A Toast to the Tide: My Perfect Dinner with the Waves as a Backdrop
The end of a perfect day in a place like Arugam Bay demands an equally perfect closing chapter. After the sun has dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in fierce hues of orange and purple, the real magic begins. I wasn’t just looking for a meal; I was searching for an experience, a moment that would capture the wild, bohemian spirit of this coastal town. I found it at Cafe One Love, where the dining room is literally the beach, and the atmosphere is a cocktail of chilled vibes and genuine warmth. This wasn’t just dinner; it was a sensory symphony, a heartfelt toast to the tide.
The Allure of Arugam Bay at Night
Arugam Bay by day is a kaleidoscope of sun, sand, and surfboards. Arugam Bay by night, however, is a tranquil dream. As I approached Cafe One Love, the daytime energy gave way to a soft, intimate glow. The only sound louder than the music was the rhythmic shhhh of the waves breaking just feet from the tables.
The tables themselves are one of the cafe’s greatest charms: rustic, low-lit affairs set directly on the cool, soft sand. The dress code is naturally "barefoot." Kicking off my sandals, I felt an immediate, comforting connection to the environment. The air was a perfect blend of cool sea breeze and the enticing aroma of grilling food.
My partner and I secured a prime spot right at the water’s edge. Looking out, the sea was an endless canvas of deep indigo, dotted with the silver shimmer of the moonlight. The distant lights of fishing boats added tiny, twinkling stars to the dark horizon. The cafe's own ambient lighting—soft lanterns and fairy lights—created a romantic, bohemian atmosphere that made all the day’s worries dissolve instantly. It was the perfect backdrop for a special evening.
The First Toast: A Cocktail That Means Business
As we settled into the soft, cushioned seating, the first order of business was a drink. This was a celebratory dinner, and the extensive cocktail menu promised a genuine lift. We decided to start with a classic that always guarantees a good time: the Long Island Iced Tea.
This is a powerful choice for a strong celebration, a testament to the night’s energy. The menu promised a blend of Vodka, Rum, Gin, Tequila, Triple Sec, Lime, and Coke. It arrived in a tall, frosty glass, a beautiful layered creation with a fresh garnish that looked and tasted every bit like a proper holiday indulgence.
We clinked glasses, not just to the perfect cocktail, but to the perfect view and the perfect moment. The complex, refreshing kick of the Long Island Iced Tea was the ultimate palate cleanser and mood setter. It was the perfect way to begin our feast.
The Celebration Continues: An Unexpected Shot
Later in the evening, after the main course, the atmosphere loosened, and the talk turned to funny travel stories and plans for the next day. We decided to extend our toast with a more spirited digestif. The menu offered a wide array of options under "SHOTS 50ml", ranging from local spirits to international favourites. The choices included Arrack, Gin, Vodka, White/Red Rum, and Whiskey V&A.
We opted for a round of Tequila, lifting our glasses to the full moon overhead. It was a fun, punchy way to seal the celebration and acknowledge the vibrant, slightly wild energy of Arugam Bay. The staff, always friendly and attentive, even shared a quick laugh with us as they served the drinks.
A Feast from the Sea: Our Dinner Selection
The Cafe One Love menu is a wonderful blend of international and coastal cuisine, but given that we were dining right on the Indian Ocean, our decision was easy: we had to go all-in on the bounty of the sea.
Our eyes landed immediately on the magnificent Seafood Platter. This wasn't just a plate; it was a commitment to an epic feast. The menu promised a dazzling array: Grilled Lobster, Garlic Butter Prawns, Morning catch of the day's baked fish, and baby squid with garlic mayo and lemon butter sauce. The scale of the dish was impressive, truly a feast fit for a king and queen of the seaside.
The waiter took our order and assured us that the dish was prepared with the freshest catch of the day, promising it would be worth the short wait. We were happy to settle back, knowing that such a platter required patience and care.
The Reveal: A Culinary Masterpiece
When the Seafood Platter arrived, it was a spectacular centerpiece. A stunning display of glistening seafood, perfectly cooked, beautifully arranged, and served with a variety of house-made sauces and dips. The aroma of charred lobster, garlic butter, and fresh lemon was intoxicating.
The Grilled Lobster was the star, its meat sweet and tender. The Garlic Butter Prawns were plump and juicy. The baked fish—the morning’s freshest catch—was flaky and seasoned simply with garlic and lemon, allowing the natural flavour of the sea to shine through. Even the baby squid was a highlight, perfectly tender and complemented by the creamy garlic mayo.
Every bite was an explosion of flavour, perfectly complemented by the salt air and the gentle hum of the evening. It was a lingering, indulgent meal that demanded we slow down and savour every single mouthful.
A Memory Made
Our dinner by the beach at Cafe One Love was an experience that truly stood out. The combination of the jaw-dropping sea view, the intimate atmosphere, the powerful cocktails, and the sheer quality of the Seafood Platter created a night we won't soon forget. It's a place that perfectly captures the spirit of Arugam Bay – relaxed, vibrant, and full of flavour.
If you find yourself in this beautiful corner of Sri Lanka, do yourself a favour: kick off your shoes, order a celebratory drink, and let the magic of a seaside dinner at Cafe One Love wash over you. It is, without a doubt, the perfect toast to the tide.