A Toast to the Night: Wine, Beer, and Non-Stop Dancing
The journey to Ella is a story in itself. That iconic train ride, winding through Sri Lanka's emerald highlands, past cascading waterfalls and vast tea plantations, leaves you in a state of tranquil awe. You arrive in a town that feels like a backpacker's dream, a vibrant hub nestled amongst misty peaks. The air is fresh, the views are staggering, and there's a gentle buzz of adventure around every corner. It was amidst this mountain magic that I kept hearing two words spoken with a knowing smile by fellow travellers: "One Love." They weren't just quoting Bob Marley; they were pointing the way to the heart of Ella's nightlife, Cafe One Love.
The Vibe of One Love
Finding Cafe One Love isn't difficult; you simply follow the rhythmic reggae beats that spill out onto the main street. The place is a sprawling, multi-level wooden structure that seems to climb up the hillside. It's rustic, it's alive, and it’s immediately welcoming. The iconic logo, a chilled-out monkey in a rasta hat perched on a peace sign, perfectly captures the cafe's laid-back, bohemian spirit.
My friends and I found a cosy nook on one of the upper floors, sinking into comfortable cushions with a brilliant view of the bustling street below. The decor is a charming mix of wooden furniture, colourful tapestries, and ambient lighting. It felt less like a restaurant and more like hanging out at a very cool mate's treehouse, a place where the evening promised good tunes, great company, and even better food.
A Round of Brews
After a long day of hiking up Little Adam's Peak, a cold beer wasn't just a desire; it was a necessity. The drinks menu was vast, but our mission was simple. We started with the classics. A few Lion Draft beers for a taste of the local favourite and a Heineken for good measure. There’s nothing quite like the crisp taste of a cold lager in the warm, humid air of the hill country. It was the perfect start, a moment to just sit back, soak in the atmosphere, and watch as the cafe began to fill up with a diverse crowd of travellers from every corner of the globe.
As the music subtly shifted from mellow afternoon reggae to more upbeat evening tracks, our stomachs started to rumble. It was time to order some fuel for the night ahead. The 'Starters & Bites' menu was a treasure trove of tempting options. To keep things sociable, we decided on a few plates to share. You simply cannot visit a Sri Lankan bar and not order Hot Butter Cuttlefish. It's a national treasure. The dish arrived sizzling, a glorious pile of tender cuttlefish in a light, crispy batter, tossed with capsicum, onions, and just the right amount of spice. It was utterly addictive. Alongside it, we got a generous portion of classic French Fries, served with tomato sauce and mayo, which disappeared in record time.
Global Flavours and Woodfired Wonders
One of the most impressive things about Cafe One Love is the sheer variety of its main courses. The menu is a globe-trotting adventure, offering everything from traditional Sri Lankan Lamprais to Mexican Burritos and Italian Pasta. It’s a place that truly caters for every craving.
However, our eyes—and noses—were drawn to one section in particular: the Woodfired Pizza. The faint, delicious aroma of baking dough and melting cheese was impossible to ignore. We opted for two to share. First, a classic Margherita, the ultimate test of a good pizza. It was brilliant—a thin, crispy base with a rich tomato sauce and a generous layer of mozzarella. For our second choice, we went for something a bit different: the Turkish Pizza Pide. Shaped like a boat, it was filled with a delicious combination of feta, spinach, and onion. It was savoury, unique, and a definite highlight of our meal. Watching the chefs work their magic by the glowing woodfired oven added a touch of theatre to the whole experience.
Shifting Gears: Cocktails, Wine, and Dancing Feet
As the night deepened, the energy in Cafe One Love ramped up. The music grew louder, the lights dimmed, and a dance floor began to form organically in the main area. It was time to move on from beer. Glancing at the extensive drinks menu, I decided to treat myself to a glass of red wine. It was smooth and full-bodied, a perfect companion for watching the vibrant scene unfold.
My friends, meanwhile, dived headfirst into the cocktail list. One went for the 'Arrack Attack', a potent and refreshing local concoction of arrack, lime, honey, and ginger beer. Another chose the 'Espresso Martini', a sophisticated mix of vodka and cold espresso that provided the perfect caffeine kick for a night of dancing. The cocktails were expertly made, beautifully presented, and tasted as good as they looked.
Soon enough, the infectious rhythm was too much to resist. We joined the throng on the dance floor, a happy, sweaty mix of locals and tourists moving to a seamless blend of reggae, dancehall, and chart-topping hits. This is where the cafe truly lives up to its name. There was no pretension, no exclusivity—just a shared feeling of joy and unity. It was a space where strangers became friends over a shared drink and a dance, a perfect embodiment of "One Love."
A Sweet Finish to a Perfect Night
After what felt like hours of non-stop dancing, we stumbled back to our table, happy and exhausted. We couldn't leave without sampling something from the dessert menu. To get a final taste of authentic Sri Lanka, we ordered the Kiri with Pani, a simple yet sublime dish of creamy buffalo curd served with sweet kitul treacle. It was cooling, refreshing, and the perfect way to cap off the night. For the chocoholics among us, the homemade Chocolate Brownie, served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, was pure indulgence.
Cafe One Love had given us exactly what we were looking for: a night of fantastic food, delicious drinks, brilliant music, and unforgettable memories. It’s more than just a cafe or a bar; it's an experience. It’s the vibrant, beating heart of Ella, and a place I can't recommend highly enough. If you find yourself in this magical mountain town, just follow the music. You won't be disappointed.