Journey Insights

I thought I knew what brunch was. A lazy morning, a cup of coffee, maybe some pancakes or a Full English. But my recent trip to Ella completely changed my mind. Nestled in Sri Lanka’s lush hill country, Ella is a town of misty mountains and tranquil beauty, but I was about to discover it also has a secret ingredient for a truly epic brunch. That secret is Cafe One Love, a three-story gem that takes brunch from a meal to a full-blown celebration.

I’d spent the morning hiking, and my stomach was rumbling. I was looking for a place to relax and refuel, and a friend pointed me towards Cafe One Love. What I found wasn't just a cafe; it was a vibrant hub of good food, great drinks, and a crowd that was ready to celebrate, even in the middle of the day.

The Brunch Vibe

Walking into Cafe One Love is an experience in itself. The place has this brilliant, chilled-out, and bohemian vibe that feels instantly welcoming. It’s built on the side of a hill, with three different open-air levels, each with its own character and charm. You'll find colourful, vibrant artwork and comfy sofas everywhere. From my spot on the top floor, I had a fantastic view of Ella Rock in the distance. The cool mountain air felt so refreshing, and the sound of music, a mix of reggae and modern beats, created a perfect, relaxed backdrop for a midday celebration.

I loved the no-shoes policy. Kicking off my trainers and feeling the smooth wooden floorboards under my feet was a brilliant touch. It immediately made me feel more at home and broke down those barriers between strangers.

A Culinary Journey: Spicy & Savory Hoppers

You can’t have a great brunch without great food, and Cafe One Love takes its food very seriously. The menu is fantastic, but on this day, I was looking for something special, something local. That’s when I saw it: Sri Lankan Egg Hoppers.

I couldn’t resist trying them. The dish is a local street food specialty, and it’s truly a work of art. Imagine a crispy, bowl-shaped pancake with a perfectly nested egg inside. The pancake itself is light and airy at the top, but crispy at the bottom, creating a brilliant contrast of textures. It's served with a spicy sambol, a side that brings a fiery kick to each bite. It was a delicious, authentic, and incredibly satisfying brunch choice, far from a typical English breakfast. My taste buds were dancing, and I couldn't get enough of it.

A Drink in Hand: Cocktails for a Midday Celebration

To go with my hoppers, I decided to do something a little different. Instead of coffee, I went for a cocktail. I mean, why not? It was a holiday! The bar here is brilliant, and they have an incredible cocktail menu with a mix of classics and unique creations.

I was feeling adventurous, so I went for the Espresso Martini. It’s made with cold espresso and vodka, and it was exactly the kind of bold, sophisticated wake-up call I needed. The rich coffee flavour mixed with the smooth vodka was so good. My friend, who wanted something zesty, went for the Margarita, which is a mix of rum, tequila, and lime juice. I also saw people sipping on the Long Island Iced Tea, a powerful mix of several liquors, which looked like the perfect party starter. These cocktails weren't just drinks; they were a celebration in a glass, a perfect match for the delicious food.

A Global Gathering

For a place to truly live up to the name "One Love," it needs to have great people, and the staff at Cafe One Love are some of the friendliest, most genuine people you'll meet. 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. There were backpackers from all corners of the globe, couples on a date night, and groups of locals enjoying a brilliant meal. 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.

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. You can't miss it. This central spot makes it the perfect place to start or end your day, 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.

Brunch Redefined

So, what’s the formula for an epic brunch in Ella? For me, it's simple: you head to Cafe One Love. You order a delicious plate of Sri Lankan Egg Hoppers. You sip on a vibrant Espresso Martini. You let the music and the wonderful people carry you away onto the dance floor. It’s an afternoon of unexpected joy, a brilliant way to break free from the normal brunch routine and create memories that will last a lifetime.

If you find yourself in Ella, do yourself a favour and don’t settle for a boring brunch. 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!