A Taste of Twilight: Our Dinner by the Beach at Cafe One Love
Have you ever had a dinner so perfect that it felt like the very essence of your holiday? Where the setting, the food, and the company all came together in a truly unforgettable moment? For me, that moment happened right on the beach at Cafe One Love in Arugam Bay. After a day spent exploring the coast, my partner and I were craving a special evening meal, and this gem of a cafe gave us exactly that. It's the kind of place you dream of finding – authentic, delicious, and with an atmosphere so wonderful you feel like you could stay all night.
Where the Land Meets the Sea
As we approached Cafe One Love, the sun was just beginning to set, and the place was already buzzing with a warm, laid-back energy. The tables are set right on the sand, so the first thing we did was kick off our shoes and feel the soft grains between our toes as we walked to our spot. The sound of the waves breaking just a few feet away was the perfect backdrop to the evening, a natural rhythm that complemented the chilled-out music playing softly in the background. With the sky turning to shades of orange and purple, and the cafe's gentle lighting beginning to glow, the ambiance was nothing short of magical. It's a truly bohemian and relaxed space, designed to help you unwind completely.
A Menu That Tells a Story
The menu at Cafe One Love is a testament to culinary diversity, offering a mix of authentic regional dishes, Italian favourites, and classic comforts. I was thrilled to see so many options, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
We decided to start with something light from the "BITES" section to share while we browsed the main courses. We opted for the
Bruschetta , which came as crispy bread topped with a vibrant mix of tomato, onion, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. It was fresh, flavourful, and a great way to begin our meal. The
Battered Prawns served with cocktail sauce also looked incredibly tempting as they were brought to a nearby table.
For our main courses, we were truly spoiled for choice. I felt a pull towards the "REGIONAL DISHES". The
Lamprais Chicken and Egg immediately caught my eye. The menu described it as a Sri Lankan dish from the mountains with curries wrapped in a banana leaf. The thought of un-wrapping a fragrant leaf to reveal a delicious meal felt like an adventure in itself. For those with a taste for something different, the
My partner, however, was in a pizza mood. The "WOOD-FIRED PIZZA" menu had a great selection. He chose the
Pesto Pizza, which is made with basil leaves pesto and topped with fresh cherry tomatoes. The thought of that smoky, crispy crust with fresh, vibrant flavours was hard to resist. The menu also had more adventurous options, like the
Spicy Pizza with a selection of local fresh chillies. You can even get a
Gluten-free dough for an extra charge.
I was still torn, so I considered a dish from the "PASTA" menu. The
Pasta alla Norma with its eggplant and tomato sauce sounded delicious, but in the end, I went for a fresh catch from the sea. I ordered the
Yellow Fin Tuna Steak. It came as fish fillets seasoned with garlic and lemon and was served with yellow rice and salad. It was a perfect, light yet satisfying meal, grilled to perfection and bursting with clean, fresh flavours.
Our meal was absolutely delicious, every dish tasting fresh and made with care. The food was so good we even considered getting a dessert from the "SWEETS" menu, with options like crispy fried
Banana Fritters served with vanilla ice cream or a sweet Nutella Banana Pizza.
Drinks to Complete the Evening
To complement our dinner, we explored the drink menu. I wanted something with a little kick, so I decided to try one of their signature cocktails, the
Vodka Hiccup. It was a truly unique mix of Vodka, Caramel Syrup, Coconut Milk, Orange Liqueur, and Vanilla Extract. It was creamy, sweet, and the perfect indulgent drink to sip on as the evening progressed. My partner, who enjoys a classic, opted for a crisp white wine, which paired beautifully with my Tuna Steak. Cafe One Love also offers a glass of Red and White wine, perfect for those who want to elevate their meal with a classic pairing.
The People
The food and the atmosphere are what drew us in, but the people truly made our evening. Our waiter was friendly and incredibly attentive, always checking in on us with a smile. I saw the staff interacting with other tables, laughing and sharing a joke. You can tell they take pride in what they do, and their genuine hospitality makes the whole experience feel so special. It's the kind of place where you truly feel like a valued guest, not just another customer.
A Night to Remember
Our dinner by the beach at Cafe One Love was an experience that truly stood out. The combination of the beautiful setting, the delicious food, the creative drinks, and the warm, genuine service 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. So, if you're ever looking for an unforgettable evening, do yourself a favour and get lost in the magic of Cafe One Love. It’s a destination in itself, and I promise you’ll leave with a full belly, a happy heart, and memories that will last a lifetime.