Journey Insights

If you’ve ever been to Ella, you’ll know it has that rare mix of laid-back mountain charm and an undercurrent of excitement that comes alive when the sun sets. Last Saturday, I found myself swept up in exactly that vibe at Cafe One Love—a place that has mastered the art of turning dinner into a night-long celebration.

First Impressions: Where the Night Begins

The cafe sits tucked along the winding road of Ella town, its colourful lights glowing like fireflies against the night sky. You hear it before you see it—the strum of a guitar, laughter spilling onto the street, the unmistakable clink of glasses. Stepping inside feels like joining a family gathering where everyone’s welcome. Wooden tables carry a rustic charm, while lanterns and reggae-inspired murals make you forget time altogether.

And then there’s the music. A mix of reggae, local rhythms, and international favourites keeps the energy just right—enough to make you tap your feet while you sip your first drink.

A Toast to the Night: Liquor Shots

Let’s talk about drinks, because Saturday nights here don’t ease you in gently—they hand you a tray of Liquor Shots and dare you to join the party. I watched a group of travellers from Germany clink their tiny glasses with a cheer loud enough to turn heads. Of course, I couldn’t just sit and watch. The first shot was smooth but fiery, the kind of warmth that makes your cheeks glow instantly. By the second, the whole table was laughing like old friends.

It’s funny how something so small—a single gulp of liquid courage—can flip the switch on the night. Suddenly, strangers aren’t strangers anymore.

The Star of Dinner: Burrito Chicken

Food here doesn’t play second fiddle to the drinks. I ordered the Burrito Chicken, and let me tell you, this isn’t just another tortilla wrap. The thing arrives hefty, almost challenging you to finish it. The tortilla itself is soft and warm, hugging a generous filling of rice, beans, and seasonal vegetables. The chicken is tender, seasoned just right, and layered with melted cheese that strings along with every bite.

What makes it shine is the balance—each bite gives you something different. One forkful is cheesy and comforting, the next pops with the freshness of vegetables, then comes the spice kicking in at the back of your tongue. I could’ve sworn the burrito was bigger than my appetite, but somehow it disappeared faster than I expected.

The Crowd: A Global Gathering

One of the things I love about Ella is how easily the world seems to shrink inside a cafe. That night at One Love, I chatted with a couple from Poland who were travelling through Sri Lanka by train, swapped stories with an Australian surfer, and even danced alongside locals who seemed to know half the playlist by heart.

It’s not just about eating or drinking—it’s about connecting. By the time my plate was cleared, my table had grown from one to six people. We were laughing, clapping along to the music, and making plans to hike Little Adam’s Peak together the next morning (though, with the shots, I wasn’t sure anyone would actually wake up early).

When Dinner Turns Into Dance

Here’s the thing about Cafe One Love: you don’t plan to dance, but at some point, you just will. Maybe it’s the rhythm sneaking into your bones, maybe it’s the happy buzz of good food and good company. Around ten, the lights dimmed a little and the music cranked up. The first brave souls hit the dance floor, and in no time, half the cafe followed.

I remember one moment so clearly—spinning around, arms in the air, while a Bob Marley classic played and everyone sang along. It wasn’t polished or planned. It was messy, joyful, and completely perfect.

More Than Just a Meal

That’s what struck me as I left later that night: this wasn’t just dinner. It was an experience stitched together with laughter, music, and shared moments with people I might never meet again. The Liquor Shots kicked things off, the Burrito Chicken filled me up, and the dancing made sure I left with tired legs and a happy heart.

It’s the kind of night you don’t need to photograph to remember—you carry it with you.

Why Cafe One Love Stands Out

Plenty of restaurants in Ella serve good food. Some bars offer decent cocktails. A few places even have live music. But Cafe One Love brings all of it together—a place where dinner turns into drinks, drinks turn into dance, and before you know it, Saturday has rolled into Sunday with you still humming the last song.

And isn’t that what travel is all about? Not just ticking dishes off a menu, but collecting moments that feel alive.

The Night I’ll Remember

As I walked back through the cool mountain air of Ella, I could still hear the echo of drums and laughter in the distance. My stomach was full, my voice a little hoarse from singing, and my heart ridiculously light.

If you find yourself in Ella on a Saturday night, skip the quiet dinner plans. Head to Cafe One Love instead. Order the Burrito Chicken, raise a glass (or a shot), and let the night carry you. Who knows—you might end up on the dance floor with new friends, singing your lungs out under the Sri Lankan stars?

That’s exactly what happened to me. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.