza alone is a joy, but pair it with wine and you elevate the whole experience. The café has a modest yet thoughtful selection, and we went with a chilled bottle of white. It was crisp, slightly fruity, and the perfect balance to the richness of the pizza.

There was something about sipping that wine while the music played, clinking glasses as laughter echoed around us, that made the evening feel more alive. It wasn’t just dinner—it was a celebration of being in the right place, at the right time, with the right people.

The Rhythm of the Night

As the night unfolded, the café transformed. What began as a dinner spot soon became a dance floor. The tables shifted slightly, people began to clap to the beat, and the music took centre stage.

One Love isn’t just about food; it’s about spirit. The DJ knew exactly how to read the room—reggae beats slipped into Latin grooves, and before long, everyone was on their feet. I found myself dancing barefoot on the sand, wine glass in hand, surrounded by strangers who somehow didn’t feel like strangers anymore.

It’s hard to describe the joy of those moments. The laughter, the music, the shared energy—it felt like we were part of something much bigger than ourselves. It was as though the café wasn’t just serving food and drinks, but weaving us all into a story.

A Dessert to Remember

Of course, no evening is complete without something sweet. We decided to share a dessert, and the chocolate brownie with ice cream turned out to be a perfect choice. It arrived warm, with the chocolate still gooey at the centre, and the cold ice cream melting slowly into the edges. Sharing it felt natural, the kind of dessert you lean into across the table with spoons clinking and smiles exchanged.

The Magic of Togetherness

Looking around, I noticed other couples and groups of friends experiencing their own versions of the evening. Some were tucked into quiet corners, lost in conversation, while others danced as though the night would never end. That’s the beauty of Cafe One Love—it gives you space to make the evening your own.

For us, it was about sharing food, sipping wine, and moving to the music. For others, it was about reconnecting, celebrating, or even starting something new. There was no script, and yet everything felt perfectly orchestrated.

Why This Place Stands Out

What makes Café One Love so special isn’t just the pizza, the cocktails, or even the music—it’s the way it all comes together. It’s rare to find a place where every detail feels intentional yet effortless.

It’s the staff who remember your smile, the glow of the wood-fired oven, the rhythm of the music, and the way the whole café seems to breathe with life. It’s a space that invites you in and makes you want to stay, long after the last slice of pizza has disappeared.

A Dinner Made for Two

That night at Café One Love reminded me why I love travelling and exploring local spots. It wasn’t just about filling my stomach—it was about feeding the soul. The wood-fired pizza was incredible, the wine delightful, but what lingered most was the atmosphere.

If you ever find yourself in Arugam Bay, don’t miss this café. Come for the food, stay for the music, and let the night carry you away. Whether you’re sharing it with someone special or simply open to meeting new people, a dinner here feels like it was made just for you.

Walking back along the beach after midnight, the sand cool beneath my feet and the echoes of reggae still playing in my head, I knew I’d just experienced one of those travel memories that stays with you forever.

At Café One Love, dinner isn’t just dinner. It’s love, laughter, rhythm, and connection—all served on a plate and poured into your glass.