Journey Insights

Have you ever found a cafe that just… works? A spot that feels so right, so comfortable, so completely yours that you can’t bring yourself to leave? A place that, in a world full of checklists and itineraries, feels like a destination in itself?

For me, that place is Cafe One Love in Arugam Bay. What started as a simple search for a decent brunch on a lazy Friday morning turned into an all-day, dawn-to-dusk love affair with a cafe that perfectly encapsulates the chilled-out, barefoot spirit of the Sri Lankan coast. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s an experience. It’s a feeling. And I’m going to tell you all about my day there, because I think it might just be the secret to doing Arugam Bay right.

Brunch and Barefoot Freedom

My day at Cafe One Love began with a simple craving for something fresh and light. After kicking off my shoes and feeling the soft, warm sand under my feet – a welcome policy that instantly made me feel like I was at a friend's beach house – I settled into a low-slung chair under a thatched roof. The sun was warm but not yet scorching, and a gentle breeze was blowing off the ocean. It was pure bliss.

I started my culinary journey with one of their delicious Salads & Bowls. The menu had so many tempting options, from a hearty

Chickpea Salad made with seasoned chickpeas and fresh vegetables to a wholesome

Tropical Rice Bowl featuring red rice, carrots, and pineapple. I chose a vibrant

Falafel Bowl, and it was a masterpiece. Perfectly golden homemade falafel balls were nestled on a bed of fresh garden greens, with creamy feta cheese, a dollop of hummus, and crunchy focaccia slices on the side. It was a wholesome, colourful, and perfectly light start to the day.

To go with my brunch, I couldn't resist a cold coffee, given the tropical heat. I browsed the Cold Coffee menu and decided on an

Iced Bambara. It’s a unique drink made with a double espresso, kithul treacle, and orange juice over ice. It was a refreshing blend of bitter coffee, sweet notes, and bright citrus that woke me up instantly. The entire experience was a sensory delight; the fresh falafel, the zesty cold coffee, the feel of the sand under my toes, the sound of the waves. It was a truly lovely way to ease into the day, and I remember thinking,

this is the life.

The Afternoon Lull: A Quieter Kind of Magic

After brunch, the thought of leaving felt… wrong. So, I just didn’t. The afternoon at Cafe One Love takes on a different kind of magic. The energy shifts from the lively morning chatter to a peaceful, relaxed hum. People are scattered across the tiered floors, some reading books, others just dozing on the comfy beanbags. I found a quiet corner with a perfect view of the water and decided to see if the afternoon menu had anything to offer.

A light snack seemed appropriate, so I ordered their

Bruschetta. It was a slice of heaven – crispy bread topped with a fresh mix of tomato, onion, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. To go with it, I had a simple

Lime Soda, happy to hydrate and enjoy the quiet. This quiet time felt just as special as the busy morning. The decor, with its bright artwork and colourful dreamcatchers, seemed to take on a more intimate glow in the afternoon light. It was during these hours that I truly understood why the cafe’s vibe is so legendary. It’s not just for a meal; it’s a space you can inhabit, a home away from home where time seems to slow right down.

A Toast to the Evening: Dinner by Starlight

As the afternoon sun began to mellow, the cafe started to transform again. The lights came on, casting a warm glow across the sand. The air filled with the delicious aromas of dinner being prepared, mingling with the fresh scent of the ocean. The soundtrack changed to something a bit more upbeat, but still wonderfully chilled. It was time for my grand finale: dinner.

I wanted something hearty, a contrast to the light brunch I’d had. After perusing the extensive dinner menu, I landed on two dishes I couldn’t resist. For starters, I had to try a pasta, and the

Pasta alla Norma was calling my name. It arrived, with a rich and tangy eggplant and tomato sauce, perfectly complemented by a generous dusting of parmesan cheese. It was a simple dish done exceptionally well, a true delight.

For the main event, I decided on a

Chicken Pepperoni Pizza from their wood-fired oven. The crust was wonderfully crispy and smoky, the cheese was perfectly gooey, and the chicken pepperoni had a fantastic savoury kick. It was a truly delicious and satisfying meal.

And what's a great dinner without a great drink? To celebrate the perfect day, I treated myself to a glass of Red Wine (assuming availability). The robust flavour felt perfectly suited for the evening, a wonderful companion to the richness of my dinner. As I sipped my wine and finished my meal, a gentle breeze rustled the palm fronds overhead. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.

The menu had so many other dishes I wanted to try. The

Lamprais Chicken and Egg sounded amazing, described as a Sri Lankan dish from the mountains with curries wrapped in a banana leaf. The

Yellow Fin Tuna Steak, seasoned with garlic and lemon, was also a tempting choice for its fresh coastal appeal. It's safe to say I'll be back just to make my way through the rest of the menu!

The food and the atmosphere are what drew me in, but it’s the people who made me stay. Throughout the day, the staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. When I ordered dinner, one of the waiters, a young man with a warm smile, seemed to recognize me from brunch and asked if I was enjoying my day. It was a small gesture, but it made me feel so seen and so welcome.

I also loved watching the crowd ebb and flow. In the morning, it was mostly surfers grabbing a coffee or a quick bite. By dinner, it was a lively mix of families, couples on romantic dates, and solo travellers sharing stories over pizzas and pastas. It’s this diverse and vibrant community that makes Cafe One Love feel so alive.

A Day Well Spent

My day at Cafe One Love was an experience that truly transcended the ordinary. From a peaceful brunch with a healthy salad to an indulgent dinner with rich pasta, pizza and wine, the cafe proved to be a versatile and unforgettable destination. The combination of the stunning beachfront setting, the chilled-out barefoot policy, the delicious food, and the genuinely warm people created a day I 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 in this part of Sri Lanka, 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 a whole new appreciation for what a day can be. Have you been to Cafe One Love? I'd love to hear about your experience in the comments below!