Journey Insights

There’s a certain magic to Arugam Bay as the sun begins to dip below the horizon. The scorching heat of the day softens into a warm, golden glow, the sound of crashing waves becomes a soothing rhythm, and the dusty main street starts to buzz with a new kind of energy. After a long day of attempting to surf (and mostly failing spectacularly, I might add), all I wanted was a place to unwind, eat something properly delicious, and just soak in the atmosphere.

And that’s when I found it. Or rather, it found me. Tucked away on the main strip, pulsating with a gentle reggae beat and glowing with warm, inviting lights, was Cafe One Love. It looked less like a restaurant and more like a treehouse built by a tribe of happy-go-lucky artists. I was drawn in immediately, and let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions of my entire Sri Lankan adventure.

Finding My Vibe at Cafe One Love

From the moment you step up to the entrance, you know this place is different. The first thing you see is a charming, hand-painted sign asking you to leave your shoes at the door. It’s a rule. No shoes. And honestly? I loved it. Kicking off my dusty flip-flops felt like shedding the outside world and stepping into a friend's ridiculously cool home. The feeling of the cool, smooth wooden floorboards under my bare feet was the first sign that this place was all about comfort and relaxation.

A Bohemian Dream Overlooking the Bay

Cafe One Love is spread across three floors, each one a little pocket of bohemian paradise. The ground floor is where the magic happens in the kitchen, but the real soul of the place is upstairs. I padded my way up the wooden staircase to the second floor, a sprawling, open-plan space filled with low tables, colourful cushions scattered on the floor, and comfy beanbags you could sink right into.

The décor is a glorious, happy clash of rasta-inspired art, intricate dreamcatchers dangling from the rafters, and psychedelic murals that seem to glow in the dim light. It’s a feast for the senses before you’ve even seen a menu. My friend and I snagged a spot on the top floor, which offered a brilliant vantage point overlooking the bustling street below, with glimpses of the ocean just beyond the palm trees. As the evening settled in, the DJ started spinning some chilled-out deep house, the perfect soundtrack to the gentle sea breeze and the murmur of happy chatter around us. It was pure, unadulterated good vibes.

A Taste of Italy on the Sri Lankan Coast

Flicking through the menu, I was struck by just how much was on offer. It’s a fantastic mix of local Sri Lankan curries, Western breakfast favourites, and a surprisingly authentic Italian section. My stomach was rumbling, and my heart was set on pasta. It felt like the ultimate comfort food after a day spent battling the waves. The only problem? Choosing which one to have.

The Pasta Dilemma: A Trio of Temptations

The menu presented three incredible options, and the descriptions alone had my mouth watering. There was the Pasta Pesto, made with a vibrant pesto whipped up from freshly ground basil leaves, local herbs, and a generous shaving of parmesan. Then came the Pasta alla Norma, a Sicilian classic with a rich tomato and aubergine sauce, also finished with parmesan. And finally, the undisputed king of comfort food, Pasta Carbonara.

How could anyone possibly choose? In a moment of genius, my travel mate and I decided to order two and share. It’s the only civilised thing to do in such a situation, right?

My Verdict: Pesto Perfection and a Flavour-Packed Norma

When the plates arrived, I knew we’d made the right call. The Pasta Pesto was a vision in green. The aroma of fresh basil hit me first – it was so fragrant and pure. The pasta was cooked perfectly al dente, and the sauce clung to every piece. It wasn't just pesto; it was a bright, zingy explosion of herbs, garlic, and quality olive oil, with the salty, nutty kick of the parmesan bringing it all together. It tasted fresh, light, and utterly divine.

Then I dug into the Pasta alla Norma. Oh, my word. The tomato sauce was rich and deep, with that beautiful sweetness you only get from properly ripened tomatoes. The chunks of aubergine were silky and soft, having soaked up all the flavour of the sauce. It was hearty, comforting, and tasted like a dish that had been slow-cooked with a lot of love. Seeing another diner’s creamy Pasta Carbonara go past our table, I felt a slight pang of food envy, but honestly, I wouldn't have traded our choices for anything.

The Legendary Long Island Iced Tea

You can't have a pasta feast on a warm Sri Lankan evening without a proper cocktail to wash it down. We’d heard whispers about the cocktails at Cafe One Love, specifically their Long Island Iced Tea. We had to try it.

Now, this isn't your watered-down pub version, mind you. This was the real deal. The bartender masterfully combined Vodka, Rum, Gin, Tequila, and Triple Sec, before adding a squeeze of fresh lime and topping it up with a splash of Coke and Sprite. It arrived in a tall glass, looking deceptively like a simple iced tea, but packing a glorious punch. It was sharp, refreshing, and dangerously easy to drink. The perfect accompaniment to the music, the food, and the incredible atmosphere.

Easy to Find, Impossible to Forget

You won't have any trouble finding Cafe One Love. It's located right on the main road that runs through the heart of Arugam Bay. Its unique, multi-story wooden structure and colourful lights make it stand out from the crowd. Its central location means it’s the perfect place to start your evening, end your day, or just drop in for a fresh juice and a bit of people-watching.

Why You Absolutely Must Visit Cafe One Love

My evening at Cafe One Love was more than just a meal; it was a whole experience. It's a place with a genuine soul, run by people who clearly love what they do. The barefoot policy, the chilled-out music, the incredible art, and the seriously good food all combine to create a space that feels welcoming, authentic, and utterly unforgettable.

So, when you find yourself in the beautiful, sun-drenched paradise of Arugam Bay, do yourself a favour. Don't just walk past. Kick off your flip-flops at the door, head upstairs, find a comfy cushion, and settle in. Whether you’re craving a taste of Italy by the sea or a legendary cocktail, I promise you, Cafe One Love will deliver. It’s a little slice of bohemian heaven you won’t want to leave.