Journey Insights

Have you ever had a brunch so perfectly balanced that it felt less like a meal and more like a pivotal moment of your holiday? For me, that moment happened right on the beach at Cafe One Love in Arugam Bay. After a week of solid surfing and sun-soaked adventures, my partner and I were craving more than just eggs and toast; we needed a celebration. We needed something that blended local authenticity with tropical indulgence. That's exactly what we found, proving that brunch here isn't just a time slot—it’s a sophisticated, yet entirely barefoot, ritual.

The Morning After: Finding Our Sanctuary

The morning started like most others in Arugam Bay: a race to catch the best waves, followed by that satisfying, sun-warmed exhaustion. My body was humming with that post-surf calm, and my stomach was rumbling with an appetite only sea air can create. I wasn't just looking for a cafe; I was looking for a sanctuary—a place where we could sit down, unwind, and reflect on the morning’s glory.

As we wandered down the dusty road, the laid-back rhythm of Cafe One Love beckoned. The open, multi-level design, with its rustic wood and vibrant, bohemian décor, immediately felt welcoming. Crucially, the cafe’s tables spill right out onto the sand, offering an immediate connection to the ocean. We kicked off our sandals, let our feet sink into the cool sand, and found a shaded table with an unbeatable view of the rolling waves. This wasn't just a table; it was a front-row seat to paradise.

The Feast of Fusions: Authentic Sri Lankan Meets Tropical Sweetness

The menu at Cafe One Love is a beautiful map of culinary fusion, catering to every craving an international traveller might have. We wanted something that acknowledged our location while delivering satisfying energy. This led us to a fantastic duo of dishes: one authentically local, one wonderfully sweet.

The Savory Local Heartbeat: Sri Lankan Roast Paan

My partner, always the explorer, dove straight into the local specialties. He chose the Sri Lankan Roast Paan. This is far more than just bread. It’s a hearty, comforting dish featuring roasted local bread served with a rich crab curry, creamy dhal, and fresh coconut sambol. The aroma alone was intoxicating—a fragrant mix of spices, coconut, and the sea. The paan itself was toasted to a perfect crisp, ideal for scooping up the luscious crab curry and balancing the heat with the cool, textured dhal. It was a proper, fulfilling meal that instantly grounded us in the flavour of Sri Lanka.

The Tropical Treat: Fluffy Pancakes

I opted for the sweet contrast, choosing the Pancakes. These were not your average flapjacks; they were described as "Fluffy pancakes served with fried banana, tropical fruits and honey". The stack arrived, golden brown and drizzled generously with honey, surrounded by slices of juicy pineapple, mango, and perfectly caramelized fried banana. It was a beautiful, light, and indulgent way to replenish energy after hours in the water. The combination of warm pancake, sticky honey, and cool, fresh fruit was absolute perfection.

The Celebration: Cocktails at Brunch? Absolutely!

Here’s where Cafe One Love truly redefines brunch: they don’t limit the drink menu to coffee and juice. While their coffee selection is outstanding, the atmosphere of Arugam Bay demands a celebratory toast, even at midday. We decided to forego the morning caffeine for a glass of bubbles—a perfect pairing for both the rich crab curry and the sweet pancakes.

Bubbles and Blooms: The Sparkling Selection

We turned to the Wine Sparkling and Rosé menu, which offered three distinct and equally appealing choices.

1. Namaqua Sweet Rosé: This South African Rosé offered "juicy tropical fruit flavours, refreshing, light, sweet". It would have been perfect with the pancakes.
2. La Jara Prosecco DOC Spumante Brut: This classic Italian dry Prosecco promised a "lovely soft and full texture with a touch of fruitiness".
3. La Jara Prosecco DOC Rosé Brut: We ultimately settled on this choice—an Italian Sparkling Wine with delicate floral scents. The subtle floral notes and clean, crisp finish proved to be an excellent, sophisticated counterpoint to both the savory spice of the crab and the sweetness of the fruit. Clinking our glasses, the sound felt like the ocean giving us a quiet applause.

This moment—sitting on the sand, eating authentic local food and decadent sweet treats, all paired with chilled Italian Prosecco—was the essence of an Arugam Bay holiday captured in a single, perfect brunch.

The Atmosphere: Barefoot and Blissful

What truly cemented the experience was the setting. The casual, bohemian decor, the sound of the ocean providing a constant, soothing rhythm, and the absence of any formality created an atmosphere of pure relaxation. The chilled-out music, the friendly, attentive service, and the general feeling of shared contentment among the other guests made the hours melt away. It felt less like eating at a restaurant and more like spending a luxurious afternoon at a friend's beachside home.

Redefining the Holiday Meal

Cafe One Love doesn't just serve food; they craft a holiday experience. They take the mundane routine of a morning meal and infuse it with local flavour, tropical indulgence, and the unmistakable spirit of the seaside. Whether you're craving the deep, comforting flavours of the Sri Lankan Roast Paan or the bright, celebratory cheer of the La Jara Prosecco Rosé Brut, this is the place to be.

If you find yourself in Arugam Bay, do yourself a favour and don’t settle for a boring breakfast. Head straight to Cafe One Love and experience a brunch that redefines paradise. I promise you, you won't regret toasting your day with bubbles on the sand.