Who Knew Ella Was a Party Town? A Nightlife Guide
When I first arrived in Ella, I’ll be honest, I thought of it as a beautiful, but rather sleepy, town. I’d spent my days hiking through lush tea plantations, chasing waterfalls, and simply breathing in the cool mountain air. The evenings seemed to be for quiet dinners and early nights, a gentle wind-down from the day’s adventures. But as dusk settled on my third night, I was about to have my entire perception of Ella flipped on its head. Drawn in by the sound of music and a vibrant, energetic glow spilling onto the street, I discovered Cafe One Love, a place that’s become my personal guide to Ella’s incredible nightlife.
It turns out, the quiet hills and tranquil days are just one part of Ella’s story. The other part is a pulsating, lively scene that comes alive after dark, and this cafe is its beating heart.
The Vibe: Where Tranquillity Meets Bohemia
Walking into Cafe One Love is an experience in itself. The place has this brilliant, bohemian, Rasta-inspired vibe that feels instantly welcoming. It’s built on the side of a hill, with three different open-air levels, and each one has its own personality. You'll find colourful, vibrant artwork, intricate dreamcatchers, 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.
The atmosphere here is all about "good vibes only". That feeling of being in a home away from home is so strong that they encourage guests to walk barefoot. Kicking off my shoes and feeling the smooth wooden floorboards under my feet was such a simple yet brilliant touch. It immediately made me feel more at ease and broke down those barriers between strangers.
Dinner with a Kick
You can’t have a great party without great food, and Cafe One Love takes its food very seriously. The menu is fantastic, with a great mix of local Sri Lankan dishes, Italian favourites, and classic Western meals. For our dinner, my friends and I decided to order a few different things to share.
We started with a classic appetiser: golden, crispy Battered Prawns. These were fresh prawns coated in a homemade batter and served with a tangy cocktail sauce that had just the right amount of kick. To go with it, we also got some crunchy Bruschetta —crispy bread topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, onion, and a drizzle of olive oil.
For the main course, I was in the mood for something local, so I went for the Rice and Curry. It came with fragrant rice and a colourful spread of curries made from Ella’s seasonal vegetables. My friends, however, were in the mood for something from the West. One of them got a delicious Chicken Schnitzel —a breaded chicken breast served with mashed potatoes and mushroom sauce. Another friend was raving about the pizza menu, which is all made with homemade Italian dough and cooked in a wood-fired oven. They have so many choices, including the famous
One Love Special Pizza with wild mushrooms. Trust me, no one leaves hungry here.
A Drink in Hand: The Cocktails and Party Starters
As we finished our meal, the atmosphere got even livelier, and it was time for a proper drink. The bar here is a big part of the experience, offering a massive selection of drinks for all tastes.
The cocktail menu is extensive, with a mix of classics and unique house creations. I started with a Mojito, and it was so refreshing. My friend went for the local twist, the Arrack Attack, a vibrant mix of arrack, lime, honey, and ginger beer. For those who wanted something more daring, the Long Island Iced Tea was the perfect party starter, a powerful mix of vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and more.
If you're not in the mood for a cocktail, the bar has you covered. They have a great beer selection, including local favourites like Lion and international brands like Heineken. You can also get a glass of red or white wine. For a quick party boost, the shots menu has everything from Tequila to Jägerbomb.
The Party Starts Here: Music and Dance
After a few drinks, the energy in the cafe truly took off. The DJ, perched in a corner, was a master of his craft. He read the crowd perfectly, and the music flowed from reggae and dancehall to upbeat house beats, genres that seem to perfectly capture the sun-drenched, laid-back-yet-ready-to-party spirit of Sri Lanka. The sound system was excellent, the bass was deep, and the lights synchronized with the music, creating a fantastic visual spectacle.
And then, everyone started moving. The dance floor, which was once an open space for people to chat, came alive. It was a beautiful, chaotic mix of people from all over the world, all dancing together. 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 Atmosphere that Grabs You
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. 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 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.
Easy to Find, Impossible to Leave
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 This Night Matters
So, what’s the formula for an epic night in Ella? For me, it's simple: you head to Cafe One Love. You order some delicious Battered Prawns and a Mojito. 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, 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!